Catholic New York Profile: Her Job Is to Help Schools Understand Their Catholic Identity Makes Them Unique
In this profile of Linda M. Dougherty, associate superintendent for Catholic identity in the archdiocese, John Woods presents a compelling profile of Ms. Dougherty, writing, “Since taking over her new post last August, Mrs. Dougherty has already met with newly named principals and those in a couple of school regions around the archdiocese.
One of the first things Mrs. Dougherty often asks principals is how someone just walking in would know that their school is Catholic. Follow-up questions might include: ‘Who greets them?’ and ‘What is the culture of your school?’
The queries are designed to start a discussion about ‘what makes their school Catholic,’ she said.
Click here to view the full article.
Photo: Cardinal Dolan offered Mass last September for students of St. John’s School in Goshen.
Catholic New York Article: Latino Outreach Program ‘Like Talking With a Relative,’ Says One Parent
In an article in yesterday’s Catholic New York, Armando Machado reports, “At the archdiocesan School Superintendent’s Office, the Latino Outreach Program helps Hispanic families navigate the intricacies of school application, enrollment and financial aid procedures, in Spanish for parents and guardians who are not fluent in English or simply feel more at ease with their native language. The outreach efforts include the use of social media.”
Click here to read the full article!
Considering a New York City Catholic School for Your Family
In an article in New York Family that appeared on January 13, 2022, Jaclyn Griffith writes about the impact of school choice, saying:
“It’s hard to imagine a decision that impacts your child’s present and future more than the decision of which school they will attend. Academics, community, relationships, location, guiding principles—all of these are sure to influence your family’s school choice. While considering the overwhelming number of options, it’s important for parents to understand the benefits of a Catholic school education in New York City.”
Click here to read the full article!
Photo: New York Family | Getty Images
Archdiocese of New York Catholic Elementary Schools Closed Friday for Traditional Snow Day
As of 5am today, Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of New York are closed due to the winter storm. There will be no remote learning. The school day will be made up later in the year.
> Click here to view press announcement in SI Live (photo credit: SI Live)
Catholic schools disprove teacher-union claims schools must close for safety
In an op-ed piece in yesterday’s New York Post says, Ed Cox says, “there’s no ‘lost education’ for Catholic schools.
Catholic Schools Issue COVID-19 Test Guidelines and Tips for Families
Catholic Schools Issue COVID-19 Test Guidelines and Tips for Families
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Catholic Schools Update: Archdiocese of New York to Provide Free COVID-19 Home Test Kits to Staff and Students’ Families
Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan announced today: “I am very pleased that after much work between the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools and government officials, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York will be able to provide every family and staff member with a COVID-19 home test kit.” See Mr. Deegan’s full message below, and learn more at: https://catholicschoolsny.org/covid-19.
January 1, 2022 | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God
Dear Catholic School Communities,
I hope you had a blessed Christmas and as enjoyable a New Year celebration as possible. We are all weary of the COVID-19 pandemic and all the accompanying impositions on our personal lives as well as the requirements on our schools in order to remain open safely, as they have since the beginning of this pandemic.
I am very pleased that after much work between the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools and government officials, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York will be able to provide every family and staff member with a COVID-19 home test kit. As municipalities and health organizations struggle to stock up on these much sought-after kits, we hope our distribution of tens of thousands of test kits will provide some small measure of comfort in knowing you will have these crucial tools in your home when you are exposed to COVID.
Your principal will be in touch regarding the distribution of the test kits for your school community this week. Please be sure to review the document distributed with these kits for critical information on their use and contact your school office with any questions about the distribution of these free kits. While we will strive to continue to make kits available in the future to you, please know that you can and should also visit the free testing sites linked here: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/find-test-site-near-you. In NYC: https://www1.nyc.gov/site/coronavirus/get-tested/covid-19-testing.page.
While social media and newscasts portray many conflicting and contradictory headlines and narratives, and COVID mandates seemingly change on a daily basis, you can be confident that our schools remain a constant in a universe of variables: our buildings are safe and remain open for our students to safely pray, learn, and grow together. We remain so by continuing to follow the health and safety guidelines that got us here. We will continue to require temperature checks, face coverings, physical distancing and enhanced ventilation processes in all of our school buildings.
The experts of the Health and Safety Tasks Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools are evaluating all of the new guidance and information about quarantine, isolation, close contacts, testing and the associated timelines for each. We will leave behind the chaos of government and press releases and in the coming weeks, provide updated protocols for our families, recognizing; however, if some warrant implementation sooner, we will do so. While we understand that some want the policies implemented overnight, as we have always done, our response will be thoughtful, intentional and always made in the best interest of all of those in our school communities.
Lastly, it is imperative that if you or your child have any symptoms, even mild ones, get tested and remain home until you receive the results of the test. We know that PCR testing remains the gold standard of testing and that those who are vaccinated may take a day or two to test positive after being symptomatic with the new variant Omicron.
