What Parents Need to Know About School Reopening in The Age

What Parents Need to Know About School

Covid-19 has decided to reopen schools around the world, especially in some parts of the world. Life during the COVID-19 epidemic is equally difficult for parents and children. A dream come true back to school life. But coming back to school is an important and optimistic welcome step. But there are probably a lot of questions about you or your and your kids ’school, homework, and passing classes that you are unable to reveal or share with others.

Here are some questions for you and your kids that you can share with them:

1. When and how should schools be reopened?
2. What is UNICEF position on when schools should reopen in North Macedonia?
3. Is it safe for my child to go back to school?
4. What precautions should schools take to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus?
5. Should a one size fit all approach to schools reopening be introduced?
6. What are the risks if children continue to distance learning? Why is it important for students to return to classroom-based learning?
7. What if a teacher or student who attends classroom-based learning is tested positive with coronavirus?

1. When and How Should Schools be Reopened

Globally, we are slowly seeing a growing number of children return to the classroom. Due to the situation and variations around the world, countries are at different stages with plans on how and when to reopen schools. These decisions are usually made by national governments, under the guidance of experts from the National Committee for Communicable Diseases, and often in consultation with local authorities. 

They need to consider benefits and risks for public health, education and other reasons. The best interests of each child should be at the center of these decisions using the best available evidence, but exactly how it will look will vary from school to school.

2. What is UNICEF Position on When Schools Should Reopen in North Macedonia

There is unforgettable evidence of the negative impact of school closures on children’s physical and mental health, nutrition, safety and learning. Therefore, what we are calling for is that schools are opened for the first time when security measures are taken. As the country relaxes and re- introduces restrictions in the COVID-19 era, schools should be in the first place to open and authorities must prioritize ensuring equal access to quality education for the most vulnerable children. 

This requires a plan in a variety of forms that allows local governments to ensure that all children have access to an integrated approach to schooling or distance learning, or a combination of distance and classroom-based learning, starting September 2020; Prioritize investments and investments in teacher training and ICT equipment and internet connectivity to ensure that schools can maintain adequate cleanliness and physical distance systems. 

Without taking ambitious steps in education and a determined focus on the most vulnerable children, the COVID-19 epidemic will deepen the ongoing education crisis, with catastrophic effects for generations of students, as well as increasing economic productivity and social cohesion.

3. Is It Safe For My Child to Go Back to School

Schools should only be opened when it is safe for students, teachers and staff. Going back to school will probably look a little different from the way you and your child used to be. It is possible that the schools may reopen for some time and then decide to temporarily close them again depending on the local context. Authorities need to be flexible and adaptable to ensure the safety of every child due to the deteriorating situation.

4. What Precautions Should Schools Take to Prevent The Spread of The COVID-19 Virus

The reopening of schools should be in line with the country’s overall COVID-19 health response to protect students, staff, teachers and their families. Safe reopening of water and sanitation facilities will be an important part of schools.

Here are some practical steps schools can take:

• The start and end of the school day is shocking
• Wonderful meal time
• Moving classes temporarily or outdoors
• To reduce the size of the class, keep the school in shift

Administrators need to look at opportunities to improve hygiene, including hand washing, breathing etiquette (i.e. coughing and sneezing at the elbows), physical distance management, cleaning procedures for convenience, and safe food preparation practices. Administrative staff and teachers should also be trained on physical distance, school healthy practice and recognition of flu-like symptoms.

In collaboration with the Bureau of Education Development, UNICEF is providing training and support for school management, cleaners for teachers and technicians, and water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in municipal education departments. This will help schools prepare and maintain healthy practices in schools. 

5. Should A One Size Fit All Approach to Schools Reopening be Introduced

Public health, education benefits and risks and other factors need to be considered for school reopening. The best interest of every child should be at the center of these decisions using the best available evidence, but exactly how it will look will vary from school to school. There is no reason for schools to be closed to more or less reported communities and where citizens are following these steps. If children do not have access to equipment and internet, distance learning is not an option for them.

There needs to be a plan with different forms of Government that will enable local governments to ensure that all children have access to an integrated system of distance learning and distance learning and a combination of distance and classroom- based learning, starting in September- 2020.

6. What are The Risks If Children Continue to Distance Learning? Why is It Important for Students to Return to Classroom- Based Learning

When children cannot go to school, they often lose more than their education. For many students- for whom the school provides a lifeline- when classrooms are closed, they lose their routine, time with friends, some access to their only meal of the day, health and nutrition services and the protection the school provides for them.

In the past few months, there have been reports of an increase in domestic violence in call centers and shelters. Children and young people suffer from mental health as they experience a stressful home, poverty, isolation and how they continue to study at home, sharing computers with many siblings and struggling with unstable internet connections.

Prior to the epidemic, more than half of all fifteen- year- olds in the country had failed to reach the level of reading and basic skills in mathematics. Teachers report that an increasing number of children have failed to achieve or fight for what is being taught online; And many have reported that at some point during distance learning the teacher could not communicate with some of their students. Prolonged school closures can cause students to re- enter academically, especially since online education has not been effective for everyone. In addition, some children are at risk of never returning to school.

