In view of the surge in Covid-19 cases in the Capital, prominent schools have decided to switch back to ‘only online classes’ from class I to 8 when the institutions will reopen after extended Holi holidays on April 5.
Schools had followed online mode for the teaching in class I to VIII after the outbreak of the pandemic last year. However, offline mode was resumed in phases in February and March with an option for those who don’t want to come to the campus to continue in the online mode. But with a surge in cases once again schools have decided to resume an online mode of education.
The government allowed regular classes from March 1, but the number of Covid cases in the state, especially in Ranchi, grew at a significantly high pace since mid-March.
“The decision of resuming regular offline classes in April was taken because Covid cases had reduced in the city. But we cannot take the risk of running in-person classes at this stage, when the city is reporting an alarming spike in cases every day,” said principal of Jawahar Vidya Mandir (JVM), Shaymli, Samarjeet Jana.
Six residential colonies in Ranchi including MECON colony have been sealed and marked as Covid 19 Containment zone. The situation is also alarming as 26 teachers and students of two residential schools of Ranchi have also been tested Covid 19 positive.
DAV Kapil Dev at AG Colony has issued a notice stating that from class I to VIII only online classes will be held. DAV Kapil Dev Principal MK Sinha said, “The situation is alarming and in such a situation we cannot put children at risk. The classes will be online. Time table for online classes has been issued by respective class teachers.”
Even parents are happy that schools have decided to resume online mode of education. Ekta Sinha, mother of a kid whose son is class V student of DAV Kapil Dev said, “We agree with the school decision to continue with online teaching. But we request school administration that online teaching should improve with more focus on doubts clearing sessions.”
However, it is the students who are unhappy with schools switching back to online mode of education once again. Surbhi a class V student at SurendraNath Centenary School said, “With decline in Covid cases in January / February, we were hopeful and happy on attending classroom teaching but now it appears that this year too there will be no classroom teaching.”
Meanwhile, many schools have decided to convene a meeting with parents where the final decision on reopening of classes will be taken. Not only schools in Ranchi, but those in Steel City too have decided to go for online mode of education.
Two schools in Jamshedpur had to be sealed after students and teachers tested positive for Covid-19. Later, at least 25 girls of Indira Gandhi Balika Vidyalas in Ranchi’s Bundu block were found infected.