Please join me in praying for an end to this awful health crisis and that 2022 brings us closer to the freedoms and simplicity we enjoyed at this time two years ago. I remain grateful for your support, resolve and partnership in keeping Catholic schools at the forefront of education and safety throughout the global health crisis.
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
Christmas 2021 Greeting from New York Catholic Schools Superintendent Michael J. Deegan
In his videotaped 2021 Christmas greeting, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Michael J. Deegan expresses his wish for a “blessed, merry Christmas and a healthy New Year.” Mr. Deegan also voices his thanks for the “bright-eyed optimism” of our Catholic school youth, whose faith and example give us hope for better days ahead. Also on set at St. Joseph’s Seminary is the Cardinal Hayes High School Choir, shown above, who sing a lovely rendition of “Silent Night.” Click here to view the video!
John Harper Interviews Superintendent Michael J. Deegan
In this in-depth, Thanksgiving 2021 interview with John Harper of Relevant Radio, Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York discusses how Catholic Schools have safely and effectively remained opened for our students.
Click here to listen in!
Catholic Schools Celebrate Thanksgiving through #ArchGiving
This year, students at Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York prepare their hearts for Thanksgiving by raising food donations expressing gratitude through cards and prayers, and helping those in need in their community. Through the hashtag #ArchGiving, schools throughout the Archdiocese share on this video the many ways that their students gave back this Thanksgiving season.
Click here or on the video viewer below to view a video snapshot of these charitable efforts!
Science Teacher at St. Martin de Porres School Receives Prestigious STANYS Award
We are thrilled to announce that Mrs. Loretto Canfield, a science teacher at St. Martin de Porres School in Poughkeepsie New York, was awarded the STANYS Excellence in Science Teaching Award last week. The award is given to teachers with careers that exemplify the STANYS mission: their work showcases excellence in teaching, leading, and providing opportunities for all students to participate in and learn Science. The award is given yearly to only one teacher in the state! Congratulations, Mrs. Canfield!
> Click here for the full award announcement and testimonials
Archdiocese of New York’s Family Life Office Offers Parents Free Webinars about Preventing Suicide among our Children
Hope and Action: A Free Webinar For Parents of Teens and Young Adults About Preventing Suicide Among Our Children
Sponsored by the Archdiocese of New York’s Family Life Office, this free Zoom-based webinar offers parents a safe and confidential way to learn about warning signs for suicide, and how to create space for loving conversations that may save a life. The webinar will be offered twice, once on Thursday, 28 October and once on Wednesday, 3 November at 6:30pm (ET).
- Click here to register for Thursday October 28
- Click here to register for Wednesday November 3
Q&A to follow presentation
PRESENTED BY:
Fr. Chris Alar, MIC: Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception; Author, After Suicide: There’s Hope for Them and for You
Pamela Morris, PhD: Professor of Applied Psychology at NYU Steinhardt School; Loss survivor
Stan Collins: Suicide prevention specialist; Co-founder, Directing Change Program; Loss survivor
> Click here to view and download the program flyer with complete details
NYC Catholic school enrollment rising amid end of Gifted and Talented program
Friday’s New York Post noted that: “New York’s parochial schools fully reopened more or less a full year ahead of schools run by the city Department of Education, which have seen a steep enrollment and attendance drop. More recent interest in Catholic schools has been spawned by Mayor de Blasio’s announced plan to kill the Gifted & Talented classes, as parents seek alternatives to remote learning and look for more challenging classrooms.”
> Click here to view the full article by Conor Skelding!
How John Cardinal O’Connor School hopes to transform education for students with disabilities
John Cardinal O’Connor School in Irvington New York was featured prominently in this article from The Pillar, which appeared on October 11. The article stated: “Officials with the Archdiocese of New York, which oversees the school, say the John Cardinal O’Connor School is the “gold standard” of special education among Catholic Schools in the country. With small student-to-teacher ratios, multisensory teaching methods and individualized curriculums, the archdiocese hopes it can replicate the school’s model, and better serve more students with learning disabilities.”
> click here for the full article.
Superintendent Michael J. Deegan Delivers Heartfelt Welcome Back to School Message to Catholic School Parents
New York Catholic Schools Release Video Recap of Opening Day 2021 Media Coverage
Superintendent Deegan marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the US
Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
Today, September 15, marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the United States. Since 1988, Hispanic Heritage Month has celebrated the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic Americans who trace their roots back to Spain and Spanish-speaking countries in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Throughout our nation’s history, Latinx and Hispanic persons have had a profound and positive influence through their strong commitment to family, faith, and service. They have embodied servant leadership and embraced communal identity in a way that not only reflects the multiethnic and multicultural customs of their community but follows the way of Christ.
