WSR Elementary work to overcome challenges after Yutu

Volunteers led by Precinct 2 Reps. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan) and John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan) take part in a planting event at the William S. Reyes Elementary School last April 22 at the school grounds.
(CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)

Super Typhoon Yutu barreling through the CNMI four months ago was a very challenging time for all the faculty, staff, and students of William S. Reyes Elementary School.

WSR principal Naomi Nishimura said she knows that other schools equally suffered in the aftermath of the typhoon but the WSR experience was particularly gut-wrenching because it struck so close to home.

WSR was one of the schools in the southern portion of the island that was decimated when Yutu barreled through Saipan and Tinian last October.

Twenty of WSR’s classrooms were completely damaged, which is why they are doing double shifts with their classes, Nishimura said.

The trees that surround the WSR field, which used to provide shade to everyone—students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike—were uprooted by Yutu’s tornado-like winds.

Schools under the CNMI State Public School System resumed on Dec. 3, more than a month after Yutu. All classes at WSR will remain in double sessions until the end of the current school year.

Nishimura said they have been working with PSS in rebuilding WSR. “The school continues…to work with PSS leaders to bring back all the classrooms that were damaged by Yutu.”

“It has been a…challenge. The instructional time has lessened but we are looking forward to opening the school year on a full-day session, as planned by PSS. This school year, all toward the end, will be double sessions.”

PSS expects additional aid from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to repair all damaged buildings.

“Right now, PSS is waiting for the process sheets from FEMA to be able to…repair…our classrooms. …But I do know that there are plans…that don’t go as intended,” said Nishimura. “If the buildings are not yet…ready before the start of the school year, then we’re going to have tents. Like with Hopwood Middle School, where tents will be provided for us.”

Students, faculty, and some parents also joined in a planting event last April 22 at the school grounds with the help of personnel from CNMI Forestry, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, Northern Marianas College-Cooperative Research Extension and Educational Services, and private citizen Noel Masongsong.

The project was made possible through the combined efforts of Precinct 2 Reps. Tina Sablan (Ind-Saipan) and John Paul Sablan (R-Saipan), who also took part in planting other vegetation that would help restore the greenery inside the campus.