Schools set for offline classes for grade 1 to 5 in Dharwad

DHARWAD: Following the decision of the state government to start offline classes for standard 1 to 5 from Monday, schools in Dharwad district have intensified preparations to follow Covid-19 protocols and conduct classes.
It has been 20 months since pre-primary and primary schools were closed due to the pandemic and the department of education has directed all schools to be prepared to resume physical classes for class 1 to 5.
Only higher secondary schools, PU and degree/ diploma colleges had been reopened, for a short while after the first wave of Covid subsided. After the second wave began, they all closed, and classes shifted online.
Recently, the government decided to commence physical classes for class 6-10, PUC, degree and diploma courses but had kept the decision on reopening classes for standard 1-5 in abeyance.
With experts saying it is now safe to resume physical classes for standard 1-5, the government announced reopening of primary schools from October 25. The government has not yet decided on LKG and UKG classes.
There are 1.72 lakh children who have enrolled for classes 1-5 in the district. The students are ready to get back to classes and teachers are also eager to resume physical classes. However, some parents, especially those sending their children to private unaided schools, are apprehensive about the safety of their children.
The prediction that there could be a third wave which could trouble children had made the parents think twice before sending children to school. But working parents are eager to see their children back in school so that they can concentrate on their work without bothering about online classes.
The resumption of physical classes has worried some parents who are unable to pay fees due to joblessness and other reasons. The managements of private schools are happy with the decision to allow physical classes as they would start getting revenue in the form of fees.
Deputy director of public instruction (DDPI) Mohankumar Hanchate told STOI that teachers who have taken both doses of vaccine will be eligible to handle physical classes. uniforms and textbooks have been distributed to government primary school students and midday meals will be supplied from Monday.
"All government, private aided and unaided schools have been sanitized. Schools have been asked to ensure all students, teachers and non-teaching staff wear masks and maintain social distance. Each class will have only 50% students (i.e. 20). Attending physical classes is not compulsory and those willing to attend must bring a consent letter from parents. Those who do now wish to attend can opt for online classes," he said.