Challenges for Educators in the CNMI

Educators face challenges this fiscal year with budget shortfalls. BOE, COE, Administrators and teachers are all doing their part to ensure classroom learning is not disrupted due to their shortfall in funds.

Honoring Principals month while continuing the training keeping the CNMI Public School System on top of their game maintain goals to meet student learning - Standards & Benchmarks, Core Content learning build knowledge and skills for the youth today in our schools.

In the October 2011 edition of Students First, readers will see an array of activities the CNMI PSS pushes forward. Remaining transparent with whats happening in our schools and in our children's learning, we should be proud of those who are a part of our children's lives.

Prepping for the 3rd!

Tops + More is on its way with its 3rd issue. Focused on bringing healthy foods to your table while its taste mesmerizes your buds, looking for the right holiday treats is not far off when viewing our third issue.

Our feature stories are captivating, our advertisers pushing the envelope to gain their products out to you in the most innovative and creative means addressing what "we", consumers desire. Don't take it from me, but our readers have expressed their view on the publication we at BISON Relations are proud off.

Come December, expect to see more on Tops + More.

Summer's gone and school begins...

Where did summer go? Children say it went too fast and now another turn of events come to reality...

School begins...

For over 11K students in the Public School System, excitement fills their spirits as they will once again walk the hallways of what is familiar, make new friends, or have an adventure of something new, scary, yet promising.

Promising in that the whole of PSS has been gearing up to preparing the school year; Its instructional material, benchmarks, curriculum and defining assessments to making each and every child under the system reach the educational goals set out for the islands.

In the special edition - back to school Students First - PSS provides necessary information for our children. This 14-page newsletter encompasses what you need to know about your child's school contacts, food menu, bus schedules and more.

Welcome back to school everyone!

Students First Captures Educators in Busy...Busy...Busy Mode.

The Public School System faces inclement weather in 2011/12 school year. Efforts to counteract the budget shortfall expected from the CNMI government is an impact that will be felt across the board.

Public Education will be hindered in its operations, but as our education leaders, the Board Of Education Members along with Commissioner, Dr. Rita A. Sablan, commented on the impact this will have in classroom learning.

The CNMI, second to the lowest in average spending per child for education significantly challenges the system to improve education for our children.  Read more on the issue out today, August 29, 2011.

Despite budgetary concerns and the impact it causes, PSS maintains its professionalism to ensuring its people remain top educators in the region. The summer did not go by without preparing educators for the changes in education and learning techniques to be applied in the school year. Students First captures these training applications for community stakeholders.

ARRA projects completed for this school year. The improvements made by these funds greatly improved the school systems needs to accommodate our growing number of children. From the same period last year, the number of enrolled public school students increased by 3-5%, thus, the needed renovations on each school will create a better learning ambiance for our children.

Kudos to PSS, BOE and COE for continuing to lead education as its first priority! Students First!

Launching of TOPS + More

Core group with BISON Relations

Tops + More magazine officially launched July 12, 2011 at the Giovani's fine dining restaurant, Hyatt Regency Saipan. Clamoring for the attention it needed to boost opportunities, awareness and solidifying its presence, the BISON Relations staff made an impact to ensuring TOPS + More is well received in the community.

Our advertisers - all pleased with the outcome and ecstatic to see their products capitalized the way we did is now ever-more impressed with the publication and have agreed to continue to supporting the publication while enhancing their sales opportunities.

Acting Governor, Mr. & Mrs. Pete P. Reyes, Boni with BISON Relations

Potential advertisers has seen the strength of TOPS + More and have expressed interest to being strategically placed in the publications next issue. Features continue to place island foods as its common thread while other topics such as technology and education become the centerpiece of attention as TOPS + More brings you in with the minds and decisions that build our economy through ensuring technology continues to be upgraded and education remains the best investment for our children.

