Back to school frenzy

This week was just full of roller-coaster emotions. From students who were so eager to go back to their classrooms, teachers who were irritated at the late enrollees, and parents who were in fear because of the kidnapping threats left and right. I guess just as when the gates of the schools reopened for in-person classes, we were already getting close to what we were pre-pandemic.

In an assessment by the Department of Education in the region, there weren't much problems here compared to other areas. However, we are still reeling from the effects of super typhoon Odette that ravaged the provinces last year. This means we have fewer classrooms to use because most of them were damaged. Surprisingly, eight months after the calamity, repairs have not started in some schools yet.

The Department's Regional Director Salustiano Jimenez said that it took time for the Central Office to download the budget to our level so that it would be put into work. On the other hand, some local government units did not find it a priority to repair them while months after the typhoon led to the elections. Around this time, a ban took place.

Our students now have to bear with a cramped schedule either on a morning or afternoon shift. They should be taught subjects for six hours, three times a week in-person. For the rest of the days, they would be at home supposedly doing schoolwork assigned to them. It sounds a bit daunting but in some ways I find it a win-win solution.

For one, the shifting of classes has paved the way to a smaller teacher-to-student ratio which would be more conducive for learning. The time of these shifted classes also starts early, which means students have to be in school before the rush hour period to avoid heavy traffic. Lastly, it gives one more time to reflect and relax, which is needed to take care of mental health.

However, the downside is that we are not 100% sure that all performance tasks being assigned to do at home are done. The afternoon classes will also have to go through the burden of going home late, which could be dangerous for them. Notorious groups have taken advantage of the situation and created hoax social media postings about kidnappings.

The Philippine National Police have also stood their ground that the reports circulated on social media have no basis. They also found no evidence of the allegations, only evidence to hold the proliferator responsible. While the issue is not one to downplay, we also should not believe right away in unverified information.

In a nutshell, the first week of face-to-face classes did render birthing pains to students, parents, teachers, and the community alike. After two years of going off grid and doing everything online, this is something we must get used to. I hope that next week, all sectors are able to adjust and improve their services.