Kyiv schools are preparing to change the format of education due to prolonged air raids

Schools in Kyiv plan to start the first week of the new academic year in a blended (face-to-face and distance) format. Subsequently, institutions will be able to quickly switch to other models of work depending on the intensity of Russian attacks and the duration of air raid alarms - from classes directly in shelters to distance learning and work in the second shift.

This was reported by Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration Valentyn Mondryivskyi.

The city authorities explain the need for several scenarios by the fact that prolonged air raid alarms can actually take up a significant part of the school day. In particular, on August 28, alarms in Kyiv totaled 158 minutes - this roughly corresponds to the duration of four of the six lessons in a regular schedule.

In recent weeks, the problem has become especially acute against the background of intensified Russian attacks on the capital using jet drones and ballistic missiles. On some days, alarms were announced multiple times, which means that the usual model, in which students simply interrupt the lesson and go down to a shelter, may prove insufficient.

What options are schools considering

One possible scenario is to conduct face-to-face classes for younger students directly in shelters. For middle and high school students, separate places can be set up there, where they can continue classes remotely during an alarm.

In addition, schools can use blended or fully distance learning, and if necessary, switch to work in the second shift.

There will be no single scheme for all institutions. Each school should determine the optimal model depending on the capacity and arrangement of the shelter, the number of students, its own resources, and the current security situation.

According to Olena Fidanyan, Director of the Department of Education and Science of the Kyiv City State Administration, parents will also be able to choose an available format - within the options that a particular school and its teaching staff can provide.

Format may change depending on the situation

The Kyiv City State Administration emphasizes that the decisions made will not necessarily remain in effect throughout the entire academic year. Schools will be able to temporarily change the format of work in accordance with the missile and drone threat.

At the same time, each institution already has its own algorithm of actions in case of emergency. It covers not only air raid alarms but also other threats, including bomb threats.

The city authorities also urged parents to discuss with their children before the start of school the procedure to follow during an alarm - in particular, where they should go in the shelter and what to do if danger catches them on the way to school.

Source: KMDA