The Prestige International School

Being out here on Singhpora Link Road in Baramulla means we get a lot of fresh air, but the winters are really tough. Kanispora is a quiet area mostly. The school building stands out because it is newer than most of the houses around it. I usually arrive early to make sure the heaters are working because the chill gets into the floors. The kids arrive in their big heavy coats and boots, looking a bit tired from the walk. We spend a lot of time just keeping things organized. The hallways are wide enough for the kids to run, which they do even when we tell them not to. Our classrooms have these large windows that let in a bit of sun when it's not too cloudy. Sometimes the electricity cuts out and we just keep teaching by the window light. It isn't a very loud place except during recess when everyone is outside. The staff here mostly lives nearby, so we all know the local news. We don't have a big marketing team or anything like that. It's just us teachers and the caretaker who has been here forever. We fix the desks ourselves if a screw comes loose. The playground gets muddy when the snow finally melts, so we have to watch where everyone walks. It’s a simple setup. We focus on the books and making sure the kids stay warm and learn something before the bell rings.