LISS Offers Space Camp Privileges to Students

Ladera International School of Saipan (LISS) is pleased to offer the CNMI resident students an opportunity to be a part of the Korea Space camp as well Saipan/Korea exchange student programs.

Enrolled students from this July 2009 and onto the School Year 2009/10, we will be selecting five (5) individuals to avail of the space camp offer. The Korea space camp is really an educational camp focused on flight, engineering, physics, astronomy and robotics. This program is designed to inspire people, especially kids, to pursue academic success in math and science.

The Saipan/Korea exchange student program is also focused on education, but merely providing the experiences and gaining new friendship between two countries. This program in itself will be tied with another school in Korea where this will all take place. We expect to create an online class discussion, debate and problem solving coherent relationship between Korean students in Korean and our resident students on Saipan. In addition, the exchange programs where our students will have the chance to visit Korea, their new friends and vice versa.

In order for resident students to be able to be a part of the selective process on the two activities LISS is placing on its calendar, students must be enrolled for the summer session in July and onto the school year. The selection criterion will be set as LISS finalizes the program with the respective partners abroad. With the space camp in particular happening in August, five (5) students from the US (Saipan) are given this privilege. “We are ecstatic for this opportunity for our resident students as these programs are not commonly shared with students from Saipan. LISS has created such opportunities to get out students to see the what is out in the world today. Why not start with our strength in partnership with Korean based educational institutions offering great programs,” stated Wayne Pangelinan, LISS Director.

Summer at LISS... Keep on moving!

LISS, Saipan – Ladera International School of Saipan (LISS) once again opened its summer program. LISS is offering each grade level from 1^st to 11^th a chance to get ahead. The subject courses taught in each level are Social Studies, Mathematics and English. “When we first started our educational classroom format summer school program last year, I was worried that most parents would not be interested, however, my worrisome turned into joy as I saw the numbers of interested parents have their children participate in our summer program”, stated Wayne Pangelinan, LISS Director.

This year, LISS opened up more opportunities for families who wish to have their children attend summer school. Two sessions are in play while the first session is already in motion and 2^nd session starts July 6, 2009. For interested parents who wish to enroll their children during the summer period, simply call the school for availability.

Our programs also invite international students from abroad. LISS believes that cultural immersion plays a significant role in the development of a child’s success. “This way our children would be able to make friends with Japanese, Korean and Russian students who are enrolled and will be enrolled sometime this summer”, added Pangelinan.

LISS invites the public to take advantage of this opportunity, get your child moving and learning during this summer period.

Closing out the school year!

As we settle our books and pencils down with today being the last day of the school year 2008/9, and the dry erase marker to be left on the white board base and the classroom lights are to be turned off and left untouched for the summer, our teachers bid farewell to our students and look forward to another school year with them in 2009/10.

Here, the faculty says THANK YOU for a wonderful year, THANK YOU for cherished moments, THANK YOU for being with us at LISS.

Your LISS Faculty!

Social Life Study & Experience

By: Christina Sakaziro, 1st Grade Teacher

The first stop on our fieldtrip was at the Saipan Governor Fitial’s office in Capitol Hill. We were greeted by Angel, who once served as a council member for the CNMI Municipal Council.  Angel toured us around the governor’s building and at the same time, we met several important people including the Lieutenant Governor, and the CNMI Attorney General.  

The Governor was in Washington D.C. but students were able to meet and capture a momenton film with Lieutenant Governor Eloy Inos.  The Students saw the Governor’s office and the desk where he sits and makes the difficult decisions for the island, it's people and lifestyle of every individual in the CNMI.  The students were excited while learning important public official roles, their names, and their titles following their responsibilities. 

• The attorney general is the state's "chief legal officer."  When legally challenged, he defends the constitutionality of state statutes and actions of state officials.  He also can bring suits or defend the state in suits involving the state's interests, rights and claims. However, many agencies in the state hire their own lawyers to also represent their agency interests. 
• The attorney general represents the state in every felony criminal case appeal and death sentence reviews by the state Supreme Court. 
• He or she has the responsibility to institute legal action to remove from some government officials from elective office
• The Attorney General has authority to seek the ouster from various offices any public official holding office illegally (such as a felony conviction).  This ouster power does not, however, include offices covered by the the state's impeachment provisions in which the Missouri House institutes ouster proceedings.
• The attorney general operates consumer-protection services including administration of the state's "No Call List" dealing with telemarketers, enforcement of Missouri's Consumer Protection Act and enforcement of anti-trust laws.   The attorney general also serves as the state's chief prosecutor for securities fraud. 

