Managing School Operations
Managing School Operations
I. Shared Responsibility
1. The school has secured support of LGUs (Barangay, Municipality, City, Province) through
a resolution or a letter of support.
2. The school has secured written consent from parents/guardians who will participate in
the limited face to face classes.
3. The school has mobilized resources and support from community stakeholders to meet
the standards of the health and safety protocols.
4. The school has conducted simulation activities among school personnel regarding
protocols and routines to replicate and discuss possible scenarios during the actual
conduct of face-to-face classes.
II. Alternative Work Arrangement
1. The school has implemented an Alternative Work Arrangement necessary to deliver
quality basic education in a safe learning environment to learners.
a. Number of teachers who physically report meets the required teacher: learner ratio
b. Teachers who physically report are 65 years old and below
c. Teachers who physically report to not have comorbidities, immunodeficiency, or any health
risk/conditions
d. Teachers who have service vehicles from and to area of residence and school e. Teachers
who physically report are from within the city/municipality where school/learning center is
located.
2. The school has oriented teaching personnel and nonteaching personnel on the
Alternative Work Arrangement that will be implemented during the limited face-to-face
classes.
III. Classroom Layout and Structure
1. The school has established mechanisms inside the classroom to ensure zero to minimal
risk of COVID-19 transmission of the learners.
a. Number of seats to be occupied must not exceed from the required number of maximum
learners in the classroom
b. Seats to be occupied must be at least 1-2 meters apart
c. Numbers of seats shall be equivalent to the number of learners present
d. Presence of markers and stickers on the floor to manage traffic system and physical
distancing inside the classroom
e. Availability of working electric fans
f. Open windows and doors at all times
g. Installation of appropriate ventilation equipment such as general and exhaust ventilation
and CO2 monitoring devices
h. Availability of a sterilization box where outputs (e.g., quiz papers) submitted by the learners
will be placed for disinfection
i. Usage of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration air purifiers to clean recirculated air
for air-conditioned spaces, provided that the unit is adequate for the size of the room in
which it is installed.
4. The school has set up a proper sanitation and hygiene facility for school-goers.
a. Availability of handwashing station with clean and safe water supply
b. Availability of clean and safe toilet facilities
c. Schedule of supervised handwashing and toothbrushing activities
d. Placement of handwashing facilities in a strategic location (e.g., school entrance)
e. Placement of trash bins in strategic locations
f. Visuals signages on proper waste management practices near trash bins
5. The school has ensured regular sanitation and disinfection of school facilities, furniture,
and equipment.
a. Schedule of sanitation of frequently touched surfaces (e.g., table, doorknobs, light switches,
etc.) every after end of a school shift
b. Schedule of disinfection of school facilities (e.g., chairs, desk, blackboard, toilet facilities)
c. Availability of sanitation and disinfecting materials
6. The school has ensured a proper disposal system of infectious wastes, such as used
tissues and masks, in noncontact receptacles.
a. Disposal of all used PPEs in a separate leak-proof yellow trash bag/container with a cover
properly labelled as “USED PPE”
b. Collection of the leak-proof yellow trash bag/container regularly or twice a day (after end of
class and after working day) from designated/specific area to the general collection area for
treatment and disposal
c. Availability of medical-grade face mask required for school personnel when
collecting/handling the leak-proof yellow trash bag/container
d. Treatment through disinfection or spraying of the collected wastes with a chlorine solution
(1:10) in accordance with DOH Department Memorandum No. 2020-0157 “Guidelines on
Cleaning and Disinfection in Various Settings as an Infection Prevention and Control Measure
Against COVID-19”
e. Disposal of the disinfected PPE with general waste to the final disposal facility
2. The school has prepared an orientation session for learners, parents, guardians,
teaching and non-teaching personnel, external stakeholders, and LGU of the eligibility
criteria for participation, existing protocols, mechanisms, and procedures needed in the
conduct of the limited face-to-face classes.
a. Schedule of the orientation (at least one week prior to the conduct of the face-to-face
classes)
b. Orientation materials are made available for distribution to teachers, learners, parents,
BLGU, DRRM team members, and persons-in-charge in ensuring observance of protocols,
mechanisms, and procedures
3. The school has a proactive COVID-19 local hotline/help desk or any similar local
mechanism that connects and coordinates to the hospitals, testing facilities, and LGUs.
