Schools reopen to fresh books & healthier meals

Pune: Cobwebs have been swept away, the floors look clean, classrooms are bright with new wall art, the blackboard has a welcome message — a fresh academic year for school students and teachers starts on Saturday. A new menu for the midday meals programme which now includes sprouts and sweets that will cater to the nutritional needs of students and add a dose of healthy variety to their daily meals in among the changes.A govt notification issued to govt schools said the meal options include pulao with peas, soybean, masoor, and vegetables, along with khichdi and rice options and sprouts. For non-vegetarians, there will be egg pulao. Students will get rice kheer, millet pudding and sweet khichdi.Teachers and school staff have gone the extra mile to decorate classrooms, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere for students. Some schools will distribute roses and chocolates, and perform aarti to make students valued as they step into a new academic year.Manisha Minocha, principal of New English School, Ramanbaug, said, “For standards VI to X, regular classes will be conducted, but for Std V, we have an orientation, a selfie point for students and parents, and a session by our drama department head on the reading habit.”Rama Kulkarni, principal of SPM English Medium School, said that the school staff would accord a warm welcome to their students. “From dhol-tasha to bhangra, our troupe is ready. We have also communicated to the parents and everyone is excited about the start of the new academic year,” she added.K K Patil, director of Balbharati, said that distribution of textbooks was to be completed by May 31. “Enough books have been printed. The remaining textbooks will be distributed once schools begin.”The introduction of new teachers is another aspect of this fresh start. Education commissioner Suraj Mandhare said the teacher transfer process is underway and in many districts, they have already been conducted.“Schools are set to benefit new educators who will bring new perspectives, methodologies, and enthusiasm, which can enhance learning for students,” he added.Mandhare said that teachers can help students navigate emotional aspects especially those experiencing separation anxiety.Maithili Tambe, CEO of The Academy School, said parents and teachers must work together to ease separation anxiety among children. She said, “This can include talking about school in a positive light, reading books about school and involving the child in picking out school supplies and clothes. On the first day, parents can reassure their children that they will be pick them up. Parents must establish a goodbye routine, such as a special huge.”