CREATE stands for Campus REopening for Authentic and Transformative Education. It is MDSF’s safe reopening program after a two-year period of school closure. As COVID-19 cases and hospital utilization rate continue to decrease and improve in the community, the Department of Education allows the conduct of face-to-face classes from Kindergarten through Grade 12 levels. The school’s CREATE program is anchored on the four (4) pillars of Shared Responsibility Framework found in the DepEd-DOH’s Joint Memorandum Circular no.1 s. 2021: a) safe operations, b) focusing on teaching and learning c) including the marginalized and d) well-being and protection.
What is Sagradan CREATE Program?
Pillars Of Shared Responsibility Framework
The school’s COVID-19 Disaster & Risk Reduction (DRRM) is responsible for the implementation of government-issued health protocols while students and teachers attend classes in the campus. Physical facilities such as classrooms, offices, laboratories and common areas have been retrofitted and re-engineered in order to prevent and mitigate the possible transmission of COVID-19 and other diseases. Clinic, isolation and triage areas managed by the school nurses are also available in each campus to accommodate the health concerns of students and teachers. Health declaration is done through the use of a web-based portal in order to ensure that only students and teachers without symptoms can access entry to every campus. Safe and proper drop off and pick up procedures are also in place in order to avoid crowding in entrance and exit points.
As of February 2022, all employees (teaching and non-teaching) of Montessori De Sagrada Familia and 97% of its high school students are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All COVID-19 related data are referred and coordinated with the Local Government Unit (MHO) for immediate adherence to government protocols. In case of a reported COVID-19 case among students and employees, the school’s safety officer will impose a 24-hour granular lockdown to conduct the following: assessment (contact tracing) and disinfection of the classroom/office. After the lockdown, students/employees that are identified as close contacts will be informed. Students and employees that are COVID-19 positive, those that are tagged as close contacts shall complete the quarantine period prescribed by the government and can only attend face-to-face classes upon the submission of a certificate of quarantine completion issued by the Rural Health Unit/ attending doctor. Moreover, students/ employees exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms shall not report to school and seek medical clearance to a doctor in order to be allowed to work/study onsite. In order to prevent learning disruption amidst COVID-19 pandemic, students and teachers that are advised to quarantine at home will revert to online learning (FLY & SAFE) and utilize the school’s Learning Management System (www.mdsflms.com).
MDSF will utilize a blended learning approach in accommodating students in the physical school in accordance with the IATF guidelines. Students will alternately attend face-to-face classes and do online learning via the school’s learning management system on a weekly basis. Subject area teachers, supervised by the members of the Academic Council are responsible for the planning, facilitating and assessing 21st century learning both in the physical and virtual classrooms with the Department of Education’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) as the curriculum guide. Student-centered activities are conducted to activate engagement, critical thinking, problem solving and application of knowledge to learning outputs.
Academic progress reports are presented to parents during Adviser’s Reporting Days and Parent-Teacher Conferences through learning artifacts such as learning portfolios and report cards. Parents and teachers work together towards the optimum academic development of the learners.
Students that are clinically diagnosed with health conditions and special needs can also access the Sagradan Education through its home-based learning programs: FLY/SAFE Learning Programs. Moreover, MDSF is also an accredited school/recipient of the Fund for Assistance for Private Education (FAPE), a government subsidy given to private high school students.
At Montessori De Sagrada Familia, Inc., students engage in wellness and character formation activities that are beneficial to their holistic development. The school aims to cultivate and preserve a culture of resilient, healthy and happy Sagradans immersed in the core values of love and justice, excellence, self-discipline, servant leadership and sense of family. Students that are tested to be COVID-19 positive are covered with COVID-19 insurance and are given health and psychosocial support through the provision of a COVID-19 packet that will help the student manage and recover from COVID-19 at home. “Kumustahan” sessions with the counseling and testing officer and homeroom adviser will also be conducted in order to help the students process their COVID-19 experience. Lastly, to help students focus on recovering from COVID-19, academic ease will also be given by subject area teachers during the illness period.