7. What If A Teacher or Student Who Attends Classroom-Based Learning is Tested Positive With Coronavirus

Safety protocols alone- whether for schools, at work or in shopping malls and restaurants- are effective only if everyone follows them. By respecting protocols we create conditions for the protection of our family and community. In addition to plans and protocols to protect students, staff, teachers and their families from preventing the spread of the virus, schools need to be prepared to act quickly if anyone at school tests positive for the coronavirus or shows signs of Covid-19.

Each school should have a COVID-19 focal point that should be trained to immediately notify parents or carers and identify signs and protocols to provide instructions for testing and isolation. If anyone who has tested positive for coronavirus attends school, schools must have a direct connection to testing facilities to receive prompt notifications. Local health care teams should immediately conduct a risk assessment, who have had close contact with the person during the time they were infected and make sure they have been told to self- isolate.

Health care teams need to guide schools through the steps they need to take. This may include sending home those who were in close contact with a positively tested person and advising them to self- isolate for 14 days.

8. How Should Teachers Help Prevent The Spread of Viruses, Especially in Young Children

Teachers and parents have an important role to play in ensuring that children understand, learn and follow the new rules in schools. Pre-school and primary level teachers need to make a special effort through play- based learning to be able to help young children adapt to new methods of learning in school. Schools need to communicate clearly with parents about these new rules so that they are aware and they support their children in practicing and developing these new rules that are important for maintaining their health.

As well as parents, there is an important role and responsibility. They may need to check their child's temperature before school. They should not go to school if their child shows signs of a cold or flu. If they are currently showing symptoms of Covid-19, they need to follow the current government measures, contact their family physician, and follow the advice for testing and self-isolation. Modeling behaviors involve the role of all adults so that children can follow.

9. What Should I do If My Child Has Fallen Behind

Students around the world have shown how they want to continue their studies. They have remained steadfast with their lessons in difficult situations with the help of their dedicated teachers and parents. If schools reopen, many children will need additional support for their studies.

Schools should plan curricula to help students get back on track faster. This may include starting the year with a refresher or remedial course, an after-school program, or a complementary homework assignment. Because many schools offer the possibility of not opening full-time or for all grades, schools may adopt a mix of ‘mixed learning’ models, classroom instruction, and distance learning (self- study through home exercises, TV or online learning). 

Give your child extra support at home by creating a routine around school and school work. It can help if they feel restless and help focus.

You may want to contact your children's teacher or school to ask questions and stay informed. If your child is facing a specific challenge, such as mourning for the loss of a family or worrying about an epidemic, be sure to let them know.

10. What Should I do If My Child is Struggling to Get Back into “School Mode”

Remember that your child will deal with the stress of the ongoing crisis separately from you. Create a supportive and nurturing environment and respond positively to questions and expressions about their feelings. Show support and let your child know that it's not okay, it's normal, to feel frustrated or anxious at times like this.

Teach your kids to stick to their routines and incorporate the flame into everyday activities like cooking, family reading or games. Another option is to join a parent or community group to share tips and connect with other parents who are going through the same experience to get support.

Conclusion

Moreover, it's not that folks aren't  beginning of their houses; rather everybody is doing their regular activities within the similar way they did earlier but to some extent maintaining health guidelines lately.

Therefore, the govt should reopen educational institutions as soon as possible to limit the loss of the education sector. It all institutions can't be opened, a minimum of those above the secondary level are often reopened. only one thing should be ensured that health guidelines are maintained properly. However, due to the availability of vaccines and the spread of hostile environment, Covid-19 has started to reduce this category all over the world, especially in Bangladesh. So it's time to think about reopening the institution.

Frequently Asked Questions on

What Parents Need to Know About School Directory Information?

Answer: Unbeknownst to many parents, schools that share their child's phone number, home address, date of birth, email and photos with anyone without consent can compromise their children's privacy and possibly their safety. The good news is that parents already have the right to opt out of data sharing.

How to build a strong parent-school relationship?

Answer: A parent-school relationship can be developed in several ways:

• Say hello to teachers or other staff at school at pick up and drop off times.
• Ask teachers for information or feedback about your child. And share your child's special events or achievements outside of school.
• Attend parent-teacher interviews and parent meetings.
• Check the school noticeboard, website and email regularly.
• Get involved and help the school community in any way you can.
• Learn more about the school by viewing the school's annual report, website, newsletter, etc.
• Go to school performances, musical events, school barbecues, cultural, school fairs and parent seminars.

How do school meals benefit parents?

Answer: Parents are used to juggling multiple responsibilities and roles. But as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many parents are helping their children with virtual education. And at the same time balancing responsibilities at work and at home. School meals can help parents save time with home meal preparation and stretch the family budget. Parents can also feel good knowing their child will be getting good nutritious food. School meals also give children the opportunity to try new foods that parents might not otherwise think of serving at home.

What parents can do?

Answer: Although school staff are trained and instructed on how to best help students, your child's best advocate is YOU! Ask your child's teacher or school administrator about the school's plans for emergencies such as fires, blizzards, bomb threats, and armed intruders. You can also ask that school officials and safety experts meet to discuss safety procedures. Although some schools may be hesitant to share all parts of their plans and strategies.