NMIS-PSS sign historic Early Head Start partnership

Northern Marianas International School president Erick Van Der Maas, second right, signs the partnership agreement between NMIS and the Public School System as Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, from left, CNMI State Board of Education chair Herman T. Guerrero, and NMIS director Ronnie Tan look on last Friday at the ground floor of the Marianas Business Plaza. (Jon Perez)

Northern Marianas International School became the first privately owned primary learning institution to sign an agreement with the Public School System’s Early Head Start program with local education officials hailing the historic partnership.

CNMI State Board of Education chair Herman T. Guerrero, Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan, EHS program director Melissa DLR Palacios, PSS associate commissioner for student and support services Yvonne R. Pangelinan, acting Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Secretary Robert Hunter, Head Start Policy Council chair Tina Crisostimo, and acting Child Care Development Fund administrator Vince Rabauliman represented the government side during the signing.

NMIS president Erick Van De Maas, director Ronnie Tan, school vice principal Jener Pineda, their teachers, staff, and students witnessed the historic signing.

PSS federal programs officer Tim Thornburgh, finance and budget director Derek Sasamoto, nutritionist Kaisa Anderson, and Rep. Edwin K. Propst (Ind-Saipan) also attended last Friday’s signing.

Sablan said the signing of the agreement was a significant and historical moment since the partnership is the first time between PSS and a private learning institution.

“The work began in 2014 and it was not easy. We faced a lot of challenges but the good thing is the dedication of the people behind this program,” said Sablan in her opening remarks.

“We recognize the support given by the early child care program and DCCA. NMIS stepped up to the plate for children to enroll and study since early education is important to the community,” she added.

BOE chair Guerrero said that the CNMI school district remains committed to the early education of a child. “This is the result of two years of work for the EHS program. We like to see the program as seamless as possible.”

“NMIS is the first in all territories and other U.S. states to have the program. Some states have not implemented it at all. Congratulations to NMIS and we look forward to a great partnership,” Guerrero added.

Pangelinan said having a child start early in school is an important part of their lives as they learn to socially interact and learn language skills. “I commend NMIS for committing to the program. Students are not the only ones going to benefit from it but the whole community.”

Crisostimo, meanwhile, early education and development prepares the child to the future with today’s workforce becoming more technologically advanced. “Their success depends on us. As teachers, leaders, policy makers, and as parents.”

“To be directly involved with our children’s education, not only at EHS but up to high school where they need our guidance and experience to prepare them for tomorrow’s demands.”