- Safe Operations
-
The school’s COVID-19 Disaster & Risk Reduction (DRRM) is responsible for the implementation of government-issued health protocols while students and teachers attend classes in the campus. Physical facilities such as classrooms, offices, laboratories and common areas have been retrofitted and re-engineered in order to prevent and mitigate the possible transmission of COVID-19 and other diseases. Clinic, isolation and triage areas managed by the school nurses are also available in each campus to accommodate the health concerns of students and teachers. Health declaration is done through the use of a web-based portal in order to ensure that only students and teachers without symptoms can access entry to every campus. Safe and proper drop off and pick up procedures are also in place in order to avoid crowding in entrance and exit points.
As of February 2022, all employees (teaching and non-teaching) of Montessori De Sagrada Familia and 97% of its high school students are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. All COVID-19 related data are referred and coordinated with the Local Government Unit (MHO) for immediate adherence to government protocols. In case of a reported COVID-19 case among students and employees, the school’s safety officer will impose a 24-hour granular lockdown to conduct the following: assessment (contact tracing) and disinfection of the classroom/office. After the lockdown, students/employees that are identified as close contacts will be informed. Students and employees that are COVID-19 positive, those that are tagged as close contacts shall complete the quarantine period prescribed by the government and can only attend face-to-face classes upon the submission of a certificate of quarantine completion issued by the Rural Health Unit/ attending doctor. Moreover, students/ employees exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms shall not report to school and seek medical clearance to a doctor in order to be allowed to work/study onsite. In order to prevent learning disruption amidst COVID-19 pandemic, students and teachers that are advised to quarantine at home will revert to online learning (FLY & SAFE) and utilize the school’s Learning Management System (www.mdsflms.com).
- Teaching and Learning
-
MDSF will utilize a blended learning approach in accommodating students in the physical school in accordance with the IATF guidelines. Students will alternately attend face-to-face classes and do online learning via the school’s learning management system on a weekly basis. Subject area teachers, supervised by the members of the Academic Council are responsible for the planning, facilitating and assessing 21st century learning both in the physical and virtual classrooms with the Department of Education’s Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs) as the curriculum guide. Student-centered activities are conducted to activate engagement, critical thinking, problem solving and application of knowledge to learning outputs.
Academic progress reports are presented to parents during Adviser’s Reporting Days and Parent-Teacher Conferences through learning artifacts such as learning portfolios and report cards. Parents and teachers work together towards the optimum academic development of the learners.
- Including the Most Marginalized
-
Students that are clinically diagnosed with health conditions and special needs can also access the Sagradan Education through its home-based learning programs: FLY/SAFE Learning Programs. Moreover, MDSF is also an accredited school/recipient of the Fund for Assistance for Private Education (FAPE), a government subsidy given to private high school students.
- Well-being and Protection
-
At Montessori De Sagrada Familia, Inc., students engage in wellness and character formation activities that are beneficial to their holistic development. The school aims to cultivate and preserve a culture of resilient, healthy and happy Sagradans immersed in the core values of love and justice, excellence, self-discipline, servant leadership and sense of family. Students that are tested to be COVID-19 positive are covered with COVID-19 insurance and are given health and psychosocial support through the provision of a COVID-19 packet that will help the student manage and recover from COVID-19 at home. “Kumustahan” sessions with the counseling and testing officer and homeroom adviser will also be conducted in order to help the students process their COVID-19 experience. Lastly, to help students focus on recovering from COVID-19, academic ease will also be given by subject area teachers during the illness period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are face-to-face classes required by the Department of Education?
As per the Department of Education, attendance to onsite/face-to-face classes is not mandated among learners in K-G12 levels. Parents are the ones to decide which learning modality best suits their children.
What is CREATE Program?
The Campus Reopening for Authentic and Transformative Education (CREATE) is the school’s safe reopening program after a two-year period of school closure. It features the Blended Learning Modality wherein students are required to attend face-to-face/onsite classes and remote/online learning via the school’s Learning Management System (www.mdsflms.com). Health and safety protocols, re-engineered learning spaces and additional health facilities are also in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on campus. The school, has also partnered with the Local Municipal Health Office in coordinating and reporting COVID-19 related data of students and employees. Contingency and response plans during COVID-19 scenarios are also established to avoid learning disruptions among students.
SAFE OPERATIONS
What are the school's health and safety protocols?
