It’s back to school on June 4
VACATION is over.
School year 2012-2013 starts tomorrow, June 4, for all public schools around the country, which also marks the launch of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) new K + 12 program.
The K + 12 will be slowly integrated, starting with the required kindergarten level for all six-year olds. The other 12 years cover seven in the primary level and five in secondary, with a goal of having graduates who will already be qualified for certain employment without needing to go through college.
Last week was enrollment time, during which school officials and teachers were strongly reminded of the government’s “no-collection” policy.
Dr. William Macob of DepEd Dagupan City Division Office said the standing order prohibiting public schools from collecting fees during enrollment was strictly observed.
The “no collection” policy is one of the government’s anti-poverty measures to put every Filipino learner in school.
The “no collection” order is in effect during the entire school year for students in kindergarten up to grade 4, Macob stressed during the Pantongtongan Tayo radio program of the Philippine Information Agency on Tuesday.
Some fees, however, will be collected from students in the grade five level and higher. These fees could include P50 for the Boy Scout of the Philippines or Girl Scout of the Philippines, P35 for Red Cross and P5 for Anti-TB. School organ fee is P60 for elementary and P90 for high school.
Likewise, the school may also collect fees for the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA), the amount of which will be determined by its members, and a student government fee, according to DepEd guidelines.
The collection, however, cannot start earlier than August and should be done on a voluntary basis, he stressed.
The DepEd has so far not received any complaint regarding the violation of the policy, according to Macob. (with report from PIA-Pangasinan)
SECURITY ASSURED
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police gave assurance that it is prepared to ensure peace, security and order on the opening day of classes
P/Chief Insp. Edison Revita, deputy police community relations officer of PNP-Pangasinan, said police officers have been directed to maximize visibility in school areas and main thoroughfares.
He said most of the crimes committed during the opening of classes, especially in areas where there are big crowds, include pickpocketing, salisi and even budol–budol. Gang war among kids is also prevalent in some schools, he added.
The PNP has coordinated with school principals and the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPATs) in every town to augment the police force.
A 24-hour patrol in school vicinities will also be conducted.
At the same time, Revita urged parents to accompany their small children to and from school and reminded older students to avoid strangers. (PIA-Pangasinan)
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