The current attorney general is Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jay Nixon, who finishing his fourth term.

 

After the governor’s office visit, the students looked forward to touring the police station in Susupe.  The students showed extreme interest in the officers equipment.  Sergeant Macaranas and Officer Tanaka educated students about the officers equipment and how they are being used in certain emergency situations.  Sergeant Macaranas also presented police responsibilities.  The students were ecstatic and a few students shared their interest in becoming a law enforcement officers in the future. 

The Fire Station tour was not until noon. The students went off to Shirley's for lunch as they had to wait a while.   After having the tasty nuggets with fries meal, the students agreed to go to the public library.  While at Library, Ms. Nina read the history of Memorial Day.  The students learned more details about Memorial Day as well entertained themselves with the joys of reading.  

The Garapan Fire Station tour was inviting and well worth the experience.  Fun, yet educational, these fire fighters covered several important areas for students to learn about the fire fighter job and responsibilities. Topics were from basic firefighting, truck company operations, fire prevention, emergency medical services, rescue operations, safety & survival, engine company operations, command post, training officers, emergency vehicle operations, hazardous materials, and some drills.  Students were amazed by the siren sounds, uniforms, and trucks.

The complexity made this field trip such a long day, however, the students emjoyed themeselves through the meeting of various top leaders and their roles played in the CNMI. 

LISS Looks to Provide Higher Education Opportunities to its Students

Ladera International School of Saipan (LISS) welcomed a professional group called Laurus & Education. This company out of South Korea, focuses on admissions counseling to graduating students to enter well known universities in the mainland U.S.  LISS through Laurus & Education looks to provide educational opportunities for students who wish to enhance themselves in top universities.  The partnership being built will enable LISS’ students to possibly avail of scholarships to major well known universities.  

Over the years, they have succeeded to placing students in universities that the students themselves never thought possible.  “Ivy League was just a dream for me. With Laurus, now I am going to UPENN”, stated UPENN student Woochang Lee.  Laurus & Education is an exceptional organization supporting students in their passion to reach their goals through education.  With their team of professionals that come from different known universities such as Stanford, Yale, Harvard, Cambridge, Columbia, Northwestern, Smith, Princeton, Cornell, Agnes Scott, and Georgia Tech, it is no wonder they are one of the most trusted names in South Korea in setting up students for universities of their choice. 

“It is not easy to get into an Ivy League school, but with our partnership with Laurus & Education, we see that our students or students from the CNMI can make a dream come true. LISS will constantly enhance student opportunities as the school focuses on it’s students character and academics ultimately resulting into successful leaders and citizens for the future”, stated LISS Director Wayne Pangelinan.

Culture Week 2009 - Celebrating Diversity!

Summer Sessions Open up at LISS for 2009

Ladera International School of Saipan is eager to announce its 2^nd summer school program highlighting activities conforming to its academic standards. This summer, LISS will offer summer classes from 1st grade to 11th grade. Subjects taught in the class are focused on enhancing the students Math, Science, Social Studies, and English skills.

Limited slots available for the summer program and interested parents/guardians should contact the school asap to reserve slots for each grade level. “LISS is offering 10 slots per grade level and from experience last summer, we filled those slots fairly quickly”, stated Wayne Pangelinan, LISS Director.

This summer LISS expects to have a large number of students. “We are confident that the experience we leave each child will be rewarding. We are expecting students from Japan, Korea and Russia together with our local children availing of the program. This allows for cultural exchange as well building of international relations”, added Pangelinan.

Summer program commences in June 8- July 3, 2009 1^st session and from July 6-31, 2009 for the 2^nd session.

Culture WEEK at LISS

Ladera students celebrate Culture Day

Thursday, 09 April 2009 00:00 By Junhan B. Todeno - Variety News Staff

STUDENTS of Ladera International School of Saipan yesterday showcased 11 different cultures as part of their week-long Cultural Day celebration.

