Ads by Google Ads by Google

Most students will be back in the classroom full time after White Sunday

Some of the school principals and officials from various divisions
Many teachers — and a lot of parents — pleased with the decision
reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Except for Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School, which has ongoing construction projects on its campus, Education director Dr. Ruth Matagi Tofiga said all public schools would be back on full schedule of classroom instruction on Oct. 13th — after the upcoming long weekend of White Sunday, Oct. 11th, followed by the local and federal holiday on Monday, Oct. 12th.

Dr. Matagi-Tofiga made the official announcement in a statement last Friday following a meeting with public school principals and senior officials from the local Education Department’s divisions of Elementary, Secondary, E-Rate, Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Special Education (SPED).

Matagi-Tofiga said that the end of the first quarter of school year 2020-2021 is nearing and school will go back to full schedule after White Sunday, which will be October 13, and “just in time for student evaluation and progress reports.”

This “data is vital in identifying educational gaps that the department can address in moving forward during these unprecedented times,” said Matagi-Tofiga, who pointed out that the only exception to full schedule is Nu’uuli Vocational High, “due to limited school facilities, as the school is going through a major school construction and renovation.”

“The school principals were urged to meet with school staff and parents, and inform them of the changes,” she said. “My sincere gratitude to parents and the community for your continued support, and together, we will persevere through this most unusual event.”

A handful of teachers reached by Samoa News over the weekend, say they prefer in-classroom instruction and are pleased with the decision, which ensures “proper education” for students.

“And this is so very important for senior students,” said one teacher.

Classrooms for the new public school year, under the theme “Wisdom and Prudence Dwell Together” opened on Aug. 31st, with ASDOE’s already implemented plan of conducting education with a combination of classroom instruction and virtual learning, for schools with enrollments of 500 and more. Social distancing and wearing masks were also put in place.

During ASDOE budget hearing last month, some lawmakers called on the director to consider returning to full classroom instruction, especially with no local COVID-19 case, as the department was facing various challenges such as shortage of teachers, lack of supplies, and internet under the E-rate program not working at all public schools.

Among the concerns raised by parents with their lawmakers on virtual learning is the lack of internet connection for many families and trying to have someone home with their children to monitor their classwork.