MP: School bells set to ring with SOPs, 50% student strength; online classes optional

BHOPAL: After the state government go ahead, schools are gearing to welcome senior students (Class 9 to 12) though at 50% capacity. Initially, the schools would open for students for clearing their doubts and subject teachers would be available to help them while regular online classes would continue.
Taking utmost precautions as specified by the state government’s SOP the schools are doing everything they can to make the reopening safe for students, staff as well as parents.From thermal temperature scanners to pulse oximeters schools are preparing to confront for challenges, without compromising students and staff safety.
“The schools, including all the furniture, doors, handles, railings (contact points) will be sanitized in the morning and after the school gets over. We will also check the temperature of all the staff and students before allowing them entry in the school premises,” said Pankaj Sharma, principal, Sagar Public School.
Rajesh Sharma, principal of Bal Bhavan School said, “We have made an isolation room in case a student or teacher comes down with flu. We also have oximeters to check their oxygen levels. We are following all the guidelines and SOP given by the school education department as safety of the students and teachers is our priority.”
Schools have also made it clear that all students and teachers will compulsorily wear masks and will also carry small bottles of sanitizers with them at all times.
“Though we will keep sanitizers in washrooms, reception area, in classrooms and staffroom, it is also advisable for everyone to carry a small bottle of sanitizer so that in case they need it after touching railings, door-knobs or while exchanging books or notes they may immediately sanitize their hands,” added Sharma.
Schools are also removing chairs and desks form classrooms to reduce the number of students in a class while attending the doubt-clearing sessions and to ensure proper social distancing inside the school premises.
Director IES Manisha Kawathekar said, “As only 50% of the staff will be called, and there are staff rooms at all floors, social distancing will not be a problem. We have made arrangements to maintain a six-foot distance among teachers and among students at all times. The school was being sanitized throughout the lockdown and we are continuing the same even now.”
As per the government guidelines, many schools have also released consent forms for parents in case students express their desire to go to school to clear doubts. The schools have decided not to let students enter the premises of the school without having a written consent letter from their parents.
To prevent further risk, schools have decided to put a hold on operating buses for the time being. Once students start coming to school in bigger numbers, schools may start the bus service, with proper precautions.