INTERIM Education Commissioner Donna Flores is encouraging everyone “to stay calm and protected during this time,” referring to the approaching tropical storm.
In a memorandum Monday, she said there will be no classes in public schools on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 10-11.
“The storm is shifting up and down a little bit, but we are planning to close schools [on] Tuesday and Wednesday for now, and any other decisions [will be made] depending on the weather,” she told reporters.
She said PSS was “securing our buildings and campuses while preparing the emergency shelters that may be needed.”
Designated shelters will include Koblerville Elementary School for residents in the southern part of Saipan; Marianas High School for those living in the central part of Saipan; Kagman High School for those in the eastern part of Saipan; and Tinian Elementary School on Tinian. Shelters will also open at the Aging Centers on Saipan and Rota.
She said all PSS classes on Saipan, Tinian and Rota (including Head Start/Early Head Start and Early Intervention programs) are canceled on Oct. 10-11. “Additionally, PSS events, activities, travel, and commutes scheduled these dates are suspended,” Flores added.
She said PSS is “monitoring the weather closely and are in constant communication with the appropriate government agencies. We will continue to provide timely updates as the situation arises.”
Flores thanked everyone for their patience and understanding and encouraged them to stay calm and protected during this time.
For the most accurate information on weather, designated shelters and transportation to shelters, Flores asked everyone to refer to official notices from the governor’s office and CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
“I know there is a lot of anxiety out there. We’ve been through this so many times but for those who are feeling uneasy, please, if possible, put your energy into preparedness. Just continue securing your surroundings, get activities ready for kids to keep them engaged especially if the power would be out,” Flores said.
She added that there are things that the children have learned from school that they can probably bring home and use, “so we encourage that.”
American Red Cross-NMI Chapter Director John Hirsh, for his part, noted that Typhoon Bolaven was described by the National Weather Service as “rapidly intensifying,” which is “making everybody nervous.”
