EDUCATION officials honored the Public School System’s 20 elementary, middle and high school principals on Oct. 22 during a professional development session at Saipan World Resort.
October is National Principals Month.
“What we have for you today is just a very small gesture of our appreciation,” acting Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna said in his remarks.
A former school administrator himself, Magofna said, “I’ve been there: the stress, the struggles. As principals, we serve as the rock — the foundation — of our schools. We have to be a calm, collected person in the school no matter what the situation is.”
He added, “We cannot say thank you enough. Principals, your leadership matters. The vision you have for your staff and for your children really matters.”
Board of Education Chairman Andrew L. Orsini highlighted the crucial role played by the principals in the school system.
“You are very important, and a single day of rest for you will not be enough for what you all do,” he added.
He urged the principals to continue taking care of their health and well-being amid a still raging global pandemic.
“It is very difficult dealing with anxiety and stress, but you are able to handle it well. It is because of this that our people trust you,” he added.
For his part, BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig praised the principals for ensuring that “our schools, teachers, staff (and parents) are given the proper training and the proper resources so that our kids can receive the best education in the CNMI.”
He added, “I thank you from the bottom of my heart, principals. You’ve done a great job most especially during this pandemic…you are the first to come to school and the last to go home.”
The PSS Office of the Commissioner of Education and the Office of the Associate Commissioner of Administrative Services hosted the professional development session with accreditation program manager Marian Tudela as the emcee.
A video presentation showcased greetings from students, teachers, staff and parents expressing their appreciation to the school principals. The greetings included songs, dances and skits.
Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan, PSS senior director for student support services, and Dr. Jennifer Maratita spoke about “Suicide Risk” and the ways schools can continue to ensure a safe and supportive environment for students.
Laura Kyonka of the PSS Student Support Services engaged the principals in an activity called “Mindfulness & Stress Management” while local artist Linda Torres led the principals in a painting activity.
A discussion on “Data Driven Dialogue” capped the event.
Acting Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna commends all the public school principals of Saipan, Tinian and Rota during their professional development session at Saipan World Resort on Oct. 22, 2021.
BOE Chairman Andrew L. Orsini acknowledges the important role played by PSS school principals.
BOE Vice Chairman Herman Atalig said PSS principals help ensure the growth of teachers, staff and students.
Participating in a “Mindfulness & Stress Management” activity are Principals Naomi Nishimura, Paulette Tomokane and Derwin Santos with PSS Federal Programs Officer Tim Thornburgh.
Principals Hilda Rios, Elizabeth Hofschneider, and Cherlyn Osung with Dr. Rizalina Liwag, PSS senior director for accountability, research and evaluation.
PSS Senior Director Dr. Yvonne Pangelinan and Dr. Jennifer Maratita participate in a mindfulness management activity.
Principal Jonathan Aguon of Marianas High School applies color to his painting.
Head Start/Early Head Start Director Lathania Angui smiles while painting.
Saipan Southern High School Principal Vince Dela Cruz is immersed in his artwork.
Interim Family & Community Engagement Program Manager Liela Yumul.
San Vicente Elementary School Principal Paulette Tomokane.
William S. Reyes Elementary School Principal Lynn Mendiola and Hopwood Middle School Principal Vic Borja.
GTC Elementary School Principal Raena Bermudes.
Oleai Elementary School Principal Jasylene Parico.
Principals Hilda Rios (Tanapag Middle School), Liz Hofschneider (Tinian Jr. Sr. High School), and Cherlyn Osung (Francisco M. Sablan Middle School) with Dr. Rizalina Liwag, PSS senior director for accountability, research and evaluation.
PSS Human Resource Officer Personnel Specialist Leslie Ada with Principal D. Tanya King of Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. Sr. High School.
Principals Ben Jones of Kagman High School, Martha Kintol of Chacha Oceanview Middle School, Dr. Ignacia Demapan of Kagman Elementary School and PSS Accreditation Manager Marian Tudela.
Dandan Middle School Principal James Sablan, Sinapalo Elementary School Principal Daisy Quitugua and Tinian Elementary School Principal Lou Connie Manglona.
Da’ok Academy Principal Christine Tudela.
Koblerville Elementary School Principal Naomi Nishimura.
PSS photo
Local artist Linda Torres, extreme right, with Principals Raena Camacho (Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School); Derwin Johnson (Garapan Elementary School); Jasylene Parico (Oleai Elementary School); Lynn Mendiola (William S. Reyes Elementary School); Naomi Nishimura (Koblerville Elementary School); Paulette Tomokane (San Vicente Elementary School); Dr. Ignacia Demapan (Kagman Elementary School); Lou Connie Manglona (Tinian Elementary School); Daisy Quitugua (Sinapalo Elementary School); Hilda Rios (Tanapag Middle School), Victor Borja (Hopwood Middle School); Cherlyn Osung (Francisco M. Sablan Middle School); James Sablan (Dandan Middle School); Martha Kintol (Chacha Oceanview Middle School), Jonathan Aguon (Marianas High School); Vince Dela Cruz (Saipan Southern High School); Benjamin Jones (Kagman High School); Christine Tudela (Da’ok Academy); Liz Hofschneider (Tinian Jr. Sr. High School), and D. Tanya King (Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. Sr. High School). Also in photo are acting Commissioner of Education Eric Magofna and other members of the PSS leadership team.
