Ada gives updates on classes, graduations, shelters before storm

Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada, left, and Kagman High School principal Benjamin Jones Jr. give an update about the school shelters yesterday afternoon at the KHS campus. (Leigh Gases)

All CNMI Public School System classes are canceled until Thursday, May 25, and until further notice due to the approaching Typhoon Mawar, which is expected to make landfall later today. 

The class cancellations include Head Start/Early Head Start and Early Intervention programs.

Tropical Storm Condition II is currently hoisted over Saipan and Tinian. Typhoon Condition II is declared for Rota.

Graduation ceremonies are being amended once again, said Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred B. Ada in a memorandum yesterday afternoon. 

The new PSS graduation schedule are as follows:

• Saturday, May 27, is Tinian Sr. High School graduation at 4pm.

• Tuesday, May 30, at 9am is Francisco M. Sablan Middle School promotion; 4pm is Marianas High School graduation.

• Wednesday, May 31, at 9am is ChaCha Ocean View Middle School promotion; at 4pm is Kagman High School graduation.

• Thursday, June 1 at 9am is Tanapag Middle School promotion.

• Friday, June 2, at 9am is Dr. Rita H. Inos Jr. High School promotion and at 4pm is Dr. Rita H. Inos Sr. High School graduation.

• Monday, June 5, at 9am is Dan Dan Middle School promotion; 4pm is Da’Ok Academy graduation.

• Tuesday, June 6 at 9am is the Hopwood Middle School promotion; 4pm is Saipan Southern High School graduation.

• Wednesday, June 7 at 1pm is Tinian Sr. High School graduation.

“Thank you, as always, for your patience and understanding. We encourage everyone to stay calm, safe, and protected during this time. For the most accurate information on the weather, designated shelters, and transportation to shelters, please refer to official notices from the Office of the Governor and Homeland Security and Emergency Management,” said Ada.

In a short press conference yesterday afternoon at the Kagman High School campus, Ada said they are prepared for the use of the school as typhoon shelter. 

The KHS shelter capacity is 120 people and if needed, the Kagman Youth Center will open up as a backup shelter.

“I think that many of the departments, the Multi-Agency Coordination departments, as well as PSS, we have now have our places in order— such as logistics and planning, the PIO and even the Incident Command Center for PSS, that has been established and we are ready to go,”

Ada said.

The shelters have been activated and have been open since 4pm yesterday. Residents who need shelter assistance are asked to use the shelters closest to their homes. Residents are expected to bring their own bedding, food, and drinks in the shelter. No pets are permitted in the shelter unless the pet is a certified service animal. An ID should be presented upon entry. 

Marianas High School (Cafeteria) 

Koblerville Elementary School (Cafeteria) 

Kagman High School (Cafeteria) 

Tinian: Tinian Elementary School (Cafeteria) 

Rota: Sinapalo Office on Aging

Rota: Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School