Wayne & Boni

"Building a company that provides employment for talented individuals in journalism, creative writing and creative designing is a great accomplishment, but I could not have done this alone. There are people who have gone the extra mile with me, Ulysses and Donna thank you! Also to my most important supporter, my wife Boni, without you, I may have never accomplished this.  Thank you all for making this dream a reality"... Wayne

View Tops + More online!

Click TOPS + More below to view magazine. Happy Reading!

OBC Chicken Kelaguin: A true delight!

TOPS + More online magazine

TOPS + More Magazine takes flight!

The first issue of TOPS + More is out today! The impact we expect is great, nevertheless the hard work and dedication from the BISON Relations company staff and supporting individuals  that has made this a reality are all excited and eager to feel how this publication would impact the island consumers and readers.

As we focus on the next issue, it's topic for feature stories focus on Education and Technology. Feature stories on how education continues to shape our island nation and what our leaders feel about education in the Commonwealth.

We hope you enjoy this free publication and that you will also see our online version as we gear to launch real soon.

Read the features on island foods - decadent with flavors TOPS + More reaches out to give our readers a glimpse of what we have going - Hyatt and PIC as well other venues state their reasons why we should all go and visit and taste the excitement they put on the table. Tidbits on keeping cool with Gonz "Freon Man" and hear what immunization has to say about how we could all protect ourselves and our children.

Of course there are more reading with TOPS + More. The inspiring short story of the Slatick couple and how they found Saipan to be their tourism hot spot, our very own forbidden island trekking story, our core group with their inside experiences on food and drinks. We have it and it only gets better! Take note of the discounted coupons that can go a long way for you, us, we, me as the consumer...

TOPS + More is officially your locally published island magazine!

PSS Releases Students First April 2011

The April 2011 Students First highlights personnel behind the scenes in our educational environment. Service men, administrative professionals, trades workers, support staff and related service providers that make up the hundreds of individuals who assist to educate, care and tend to our children on a daily basis. This issue recognizes them for their continued dedication and commitment to ensuring public education through their efforts whether big or small, it is achieving the common goal of learning.

COE Dr. Rita A. Sablan with Congressman Kilili push for federal fundings that would continue to provide excellent services to our children in public schools of over 10K strong. They both strive to ensuring our resources for children are not depleting, but increasing attesting to the change in climate of educational global trends. Special visitors arrive and are shown the aspects of our education as the CNMI currently is recognized as the role model for educational institutions in the Pacific Rim. 

Pick up your copy on Friday, May  27, 2011 with the Marianas Variety. PSS keeps us informed and as part of its Strategic Priority Plus One, they are accomplishing what they set out to do. From the 20 schools and Head start facilities, we, the community have insights to where "OUR" PSS is heading.

Leaps and Bounds: Taking care of business for Education

4th Quarter Publication

The CNMI Public School System publishes its 4th quarter portfolio for 2010. This edition focuses on the leaps and bounds to managing the Public Schools System through innovative and integrated approaches.

Financial Consultant Mr. Ed Tenorio through the auspices of the PSS Commissioner of Edcuation (COE)and State Board of Education (SBOE) announces their five year financial master plan - incorporating PSS' efforts to continuing to providing quality education while keeping afloat its operations with budgetary restraints faced in the Commonwealth.

It is no doubt that the PSS through the leadership of COE Dr. Rita A. Sablan and the SBOE, the PSS purges obstacles to ensuring public education is provided to our children.

This publication features its leaders in Education and the efforts of individuals who are making a difference to over 10,000 young men and women.  The Reporter is an accurate and informative resource to public education's progress in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Hail to Green Energy!

Students First March 2011 Edition is expected to hit the streets Monday, April 18, 2011. This copy features an array of interesting topics. Those such as educational leaders, administrators, faculty strive for accreditation in several schools this year. Highlighting students accomplishments - Comp TIA certifications, culinary experiences at Kagman High providing alternative educational resources in skill through the Career and Technical Education provisions - PSS is making headway to building professionals from our youth.

