Schools, colleges to reopen in Andhra Pradesh from Nov 2; academic year extended up to April 30

With schools in Andhra Pradesh set to reopen from November 2, Monday for students of Classes 9 and 10, the Andhra Pradesh government has once again emphasised that all health precautions and protocols will be followed, including seating of only 16 students per classroom.

Allowing a limited number of students in each classroom is aimed at maintaining all social distancing norms. The 2020-21 academic year has since been extended to April 30 to ensure 180 working days.

For students of 9-10, the schools will be reopened from November 2, for classes 6-8, it is from November 23, and for students of class 1-5, the school starts on December 14.

School Education Commissioner V Chinna Veerabhadrudu said that state schools will reopen in phases for different classes.

Class IX and X students will be physically present in classrooms from Monday onwards in the afternoon hours on alternate days of the week.

For students of Classes VI to VIII, schools will reopen from November 23. For Classes I to V, physical presence in classrooms will resume from December 14.

Since the schools will reopen in a phased manner, the officials have made changes right from day-to-day schedules to mid-day meals in order to adhere to safety protocols in wake of the COVID-19 situation.

"Wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distance is mandatory for every student and teacher. Every day, students will undergo orientation on Covid precautions. Classes will be held from 9.15 am to 1.45 pm, followed by midday meals," said Veerabhadrudu.

After physical classes in the morning session, online classes will be held for those who could not attend earlier ones.

"Alternate arrangements will be made for students who opt to stay home and pursue online education, by deploying dedicated mobile apps like Abyasa and Diksa, along with Doordarshan classes and YouTube channels, based on students` access to technology," said the Commissioner.

In the case of residential schools, the state government has decided to make hostel facilities available anytime between November 2 and 23, prioritising the needs of students who do not have alternate accommodation.

"The schools were also provided with grants to acquire equipment like Thermo scans or sanitizers for maintaining a safe and clean environment. SOPs from the Medical and Health department and Transport department were also sought and the School SOP will be decided on November 1 after discussing with Parent Committees," according to an official statement.

There are around 60,000 schools, including aided, unaided and private ones, in the southern state.

In regard to higher education, the State government has decided to open all institutes, including University Colleges and its Affiliated Colleges across the State from November 2 and classes will take place on all six days of a week.

"In this context, a new academic calendar for Non-Professional courses, Professional courses, and Post-Graduate programs was released, " the official statement read.

However, classes for first-year professional and non-professional undergraduate courses will commence from December 1.

After a gap of five months, educational institutions in the southern state are reopening, following all standard operating procedures aimed at warding off the Coronavirus pandemic.

(With agency inputs)