Rotary urges elementary schools to join Parade of Books

The Rotary Club of Saipan is urging all elementary schools in the CNMI to take part in the 8th Annual Parade of Books slated for April 14 at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

Rotarian and parade coordinator Reina Camacho disclosed yesterday only two schools have so far signed up for the competition.

Dandan Elementary School, which won the Most Spirit Award last year, will be interpreting The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, while Koblerville Elementary School, which bagged second place, will portray Corduroy by Don Freeman.

“Invitations have been sent to public schools and previous Parade of Books coordinators; however, there have not been inquiries from private schools,” Camacho told Saipan Tribune.

Camacho said they are encouraging private schools to take part in the annual event, which encourages literacy and creativity and instills the importance of reading among the islands’ youth in a fun and innovative way.

The educational competition is open to all public and private elementary schools, which will be asked to act out their chosen book for a chance to win prizes.

This year, Camacho said that schools are asked to choose from a selected list of books that reflect the values and principles of Rotary like service above self, trust, honesty, fairness, and friendship, among others.

Schools can pick from at least 90 titles, some of which are available at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in Susupe.

Length of performances is limited from 3 to 5 minutes, with deduction to be given to schools that exceed the maximum time. The number of students allowed to perform is from five to 35 students only.

Camacho noted that they will not allow comic book superheroes or licensed characters and elaborate face makeup—the students should be able to put on their own costumes.

Camacho said they will be conducting their first orientation meeting for all schools, coaches, teachers and other interested individuals today, Feb. 1, at 5:30pm at the MHS gym where interested schools may submit their registration forms.

“Deadline to register is March 31, 2012; however, to ensure that another school does not perform the same book, it is best to submit registration forms to ‘reserve’ a book,” said Camacho.

For more information, contact Camacho at 664-8512, email reinacamacho@gmail.com or saipanrotary@gmail.com.