Back to Basics, Forward to Excellence: Buhawen’s Aral Journey Begins
Today marked a transition to Buhawen Elementary School's regular school schedule after weeks of exciting activities and celebrations. This morning, as students, faculty, and staff gathered to start the day together, the air felt different—full of hope and energy. The flag ceremony, a well-known yet motivating tradition, marked the beginning of our Monday. As eager learners and proud Filipinos, this practice serves as a constant reminder of our shared responsibility.
The sound of footsteps and happy greetings filled the school grounds as the sun shone gently. Youngsters lined up in order, their immaculate uniforms demonstrating their preparedness for the day. The Philippine flag was raised to begin the flag ceremony, and the students sang "Lupang Hinirang", followed by our Region III song, Zambales and San Marcelino Hymn. Their voices merged into a melodious chorus, resonating with a sense of solidarity and patriotism. Every participant was instilled with discipline and pride as the Panatang Makabayan was recited and the school hymn was sung. Teachers also reinforced the importance of respect, order, and teamwork by sharing some reminders about appropriate behavior and classroom duties.
However, today's assembly went above and beyond what is typical for Mondays. The official start of the long-awaited Aral Program made it even more memorable. The Aral Program provides guided sessions in reading, numeracy, and other foundational skills, aiming to enhance students' academic performance and foster a love of learning. The program is designed for students who wish to further improve their skills, not just those who require additional support.
Our school's principal delivered a motivational speech at the launch, emphasizing how the Aral Program is a collaborative effort between educators, parents, and students. She noted that "education is a shared responsibility" and encouraged everyone to work together to ensure the initiative's success. After a group of students performed a brief skit demonstrating how the program can benefit both slow and fast learners, a few teachers explained the schedule and goals.
As teachers discussed how the program would help students who had fallen behind after months of extracurricular activities, the air was charged with optimism. Buhawen Elementary School has had a busy few weeks, with lively Buwan ng Wika celebrations, numerous competitions, and school-wide events. Everyone agreed that it was time to return the focus to classroom learning, which is the foundation of school life, even though these activities improved the students' social and cultural experiences.
Following the ceremonies, the students returned to their classrooms, eager to resume their studies. The warm welcome from the teachers set the tone for a successful week. It felt natural and balanced to shift from celebratory activities to academic pursuits. Many students expressed their excitement about being part of the Aral Program and looked forward to afternoons filled with interactive learning games, group problem-solving, and additional reading assignments.
I couldn't help but be impressed by the teachers' and students' commitment as I watched the day unfold. It was evident that Buhawen Elementary School still has a strong sense of community. The Aral Program's launch demonstrated our dedication to ongoing development and progress, while the flag ceremony served as a reminder of our identity and civic duties.
As the day progressed, I was struck by the students' and teachers' commitment. Buhawen Elementary School clearly maintains a strong sense of community. The flag ceremony served as a reminder of our identity and civic responsibilities, while the launch of the Aral Program demonstrated our commitment to continuous development and advancement.
