After almost two years of distant learning, schools in Camarines Norte officially welcomes students today for the start of expanded limited face to face classes.
As many as 87, 943 students from Kindergarten to Senior High School are expected to attend their first official face to face classes in various schools in the province.
According to Schools Division Superintendent Nympha Guemo, said number of students is only 35 % of the total population of students in basic education.
Among these, 62, 508 students or 63.5% in elementary level expressed their intention to participate in face to face classes from the total number of 98, 431 students while only 34. 42 % or 20, 585 students out of 59, 799 in Junior Highschool signified participation.
While in Senior High School, only 4, 850 out of a total of 16, 449 or 29. 49 % said they will participate in face to face classes.
Guemo said DepEd is determined to implement limited face to face classes to address the problems and grievances of both parents and students in distance learning.
According to the Superintendent, among the complaints are difficulty in understanding lessons using modular method as well as technological problems since not everybody has access to learning gadgets and internet connection.
The authenticity of the assessment is also a concern since there are instances where the students do not answer the modules and rely on the help of others especially the parents.
There are also concern about challenges in the mental health of students since the onset of the pandemic.
On the other side, schools have long before prepared for the face to face classes. Changes in school set – up were noticeable like thermal scanners on entry points and presence of markers for entrance and exit points of students as well as for social distancing.
Sanitation areas where students can wash their hands are also established in schools prime location.
There are also barriers among students’ tables and desks to ensure proper distancing all along with the strict implementation of minimum health protocols especially wearing of masks.
It can be recalled that early this year the Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary expressed optimism that all schools in the country would eventually transition from limited face-to-face classes to the new normal phase in the school year 2022-2023.
