A Pandemic Milestone: Back to School Tips to Consider for the Opening of Classes

Among the last to return and fully adapt to the new normal after months of lockdown are the physical, face-to-face classes in the Philippines. Now that facing the screens and doing overwhelming modules will be lessened, the country further prepares for the opening of classes while equipping itself to fight the still invisible virus. Knowingly, the education sector and the teachers play a huge part in ensuring that learning is still carried out to the students. Unfortunately, COVID infections can still occur in educational institutions. Still, when these schools implement prevention strategies in the classrooms and the whole vicinity, the chances of spreading the virus can be significantly low.

Finally, the resumption and opening of physical classes reflect a lot of improvement in the state of this untoward phase happening worldwide. More so, the onset of face-to-face classes and the era of back to school this August is likely because of the high rise of vaccinated Filipinos, including teachers and children. The cooperation of Filipinos in adhering to the government and national health and safety protocols also counts. With this, the opening of schools and physical classes is fully supported by the national and international governing bodies and authorities.

Nervous to feel the ambiance of the classrooms once again and joyfully meet your friends and classmates. Are you getting excited to return to commute or walk to school? Should you also be as armored with the necessary essentials and practical things to remember as you get ready to be exposed again to the four walls of the classroom outside the four corners of the laptop screen?

We have compiled the most practical, new normal back-to-school tips and things to remember to be prepared with the opening of classes, addressing all participating individuals in this pandemic milestone.

Each school, university, or college has varying guidelines on the implementation of mandatory back-to-school health tips and protocols, but with that being said, wearing of face mask sure is the common denominator. Whether vaccinated or not, wearing face masks is highly recommended, especially in indoor classrooms and interacting with people. As you return to school and face your classmates and teachers, consistently and correctly wear a comfortable and fitting face mask. You can also bring an extra one or two secured in your backpacks if possible.

Expect new normal protocols in your schools, such as temperature checks, isolation for anyone with symptoms, and enforcing social distancing in classrooms, canteens, and school halls. Handwashing stations are also expected to be upgraded in your school, and proper ventilation, barriers, and signage to remind you to keep safe and to stay protected.

What’s in your backpack? Ensure to have alcohol, sanitizers, soaps, extra face masks, and disinfecting wipes in your hygiene kit that you will bring daily on your way to school. It is also best recommended to bring your own water bottle, utensils, extra ballpen, pad paper, and lunch boxes to lessen physical contact between your hands, face, and mouth with other outside objects.

The national government and Philippine health sectors are still keen on emphasizing the need to vaccinate yourself and availing your booster shots. Although vaccination is not required among students to return to physical, face-to-face classes in the Philippines, you can still think and opt to protect yourself further from the coronavirus by getting your vaccine doses before the opening of classes this month.

Vaccination drives and sites are still ongoing, as well as inoculation of the secondary series or booster shots in your local barangays and, soon, in your respective schools and universities.

Hybrid learning is still on though physical classes have returned. Other students are still anxious and worried about returning to school physically but do not fret since the education department still orders to go on with the online classroom setups in some subjects and class schedules. Whatever the setup, you can still learn and be comfortable, knowing that most students have already adapted to the pandemic learning setup. Regarding the hybrid classes, it is best to connect with your school administrator and ask for assistance and options on how you can still integrate genuine learning in the most comfortable setup.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more back-to-school updates and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Palawan, Philippines!