Reopening dilemma: Bengaluru schools mull alternate days, double shifts

BENGALURU: With the question of just when to reopen hanging fire, school managements are seeking opinions from parents and preparing suggestions, which they will convey to the government.
One huge challenge is for schools with massive student strength and 10-12 sections per class. Carmel School, Padmanabhanagar, for example, is one of the largest schools in the city, with 5,800 students. Some initial ideas include conducting alternate day classes and moving classes to stadiums and auditoriums.
“We have to think of ways to stagger classes,” said Ganapathy Rao, principal, Carmel School. “Double shifts would mean around 2,900 students on campus. We have enough rooms for them, but teachers and van drivers will have to work additional hours. Or else, we have to look at alternate days.”
Rao said they need the support of parents and a clear policy from the government before deciding anything.
Alternate day classes — a mix of online and offline classes — appears a viable option for many schools if the government is ready to make it a three-day week for students. On the other three days, students could attend online classes.
Delhi Public Schools said it is impossible to have shifts given their staff strength. DPS North and East have 4,200 students each, while South has 4,000 and E-City 2,000. “We have campuses of 15 acres with spaces for outdoor classes in yoga, arts and crafts,” said Mansoor Ali Khan, member, board of governors, Delhi Public Schools. “We can turn them into classroom spaces. Temporary structures too can be set up. Students cannot share lunch boxes and need to stagger toilet breaks.”
Vidya Guruprasad, principal, Ryan International, Kundenahalli, which has 3,200 students on its rolls, suggested a staggered reopening. “We could have grades 7 and above first,” Guruprasad said. “They will be divided into different sections with 12-15 students in each room. For those, who do not want to come, schools will have to look at virtual classes.”
Greenwood High, which has 4,200 students and a fleet of 125 school buses, is looking at creating barricades between seats in its 125 school vans to maintain social distancing.
“We are looking at various models including two shifts with primary grades in the morning and higher classes in the afternoon. Even odd-even in roll numbers is a possibility,” said Aloysius D’Mello, principal, Greenwood High.
Many schools are collecting feedback from parents via Google forms and they say most parents are opposed to reopening schools in July. The department of public instruction had suggested dates for staggered reopening starting in July. The department of public instruction has asked all schools to collect opinion from stakeholders between June 10-12.