Preparing children for school reopening

PW invited parents of Sir Padampat Singhania Education Centre, Kanpur to share information about how they are preparing themselves and their children for reopening of schools in the near future

“Although we have recently moved back to India from the US, I must admit I find the proactive approach of my daughter Naisha’s new school in the current Covid crisis more than admirable. My eight-year-old is delighted with the individual attention of her teachers, and has quickly adapted to the new normal. Kudos to the teachers and staff for doing a fantastic job! The school has been very encouraging and helpful in preparing us for what to expect next and how we can make her education safe. I’m sure the management will leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of our children on campus.” — Vineet Perti, organization change management consultant (independent consultant)

After outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic forced mass closure of schools countrywide, my 12-yearold daughter Sana has adapted well to learning from home, except for the monotony. I’m sure she will welcome school reopening with great excitement and relief. Though the experience may be stressful for both of us to begin with, I will put her mind at ease and ensure Sana is equipped with mask and sanitizer every school day. I have complete trust and faith in the school management for my child’s safety.” — Neha Malhotra, teacher, Candy Floss Preschool, Pandu Nagar, Kanpur

The idea of sending my daughter — Suhani Gupta (class X) — to school without a life saving vaccine in sight makes me a little anxious. Thus far, I have managed to restrict her movement outdoors. But sending her to school will require some amount of mental and physical preparation as she has gradually become resistant to the idea. Therefore, I am constantly encouraging and advising her about safety protocols like maintaining social distancing, mask wearing, and frequent washing/ sanitising of hands. For extra safety, I will ensure she carries a bottle of sanitiser so she can sanitize her desk and chair herself before using them. Moreover, I have decided to change her mode of transport, from school bus to private car.” — Dr. Kanchan Kapoor, homeopath.

Online academics supplemented with dance, cooking and music tutorials has made up much of my 10 year-old daughter Kratisha’s life for the past seven months. Reopening of schools is inevitable any day now, and like children her age, Kratisha is also looking forward to her first day at school. She is fully aware of the critical importance of mask-wearing, washing hands frequently with soap and maintaining social distancing norms in these Covid times. We have taught her to face the challenges of in-school teaching-learning. I am sure the school management will reiterate the importance of basic sanitation etiquette among its teachers, staff, students and parents.” — Dr. Renu Singh Gahlaut, gynaecologist, Gahlaut Healthcare, Kanpur