CNMI public schools, which ceased face-to-face instruction for two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic, reopened Monday, the start of the new school year.
The first day was “generally smooth,” but there were minor glitches, which school administrators said were “common in every opening of classes”: parents who did not timely register their child for classes, issues relating to time and scheduling, among others.
There were also students that didn’t show up, but school counselors reached out to parents to ask why the children were absent and if they needed assistance.
“This is a common situation that we all face in every opening of classes,” an educator told Variety. “Generally, we call it ‘organized chaos.’ However, we are able to manage and handle these issues as we did in the past.”
Public School System central office personnel and Board of Education members were at various campuses to assist parents and school staff on the first day of the new school year.
A mother from As Lito dropped her child, an incoming 4th grade student, at William S. Reyes Elementary School. Her family is part of the rezoned area for students who previously attended San Vicente Elementary School.
“As I read in [Variety] last Friday, my child will now attend WSR Elementary School,” said the mother. “And yes, I am happy for the child to go back to school because I want him to learn (in-person) because I have been home-schooling my child for the past two years.”
Well prepared
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada praised school personnel and parents for working together and ensuring that the opening of classes is as smooth as possible even with the expected “hiccups” faced in every school year opening.
“We all feel great that after many months of preparation in partnership with our parents and community stakeholders, we were able to welcome returning and new students to classrooms that are equipped with brand new tools,” Ada added.
These include a new cloud system, which modernizes gathering and storing of student and school data.
Called the “Infinite Campus” program, it replaces a decades-old system.
Based on the “live data,” the PSS Office of Accountability, Research and Evaluation said as of Monday, there were 8,799 students enrolled in the 20 public schools on Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
This number is expected to increase in the coming days as schools are still accepting late enrollment. Moreover, some parents have not yet signed up their children for the technology-based student enrollment protocols.
Elementary schools
Based on the initial number generated by the “Infinite Campus” program, San Vicente Elementary School has the largest elementary student school population: 554.
The enrollment numbers for the other elementary schools are:
William S. Reyes Elementary School, 539; Garapan Elementary School, 395; Gregorio T. Camacho Elementary School, 297; Kagman Elementary School, 463; Koblerville Elementary School, 417; Oleai Elementary School, 379; Sinapalo Elementary School on Rota, 202; and Tinian Elementary School, 230.
This is the second school year for San Vicente Elementary School to return to full day, face-to-face instruction after holding double sessions for five school years, SVES Principal Paulette Tomokane said.
SVES, which was damaged by Super Typhoons Soudelor and Yutu, was the only school that resumed in-person instruction late last school year.
“We were in double session for five school years,” Tomokane said. “But when we opened for our second school year, it was as smooth as it could be. The heavy rain backed up the traffic, and we did have some parents who needed assistance, but by the end of the day, we were able to address their needs.”
Tomokane said they will reach out to students who were absent or who have yet to register.
“Overall, majority of our kids are really excited they’re back,” she added.
GTC Elementary School Principal Raena Camacho commended the parents for “being patient” despite some problems on opening day.
Full cafeteria service is back. Even half-day students can avail themselves of the cafeteria service, which wasn’t available at the height of the CoviD-19 pandemic.
“Overall, our staff prepared the campus well,” Camacho told Variety.
Rota’s Sinapalo Elementary School had a very organized opening, Principal Daisy Quitugua said.
“We really had an awesome opening. Our board member [Herman Atalig] was here with us. He was able to meet and greet not only our teachers, but students and parents as well. The students are excited, the teachers are excited, the parents are all excited, and we school administrators are excited,” Quitugua added.
Middle schools
Chacha Oceanview Middle School interim Principal Carla Sablan said, “Despite some challenges involving enrollment registration, which is still ongoing, our first day went smoothly. Our staff were ready to assist all of our parents’ needs.”
Francisco M. Sablan Middle School tested its readiness when an unannounced tsunami drill was staged Monday at 1 p.m.
Hopwood Middle School remains the largest middle school in terms of student population with 687 enrollees.
The other middle schools’ enrollment numbers are: Tanapag Middle School, 303; Chacha Oceanview Middle School, 254; Dandan Middle School, 388; and Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, 364.
High schools
Marianas High School remains the largest public school in terms of student population. As of Monday it had 1,514 students. This number is expected to increase in the coming days.
The enrollment numbers for the other high schools are: Da’ok Academy, 50; Rota’s Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr. Sr. High School, 220; Kagman High School, 515; Saipan Southern High School, 789; and Tinian Jr. Sr. High School, 239.
Tinian Jr. Sr. High held a flag raising ceremony with Board of Education Vice Chairman Antonio L. Borja joining School Principal Liz Hofschneider and Vice Principal Nikita Mendiola in welcoming back the students.
Hofschneider said the new students included those who transferred from Saipan.
“The students are happy and optimistic that this school year will be busy and exciting. It’s positive vibes for everyone,” she added.
SSHS Principal Vince Dela Cruz said, “It’s been a while since we opened the school like this: there was more excitement from students compared to the past two years.”
MHS Principal Jonathan Aguon said it was “an amazing first day.”
“The campus was abuzz with excitement from the students and the staff,” he added. “We are looking forward to new opportunities in the new school year, giving our students the high school experience they need through various programs and activities we all have prepared.”
Kindergarten students at GTC Elementary School listen to a story read by their teacher on Monday.
Tinian Jr. Sr. High School held an indoor flag raising ceremony led by its JROTC cadets. Photo also shows Board of Education Vice Chairman Antonio Borja, standing center, back ground, with Principal Liz Hofschneider and Vice Principal Nikita Mendiola.
On Rota, from left, Marvin Tamangided, Rota Local Education Agency/Project HALIGI Community Project Manager, Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. Sr. High School Vice Principal Annette Calvo, Rota Board of Education Member Herman Atalig, Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. Sr. High School Principal D. Tanya King, and Vannah Hocog, behavioral specialist.
Sinapalo Elementary School Principal Daisy Quitugua with Board of Education member Herman Atalig who toured Rota’s two public schools on their first day of classes.
Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Principal Cherlyn C. Osung hands out free school supplies to students.
Kagman Elementary School students read the schedules and other information posted on the bulletin board.
Commissioner of Education Dr. Alfred B. Ada and Kagman High School Principal Benjamin Jones share a light moment during Monday’s opening ceremony at KHS.
Kagman High School students pose for photo with their school’s colorful mural in the background.
Oleai Elementary School Vice Principal Alyssa Pangelinan assists students on a rainy first day of the new school year.
