Amaravati: All set for classes from tomorrow

Amaravati: The state government is taking all precautions and strictly adhering to the safety measures as schools reopen from November 2 and the academic year 2020-21 has been extended up to April 30.

As the schools reopen in a phased manner, the officials are making changes right from day-to-day schedules to mid-day meals in order to adhere to safety protocols in wake of the Covid-19 situation.

Commissioner of school education V China Veerabhadrudu explained the steps being taken to ensure safe environment in compliance with the standard operating procedure (SOP) of the Centre.

Although the schools start functioning from November 2 for Classes 9 and 10, the students will be attending on alternate day and classes will be held till noon. The officials made it clear that each classroom is limited to only 16 students, following social distance protocols.

"Wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distance were mandatory which should be followed by every student as well as teachers. Every day the students will be undergoing orientation on Covid precautions and the classes begin from 9.15 am and will go on up to 1.45 pm, followed by midday meals.

In the afternoon hours, the teachers will be taking online classes for those students, who didn't turn up for schools. The academic year 2020-21 was extended up to April 30, totalling 180 working days," said Veerabhadrudu.

The officials have made alternative arrangements for the students who are opting to stay home and pursue online education, by bringing dedicated mobile apps like Abhyasa and Diksa, along with Doordarshan classes and YouTube channels, based on the student's accessibility to the technology.

As far as the residential schools are concerned, the hostel facilities will be made available anytime between November 2 -23, prioritising the students who don't have any alternate option for accommodation.

Besides these, the schools were also provided with grants to acquire equipment like thermal scanner and sanitisers for maintaining a safe and clean environment. SOPs from the medical and health department and transport department were also sought and the school SOP will be decided on November 1 after discussing with Parent Committees.

There are about 60,000 schools including aided, unaided, and private institutions in the state. For students of Class 9 and10, the schools will be reopened from November 2, for Classes 6 to 8 from November 23, and for students of Class 1-5 begins from December 14.

Regarding higher education, the state has decided to open all higher educational institutions, including universities and its affiliated colleges across the state from November 2 and classes will take place on all six days of a week.

On this context, a new academic calendar for non-professional courses, professional courses, and post-graduate programmes was released. Classes for first year professional and non-professional degree courses will commence from December 1.