1. It has been observed that some schools are conducting activities not included in the localized school calendar and without the permission from the Division Office. Relative to this, stipulations in DepEd Order No. 9, s. 2005 entitled “Instituting Measures to Increase Engaged Time-On-Task and Ensuring Compliance Therewith” are reiterated for strict compliance.
READ: INSTITUTING MEASURES TO INCREASE ENGAGED TIME-ON-TASK AND ENSURING COMPLIANCE THEREWITH
2. Be reminded of the following:
a. A school day is defined as a day devoted to instructionally relevant activities pursuant to engaging students in learning the lessons of the curriculum. Any school day or part of a school day spent otherwise is classified as a disruption.
b. Classes should not be suspended even while there are school celebrations of important historical events or significant occasions. Simple announcements in bulletin boards, rather than streamers, would suffice.
c. Only schools with school papers shall be allowed to participate in local schools press conferences.
d. Every school head shall prepare an implementation plan for the five-day mid-year break which shall include the in-service training program for teachers and the assignments/projects/homework to be given to students for that period.
3. For activities not included in the localized school calendar from the Division Office, submission of request for approval of activities shall be done at least ten (10) working days to provide ample time for review and for information to all stakeholders concerned.
4. Also, as indicated in DepEd Order Nos. 23 and 29, s. 2016 entitled “School Calendar for School Year 2016-2017″, make-up classes are recommended in lieu of class cancellation due to occurrence of natural and man-made calamities. To ensure quality in the school operation and actual teaching-learning, a 180-day non-negotiable contact time for teachers and the physical presence of school heads in school shall be enforced.