DepEd June School Opening Preparations for 2025 Onwards

What You Need to Know About DepEd’s Preparations for June 2024 School Year Opening

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines is gearing up for a significant transition as it prepares for the coming school year 2024-2025. In February, Department Order No. 003 S. of 2024 was released. According to DepEd Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas, the department is rolling out plans to move school days to the third week of July (July 29) up to March 31 next year. This is seen as a necessary first step to revert to old schedules. Classes and school days for the incoming school year are expected to be affected.

To revert to the old school calendar, DepEd’s response has included various measures and adjustments from the previous school calendar being put in place.

Here are the key items you need to know about DepEd June school opening preparations for 2025:

Reverting to the Old School Calendar

The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to revert to old school days, marking a significant shift back to pre-pandemic schedules. According to Assistant Secretary Francis Bringas, the upcoming school year 2024-2025 will see the school year starting in June, a move that seeks to realign with the traditional academic calendar.

DepEd is also adjusting the schedules for classes to better accommodate the new school calendar (based on old academic calendar). These adjustments aim to ensure that teaching strands and learning sessions are optimized for the new academic calendar.

Approval from the President

The proposed adjustment to immediately revert to the previous school calendar has received the President’s approval. President Marcos has greenlighted this change, enabling DepEd to proceed with the preparations needed for the June school opening.

Addressing Extreme Heat

One of the primary reasons for this change is to avoid holding classes during the hottest months of the year. By shifting the school calendar, DepEd aims to mitigate the complications arising from extreme heat, which affects both students and teachers.

Senate Basic Education Committee’s Role

The Senate Basic Education Committees have been actively involved with the Department of Education (DepEd) in discussions regarding this change. Resource persons and experts have provided insights to ensure that the shift back to the old calendar is smooth and beneficial for all stakeholders. Their involvement also guarantees that learning challenges are minimized as school days are expected to immediately revert to old schedules.

Impact on Summer Vacation

With the school year starting in June, the summer vacation will now align with the traditional April-May period. This adjustment allows young people to enjoy their summer break during the hottest months, providing a more comfortable vacation period. With the consecutive heatwaves, this is a welcome reprieve for families with school-aged children.

Matatag Curriculum Implementation

The upcoming school year 2024-2025 will also see the implementation of the Matatag curriculum. This new curriculum focuses on enhancing learning competencies and ensuring that students are better equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge.

The focus on enhancing learning competencies is a key aspect of DepEd’s preparations. The Matatag curriculum is designed to improve educational outcomes and ensure that students are achieving the desired competencies with the help of upskilled teachers.

Agency Projects and Initiatives

In preparation for the June school opening, various agency projects are underway. These initiatives include upgrading school facilities, training teachers, and ensuring that all necessary resources are available for all parties to immediately return to the past schedule.

Face-to-Face Classes

With the return to the old school calendar, face-to-face classes are expected to be conducted more regularly. This shift is part of DepEd’s broader strategy to enhance the quality of education by facilitating more in-person interactions between teachers and students.

Preparations

Students’ Adaptation

Students are also preparing for the shift. The change in the academic calendar means they will need to adjust to new schedules and possibly a shorter school break. However, the benefits of avoiding extreme heat and having a more traditional summer vacation are expected to outweigh these adjustments.

Schools’ Preparation

Schools in Metro Manila are particularly focused on preparations for the upcoming school year. Given the density and size of the student population in this region, ensuring a smooth transition is a top priority.

Coordination with Other Educational Bodies

DepEd is working closely with other educational bodies and committees to ensure that the transition is seamless. This includes coordination with the Senate Basic Education Committee and other relevant stakeholders.

Communication and Updates

DepEd is committed to keeping all stakeholders informed about the progress of these preparations. Regular updates and communications on the official website are being provided to ensure that everyone is aware of the changes and ready for the upcoming school year.

The Impending Revert to the Old School Calendar

The immediate revert to the old school calendar has presented some challenges and many complications with a shorter period to transition. However, DepEd is confident that with proper planning and execution, the transition can be managed effectively.

As DepEd prepares for the June school opening, the emphasis is on ensuring a smooth transition, enhancing educational quality, and providing a conducive learning environment for both students and teachers. The shift back to the old school calendar marks a significant change, but with careful planning and coordination, DepEd is confident in its successful implementation.