Benguet sets class suspension guidelines

By Nancy Lee B. Banaña

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – To avoid unnecessary suspension of classes and strictly observe 208 school days this school year 2018-2019, the Schools Division of Benguet released division memorandum number 134 stipulating guidelines on suspension of classes.

Benguet Schools Division Superintendent Marie Carolyn B. Verano, said schools shall not deviate from the SY 2018-2019 school calendar issued by the Dept. of Education through DepEd Order No. 025 series 2018.

Verano added the DepEd regional office shall issue prior notification in cases there will be national or local celebrations and holidays other than those listed in the school calendar.

Accordingly, there shall be automatic suspension of classes at the preschool level in both public and private elementary schools in cases of typhoons and other calamities when signal number one is raised by PAGASA.

When the typhoon signal no. 2 is raised, classes at the preschool, elementary, and secondary levels shall be automatically suspended in all public and private schools.

Meanwhile, when there shall be no typhoon signals from PAGASA, localized suspension of classes hall be implemented in both public and private schools.

The superintendent, however, shall decide on the suspension of classes if it applies to the entire division.

If the suspension of classes affects specific schools only, the school head shall decide on the matter.

Said memo further clarifies that local activities and observances that involve student participation like competitions, festivals, press conferences, culminating activities, and field demonstrations must be regulated to avoid disruption of classes.

PTA general assemblies, if not done before the start of classes, shall be conducted alongside with parent-teacher conferences, which is set every second saturday or after quarterly examinations, to minimize disruption of classes.

Meanwhile, Veranosaid  parents have the ultimate responsibility in determining whether their children should report to school, even if there is no order of suspension of classes during rainy days.

“During rainy season, they [parents] are the first to assess whether to send or not to send their children to school especially if they feel that traveling to or from school would put their children to risk,” she said. She urged school authorities to advise earners to use protective gears like raincoats, rain boots, and umbrellas.

Bringing of extra clothing at school was also recommended.