Kyiv prepares hybrid and remote learning plans amid prolonged air alerts

Kyiv schools have devised several plans for conducting classes during prolonged air-raid alerts and other security threats, according to the Kyiv City State Administration. The first week of the school year is anticipated to begin with a combination of in-person and remote learning, but schools need to be prepared to adapt swiftly based on the security situation, particularly after a series of extended air-raid alerts.

Potential options include classes for younger students in shelters, hybrid or fully remote learning, and implementing second shifts. Kyiv City State Administration Deputy Head Valentyn Mondryivskyi stated that multiple scenarios are being planned with school administrators to ensure each institution can respond to its unique situation and available resources.

The priority remains the safety of children and staff, with parents allowed to select from the learning formats provided by each individual school. Director Olena Fidanyan of the Kyiv City State Administration’s Education Department mentioned a possible model of conducting in-person classes for primary school students in shelters, while some middle and high school students can continue online studying during an alert if necessary.

Authorities are also preparing for potential threats such as bomb incidents, which Kyiv schools received almost daily in September last year. Russia has been launching drones at Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast almost continuously for five straight days, resulting in dozens of air-raid alerts per day in the capital. Kyiv had already issued seven air-raid alerts on August 31 due to the threat from jet-powered drones.