Previous Story
Opening of new school year on Sept. 4
|
Posted on Apr 16 2012
Classes in public schools will officially start on Sept. 4, 2012, according to the Board of Education yesterday. The schedule will cover all levels in 19 campuses on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Except for the school opening date, the board deferred action on the particulars of the proposed calendar for school year 2012-2013.
The decision to start the new school year on Sept. 4 was made after board member Tanya King raised the concerns of many teachers who want to have a sort of short break or intersession every quarter to make the necessary evaluation, assessment, and preparation for the next quarter.
King, who chairs the board’s fiscal and personnel affairs committee, endorsed the new school year opening but pointed out the need for the proposed calendar to be discussed at the school level to gauge teachers’ opinions.
According to Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan, PSS recommended a 190-day calendar for new school year. Under the proposal, certified employees—classroom teachers, counselors, and teacher assistants—will render 180 days of instruction and will have 10 days for professional development and trainings.
“We have proposed a 190-day calendar. However, they have asked us if we can take it back and work with our schools—the faculty and administrators—to address the issues and concerns raised by some teachers which I have not heard. But I am more than happy to discuss it with the administrators and the school level,” the commissioner told Saipan Tribune yesterday.
She said that whatever is agreed upon by teachers, PSS will be mindful of the final opening date set by the board.
During yesterday’s meeting, Sablan said a possible intersession will not have much impact on the proposed 190-day calendar.
Board member Lucy Blanco-Maratita asked for the proper dissemination of information to stakeholders once details of the new calendar are adopted.
