FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2020
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Adriana Rodriguez
718-517-3143
arodriguez@desalesmedia.org
John Quaglione
718-517-3112
jquaglione@desalesmedia.org
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS IN BROOKLYN AND QUEENS SET TO START NEW SCHOOL YEAR
The Diocese of Brooklyn and the Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services will welcome back students to the 66 Catholic Schools and Academies throughout Brooklyn and Queens tomorrow, Wednesday, September 9, 2020, to officially start the 2020-2021 academic year, with staggered arrivals through Friday, September 11, 2020.
In accordance with all Coronavirus safety guidelines, 90% of the schools will be offering full-time in-person learning, and 10% of the schools will offer a hybrid model due to capacity. The Superintendent’s office has worked with each individual school throughout the planning for a safe return to school.
Additionally, over 2,400 students have enrolled in the Diocese’s full remote learning St. Thomas Aquinas Program, created to give parents concerned about in-person learning an option to continue to give their children a Catholic education. This program begins on September 16th.
“We look forward to welcoming our students back to school. Principals, board members, teachers, and the entire school staff at our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools have worked tirelessly this summer to ensure a safe and healthy learning environment is in place for all. Our re-opening plans are in compliance with the current mandates and guidance from government and health officials, and we will continue to update them as necessary throughout the school year,” said Dr. Thomas Chadzutko, Superintendent of Schools.
The Office of the Superintendent ~ Catholic School Support Services has been working with the New York City Department of Education to ensure that the City fulfills its obligations to the Catholic Academies and Parish Schools throughout Brooklyn and Queens. According to New York City Education Law, the Department of Education must provide essential services such as nurses, transportation, meals, and special education and related services.
Additionally, services such as school security and crossing guards will be provided through other agencies. The NYC Pre-K for All programs, offered at our Catholic Academies and Parish Schools, will start at each site as individually scheduled.
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