THE Public School System observed Vice Principals Appreciation Week by honoring its vice principals and conducting a professional development session for them at the Pacific Islands Club.
“They are the pillars of our school district — our support system, the right and the left hands of our school principals, the support system for students and our parents,” Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada said.
School principals from Rota, Tinian and Saipan also acknowledged the important role that vice principals play.
PSS’ longest-serving principal, Dr. Ignacia Demapan of Kagman Elementary School, said: “All vice principals are really critical and needed. I really cherish their output and contributions. They are there so we can make things happen, improve our school culture and student achievement.”
Tinian Junior-Senior High School Principal Lizbeth Hofschneider said a school must have a vice principal. “Just to put it in perspective, [my vice principal] Nikita Mendiola is a team player and the best right and left hand we could have. This is notwithstanding how compassionate she is and is an achiever — she helps us accomplish our goals. Without a vice principal, how can we as a school community operate?”
On Rota, Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior-Senior High School Principal D. Tanya King said they are fortunate to have a vice principal who understands the island’s school-community culture.
“The vice principal is integral to the entire composition of the school,” she added. “There is an insurmountable amount of work that requires the principal to have that person…who can help in so many areas. The work of our vice principals is beyond invaluable.”
On Wednesday at the Pacific Islands Club, Ada and his team conducted a professional development session for PSS vice principals.
The presenters included representatives of CNMI and federal government agencies.
District Court for the NMI IT Security Officer Dr. Jonathan Liwag talked about “Data Protection and Security” while U.S. Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations Special Agents Frederic Jonas and Richard Flores discussed “Child Exploitation and Online Safety.”
For their part, a three-person team from the Division of Youth Services-Child Protection Services shared vital information regarding “Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Awareness.”
After the daylong professional development session, Ada and his team presented tokens of appreciation to the vice principals for their sacrifices and commitment to the school district.
“You are the partners of our schools, of our parents and teachers and staff. Your expertise in curriculum, in discipline and innovation makes our public schools successful,” Ada said.
Rota, Tinian and Saipan public school vice principals were honored on Wednesday by the Public School System following a professional development session at the Pacific Islands Club. Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada, standing second left, and his team, led the school district in commending the vice principals.
U.S. Homeland Security Special Agents Frederic Jonas and Richard Flores talk about “Child Exploitation and Online Safety.”
Vice principals learn about the various resources they can use in combating child exploitation.
The Division of Youth Services-Child Protective Services talks about child abuse and neglect, and how PSS can help prevent their occurrence.
