Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Following several teachers’ workshops during the summer months, that included a focus on virtual learning — plus having on hand 30,000 face masks after a donation from C.B.T Inc., Education director Dr. Ruth Matagi-Tofiga said public schools are ready for the new school year 2020-2021, with an official opening ceremony set for Monday at the Tafuna Elementary School’s new gymnasium.

Matagi-Tofiga was speaking at this past Monday’s cabinet meeting where Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga reiterated that all schools will open for the new school year, noting that some private schools have already opened their doors.

The governor reminded Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua of his verbal directive two months ago, to provide 45,000 washable face-masks for all public and private schools — with three-masks per student.

Matagi-Tofiga informed the cabinet meeting that DoH delivered last week Thursday some 20,000 washable masks. She then publicly thanked Toloa’i Ho Ching, II and C.B.T Inc. in Nu’uuli for the donation of 10,000 washable masks for ASDOE.

Later on during the cabinet meeting, American Samoa Community College president Dr. Rosevonne Pato also thanked Ho Ching, II and C.B.T for the donation of 5,000 washable masks for the college.

During her update on the opening of public schools, Matagi-Tofiga explained that during the summer months, the department conducted “workshop after workshop trying to equip our teachers” in preparation for the new school year with Aug. 31st the first day of school.

“Most of our teachers are now equipped to go virtual in terms of Goggle classroom, Zooming, which is also used for meetings,” she said, noting that ASDOE teachers can assist other cabinet directors if they need help with Zoom set up.

She recalled that ASDOE made a presentation two months ago during an ASG Coronavirus task force meeting of how ASDOE will carry out education for students during these challenging times.

However, Matagi-Tofiga gave a brief summary of ASDOE’s plan for opening of schools saying that 15 elementary schools including Manu’a High School will meet full days, meaning - 7:30 to 1:30. She said these are the schools with an enrollment of under 200 with a lot of room to social distance and wearing mask.

Schools — both elementary and secondary —  with enrollment of 500 students and more will have classes through “blended learning” — both in-classroom and virtual learning, according to the director, who points out that even parents in these large schools, have been briefed on the process through evening classes.

Principals were also meeting with Parents and Teacher Associations of all schools to explain to parents how the new school year will be carried-out.

“So I can safely say that we are ready for the new school year,” she said, noting that the “only thing that’s kind of holding us back” are some of the supplies needed such as laptops and iPads that have been ordered but have been delayed due to the procurement process, which ASDOE hopes will be relaxed “so we can get that order in.”

They have also ordered 1,000 chairs for elementary schools because “we want to put in more [chairs] but are waiting for our order,” she added.

She also announced that “we’re going to start our football season and policy has already been established in terms of social distancing and masks.” And ASDOE officials will meet with all school coaches to ensure everyone is aware of the policy. (Samoa News has observed high school football teams practicing in the afternoons.)

Samoa News notes that Matagi-Tofiga appeared before the House Education Committee late last month and presented the ASDOE plan for the new school year. (See Samoa News edition July 23rd for details.) The plan is also posted on the ASDOE’s website [www.doe.as].

Health director Motusa Tuileama Nua told the meeting that DoH has conducted site visits of 75 schools and 20 of them need assistance at this point before school starts.

Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga reminded cabinet members of the Adopt-a-School program in which ASG agencies are designated to look after both public and private schools. He requested directors to make sure that their designated school — public or private — are visited and provided the necessary assistance, especially the 20-public schools in need of help.

He said that parents of students attending private schools pay taxes just like parents of students attending public schools; and urged ASG agencies designated to private schools to conduct a site visit as some of them have already started their new school year.

The Adopt-a-School program was initiated by the Lolo Administration to lend help to all schools in the territory and Lolo hopes that the new-incoming governor will continue this important program.