THE RETURN OF OPENING OF CLASSES TO JUNE: REACTION OF PARENTS, STUDENTS AND TEACHERS

NYSSA D. RAMOS, EDD

The school year normally starts on the first 0onday in -une or the last day of August, the latest and ends in 0arch, as reTuired by law. But in , the government first moved back the start of the school year to August and then moved it to 2ctober owing to the pandemic s effects and the lockdown that followed. 6ince then, the start of the academic year has been moved to August, meaning that pupils are now in class from April to 0ay, which was formerly their summer break or vacation period according to the previous school calendar and a time when high temperatures were freTuently observed. 0ean while, August, 6eptember and 2ctober have been reported to be the three typhoon months that has always been e[pected in the 3hilippines.

To policymakers, there is reduced cancellation of classes related to tropical cyclones than there is with the scorching heat of the summer in the country. 6o, it is more favorable to revert to the old school calendar that being from -une to 0arch instead of the current August to 0ay. 3arents have complained about their children getting massive headaches and cases of nose bleeds from the heat leaving them absent to class. Teachers are forced to ask donations to buy more electric fans to keep their classroom well ventilated and cooler during these times. Where the return of classes in -une happens or not, the real problems lie in classroom shortages, teachers, school facilities, and health facilities.

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The author is a Teacher ,,, of 6an )ransisco Elementary 6chool, 'ivision of 0abalalacat &ity