The following health protocols will be strictly implemented at during the conduct in-person classes at Montessori De Sagrada Familia, Inc.:
- Health declaration via the student portal
- Scanning of IamSafe QR code
- Wearing of mask on the campus at all time
- Wearing of PPE for employees whose task is related to health and sanitation
- Reinforcement of frequent handwashing
- Preventive Alert System in Schools (PASS)
- Seating arrangements with physical distancing (1 meter apart) observed
- 50% carrying capacity of classrooms and offices
- Referral, reporting and monitoring of students and employees with flu-like symptoms
- Eating of packed snacks in the classroom and in open area
- Lockdown measures when there are 2 or more COVID-19 cases in a building
- Quarantine and isolation procedures for students and employees with flu-like symptoms and COVID-19
- Health screening for visitors and accommodating school transactions that can only be done face-to-face
- Prohibiting by-standers in the fetcher’s area
- Staggered releasing of students during dismissal time
- Informing the school if a household member is exhibiting flu-like symptoms
What are the school's health facilities?
The following facilities are set in place to accommodate health related situations on campus:
- Screening area – body temperature and health declaration are checked in this area before entering the campus
- Triage – students with body temperature of 37.6 and above will be directed in this facility for assessment
- Isolation rooms with oxygen – a place where symptomatic students will be advised to stay at while waiting to be fetched by their parent/guardian.
- School clinic – a facility where non-COVID-19 cases are accommodated
- Handwashing stations – students will be required to frequently wash their hands with anti bacterial soap and water. These handwashing stations are found in common areas.
Will the school allow unvaccinated children to attend the school?
As per Executive Order 5 s.2022, the Local Government Unit of Baliwag is highly recommending all unvaccinated students and those with comorbidity to attend remote learning. On the other hand, in one of her press briefings, Department of Education Secretary Leonor Magtolis Briones announced that unvaccinated students may attend face-to-face classes. Given these position statements, the school will accept unvaccinated students to attend face-to-face classes. Nonetheless, the school is strongly encouraging all eligible students to be vaccinated against COVID-19 for their protection.
Will my child stay only in one room during the entire class?
Yes, the idea is to contain students in a bubble setup and limit their mobility.
Can the teachers make sure that children will wear their face mask all the time?
Safety officers, hallway monitors and teachers are also in-charge of ensuring the health and safety protocols are observed by students during class encounters.
Can parents/guardians stay in the waiting area during class hours?
Waiting areas for fetchers will only be available during dismissal time. Parents and guardians are prohibited from staying in the waiting area during class hours.
What will happen if there is a surge in COVID-19 cases?
As per Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease, limited face-to-face classes is allowed under Alert Level 1 & 2. If there will be a surge of COVID-19 cases and Bulacan is placed under Alert Level 3, all classes will be reverted to remote/online learning. The school’s FLY & SAFE Programs will be utilized.
Will there be large student assemblies and gatherings?
Student assemblies such as flag raising ceremony, First Friday Mass and other institutional activities are temporarily suspended for SY 2022-2023/until the DepEd allows such school events.
FOCUSING ON TEACHING AND LEARNING (BLENDED LEARNING MODALITY)
What is the typical schedule for CREATE Program?
Class Schedules in the CREATE Program features the Blended Learning Modality wherein a student attends onsite and online classes on alternating weeks.
*Week 1: FACE-TO-FACE
Week 2: ONLINE LEARNING
Please see class duration and subjects covered:
- Pre-Elementary: 2-3 hours
- Elementary: 3-4 hours
- High School: 4 hours
Are students required to bring a device for CREATE?
For Grades 4-12 Levels, there will be learning activities in the classroom that will require the use of technological devices such as tablets/laptops. Students are expected to take responsibility in the safekeeping and proper usage of their own device. They will only be allowed to use them for educational purposes only.
What is the class size?
Junior Casa (3 yr old) – 1 teacher : 5 students
Advanced Casa (4 yr old) – 1 teacher : 7 students
Kindergarten (5 yr old) – 1 teacher : 10 students
Grades 1-3 – 1 teacher : 13 students
Grades 4-6 – 1 teacher : maximum of 20 students
Grades 7-12 – 1 teacher : maximum of 20 students
What is the curriculum under CREATE Program?
As per Department of Education, the curriculum to be utilized for limited face-to-face classes is the Most Essential Learning Competencies (MELCs). The subject areas covered for CREATE are the same subjects reflected in MELC.
