The Department of Education (DepEd) has announced that the resumption of classes for all schools after the Christmas break will be on January 2, 2024. This decision aligns with the official school calendar, which aims to fulfill the required number of school days for the academic year. While the intention is clear—to ensure students receive the mandated instructional hours—many stakeholders find the January 2 resumption challenging, particularly in light of its timing.
Why January 2?
The DepEd school calendar is meticulously crafted to meet the required 200 school days for the academic year, as stipulated in education policies. This schedule is essential for maintaining the quality of education and ensuring that students receive adequate instruction time. Recent years have seen numerous disruptions due to natural calamities, typhoons, and other unforeseen events. These suspensions have created significant challenges in achieving the required number of school days, leaving little room for flexibility in the academic calendar.
Resuming classes on January 2 is therefore seen as a way to maximize the available school days. By returning promptly after the holiday break, schools can stay on track and avoid extending the school year unnecessarily. This decision underscores the importance of education continuity, especially in a country frequently affected by weather-related disruptions.
The Timing Dilemma
However, January 2 falls on a Thursday, just a day after New Year’s celebrations. It’s a time when students, teachers, and parents alike are still recovering from the festivities. The sleeplessness and general fatigue from welcoming the New Year can impact everyone’s readiness to return to school. Moreover, a two-day school week (Thursday and Friday) before the weekend might feel disjointed and unproductive, raising concerns about efficiency and attendance.
The Case for January 6
Resuming classes on Monday, January 6, offers a more practical and considerate alternative. Here’s why:
Adequate Rest and Preparation: Allowing a few extra days for students and teachers to rest and recover from the holidays can ensure that they return to school refreshed and ready to engage in learning.
Seamless Transition: Starting on a Monday aligns with the traditional weekly schedule, creating a more cohesive transition back to academic routines.
Higher Attendance Rates: A January 6 resumption might encourage better attendance, as families traveling for the holidays will have more time to return home.
Balancing the School Calendar
If DepEd considers moving the resumption to January 6, adjustments would be necessary to maintain the required number of school days. Options could include:
Extending the school year by a few days.
Reducing the number of non-teaching days or in-service training days.
Adding extra hours to existing school days to make up for lost time.
Final Thoughts
While the January 2 resumption is rooted in the need to maximize instructional days, the practical realities of the post-holiday season cannot be ignored. DepEd’s commitment to education quality is commendable, but flexibility in scheduling could enhance the well-being and productivity of both students and teachers. A January 6 start might strike a better balance between meeting academic requirements and respecting the holiday realities faced by many Filipino families