PSS ‘meet and greet’ with new parent-leaders

Nearly 100 parent-leaders on Saipan gathered yesterday for the Public School System’s “Meet and Greet” at Aqua Resort Club.

Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan said the event emphasizes the importance of establishing a strong relationship and partnership with stakeholders.

Public schools opened classes early this month. The elections of schools’ parents-teachers-student association officers were held a week later.

Kimo Rosario, PSS’ family engagement and community involvement coordinator, told Saipan Tribune that yesterday’s event drew 87 participants, which he described as an excellent turnout. He said a similar gathering is also expected on Tinian and Rota this week for education officials to meet newly installed PTSA officers in individual schools.

The “meet and greet” aims to give education officials and parent-leaders an opportunity to dialogue and share plans and priorities for the new school year. It also aims to increase the involvement of parents in their children’s education.

In his message to the crowd, Rosario shared with the new parent-leaders some of his plans for the school year. He encouraged participants to work closely with the PTSA Council and the Head Start Policy Council in developing action plans and policies that are tailored toward improving parental involvement in children’s education.

Rosario also emphasized the importance of two-way communication between parents and the school in decision-making, planning, student progress, and academic achievement.

He encouraged the new leaders to take part in developing the PSS parental involvement programs’ three-year strategic plans and encourage each organization to affiliate with the national PTSA council.

Among the presenters yesterday were federal programs officer Tim Thornburgh, who tackled parental involvement in securing federal grants, specifically Title I grants; and PSS finance director Richard Waldo and legal counsel Kelly Butcher, who discussed non-profit organizations and financial reporting requirements for PTSA.

Besides PSS officials, also present were Board of Education chair Marylou Ada and member Herman T. Guerrero.

CNMI Delegate Gregorio Kilili Sablan also provided brief remarks for participants.

Sablan promised them that education remains among his top priorities and he will continue to seek funding for its progress.