What are the activities that will be facilitated in the classroom under CREATE program?
Learning activities with competencies that are better learned onsite with the presence and instruction of a subject area teacher are to be facilitated on campus. These may include performance-based, laboratory, physical education and hands on activities.
Will there be school supplies needed in the CREATE Program?
Yes. For the pre-elementary levels, arts and crafts supplies and instructional materials are already part of the matriculation fees. For upper grade levels, parents and students shall refer to the Academic Weekly Planner to view the learning materials that will be needed for the week.
Will students enrolled in CREATE Program use notebooks and books?
Notebooks are provided and part of the matriculation fees for Junior Casa-Grade 6 levels. Selected books are also prescribed and may be purchased at the school’s bookstore.
How are students categorized into sections?
Each homeroom section in the CREATE Program is divided into two clusters which will attend face-to-face classes alternately. Department Heads will also place students belonging to the same household in the same cluster. Assignment of sections in the CREATE, FLY & SAFE Programs will be different from the previous school years and will be based according to the enrollment outcome per learning modality. Families are strongly advised to reserve a slot for their child in order to avoid inconvenience in choosing their preferred learning modality.
Does the school offer scholarship?
MDSF is a FAPE (Fund for Assistance to Private Education) accredited school. Eligible students (G7-12) receive government subsidy to cover a portion of their tuition fee. To apply for the said subsidy, interested parents may inquire at the school’s registrar office.
Will there be PE classes in the swim center?
Swimming as part of the MAPEH curriculum is temporarily paused for SY 2022-2023. The MDSF Swim Center will still be operational for learn to swim classes, training sessions and employee wellness.
Can a student shift from CREATE to FLY/SAFE/PLAY and vice versa?
Parents of students who wish to shift from CREATE to FLY/SAFE/PLAY shall inform the child’s homeroom adviser. The school will make the changes needed in order for the child to utilize his/her new learning modality. However, shifting from FLY/SAFE/PLAY to CREATE shall be subject to the availability of a slot during the middle of the school year. Parents shall also settle additional fees in order to enroll their child to the CREATE Program
WELL-BEING AND PROTECTION
Is there a regular school physician/nurse around if the need arises?
Yes, a school nurse is stationed in the clinic in all departments/campuses. For COVID-19 related scenarios that need further medical attention and advice, an infectious disease consultant is also on standby to give instruction to the school nurse as to the proper intervention to be given to such cases.
What if a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms during school hours?
If a student exhibits COVID-19 symptoms during school hours, he/she will be brought by the teacher in-charge to the triage area for assessment.
Can children with comorbidity/special needs attend CREATE classes?
Children diagnosed with special needs/medical condition are highly encouraged to be enrolled in online learning (FLY & SAFE). They may also be enrolled in the CREATE Program provided that they are given by their developmental pediatrician/physician the clearance to attend face-to-face classes.
What is PASS?
The Preventive Alert System for Schools is a homeroom mechanism in which students are oriented to immediately report to the teacher-in-charge any symptoms exhibited by their classmates. Once notified, the teacher-in-charge endorses the matter to the school nurse/safety officer for assessment in the triage.
My child has allergic rhinitis, can he still attend face-to-face classes?
If a child is exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms due to asthma/rhinitis, he/she shall secure a clearance/medical certificate from the doctor so that he/she can be allowed to attend face-to-face classes.
If a student tests positive for COVID-19, what is the school's response?
A student who tests positive for COVID-19 must immediately report the matter to the school nurse and homeroom adviser. He/she is then placed under quarantine for a period seven days (from the day 1 of symptoms). The school will be informing the students’ teachers and classmates (and other people that the student might have close contact with) through a letter. The classroom of the student will be placed under granular closure in order for the safety officer to facilitate disinfection and assessment (contact tracing). Upon contact tracing, all students and teachers tagged as close contacts will be advised to also quarantine for a period of 5 days (for vaccinated individuals).
During the quarantine period, a student positive for COVID-19 will be given psychosocial support by the counseling and testing officer. Kumustahan sessions will also be conducted by his/her homeroom adviser. A COVID-19 packet/guide will also be given to orient the student with the things he/she may do to manage dealing and recovering from COVDI1-9 at home.
