Heat’s not 3rd degree: schools

Wednesday was one of the hottest days in Delhi in 50 years. But if students and parents are looking for some early vacation cheer, they will have to wait.

Wednesday was one of the hottest days in Delhi in 50 years. But if students and parents are looking for some early vacation cheer, they will have to wait.

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Government schools will close for summer vacation as usual from May 1. But most public schools will be open till May 15.

“Some schools might close earlier on May 8. But we won’t advance the summer vacation because of the heat,” said SL Jain, chairperson of National Progressive Schools’ Conference, an association of 100 public schools.

Jain said students were better off in schools. “The rising temperature is a concern for schools that lack infrastructure or are run from porta cabins and have asbestos roofs. But most public schools have adequate facilities like multi-storied buildings, fans and coolers for drinking water,” Jain said.

However, schools are considering an early break for primary sections. “We have not yet decided the dates. But for primary classes we may close earlier than usual,” said Vinay Kumar, Principal, DPS, Vasant Kunj.