Srinagar, Feb 27: The J&K government has decided to reopen the schools in Kashmir for routine class work of students from March 02.
Notably the winter vacation for schools up to higher secondary level in Kashmir and winter zones of Jammu ended on February 26 (Saturday) following which the schools were expected to reopen from February 28 (Monday).
However, the State Executive Committee (SEC) earlier ordered the reopening of schools after February 28 in Kashmir and winter zones of Jammu division.
“There is confusion whether the schools will reopen on February 28 or on the first working day after February 28 as SEC has ordered the reopening of schools after February 28,” a teacher said.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Principal Secretary School Education Department (SED) Bishwajit Kumar Singh said the schools will reopen for routine schooling on March 02.
“The SEC has ordered the reopening of schools after February 28 and March 01 is a holiday. So, the first working day in schools will be March 2,” Singh told Greater Kashmir.
Notably, the higher educational institutions and schools in Jammu division reopened for routine schooling in a phased manner from February 14.
Meanwhile, the School Education Department is preparing for reopening of schools in the Valley as well. Also, the majority of the private schools have already notified their schedule to reopen the institutions in a phased manner. The schools have decided to resume routine schooling for higher classes from March 02 while the junior classes will resume offline class work a week later.
The schools have been asked to ensure smooth transition of students from online mode to offline mode by creating a favourable environment for the students in the schools.
The schools have been asked to adopt a fun way of learning for students in schools for the first two weeks instead of rushing for home assignments and unit tests.
The Director School Education in Kashmir (DSEK) has conveyed to the staff to ensure that children are made to celebrate their return to schools by decorating the premises for them with balloons and offering them sweets.
“Create an air of festivity in our schools. Let us break the ice and pass on a message that this week it will be more play, more fun. We should make small groups of children so that they share the experiences of long pauses, the woes, the happiness, the stress while keeping Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) in mind,” the DSEK said in his message.
The schools have been asked to organise one to one counselling with students, each child getting around 10 minutes. “Talk to them, listen to their difficulties and reassure them,” the message reads.
The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has also stated that the first week of re-opening of schools will be celebrated as a week of happiness and sharing of experiences to enable students to start the session in a stress free environment.
“There should be no assignments or tests during the first two weeks, no mandatory uniform. The students should get a stress free atmosphere,” said President PSAJK G N Var.
“We have a whole year for education and let us celebrate the first week of reopening of schools as a big festival,” he said.