Students First also encompasses the movements of PSS being recognized as the Department of Defense's highest employer with the troop to teach program, stemming from the support for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. Last but not least, the impact on green energy as Saipan Southern High breaks ground to be the modeled school in the Pacific to alternative energy - clean, safe and reliable. Hail to Green Energy for the Marianas!

Pick up your copy on Monday as an insert to the Marianas Variety distribution. More stories, features and educational awareness for the community to embrace what the State Board of Education and the Commissioner of Education is doing to enhance, create and develop stronger programs and experiences for our children in the Commonwealth.

Historian depicts the Marianas in new book and School Counselors recognized for commitment

Some 150 decades ago, when life in the Marianas was as what we knew it to be- latte stones homes, farming, fishing- no modern technology enjoyed in those days, the "History of the Marianas to Partition" stems from vast research and analysis as depicted by author Don Farrell and colleagues make learning our past desirable and entertaining.

Knowing who we are and where we came from is unique to our very own as a people of the Marianas. History of the Marianas to Partition, a well written piece stages events that changed the course of the Marianas.

Students First had the opportunity to showcase the historical moment of unveiling such a piece that is supported by Dr. Rita A. Sablan, Commissioner of Education and the State Board of Education, as well countless others who have provided personal views, analysis and archival footage that made this another positive movement for the Marianas in history.

School Counselors are recognized in this issue. The month of February is declared counselors month on a national level. Students First through the auspices of individual schools in the public school system has brought forward the hardworking men and women who support students achievements and provide constant guidance in their daily lives. This issue showcases individuals with great talent to achieve mentoring of our students and providing positive reinforcement that could change a students life as they enter a world of challenges.

We applaud all those who have shared, contributed and successfully endured time and time again the needs of our children in the system. Thank you to all counselors in our educational system for making every day a better day!

TOPS + More Magazine

Have you ever questioned yourself after Sunday Mass where to go to bring your family for brunch? Or even a date night with your love one? Or simply just a night with friends? And how about a workday lunch outing? An activity on the weekend? What to do? Where to go? It is difficult to decide, especially since the question arises each time.

Given the economic difficulties we all face with reduced  hours from work, slow business return, trying to make ends meet, shortfall on extra income to splurge, BISON Relations will publish a new magazine that will showcase a product expected to meet consumer needs and answer the questions that linger in our minds each time an opportunity presents itself.

Our strategy is designed for the local market consumer base. Most businesses are heavily relied on tourism  which is perfectly fine, but the need to expand is not only with tourism, but that with the local population in itself. Our TOPS + More magazine will establish the connection, it will reach the vast local consumer market. With 4,000 copies to be printed, we can expect that this 1st issue will be a hit!

Support the local business community and take charge of your planning with opportunities that the island has to offer. Needless to say we do not necessarily know of whats available. TOPS + More is expected to be a user friendly publication,  a tool to seeing what is available on island for our very own pleasures and delectables.

From specials on restaurants, activities, technology, entertainment and more, we will bring to your convenience a place where choices are made easier. Be on the look out for TOPS + More and gain opportunities that we all can avail from!

Why (and what) is Tops + More?

For visitors, a trip to the Northern Mariana Islands is a perfect opportunity to revel with what the islands offer: turquoise beaches and underwater caverns, eco-adventure and water sport activities and events that truly define the islands.

This wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the multi-culture ethos of the islands which can aptly be defined, among others, by indulging and experiencing the “festival of foods”— be it fine dining or a pit stop.

For residents and alike, there are endless reasons to patronize the affluence of what we have; readily available and accessible.

And, there is a lot more to see and do in so little time. How does one plan a memorable and cost efficient experience on Saipan, Tinian and Rota without missing anything?

To help address this travel challenge, Bison Relations is launching Tops + More, a quarterly magazine that highlights the best or choicest part, whether it is big or small, that makes travel and visit or simply exploring the islands worthwhile.