4. The school has prepared a re-orientation session for school stakeholders on measures
needed for the reopening of the school in the event of resurgences and school
lockdown.
VII. Contingency Plan
1. The school has followed a decision model and contingency plan for reclosing and
reopening the school in case of COVID-19 resurgence in the community.
a. Inclusion of decision points for school lockdown dependent on the assessment and
decision of the Local Task Force against COVID-19 (LTF) with the following considerations:
When there is suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 case to facilitate disinfection and
contact tracing;
b. In the event of school lockdown, all learners shall revert to distance learning.
c. Implementation of a 24-hour granular lockdown period for disinfection following
identification/detection of suspect, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 confirmed case/s, only
after which can it be opened for use to occupants.
d. Consideration of the following for the reopening of classes after a school lockdown:
i. For fully vaccinated individuals: Seven (7)-day quarantine has been completed regardless of
negative test result
ii. For unvaccinated or with incomplete vaccination: Fourteen (14)-day quarantine has been
completed regardless of negative test result
For suspect, probable or confirmed cases, whether fully vaccinated, unvaccinated, or with
incomplete vaccination:
i. For asymptomatic: Ten (10)-day isolation have passed from the first viral diagnostic test and
remained asymptomatic throughout their infection.
ii. For mild to moderate COVID-19 confirmed cases: Ten (10)-day isolation have passed from
onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved (cough, shortness of breath),
AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without use of antipyretic medications.
iii. For severe and critical COVID-19 confirmed cases: Twenty-one (21)-day isolation has
passed from onset of the first symptom, respiratory symptoms have improved (cough,
shortness of breath) AND have been afebrile for at least 24 hours without the use of
antipyretic medications.
iv. For immunocompromised, do RT-PCR testing on the 10th day. If RT-PCR test results turn
out positive, refer to Infectious Disease Specialist. If RT-PCR test results turn out negative,
discharge from isolation.
Medical certification or repeat testing is not necessary for the safe return to work of
immunocompetent individuals, provided that a licensed medical doctor certifies or clears the
patient.
2. The school has developed strategies for the continuity of learning while the school is
closed until the local authorities have determined the safe resumption of face-to-face
classes.
a. Distance learning modalities during lockdown in the decision model and contingency
plan
b. Strategies for the reopening of schools after the lockdown in the decision model and
contingency plan
Focusing on Teaching and Learning
I. Learning Resources
1. The school has secured sufficient supply of learning resources needed for the face-to-
face classes.
a. Implementation of 1:1 Student to Self-Learning Module (SLM) to lessen student interaction
during class hours
b. Implementation of 1:1 Student to Textbook ratio to lessen student interaction during class
hours
2. The school has comprehensively profiled learners who will participate in the
implementation of the face to face classes.
a. Learners who reside within the city/municipality where the school/learning center is located
b. Learners who can walk their way to school, or ride with available private transport, or with
regulated public transportation
c. Learners without existing comorbidities
d. Prioritization of learners who require childcare, such as those whose parents must work
outside the home, or who have no directly available and immediately responsible
adults/guardians at home
e. Prioritization of learners who are heavily dependent on face-to-face learning interventions,
such as Key Stage 1 learners (Kindergarten to Grade 3)
f. Prioritization of learners who struggle to meet required learning competencies
g. Prioritization of Senior High School (SHS) learners enrolled in Technical-Vocational-
Livelihood (TVL) track requiring workshop equipment in school
h. Prioritization of learners that are documented to be affected by mental health concerns that
may be eased by face-to-face interactions
2. The school has oriented teachers on their budget of work and ensured that the school
requirement for the learners is in observance of academic ease.
a. Orientation on the implementation of the Most Essential Learning Competencies
(MELCs) included in their budget of work during the limited face-to-face classes
b. Orientation on the observance of academic ease and provision of flexibility to
learners in managing limited face-to-face classes
Well-Being and Protection
I. Personal Protective Equipment
1. The school has secured sufficient supply of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for
learners and school personnel.