Academic ease will also be given to the student diagnosed with COVID-19 to help him/her focus on his recovery. Academic tasks and outputs may be submitted at a later time provided that a medical certificate/laboratory result is submitted to the homeroom adviser.
Will my child be covered with COVID-19 insurance?
All students enrolled in the CREATE Program are covered with accident and COVID-19 insurance at a certain premium. When a student tests positive for COVID-19 , his/her medical expenses will be reimbursed accordingly.
Snacks and canteen
Packed snacks are available at the school canteen. Students also have the option to bring their own packed food to school. Students are also advised to bring a water container/jug for hydration. Recess/health breaks are conducted in the classroom with the supervision of a teacher.
What is the prescribed uniform?
All Sagradan students enrolled in the CREATE Program are required to attend classes in their prescribed uniform. During school days allotted for Physical Education, PE uniform is worn. To see the actual design of MDSF Uniforms, click here. All sizes are available at the school’s Bookstore located at the High School Campus.
What is the prescribed hairstyle for students?
This matter is currently under discussion with the Student Well Being Committee.
STRONG PARENT-TEACHER PARTNERSHIP
Is there a Parent Teacher Association at MDSF?
There are appointed Parent Representatives per grade level. Every quarter, these parent representatives meet with the School Principal and Department Heads to discuss important matters related to the students’ academic affairs. They are also in-charge of disseminating information that involves the participation of parents.
What is the school's feedback mechanism for parents?
MDSF values the feedback and suggestions of its stakeholders as these are vital towards school improvement. Every quarter, feedback surveys are administered to solicit information from parents, teachers and students. For feedback and concerns that need immediate action, parents may communicate them through the following channels: MDSF Facebook Page, MDSF Parent Portal, e-mail and Parent’s Concern Log (c/o Parent Representatives).
Are there Parent-Teacher Conferences/meetings?
Adviser’s Reporting Day is conducted every month where parents are informed of the learning highlights of each homeroom. At the end of each quarter, teachers conduct conferences with parents to discuss the student’s academic progress. Learning portfolios and other evidence of learning are presented to parents as well.
What is the MDSF Parent Portal?
The MDSF Parent Portal (www.mdsfonline.com) is the school’s online platform where important school records of students can be accessed by parents. These school records include: academic progress reports (grades) and learning portfolios, announcements, matriculation fees and student ledgers, health declaration tool, etc.
What is MDSF Parents R Partners?
MDSF Parents R Partners is a Facebook Group that aims to promote involvement and support among Sagradan parents. This online platform streams parenting webinars and posts important school announcements.
What are the roles and responsibilities of parents in the CREATE Program?
Parental involvement is very important in the academic progress and development of children especially in a time of the pandemic. In the CREATE Program, parents are expected to:
- Assist child in accomplishing health declaration form
- Reinforce health protocols at home
- Follow drop off, dismissal and parking procedures
- Communicate with child’s adviser regarding important academic concerns/matters
- Attend parent meetings regularly
- Check Academic Weekly Planner regularly
- Assist and guide their children in the latter’s academic tasks
- Check Activity Tracker of their children
- Provide feedback in the survey cycles
- Ensure that financial obligations in school are settled
MATRICULATION
What are the matriculation fees for CREATE Program?
Revised school fees are already available for viewing in the MDSF Parent Portal (for old families). For interested families to receive a copy of matriculation fees, click this link.
How much is the reservation fee?
Reservation fee is amounted to P5,000.00. It will be deducted from the tuition fee upon enrollment. Reservation fees are non-refundable. If the student will not push through with the enrollment for the school year, the paid reservation fee may be used on the succeeding school year/s upon presentation of the official receipt.
Will there be a refund of school fees if there is a surge?
The school will not give tuition fee refund in case of a surge/lockdown because educational services will be shifted to remote/online learning under Alert Levels 3 & 4. The school shall also not charge any additional fees in the tuition/matriculation for the additional learning resources and activities that will be prepared and implemented in the school’s learning management system during a surge/lockdown.
If a student shifts from CREATE to SAFE/FLY/PLAY, will there be a refund of fees?
The school will not give refund to families who will shift from blended learning to pure online learning/homeschooling.
When will CREATE classes start?
CREATE classes will start in July 2022. Orientation for parents and students will be held a week before the classes start.