“We need to strengthen this partnership to connect education and home, to connect parents. As PTA members, you can influence policies, practices and programs that support expanded learning opportunities,” she added.
Close to a hundred parents of public school students attended the event.
Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan reminded parents that PSS must be treated like a “business” and parents “must act like entrepreneurs.”
“Our dream is really to advance the Public School System at the same time treat it like we all own it and to operate it effectively,” she added. “We must have a business-like approach in giving the best to our stakeholders.”
She urged parents to get involved in the lives of their students.
“I encourage and challenge parents to…look at student data. You need to be part in raising the bar, you need to expect that your children are achieving the 50th and 60th percentile levels,” she said. “I expect you to go up to your principal and ask about student achievement.”
In the recently released Stanford Achievement Test 10th Edition results, students of public schools on Saipan, Tinian and Rota went beyond the 50th percentile national level.
This means that PSS student performance can now be compared to other school districts in the nation.
Sablan said parents can also help ensure that all public campuses remains “safe” for students.
“Do we have a good school climate? Are our schools safe for our kids? We need you parents,” she added.
She said PSS has already established an Equal Employment Opportunity Office that will hear concerns.
Kimo Rosario, the newly appointed Parent Teacher Student Association coordinator for PSS, disclosed four plans for this school year that will involve parents: the development of an action plan and policies that are directly tailored at improving their involvement in student learning; engaging in outreach programs; forging and fostering community partnership; and registering the local PTSA advisory council with the national organization.
“Thank you for placing our students first through your continued involvement,” Rosario told parents.
