(PSS) — The unveiling of the newly constructed and federally funded playground at Mount Carmel School on Friday represents yet another milestone in the American Rescue Plan Act’s contributions to CNMI education.
It also demonstrates the partnership between the Public School System and private schools in the Commonwealth.
The new, child-friendly playground is funded by PSS’ share of ARPA monies. PSS-ARPA funding also supported several other MCS projects and initiatives.
The PSS-ARPA funds are managed by the school system’s Federal Programs Office.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the “New Space for Fun” marked the grand finale of MCS’ Catholic Schools Week 2025 celebration.
Joining the event were Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, Melisha San Nicholas from the PSS-Federal Programs Office, MCS President John Blanco, MCS Board Vice Chair Crystal C. Deleon Guerrero, MCS President Emerita Frances Taimanao, MCS Principal Filmah Beunaflor, contractor Gabriel Boyer, and Deacon Rosiky Camacho, along with the MCS student body.
MCS President Blanco extended his appreciation to PSS for its continued funding support for student learning initiatives.
MCS, along with all other private schools in the CNMI, received ARPA funds.
“Thank you to our partner, the Public School System, who is represented here by no less than our Commissioner of Education, Dr. Lawrence Camacho, and his team,” Blanco said.
He also credited his predecessor, Frances Taimanao, for “making sure the playground…became a reality.”
Taimanao worked with PSS-FPO in securing funding support.
Commissioner of Education Camacho said ARPA funding has played a crucial role in bringing student learning and growth programs to life.
“We are all here to enjoy [the new playground] as friends, as family, and as one community. It is great to know that we are able to do that because the American Rescue Plan Act funding made it happen,” he said in his remarks.
“PSS’ share of ARPA funds allowed the school system to support all education stakeholders in the CNMI,” he added.
Turning to the MCS student body, he said, “When students are happy, they get to learn better in the classroom. [Learning] happens also when they’re out playing and…developing as individuals. And so it is an honor to…be part of this ceremony that enables our students to grow and to learn. And I’m sure that our community appreciates this.”
While Mount Carmel School students look on, MCS President John Blanco, Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, MCS President Emerita Frances Taimanao, MCS Principal Filmah Beunaflor, Deacon Rosiky Camacho, MCS Board Vice Chair Crystal C. Deleon Guerrero, contractor Gabriel Boyer and student leaders cut the ceremonial ribbon of MCS’ new, federally funded playground on Friday.
PSS photo
Public School System Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho poses for a photo with Mount Carmel School President John Blanco, MCS President Emerita Frances Taimanao, PSS Federal Program’s Office State Program Office for Equitable Services & Co-Ombudsman Melisha San Nicholas, MCS Vice Chair Crystal C. Deleon and students near the newly inaugurated playground at MCS.
MCS President John Blanco delivers his remarks during Friday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the school’s ARPA-funded playground.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho said ARPA supported several student programs and initiatives in public and private schools.
