After weeks of an intense and prolonged heatwave, a welcome shift in Kashmir’s weather is on the horizon. The meteorological department has forecast cooler temperatures and scattered rainfall across the Valley this week, signaling the end of the oppressive summer spell. This transition brings not only much-needed relief but also a timely opportunity: the reopening of schools that have remained shut for the summer vacation. Summer breaks are a necessary pause in the academic year, especially in Kashmir, where the season can be harsh and infrastructure often struggles to cope with extreme conditions. However, with the weather turning favorable, continuing to keep schools closed would be counterproductive. Our children have already spent enough time at home, and it is time they return to classrooms where structured learning and healthy social interaction can resume. The academic calendar, already compressed due to weather-related disruptions throughout the year, can ill afford extended breaks. Prolonged school closures, whether due to summer heat, winter snow, or other uncertainty, have historically impacted the continuity of education of our children. Virtual learning, while useful during emergencies, cannot replicate the effectiveness of in-person instruction, especially in areas with limited digital access and resources. The widening learning gap and reduced student engagement are realities we cannot ignore. Moreover, the return to school is essential for students’ mental and emotional well-being. The classroom is not merely a space for academic pursuits—it is a hub of creativity, social development, and community support. Being confined to homes for extended periods deprives students of interaction with peers, guidance from teachers, and the structure that school life provides. There are also broader socio-economic implications of keeping schools closed longer than necessary. Working parents face added pressure when children are at home without supervision or productive engagement. Many children depend on schools for midday meals, counselling, and extracurricular activities, all of which contribute to a holistic upbringing. With the dip in temperatures and expected rainfall, conditions are becoming conducive for safe school functioning. Authorities must now act with foresight and efficiency—schools should be prepared and reopened with any necessary safeguards in place. Ensuring proper ventilation, drinking water availability, and basic health protocols can make the return smooth and safe. The future of our children cannot be paused indefinitely. As Kashmir embraces the cooling monsoon, let it also mark a renewed commitment to education. Reopening schools at the earliest is not just a logistical decision—it is a moral imperative. Our students deserve to learn, to grow, and to reclaim the classroom as their second home.