As always, I would like to recognize Hispanic Americans not only in our nation, but also in our schools. According to a 2016 Boston College study, more than 97% of school-age Hispanics do not benefit from Catholic school education. While Latinos are by far the fastest-growing ethnic group in the U.S. Catholic Church, many Hispanic families find Catholic education just out of reach. Here at the Archdiocese of New York, we strive to ensure that traditional barriers to entry—including tuition expenses and lack of cultural support and bilingual resources—do not deter our Hispanic families from pursuing an enriching Catholic education. On all levels, our schools work together to affirm and serve our Hispanic families.
Over the next four weeks, we will share with the community through our website and social media platforms some of the creative ways that our schools showcase and celebrate Hispanic heritage, persons, and culture. Through our hashtags #HispanicHeritageArch and #TradiciónHispanaArch, you, too, can share your story with us and potentially be featured on our English- and Spanish-language channels.
While one month will simply never be enough to fully honor our nation’s Hispanic heritage, we hope it is enough to spark a greater sense of understanding and solidarity with the Hispanic experience. Please join me in celebrating this month and throughout the year, ¡dando gracias a Dios! (giving thanks to God!) for our Hispanic students, teachers, pastors, and staff.
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
Bishop John O’Hara to be Honored by SOAR-USA at Ceremony Tonight
We are pleased to share some exciting news about our own beloved Bishop John O’Hara. He is a
champion for our Catholic schools, and we are blessed to have him as a successor to the apostles.
Tonight he is being honored by the organization SOAR-USA! SOAR (Support Our Aging Religious) raises funds and provides grants to help Catholic religious congregations in the United States care for their elderly and infirmed sisters and brothers.
We wanted to celebrate all Bishop O’Hara has done for us, as Pope Francis did on Sept 24, 2015, at St Patrick’s Cathedral. The Holy Father recognized all of the men and women religious who served our Catholic schools so faithfully! Tonight would be a great opportunity to share with your child the special influence that men or women religious may have had in your life.
Join us for the 35th Annual SOAR! New York Awards Gala will be held tonight, September 15, 2021. (7:00PM Eastern Time). The New York Gala runs less than 40 minutes. Click here at 7:00 PM tonight.
Excerpt from Pope Francis Homily St. Patrick’s Cathedral 2015:
“There is a cause for rejoicing here”, although “you may for a time have to suffer the distress of many trials” (1 Pet 1:6). These words of the Apostle remind us of something essential. Our vocation is to be lived in joy.
This beautiful Cathedral of Saint Patrick, built up over many years through the sacrifices of many men and women, can serve as a symbol of the work of generations of American priests and religious, and lay faithful who helped build up the Church in the United States. In the field of education alone, how many priests and religious in this country played a central role, assisting parents in handing on to their children the food that nourishes them for life! Many did so at the cost of extraordinary sacrifice and with heroic charity. I think for example of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded the first free Catholic school for girls in America, or Saint John Neumann, the founder of the first system of Catholic education in the United States.”
We congratulate Bishop O’Hara and are grateful for his service to the Church!
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
NBC News: Catholic Schools in NYC Reopen With COVID-19 Guidelines in Place
Catholic schools in New York City have reopened for the start of the school year with COVID-19 guidelines in place. Romney Smith reports.
> Click here to view the live news report
NYC Catholic schools welcome students back to classroom for new academic year
The Pix 11 News team covered the on-schedule opening of Catholic Schools yesterday, at the Academy of St. Paul & St. Ann in East Harlem, Manhattan. Click here to view the live footage and article!
School is officially back in session for the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York.
There are some new rules in place compared to last year. Vaccines will be encouraged but not mandatory, which differs from the New York City public school system, which starts class next week.
Masks, though, will be mandatory, and children will be put into “pods” or groups to limit the exposure and spread of potential COVID-19.
The Archdiocese detailed what’s being done in classrooms and other areas of schools in a 41-page booklet.
Superintendent Michael Deegan spoke with PIX11’s Michelle Ross on Wednesday about the new school year and how the Archdiocese is keeping kids safe in the classroom.
While some parents felt anxious dropping off their children at the Academy of St. Paul and St. Ann, others, like Crystal Voiley, feel assured and have faith.
“I’m not nervous because they went to school all last year anyway,” Voiley said. “I rather them at school because I don’t think they learn too much while at home.”
There will be no remote or hybrid learning model option this year for the Archdiocese.
by: Michelle Ross
Posted: Sep 8, 2021 / 11:52 AM EDT / Updated: Sep 8, 2021 / 11:52 AM EDT
FCC Adds Current School Year to Eligibility Criteria for Emergency Broadband Benefit
The FCC announced that households with a member approved to receive benefits under the
free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the current 2021-2022 school year are also eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. This expands on the original program eligibility rules that included the 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school years.
