First and second graders in Armenia have their winter break shortened

YEREVAN, January 3. /ARKA/. First and second graders in Armenia have their winter break shortened by two and one week respectively, according to the decision of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports.

Initially, first graders were to have their winter break from December 28, 2020 until January 24, 2021 and second graders- from December 28 to January 17, 2021, while other school students' break was to last until January 10.

On December 30, 2020 the ministry revised the previous decision saying that the classes will resume for all school students starting January 11.

Last autumn school students had a one-month cessation of classes because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The ministry said it cut the winter break for first and second graders in order to avoid extending their classes to June, which can be difficult because they would have to wear masks in the summer heat. The ministry said the decision was prompted by the outcome of an online survey of students and their parents.

The ministry said also that spring break will remain unchanged for first graders - from March 22 to April 4 inclusively and for second graders - from March 22 to 28 inclusive. Students in grades 3-12 will not have spring break.

Schools in which less than 20 students are enrolled in each class are allowed to switch to a five-day schooling. Autumn break in Armenian schools lasted from October 15 to 29, and then was extended until November 12.

Full-time classes in education institutions fully resumed on December 7, 2020. Prior to that, grades 5-12 had their classes remotely and the rest had to go to school in person.

Students attend school six days a week instead of five days (every other day in two groups of less than 20 people).

Students must wear masks in class. Schools are not allowed to hold mass sports and entertainment events. All schools are provided with hand sanitizers and classrooms are disinfected before or after school. - 0--