a. 1:1 Face mask to Person (daily) ratio
b. 1:1 Face shield to Person ratio
c. 1:1 Toothbrush and Toothpaste to Learner ratio (K-6 learners)
d. 1:1 Bar of soap to Learner ratio enough for 5x of handwashing per day (K-6 learners)
e. Availability of emergency health kits that include PPEs and other needed supplies and
materials in the school clinic
f. Availability of PPEs for COVID-19 team members, health personnel, and maintenance, and
security guards
2. The school has secured adequate supply of face masks, face shields, and/or other
COVID-19 protective gears for learners.
a. 1:1 Replacement of lost and damaged PPE to Person ratio
3. The school has ensured that the available sanitation and disinfection materials are
approved by the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) such as:
a. Sodium hypochlorite recommended ratio of 0.1% (1000 ppm) by dissolving % tsp of
chlorine or 2 g to 2L of clean water for regular disinfection, and recommended ratio of 0.5%
(5000 ppm) for body fluids by dissolving 1 tbsp of chlorine or 10 g to 2L of clean water
b. Ethanol in all surfaces at a recommended ratio of 70-90%, or
c. Hydrogen peroxide in all surfaces at a recommended ratio of >0.5%
4. The school has secured sufficient supply of sanitation and disinfection materials for
strategic school locations.
a. 1:1 bottle of hand-sanitizers/alcohol-based solutions/other disinfectants to restroom
b. 1:1 bottle of hand-sanitizers/alcohol-based solutions/other disinfectants to classroom
c. 1:1 bottle of hand-sanitizers/alcohol-based solutions/other disinfectants to entrance/exit
point
5. The school has ensured PPE requirements, specifications, and standards for different
types of COVID-19 management activities in accordance with DOH DM 2020-0176A.
a. Availability of medical mask and face shields for triage and screening of individuals in
points of entry (for personnel in school entrances)
b. Availability of medical mask, goggles or face shield, gloves, gown for caring for a suspected
case of COVID-19 with no aerosolgenerating procedure (for personnel in school clinics)
c. Availability of respirator (N95 or FFP2), goggles or face shield, gloves, gown for caring for
suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19 with no aerosol-generating procedure for personnel
in school clinics)
d. Availability of full PPE for assisting in transporting passengers to a healthcare facility
g. Designation of private screening area at the entrance where school-goers who show
symptoms upon screening can be further examined, or referred
h. Designation of separate space where sick school-goers who have been managed in the
clinic can temporarily stay, awaiting referral to the appropriate health facility, without creating
stigma
i. Designation of clinic teachers(s) in absence of school health personnel, who shall provide
basic health services and facilitate referral in coordination with the school health personnel at
SDO, in absence of school-based health personnel
j. Orientation to the clinic teacher by the school health personnel at the SDO for proper
guidance on how to effectively run the school clinic
k. Reiteration of protocols for learners, teachers, and personnel who manifest COVID-19
symptoms to not physically report to school and seek medical advice virtually if possible
l. Record of students’ health status and development, including immunization checks to
prevent outbreak-prone vaccine-preventable disease (e.g., measles)
4. The school has developed strategies in providing psychosocial support to the learners,
teachers, and personnel.
a. Allotment of time and preparation of modules on Mental Health to be facilitated by their
respective classroom advisers or designated teachers
b. Designation of trained teachers who will facilitate activities fostering Mental Health such as
mental health topics, nature of COVID-19, and preventive measures (WASH, physical
distancing, etc.)
