All schools to re-open in J&K from Feb 1: Govt

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir school board of education on Friday announced re-opening of both private and government school in the Union Territory.
The schools were closed across Jammu and Kashmir last year in March following the pandemic, however, students were taught through online classes.
In an order issued by B K Singh Administrative Secretary to Government School Education Department government educational institutes including recognized private schools shall physically be opened in staggering manners.
As per the order, "Schools in Summer Zone areas of Jammu Division for Class 9th to 12th will commence from 1st February 2021, and in case of elementary classes teachers shall attend from January 1, while students shall physically attend classes from 8th February 2021".
Whereas, schools in Kashmir Division and Winter Zone areas of Jammu Division will open as per their schedule.
The school education department has also issued certain Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) for running of classes which include that "For the ownership of the initiative, a Local Committee needs to be framed per school comprising of Parents, VEC members, SMC members and other prominent persons from the habitation for monitoring and support of the School.
"Whereas, the students can sit almost 2 meters apart from each other and in case of non-availability of such space staggered schedule /Shift Timings and student rotation can be an option. While all students and Teachers should wear masks", the SOP reads.
"Also hand washing points with proper soap should be made available for the students and teachers. Whereas touching of surfaces by the students and teachers in and around the area of the school should be prohibited", it added.
"Disinfecting, sanitizing and cleaning the Learning spaces & surfaces in convergence with the concerned department and local volunteers should be a daily affair. 7. Personal Hygiene and hygiene of surroundings should be ensured", the SOP reads.
"While coming and leaving school, students and teachers should maintain a physical distance of at least 2 meters from each other and no student or no- teacher should breach this distance rule either during the schooling or while coming or leaving the school. In all cases, gathering or grouping should be avoided and everybody should come and leave school individually. Local community volunteers can be roped in to regulate in collaboration with school staff", the SOP reads.
"Every student or Teacher should carry her/his own stationery and books and exchange/sharing books, notebooks, pencils, pens and other Items among students/teachers should be strictly prohibited. The student's safety, self-esteem and security should be ensured", it added.
Keep students reminding of Covid related precautions. Keep organizing "Covid Precaution" related Quiz, debates, drawing competitions.
"HOI and school staff should be well abreast with the procedures if students or staff becomes unwell. Guidance should include monitoring student and staff health, maintaining regular contact with local health authorities, and updating emergency plans and contact lists. Schools should also ensure there is space to temporarily separate sick students and staff without creating stigma. Share procedures with staff, parents and students, including advising all sick students and staff to remain home", the SOP reads.
"School authorities should limit any nonessential visitors, volunteers, and activities involving external groups in the School. 16. Director School education Jammu /Kashmir will strengthen counseling facilities for 24x7 for needy students." it added.