The Meteorological Department has warned that the temperature in north India may reach 44 degree Celsius in the coming week, which may intensify the heat wave. The advisory has prompted swift action in Jharkhand, where private schools have modified daily schedules to reduce students’ exposure to the scorching afternoon sun.As per the directives of the Association of Unaided Schools, all affiliated private schools must implement the new timings from Monday. Children should start their classes at 6:45 am and end at 11:30 am instead of the afternoon dispersed session. This move will help ensure that children return home before the heat rises in the late afternoon.Times to become more flexibleAccording to the new schedule, schools will operate in the morning hours when it is cooler. It was pointed out that children would learn better without the effects of hot weather. Additionally, it was reported that after 12:00 PM, children’s exposure to the sun’s strong rays would become intolerable.Reasons for implementing the new timingsAs the vice-president of the Association of Unaided Schools, Sarathchandran said that the welfare of the children is the first consideration. It was reported that children can easily become dehydrated due to high temperatures during the journey home from school. All the private schools were consulted regarding this proposal and they accepted it.Parents informed through various platforms.Parents were contacted through their cell phones, portal messages and SMS notifications from Saturday. Children must now leave school according to the newly adjusted timetable. Parents are asked to pay extra attention during the cooling periods as the temperature starts to rise.Doctors advise caution.Doctors have advised that children should take ORS or lemon juice with them to avoid dehydration. Doctors have also advised children to wear light colored cotton clothes to avoid overheating. The new time schedule for schools will remain the same until the weather conditions improve, and the organization monitors changes in temperature.It was clear that the current arrangement was only a temporary one, and the organization would continue to assess the situation based on fresh forecasts. Collaboration between school management and local authorities is ongoing to resolve any issues. Parents are warned to be vigilant about hydration and protect children from sunlight during the day.It was informed that further arrangements can be made if the temperature in the area remains higher than forecast in the coming days.
