(PSS) — The Public School System’s workforce includes 63 service members of the U.S. armed forces. They are employed as program directors, JROTC instructors, Leadership Corps instructors, classroom teachers and teacher aides on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
“Many of us civilians and educators have never walked in your shoes as service members,” Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada said on Monday.
“We don’t know or we can only imagine your life as service members: your commitment, strength, sacrifice and passion to protect our freedoms and to help us educate the children of our Commonwealth.”
He added, “On behalf of the CNMI Public School System, we appreciate all that you do and have done for us.”
On Monday, the Board of Education — the policy-making and governing body of PSS — declared May 17-21, 2021 as PSS Service Members Appreciation Week.
In his remarks, BOE Chairman Andrew L. Orsini hailed the invaluable sacrifices of the service members. “We honor all of you for what you have invested in our country to protect what we value the most: our freedom.”
“We also honor you today for what you have invested in our Public School System: the growth and success of the children of our islands through education,” the BOE chairman added.
BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Secretary/Treasurer Maisie B. Tenorio, member Gregory Borja, and non-public schools representative Dr. Ron Snyder joined Orsini in the proclamation signing ceremony held at PIC-Charley’s Cabaret.
A retired U.S. Army sergeant major who saw action in the Vietnam War, BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig told the service members, “Continue what you are doing: keep that fire in you, in serving our community.”
He then led everyone in a “moment of silence to pray for all service members who are still deployed overseas.” He added,
We hope that they will come home to their loved ones soon.”
Board member Gregory Borja, a former Marine, thanked the service members for “bringing leadership, skills and learning to our students” through programs such as the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps for high school students and the Leadership Corps for middle school students.
Non-public school representative Dr. Snyder, who served in the U.S. Army’s Military Intelligence Corps, emphasized the concept of giving-back to the community.
“In giving back, we give the opportunity for students to learn,” he said. “Once sense of service is put into our school, the level of community participation also increases.”
BOE Secretary/Treasurer Tenorio told the service, “You are all extraordinary men and women who continue to help my family, our community and our country. And I don’t think I am qualified to speak before you because of what you have done — and you have done so much — for our community.”
She added, “I will continue to advocate for you. I hope today is the start of many great things that would come your way.”
‘Benefits for all’
BOE Chairman Orsini said he will be working with his colleagues on the board and Commissioner of Education Dr. Ada in ensuring there is “uniformity when it comes to benefits and resources” provided to all service members employed by PSS.
“We have to take a look at other benefits and programs that our CNMI government have for our service members and see if we can implement them in PSS. We have to make sure that our service members will have every support they need,” he added.
More buses
Associate Commissioner for Administrative Services Eric Magofna, for his part, announced the acquisition new school vans for the JROTC battalions on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
“These vehicles will be used to transport our cadets and this is such a huge help. On behalf of all the instructors, the board, the commissioner and everyone, please know how much we appreciate this,” said retired Capt. Joseph Santos, Tinian Jr.-Sr. High School’s JROTC senior Army Instructor
Ret. Command Sgt. Maj. Richard Basa, the senior Army Instructor of Saipan Southern High School’s JROTC, said: “With these new vehicles, please expect that we — our cadets and students — will be out there helping our community.”
The Board of Education led by Chairman Andrew L. Orsini on Monday at PIC-Charley’s Cabaret proclaimed May 17-21 as the CNMI Public School System Service Appreciation Week. BOE members, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, other education officials and lawmakers honored the 63 service members who work as program directors, JROTC instructors, Leadership Corps instructors, classroom teachers and teacher aides on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
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Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada lauds the contributions of service members working for the Public School System.
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Associate Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna, Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, and Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini announce the arrival of six new buses/vans, five of which will be provided to the JROTC battalions of Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Saipan Southern High School, Tinian Jr. Sr. High School and Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. Sr. High School on Rota.
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Board of Education Chairman Orsini pays tribute to service members who are also educators.
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Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini, Vice Chairman Herman Atalig, Secretary/Treasurer Maisie Tenorio, member Gregory Borja, and non-public school representative Dr. Ron Snyder.
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