The general coordinator of the Basic Education Services Unit for the State of Querétaro (USEBEQ), Irene Quintanar Mejía, announced that from November 11 to February 25, 2025, the start time will be delayed by half an hour in 865 general and indigenous public primary schools during the morning shift, where 147,602 students study. This measure is taken with the aim of protecting students from respiratory illnesses and other ailments typical of the winter season.
"We do this because we must take care of the health of our boys and girls and ensure they always go protected and warmly dressed," commented Quintanar Mejía. General and indigenous primary students in the morning shift will begin their activities at 8:30 A.M., with dismissal at 1:00 P.M. On the other hand, schools in the afternoon shift will maintain their usual start and end times.
The coordinator ensured that educational institutions will have staff available to open their doors at the usual times, allowing parents to drop off their children at the accustomed hour. She also called on parents, guardians, and tutors to collaborate in caring for children's health during this winter season, avoiding sudden temperature changes and promoting healthy eating.
Filters will be maintained in schools to detect any signs of respiratory infection in students to prevent contagion. Parents will be able to drop off their children before the winter start time, as there will be available staff on duty. Students will be allowed to wear warm clothing like jackets, sweaters, hats, and, in the case of girls, leggings or tights. Additionally, it has been clarified that the start time for primary education students may be adjusted according to the indications of the Civil Protection and the National Meteorological Service.
Finally, Irene Quintanar Mejía highlighted that for primary schools in the Contigo Full-Time Schools program, dismissal will be at 3:00 P.M. Parents, teachers, and students are asked to stay informed about protection recommendations against the cold through official communication channels to ensure everyone's safety.
