LOCAL BRIEFS Book fair displays students’ works

Book fair displays
students’ works

Written English works of students from grades 1 to 12 were on display during the “Open Mind, Open Book Fair” hosted by Mount Carmel last Saturday. From laminated story books to stapled poetry compilation, both government and private school students went public with their pieces on various themes. “Anybody can come and it’s not a competition. It’s simply for the display of their own creative work, poetry, short stories and novels,” said Crystal Blahnik, who heads the English Department of Mount Carmel. Because of austerity measures, the Public School System decided not to hold the annual book fair this year and students were disappointed, she said. Mount Carmel then gave short notices to schools about this affair scheduled during its English week celebration. Over 100 books were displayed coming from Marianas Baptist Academy, Koblerville, Garapan, William S. Reyes and Mount Carmel. “We really want to be the host for an island wide book fair. A day to celebrate reading and writing in our schools and how important it is for students’ self-esteem,” she said. According to Blahnik, the event also recorded the writing progress of students. Like, in the first grade, teachers will ask students to do creative writing about a certain topic. As these students get older, teachers would give them a more structured outline using various writing elements. During the display, MBA presented works from grades 9 to 12. “It is nice to see the progression through the grade levels,” she said. (Sheila D. Amor)

DDC proposes
dial-a-ride with PSS

The Developmental Disabilities Council is proposing for a dial a ride concept with the Public School System in providing transportation to older persons and those with special needs. In a letter to Commissioner of Education Rita H. Inos, DDC Executive Director Thomas J. Camacho explored the possibility of utilizing the services of school bus drivers during lull period to help transport the Man Amkos and people with special needs. The dial-a-ride concept will allow both sectors to ring the PSS office at lower base and drivers will be able to help them with their ride during hours when they are done with the school rounds. Camacho cited the transportation service provided by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for its eligible clients to ferry them to their work, school and meetings they need to attend. However, OVR provides ride only when these individuals are active with the program. He pointed out that there is no public transportation provider in the CNMI. “We hope the board reconsiders its decision to fund the badly needed services,” he said in his letter. Earlier, his office made an inquiry with PSS over the possibility to use FTA funds help finance the dial-a-van service. Dr. Inos turned down the proposal on the grounds that FTA funds are committed in order for the PSS to pay its 13 buses during the next six years. The commissioner suggested to Camacho to present his proposal with the private bus companies. She said PSS is also considering to privatize its bus operations. (Sheila D. Amor)