LEARNERS. Some students of Negros Occidental High School in Bacolod City. Starting on Thursday (April 27, 2023), the school shortened class hours to mitigate the effects of the hot weather among teachers and learners. (PNA Bacolod file photo)
BACOLOD CITY – The Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) here, one of the largest public secondary schools in the province, has shortened class hours starting on Thursday to mitigate the effects of the hot weather among teachers and learners.
At NOHS, which has more than 9,000 students, regular junior high school students now attend classes only from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. while those under special programs, until 12 noon.
Classes were held until the afternoon before the schedules were adjusted.
Those in Grade 11 have classes from 7 a.m. to 12 noon, from the previous schedule which is usually until 2:40 p.m., while Grade 12 students, from 1 p.m. to 5:10 p.m., which now ends almost an hour earlier.
Donna Aposaga, assistant principal for Senior High School, said they have received feedback from teachers that some students have felt ill due to the scorching heat.
“We advise them to bring drinking water and not to stay long under the sun,” she added.
Students are also allowed to wear any outfit as long as it adheres to the school’s dress code.
In lieu of the regular school uniform, students can attend classes wearing Physical Education uniform or t-shirt and skirt for females and t-shirt and school pants for males.
At the Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS), starting Wednesday, classes for all students have also started earlier at 6:30 a.m. and dismissal time is at 11 a.m.
No classes have been scheduled in the afternoon, based on the announcement posted by the BCNHS Supreme Student Government.
On Monday, the Department of Education-Schools Division of Negros Occidental here limited outdoor activities among elementary and high school learners and teachers amid the hot weather condition.
Schools Division Superintendent Anthony Liobet directed schools to put in place the necessary precautions and to monitor daily heat advisories.
For events, schools have also been instructed not to conduct outdoor activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
They are also reminded to limit time spent outdoors, otherwise stay in a shaded area, and schedule strenuous activities during the start or end of the day when the temperature is cooler. (PNA)
