Brazil Rio de Janeiro’s state school system resumes fully in-person classes next Monday

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The decision to end hybrid teaching (in-person and remote) was made on Wednesday, October 20, after confirmation that the majority of education professionals have completed their vaccination schedules, and that a large number of children and teenagers have been vaccinated against Covid-19.

The State Secretariat of Education also cites the drop in cases and deaths from the disease in the state’s 92 municipalities. “More than 95% of school employees have taken the first dose and more than 85% have now received the second or single dose. It is worth noting that the State Health Secretariat is now immunizing youths aged 12 to 17, the age range of students in the state system.” [Elementary schools are municipal.]

According to Governor Cláudio Castro, the return to school represents an “important milestone” in the resumption of activities: “The return of students to the classroom is a cause for celebration for the school community, which will be able to resume an integral and consistent teaching plan. This moment marks an important milestone in overcoming the pandemic, thanks to the achievement of more than 85% of professionals in the state network fully immunized.”

SAFE RETURN

The State Department of Education (SEEDUC) said it is working to provide a safe return for all students and staff, following the current health protocols, including the constant sanitation of schools and the regulations issued by both the state and municipal governments. “Students and teachers continue to receive masks and their use is still mandatory in all schools in the state education system.”

In a statement, the state Secretary of Education Alexandre Valle stressed the importance of the measure. “We have been working for this moment for a long time. We believe in a safe and productive return, with a proper enjoyment of classes and respect for health protocols. We are talking about the future of our children and of our state. In-person learning is crucial to our students’ socialization and training.”

The note further states that “the Secretariat is prepared to face the challenge of reversing school dropout, aggravated by the pandemic, by recovering and overcoming the learning challenges for students in the state education network.”