c. Setting up of an operational Guidance Office that is staffed by a registered guidance
counsellor (RGC) or a designated guidance associate (not an RGC but is trained on MHPSS
and is capable of effective referral) every school day, to provide basic mental health services
to learners, teachers, and personnel who may need such services
d. Availability of a hotline/online platform in the SDOs to provide counselling services to
learners, teachers, and personnel who require counselling services, in absence of an RGC
e. Provision of specialized psychosocial support to learners, teachers and personnel who are
confirmed to be positive, under isolation/ quarantine, and categorized as suspect and
probable, through the Guidance Office using the DRRMS MHPSS materials as reference
f. Establishment and contextualization of the inter-sectoral referral pathways to ensure that
psychosocial needs of both the personnel and the learners are provided
g. Engagement of parents, guardians, or any care providers of learners on taking care of
mental health and creating a positive environment
h. Coordination of mechanisms to ensure that the mental health and the basic needs of
learners and personnel with pre-existing mental health conditions and special needs including
neurologic and substance abuse disorders such as medications and other key services are
provided
i. Strict adherence to Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 in the provision
of mental health services and referral
j. Promotion of “school-life balance” through proper scheduling of schoolwork that will allow
learners to enjoy quality time at home
k. Mobilization of trained Psychological First Aid (PFA) providers of the schools to provide
necessary mental health and psychosocial support to concerned personnel or learners
5. The school has established a clear procedure of referral system for COVID-19 confirmed
and suspected personnel and learners.
a. Communication plan which includes coordination system with LGU for school personnel
and learners who show flulike symptoms
b. Communication plan which includes a referral system for COVID-19 confirmed and
suspected personnel and learners
c. Flow chart of the referral system
6. The school has established a clear contact tracing and quarantine system for close
contacts of COVID-19 confirmed positive cases.
a. Communication plan which includes coordination system with local health authorities in
contact tracing and quarantine of close contacts of confirmed COVID-19 positive cases
b. Communication plan which includes notification of family/parent(s)/guardian(s) of the
concerned learner/s
c. Flow chart of the contact tracing and quarantine system
d. Contingency plan for school lockdown
2. The school has identified learners who are most vulnerable and disadvantaged in terms
of access to learning as indicated in the eligibility of learners, such as inclusion of:
a. Inclusion of learners who need assistive devices that do not require them to remove their
face masks
b. Coordination with partner agencies in the provision of assistive devices such as wheelchairs,
cane, walkers, and others
c. Ensured that parent/guardian of learners are informed that his/her child has their own
assistive device during face-to-face classes
3. The school has developed learning strategies to cater the needs of the marginalized
learners such as modules in braille, mother-tongue languages, and usage of Filipino
Sign Language.
4. The school has ensured participation in school-based services which includes but is not
limited to feeding and nutrition programs, immunizations, Mental Health and
Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), prevention of Violence against Children (VAC) (i.e.,
bullying from social stigma) and other health services.
5. The school has established close coordination with the Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD) Case Managers of those learners who are marginalized;
Other partner agencies and organizations such as National Council on Disability Affairs
(NCDA).
6. The school has coordinated with their respective local government units with the
implementation of routine school-based immunization (SBI) and other school health-
related services such as but not limited to deworming and weekly iron-folate acid
supplementation (WIFA).
a. Routine implementation of SBI together with school health services among target
learners
b. Facilitation of the completion of routine immunizations through regular
immunization mechanisms available through the National Immunization Program (NIP)
c. Routine immunization card checks through the school nurse or the designated clinic
teachers to ensure that children entering schools have completed their routine
immunization (i.e., 3 doses of Polio and DPT-HepB-Hib vaccines, and two doses of
Measlescontaining vaccines) in the community
d. Referral of learners who have not completed their routine infant vaccines to the
nearest LGU/private pediatrician for catch-up vaccination
e. Participation in intensive health promotion campaign activities/supportive-policies
that shall be instituted by schools in collaboration with their local health offices to
maintain optimal health-seeking behaviors of learners and other community members
Home-School Coordination
1. The school has developed a plan in coordinating with the Barangay Local Government
Unit (BLGU) or the Barangay Health Emergency Response Team (BHERT) in ensuring
that protocols are observed properly.
a. Operationalization of the Preventative Alert System in Schools (PASS) for COVID-19 (per
DepEd Memorandum No. 15, s. 2020)
2. The school has developed a strategy in orienting parents on health protocols and safety
measures.
a. Safe drop-off and pick-up procedures
b. Safety precautions and preventive measures while commuting [e.g., wearing of proper face
masks and face shields, refrain from talking and eating while in public transportation, ensure
adequate ventilation, frequent and proper disinfection, appropriate physical distancing]
c. Safety precautions and preventive measure upon entering the school premises
3. The school has identified a designated waiting area with proper ventilation for
parents/guardians.
CategoriesDepEd Memoranda