ON Monday, Feb. 20, 2023 Green Meadow School hosted a night dedicated to giving back to parents. The event was held in the Royal Taga Hall of Saipan World Resort where over 150 parents were in attendance for GMS’s first ever Parents Summit.
The program for the evening had several speakers with relevant presentations for today’s parents, performances by parent leaders and GMS faculty and staff, and an awarding ceremony recognizing the Parent, Teacher and Student Assembly officers and class representatives.
The speakers included former Commissioner of Education Dr. Rita Sablan, Division of Youth Services’ Maria Olopai, Northern Marianas College’s Associate Professor Dr. Beylul Solomon and Public School System’s Behavior Specialist Dr. Tai Doram.
Covering the topic of Digital Technologies, Dr. Rita Sablan shared the important role of parents where the presence of technological devices is constantly growing. Their role did not solely focus on control of technology, but increased understanding, family engagement and ultimately ensuring that entire family is using technology responsibly.
Ms. Olopai from DYS presented their Family & Youth Enhancement Program. This multi-faceted program consists of different activities and programs targeted towards youth and parents. One such facet being the intervention and prevention services which consisted of multi week programs towards youths ages 11 to 21. Ms. Olopai’s presentation also showcased the afterschool and summer school program activities.
Dr. Beylul Solomon, an associate professor at NMC’s School of Education, presented academic and mental outcomes in the CNMI. Data, collected from DYS, CHCC and other agencies, showed a decline in mental health and academic test results in the past few years. Dr. Solomon’s research sought to teach parents about the link between those suffering from poor mental health and highlighted the importance of recognizing the cultural roots of the CNMI.
Dr. Tai Doram, or “Coach Tai,” presented on the topic of “Social Emotional Health.”
He said Social Emotional Health is defined when one knows “that they are cared for and loved. That they are esteemed and valued; belongs to a network of communication and mutual obligation.” Coach Tai touched on various ways to acknowledge one’s SE health, what factors affect it, the impacts of good and bad SE health and a number of strategies and perspectives on maintaining/improving one’s SE health.
The night was not without entertainment, the band Sessionistas played as the attendees enjoyed dinner. A special singing number was presented by parent leaders Gemma Pamintuan and Anastasia Palma. GMS faculty and staff entertained the audience with a special performance in the dark with UV lights luminating the white gloves of the performers as they created shapes and symbols to show their appreciation to all those in attendance.
To conclude the event, the PTSA officers and classroom representatives were awarded with certificates of appreciation for their continued support to the GMS faculty, staff and administrators.
Dr. Tai Doram
Over 150 parents attended Green Meadow School’s first Parents Night in the Royal Taga Hall of Saipan World Resort on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023.
GMS Principal Milagros Songcuan
Dr. Rita Sablan
Maria Olopai
Dr. Beylul Solomon
