Private schools welcome students back with optimism despite typhoon recovery

Leaders of three of Saipan's private schools said last Aug. 5’s opening of the new academic year was marked by excitement, resilience, and optimism as students returned to campuses still recovering from the damage caused by super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.

Saipan International School headmaster Martin Jambor, Mount Carmel School president Christine Igisomar, and Grace Christian Academy board chair pastor Mike Rodgers each said their schools were prepared to begin classes despite months of recovery work, while emphasizing their commitment to students, parents and faculty.

Jambor said the first day at Saipan International School was filled with new and returning students, parents and teachers welcoming children back to campus.

"It's always exciting. We had plenty of parents coming, new kids coming, our former students coming to say hi. We played music, we welcomed them, all the teachers were outside, and it's always, always fun to start the school year. So, no reason to be nervous. We are excited and we're so happy to welcome plenty of new students."

He said enrollment remains "pretty steady," noting the school received walk-in inquiries over the summer and still has openings in its elementary and middle school programs.

Jambor said the school completed extensive repairs over the summer after the twin super typhoons, although work continues on some facilities damaged by the storms.

"We've done extremely well over the summer. We did a lot of repairs after the typhoon. Whatever happened to this island, whenever it's economic crisis, whenever it's typhoon, you name it, we always keep the ball rolling."

He said the school sustained water damage and lost half the roof over its basketball court but remained focused on students.

"Things can be repaired, things can be fixed, things can be replaced. What cannot be replaced is your heart and your approach and your mentality... Whatever happens, we are here for the kids."

Jambor added that ensuring children continue receiving a quality education remains essential during the Commonwealth's recovery.

At Mount Carmel School, Igisomar said the school year began with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Romeo Convocar before students headed to their classrooms.

She said the school has accepted more than 300 students for the new academic year, with additional applications still under consideration over the next two weeks.

Igisomar credited alumni for helping prepare the campus after the two super typhoons.

"With Mount Carmel being the oldest school in the CNMI, we have benefited the last few weeks from the generous support of alumni. Alumni helped clean our campus. They helped with certain projects to get the school safe and ready for the students."

Thanking families for their trust, she said:

"I'm so grateful that parents and students have chosen Mount Carmel School for their academic journey."

Igisomar said the school's recently awarded six-year Cognia accreditation reflects its commitment to maintaining high academic standards while preparing students to become community leaders.

At Grace Christian Academy, Rodgers said the school was excited to welcome approximately 165 students despite ongoing recovery from typhoon damage.

"The typhoon has hit us hard, but it's not going to hold us down. And we're moving forward in Jesus' name."

He said the academy has introduced a new kindergarten-through-third-grade program this year and is pursuing approval for a Child Care and Development Fund program. The school has also launched a scholarship and financial assistance program for qualifying families.

Rodgers said portions of the campus remain under repair following the storms, with some construction expected to continue into next year while fundraising efforts proceed.

Encouraging students, parents and faculty, Rodgers said, "No storm can keep you down, right? Really, as long as you keep a positive attitude, and more important, that you trust in the Lord, you can overcome just about anything in your life."