Sixth grade teacher Connie Nakamura poses with her students. Her class showcased German culture during the week-long Cultural Day celebration of Ladera International School of Saipan. Their presentation won first prize. Photo by Junhan B. Todeno

Over a hundred kindergarten to 11th grade students, their teachers and parents joined the presentation of cultures in their classrooms.

Wayne Pangelinan, LISS director and owner’s representative, said each classroom selected a particular culture.

“They learned about it and brought the culture into reality in their classroom,” Pangelinan said.

Yesterday, each class took turns in visiting each classroom to see and learn about new cultures.

This year, the school decide to make Culture Day a week-long event, Pangelinan said.

Parents, he added, played a very important role because they volunteered to provide cultural artifacts and objects that the students displayed in the classroom.

“We have more involvement of parents and teachers this year,” he said.

Culture Day and similar programs are important “because we want to build leaders and we are very certain our students will grow to be outstanding adults in the future,” he added.

LISS students include mainland Americans, Filipinos, Chamorros, Carolinians, Japanese and Koreans.

The kindergarten 4 and 5 classes of Gen Angeles, showcased American culture; the second grade class of Nina Rivera, Filipino culture; the third grade class of Susan Satur, Thai; the fourth grade class of Gus Wheeler, Mexican; the fifth grade class of Andrea Duenas, Chinese; the sixth grade class of Connie Nakamura, German; the seventh grade class of Tony Satur, Carolinian; the eighth grade class of Lita Guevara, French; the ninth grade class of George Pangelinan, Canadian; the 10th grade class of James Phillips, Italian; and the 11th grade class of Richard Waldo, Korean.

Edwin Propst and Lisa Lunde were the judges of the cultural showcase.

The sixth graders got the first prize of $50, while the K4/K5 students finished second and received a $30 cash prize.

Sharing the $20 third prize were the first and second graders.

LISS in the News...Marianas Variety April 8, 2009

LISS promotes edu-tourism

LISS volun-tourism participants pose for a photo during their cleanup at Paupau Beach on Saturday. Contributed photo

LISS — Ladera International School of Saipan continues to open many more doors to the development of education tourism in the CNMI. 
The school’s president is in Jeju Island, South Korea representing the LISS Golf-English program while a junior golf tournament is taking place. 
This allows LISS to reach thousands of junior golfers who may consider the CNMI as an avenue to practice golf and their English language as well.
Additionally, LISS is also opening an environmental volun-tourism program.
LISS will be inviting environmental enthusiast from abroad to come to Saipan and support the cause of protecting nature. 
LISS at the same time expresses admiration for Beautify CNMI’s continued presence in the community and for its advocacy of environmental issues. 
In other LISS related news, Ladera International School of Saipan will give back to the community once again this summer. 
The summer school for grade levels 1-11th is now open for student registration.  Limited slots are available and parents/guardians who are interested must contact the school for more information.  School year 2009/10 is now open for registration as well.  For more details, call 288-2006.

Beach Volleyball Pros Visit LISS

Ladera International School of Saipan (LISS) welcomed professional beach volleyball players who are here on island to compete in the 17^th Annual Beach Volleyball Tournament.  This event is slated for this weekend at the Pacific Islands Club Saipan. 

Ms. Jennifer Snyder, Mr. Phil Dalhausser and Mr. Paul Baxter received a joyous treat while the LISS students from K4/5 through High School gave a warm cheer on their behalf.  “Through collaborated efforts, LISS and the PIC Saipan organized this special occasion where the professional volleyball players would deliver a motivational speech to our students as well give our students a chance to get autographs from the pros themselves”, stated Wayne Pangelinan, LISS Director. 

“The purpose of our engagement with this activity is to show our students that we can become what we choose if we are determined and focused”, added Pangelinan. 

“Please tell me who invited these pro players to our school, we thank them for this opportunity!” stated Christina Carulla, LISS 8^th grade student. 

On behalf of the Faculty, staff and students of LISS, we thank Ms. Snyder, Mr. Dalhausser, Mr. Baxter, Mr Jon Cramer and Ms. Kanae Quinn of PIC for making this happen. We also wish them good luck in the tournament as they face competitive players from Japan, Korea and the CNMI.