Wondering what the new face of in-person learning looks like?
In a series of photos sent by the Department of Education (DepEd) on Wednesday, Nov. 3, the preparations of public schools selected for the pilot run of limited face-to-face to start this month are in full swing.
The Tamulaya Elementary School in Polillo Island, for instance, is already preparing to welcome the students once the pilot run of limited face-to-face classes starts.
The school, which is under the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Quezon Province, is among the 100 public schools that passed the assessment and evaluation of DepEd and the Department of Health (DOH).
The school retrofitted its facilities to help ensure that minimum health protocols will be observed for the safety of everyone during the pilot run.
In this photo, the school designated a specific handwashing area so the students, teachers and other personnel can wash their hands as often as possible.
Additional handwashing facilities, such as this, were also put up to ensure that those who will participate in the pilot face-to-face classes will have access to clean water and soap to wash their hands.
Experts have repeatedly reminded the public that handwashing is among the most effective ways to prevent the further spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Signages saying “Keep your distance” are placed in conspicuous places inside the school to remind everyone about the importance of social distancing.
As advised by health experts, keeping one to two meters distance from other people can help combat the spread of COVID-19.
In this classroom, plastic barriers are put up to separate chairs and tables.
Names of the students were also printed and placed in specific areas to indicate their respective learning spaces.
This photo shows a classroom where seats, with plastic barriers, are arranged one to two meters apart.
As per DepEd, there will be smaller class sizes during the pilot run. Only 12 pupils will be allowed for Kinder; 16 for Grades 1 to 3; and 12 for Senior High School laboratory.
A specific space was also designated by the school to serve as an isolation area in case a student, teacher or personnel show signs and symptoms of COVID-19 while attending the pilot run.
In these aerial shots, the school also retrofitted its outdoor facilities such as play areas for the students while they are in school.
According to Tamulaya ES Head Teacher Lilibeth Torres, the school carefully studied the guidelines issued by DepEd and DOH for the limited in-person classes.
The school also strengthened its coordination with the Polillo local government unit (LGU) and the parents of students to ensure the safety of everyone --- especially the learners once the pilot run starts.
In compliance with guidelines issued by DOH and DepEd, all teachers in Tamulaya ES have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
DepEd told the Manila Bulletin that the school has seven teachers from Kinder to Grade 6 and one Head Teacher. Tamulaya ES also has 86 learners from Kinder to Grade 6.
Ahead of the start of the pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes for basic education, DepEd officials led by Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan and Planning Service Director Roger Masapol set out to Polillo Island in Quezon to inspect Tamulaya ES on Nov. 4.