Dandan school to publish students’ books

Dandan Elementary School will launch its first published books written by students in celebration next month of Young Author’s Day—a traditional occasion for all Kindergarten to sixth grade pupils at the Dandan campus.

DES principal Jonas Barcinas said yesterday that each student from third to sixth grade were asked to publish their own books to be showcased in the school’s book fair, also slated for March.

“Our school, chaired by our third graders, will also be publishing all our books in hardbound. The books will be sent to Scholastic for publishing,” Barcinas told Saipan Tribune, adding that DES is going to be the first school to send books from Rota students.

He said it is the school’s plan to invite parents to the weeklong book fair to see the students’ hard work.

To create more excitement for the occasion, Barcinas said this year’s celebration will also see the participation of local authors like Dianne T. Torres, Lino Olopai, Manny Borja, Katharyn Tuten-Puckett, and Bob Coldeen. They are expected to share their stories and inspire young talents to continue their interest in reading and writing stories.

“We will also encourage our parents and community leaders as well as the business sector to come and join us in the celebration by reading to the kids in the classrooms,” Barcinas said.

Dandan, one of the performing public schools, will be visited by an accreditation team next week. It is hoping to get its six-year accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The school will also be holding its Cultural Day in March. This will be the school’s 10th year of holding the event.

Barcinas said it is their objective to both bring fun to the kids and the community and raise money for the needs of the school that could not be funded by local appropriations.

Every year, a popularity contest is held on campus, during which the Cultural Day King and Queen are named. As of yesterday, 40 candidates have confirmed joining the event. Coronation is slated for May 30.

“This is a PTA and DES fundraising event to help build our computer laboratory room and the awning in front of the main office to help prevent our kids from getting wet when it’s rainy season,” the principal said, adding that during the occasion, private agencies can also display their products or educational resources to the public.

Also invited for presentations are the Korean association, Palau, Filipino, and other ethnic groups in the community.