Gurugram schools may open for classes VI-VIII from October 15

GURUGRAM: After partially reopening schools for students of class 9 to 12 for ‘doubt-clearing’ sessions, the state government is contemplating reopening them for students of classes 6 to 8 as well from October 15.
The state education department is holding a series of consultations and discussions to explore the possibility and feasibility of re-opening schools. Officials said the department is seeking views from health experts and holding discussions with the administration to assess the ground situation of the Covid-19 spread. A series of meetings are lined up this week and if there is a consensus, the department may soon issue a standard operating procedure (SOP) for students of class 6 to 8 to attend schools.
“We are actively holding consultations and reviewing the status of the schools that partially reopened for students of class 9 to 12 last month. Teachers and schools are also taking views of parents. Based on these discussions, we’ll compile a report and forward it to the government,” said a senior education official.
Once the government gives its approval, the department will release the standard operating procedure (SOP) for schools and students of class 6 to 8.
Earlier this week, state education minister Kanwar Pal had announced that the education department is mulling over the decision. “If everything goes as per plan, the students of these classes can consult their teachers from October 15 onwards,” he said.
Last month, the government allowed all government and private schools to partially open their premises for the guidance sessions. Students were asked to get written consent from their parents and stick to the time slot provided by their school to attend the schools. All schools were directed to ensure staggered entry of students inside the campus and follow all the Covid-19 related norms like thermal screening, hand sanitisation, and mandatory wearing of masks for both students and teachers.
The much-awaited plan of partially reopening the schools, however, received a tepid response in the state.
“Parents aren’t willing to send students to school, at least not this year.Only when we all have confidence that we have gained control over the pandemic, parents will send their kids back to schools,” said the principal of a leading private school in the city.