New York City’s Catholic elementary schools reopened fully on Wednesday – with no blended or distance learning options for parents and students.
Students and teachers returning to class in the five boroughs are required to complete a health checklist and undergo a temperature check before entering school grounds.
Visitors will also need to screen and monitor the temperature.
The kids will then be divided into groups and will have to stay in their group throughout the day, according to WLNY.
They will also have to stay in the classroom or designated area, with teachers being the ones who will change locations, the outlet said.
Additionally, the Archdiocese encourages – but does not require – eligible staff and students to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Get vaccinated! We strongly encourage you and anyone who is eligible to get vaccinated,” read a note to the city’s Catholic school community.
“You may have seen the recent video from Pope Francis’ Advertising Council. Immunizations are one of the many ways to keep everyone safe and our schools open for in-person instruction, ”he continues. “This action can save your life and the life of another! Click here for an appointment for vaccines or visit any vaccination center. ”
Unvaccinated people who have been “near” someone who has tested positive for the coronavirus, are showing symptoms of the virus, or are waiting for COVID-19 test results are not allowed in parish school buildings, according to the archdiocese of New York. Politics.
The new precautionary protocols come after students in Catholic schools returned to in-person learning in September 2020 – even as the reopening of Ministry of Education classrooms was delayed.
Catholic schools in the city have seen an increase in interest from families in public schools frustrated by the lack of full-time classes, church officials told The Post in November.
Later in the school year, Catholic schools in Manhattan, Staten Island and the Bronx announced plans to reopen for the 2021-2022 school for in-person instruction without distance learning.
“Since September, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York have been open to in-person teaching thanks to the unwavering partnership of our Health and Safety, Parent and Student Working Group with our pastors, principals and teachers. dedicated, ”said Schools Superintendent Michael J. Deegan at the time.
Public schools in the five boroughs are also expected to open on Monday without a distance learning option, amid a dispute between the city’s teachers’ union and city hall over the newly announced vaccine mandate by Mayor Bill de Blasio for school staff.
