PSS does one-time deep cleaning before start of classes

With the Public School System reopening schools come Sept. 8, all principals and staff will be doing a one-time deep cleaning and sanitizing of the inside of classrooms and buildings on campus this week as part of preparations for the news school year.

Followed by the one-time deep cleaning, regular supplies are on hand and a system for regular disinfection every hour is in place, according to Education Commissioner Dr. Alfred Ada.

Though PSS is going 100% into remote learning, classrooms are still being sanitized for teachers who will regularly go into the classrooms.

According to Warren Villagomez, head of the COVID-19 Task Force, PSS, along with the private schools, have measures that are in place to protect and safeguard their students. He added that, based on all the visits he and Gov. Ralph DLG Torres have done, they feel like schools are ready to resume classes.

Villagomez assured that discussions continue on new ideas and processes that will motivate children to participate in remote learning.

According to Ada, PSS teachers are also attending virtual training on the how to handle trauma in their students. Ada confirmed that over 1,000 staff are undergoing through the Healing Center training. With this training, teachers will be able to identify signs of trauma in students and school staff while also having the skills to respond. Ada says it’s essential that PSS provides a comfort level for students in response to this pandemic.

Ada added that any anxiety students have must be addressed as soon as possible, so that students can heave a “clear mind and heart” and PSS needs to reassure students who are going through this situation that it’s okay that this is happening, but students will continue to learn and teachers will continue to teach.

Additionally, teachers have completed training for Blackboard Ultra, which is a course management system that allows teachers to provide content to students in a central location, communicate with students quickly, and provide grades in an electronic format.

Ada said that all teachers completed a four-week trial run on this system that lasted three hours a day, and ended last Aug. 28. He added that all the teachers are now working toward inputting their syllabus and lesson plans online.