A ‘shining example’ at Garapan school

TWO major projects at Garapan Elementary School were completed because government officials and community members worked together, according to GES principal Paulette Sablan.

“The additional classrooms and concrete fence are a shining example of what can be achieved when our elected officials, [the Public School System] leadership, administrators, teachers and parents come together for a common cause,” she said.

Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan said the two projects “are part of the revitalization to make our school more modern and attractive.”

GES, which serves 870 students, now has five new classrooms.

They will benefit 120 students and allow the school to bring back the kindergarten students who have to attend classes in the nearby MIHA housing units, Commissioner Sablan said.

Board of Education Chairwoman Marylou S. Ada said the school improvements are part of BOE’s commitment to do more for the students.

“I want you to take pride in this facility and preserve it for the current and future students,” she said in her remarks during a ceremony on campus.

GES principal Paulette Sablan lauded the PSS leadership for  providing quality education and  ensuring safe and orderly schools.

She said for many years, GES had to use MIHA housing units due to a lack of classrooms.

She said the new concrete fence has also “brightened”   GES which, she noted, is located in the island’s business and tourist hub.

It is aesthetically pleasing and provides more safety and visibility to students, staff and parents, she added.

“I truly think appearance matters for any school campus.  The new 2nd floor and concrete fence bring a new attitude to the teachers, students, parents, the PSS leadership and the community,” she said.

Ho Joon Jo, general manager of DKK, the contractor of the fence project, said they “did their best” and will continue to help the school.

DKK is also in partnership with the Saipan mayor’s office in the cleanup and beautification of the island.

Richard N. Cody was the designer of the classrooms.

GES thanked all the stakeholders that made the projects possible: the Legislature, PSS, the Board of Education and former Rep. Justo S. Quitugua, who initiated the appropriation bill for the school projects.

The school also expressed its gratitude to Tropex Garden Company for the construction of the new classrooms, DKK for the construction of the concrete fence and the donation of a new school sign facing Beach Road as well as Reps. Ramon Tebuteb and Ray Yumul whose community workers helped maintain the school grounds.