Tops+ More is dedicated to travel and leisure within the Northern Mariana Islands. It is a crisp, full-colored publication that is equally engaging and informative while showcasing the attractions of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Tops+More will be filled with maps, calendars, special promotions coupons and other useful information for everyone planning their next experience, whether you are from here or on a visit. What the folks at Tops+More want is to truly capture the sense of adventure and the marketability of the islands.

In essence, Tops+More is an innovative one-stop-shop magazine about travel and leisure.

Soon, the print copy of the Tops+More will be available in a cutting-edge online design.

Revitalizing Public Education

In the January 2011 edition of Students First it speaks of revitalizing public education. Its personnel, infrastructure, and instruction highlight the Students First on public education.

Education Commissioner Dr. Rita A. Sablan emphasizes the PLUS One strategic priority where Parent Involvement plays an integral part of our education system. Created in her term as Commissioner, the PLUS One priority, the Fifth Strategy enhances and empowers parents in schools to make a difference in child education.

PTSA President, Mr. John M. Sablan for the State Advisory Council also speaks on behalf of all school PTSA members in that collaboration and emphasis of each parents involvement is critical to enhancing children's education in public schools.

Community involvement is also a part of the PLUS One priority. The PSS through its collaborative efforts has engaged the Department of Public Health in the campaign to fight against the FLU. The FLU W.A.T.C.H. campaign, geared to educating our children and families about how to prevent the flu assist schools in keeping attendance high for student learning.

More feature articles on public education make the Students First newsletter a must read publication. The February edition is expected to be out on Monday, February 28, 2011. Distribution is through the Marianas Variety.  Keep yourself informed about your child's education through Students First!

Get yours today! CNMI History Book: One day offer

The CNMI State Board of Education and the Public School System (PSS) would like to inform the general public that a book opening and signing of the “History of the Mariana Islands to Partition", a PSS publication authored by Don Farrel will take place on February 10, 2011 at the Aqua Resort, San Roque, Saipan from 9am to 11am.

Books are sold at $20.00 for this day only and purchases made will receive a poster and PSS bag as part of the offer for this historical significance of the CNMI history refined to current knowledge.

Events:

February 9 - at 11:00 a.m. PRESS COnference to be held at the PSS Central Office, BOE Conference Room. Media invited.

 

February 10 at 9:00 a.m. Book Launching & Signing event at Aqua Resort. Everyone invited. 

Checks, Mastercard and cash accepted for the purchase of the book. Get yours today!

Staging: Christmas decors at SWR

With the holidays in full gear, the escalating projects at hand, I forgot to place this in my post for December of 2010, but nevertheless it isn't too late.  BISON Relations was hired and tasked with creating from scratch a Christmas spectacle for the Saipan World Resort lobby. It was a challenge granted the budget was quite small, but we did what we could to stretch the budget to its limits.

Aside from what we regularly do, we also stage events and other functions when in need by a client, through a budget we could create the unimaginable, let alone the resources we have on island.  This goes to show that we are a versatile company that focuses on talent and creativity, nonetheless, we have ample partners that have their specialty and come in handy when the project surfaces.

For everyone that we have missed, a belated Happy Holidays from BISON Relations!

Raising the Bar on Community Involvement/Partnership

Students First December 2010 Issue

Undoubtedly, the creative and innovative personnel at the Public School System continue the efforts to ensuring community involvement with Public Education. Stakeholders as they are referred comprise the intelligence of outside influence that are acceptable in the schools where our children are taught, nevertheless, the saying goes "education starts at home" and the PSS is a conduit to enhancing opportunities that are practiced and established so each and every parent through their PTSA arrangement could avail from learning best practices to raising and educating their children at home.

Non-violent crisis intervention, scream free are only but a part of positive reinforcement for parents from the Public School System. Community involvement in our children's education is a must and the people behind the curtains are making this happen.

Community involvement does not stop there, it continues to be improve and the innovative ways only encourage  partnership. These practices have only benefited the education each child receives. Read on in the December 2010 edition as it is out tomorrow as a supplement to the Marianas Variety.