PSS Receives $340K AmeriCorps Grant
AmeriCorps is a national service program that engages Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to meet critical needs.
The grant focuses on six key areas: strengthening education, fostering economic opportunity, preparing for and responding to disasters, improving health, meeting environmental and
energy efficiency needs, and assisting veterans and military families.
Members will meet pressing local needs and strengthen our community as they develop civic and leadership skills that can last a lifetime.
COE Chairs Regional Advisory Committee
US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan nominates Commissioner Sablan to the Pacific Regional Advisory Committee.
The Regional Advisory Committee has been tasked to assess and prioritize the educational needs of the Pacific Region which includes CNMI, Guam, American Samoa, Hawaii, FSM, Palau and Marshalls. The RAC is expected to conduct 2 webinars to seek comments and input from the community on challenges and solutions on the education within the Pacific Region. The first webinar has been scheduled for June 8, which is June 9 in the CNMI. To provide comments, log onto the designated website http://www.seiservices.com/rac
PSS Engages TAKE25 Program
The Principals and program managers met on June 8 to receive a debrief from US Attorney Alicia Limitiaco on the Take 25 initiative, which is a national campaign that invites parents and legal guardians to take 25 minutes of their time each day to talk to their children about personal safety both on and offline. Since the beginning of this school year, the CNMI Public School System and the US Attorney Office have been collaborating on efforts to promote anti-bullying programs, cyberbullying, and safety of children and youth in the Commonwealth.
PSS and BOE Commended by House
At the invitiation of the Vice Speaker, the CNMI Public School System key management and BOE member Herman T. Guerrero made a presentation at the House to the Education Committee.
The presentation focused on three factors; student performance data, highly qualified personnel, and key initiatives accomplished during this school year and the expected activities to come in the upcoming school year. The PSS and BOE were commended by members of the House Education Committee on the progressive activities impacting student learning and teachers within the school system. The highlight of the meeting was on the progressive increase of student performance on the SAT10 and SBA which are statewide assessments administered each year. PSS also shared the Facts and Figures of the student demographics by school and by island, student teacher ratio and the cost per pupil. The PPT presentation made at the House can be accessed via the Commissioner’s site.
PSS Technology Plan Unveiled
The Technology Committee unveiled their first draft of the PSS Technology Plan for 2012-2015 at the Principals and Program Managers meeting on June 8.
The Technology Plan is a critical aspect of the PSS Erate program that must be aligned with the overall education or library service improvement objectives that allows PSS to qualify for a universal service program discount. The plan must meet 5 criteria; hardware and telecommunications infrastructure, professional development, curriculum reform and library service improvements.
The Technology Committee will finalize their draft on June 14 in preparation for a presentation to be made to the Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment Committee of the State Board of Education. Following the approval of the Committee and the Board of Education, the Technology Plan will be signed by the Lt. Governor for submission to the Schools Libraries Division.
PSS Summer Program
A robust summer program has been developed by the Instructional Services Office headed by Associate Commissioner Jack Quitugua and in collaboration with school principals, program managers and teachers. The PSS Summer Program is expected to resume on July 27 for 6 weeks and will be held on various school campuses on Saipan, Tinian and Rota. Detail information on the program will be published next week.
It’s Graduation Time!
This week the CNMI PSS will begin its graduation and promotion event. As we celebrate the many achievements of our students, we want to also take this time to extend our sincere appreciation to all of our faculty, staff and school leaders for another successful year. Our first promotion ceremony will be held at Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr. High School and the first Graduating Class of 2011 will be at Rota High School on Friday, June 9 followed by graduation ceremony at Marianas High School on Saturday, June 11. Congratulations and best wishes to everyone.