Many students are already back in the classroom this year and broadband access is a critical tool for success. Please help build awareness about the EBB program by sharing our new back-to-school toolkit materials with your community.
See the public notice here: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-21-1119A1.pdf
For additional information, send an email to broadbandbenefit@fcc.gov.
Superintendent of Schools Sends Back to School Message to Catholic School Parents and Students
As we begin another school year, let me thank you, our beloved Catholic school families, teachers and staff, for your commitment to Catholic education. We strive to provide each of you and your child with an encounter with Christ where they learn and grow.
With just a few short days before school, we would like to provide you with several resources so we can all: Get Ready! Get Vaccinated! Get Immunized! Get Tested! Get Excited! and Keep Praying!
Get Ready! As we welcome students this September, we acknowledge that routine, social-emotional learning, and parental support are critical to student success. Please click here for a family back-to-school guide from the Catholic Schools Office and ADAPP.
Get Vaccinated! We strongly encourage you and anyone eligible to get vaccinated. You may have seen Pope Francis’s recent Ad Council video. Vaccinations are one of the many ways to keep everyone safe and our schools open for in-person instruction. This action can save your life and that of another! Click here for a vaccine appointment or walk into any vaccine center.
Get Immunized! Families are reminded that all regular childhood immunizations as outlined in the school handbook, separate and distinct from COVID-19 vaccinations, must be received before the start of school under State Law. We also strongly encourage everyone to get as well as the FLU vaccine. In NYC, Children 59 months (4 years old 11 months) and under are mandated by NYC DOH to receive the Flu Shot by Dec 31st.
Get Tested! We recommend that everyone get a covid test before the start of school. Help us establish a baseline of zero COVID for the start of school. You are also free to visit any healthcare facility or testing center you wish, as this is not a mandate but rather an appeal to join together for the health of our teachers and students!
Get Excited! The Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York are launching the most advanced curriculum and program in their history! We are investing in our students and families for years to come. Cutting-edge partnerships with the Discovery Channel, NewsELA, Kahn Academy, NWEA-MAP Accelerator, among others, will strengthen the foundation for your child’s success by utilizing innovative strategies. If you know of a child who would benefit from a Catholic school education, invite them to join us today – Seats are available!
Keep Praying! As a Catholic school community, we are starting the three Hail Mary Novena. Please join us in these days leading up to the start of school by praying for our parishes, pastors and priests, principals, teachers, families, and students. This novena is a powerful but simple way to join together as the body of Christ unified in communion as one church. The first day of school is Wednesday, September 8th, The Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – a blessed day to begin the new school year!
I wish you all a wonderful Labor Day weekend. I remain thankful for all of those who are in service to our children in “the vineyard of the Lord!”
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
NYC Catholic schools set to reopen for full in-person learning with new safety protocols in place
In preparation for the first day of school, News 12 Bronx speaks to Ray Vitiello, Northeast/East Bronx Regional Superintendent, and Nakia Browne, teacher at Holy Rosary School in the Bronx. “Our teachers have all the necessary resources [we need] in order to ensure that we continue to move the needle [and continue to] provide a solid, quality, Catholic education,” says Vitiello.
Click here to view the complete interview!
NYC DOH/MH Hosts Virtual Community Conversation about the COVID-19 Vaccine on Sept. 8
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene invites you to another virtual Community Conversation about the COVID-19 vaccine. Please join in a discussion on vaccines, side effects, eligibility and where you can get a COVID-19 vaccine. There will also be a question and answer session to help you make an informed decision about vaccination for you and your family.
Date: Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Time: 6:30 PM- 7:https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6160961/COVID-19-Vaccine-Community-Conversation-Registration30 PM
Please register for the Wednesday, September 8th event at: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6160961/COVID-19-Vaccine-Community-Conversation-Registration
NYC DOH Reminds Parents: Make Sure Your Child is Up-to-Date on Routine Vaccinations
The Health Department today urged parents and caregivers to make sure their children are up to date on routine vaccinations like MMR and DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) as well as Hepatitis B, Hib, Polio, PCV, Varicella, Tdap, MenACWY and HPV. Click here to view the complete press release.
- As of August 14, the number of routine vaccines administered to children 0-18 years of age in New York City has decreased by 16% compared to the same period in 2019.
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine coverage has dropped below 90% for first time in recent history.
There have been 270,000 fewer pediatric vaccine doses administered (1.4 million doses so far in 2021 compared to 1.7 million doses in 2019 for the same period). The decrease in routine childhood vaccinations was greater in children 2 to 18 years of age (17% or 121,000 doses) compared to children under 24 months of age (15% or 149,000 doses). Fewer people sought non-emergency health care services during the emergency stay at home order, resulting in fewer routine pediatric visits during the pandemic, however, ensuring children are up to date on their routine vaccinations is essential.
“While we are all focused on the COVID-19 vaccines, it’s crucial that we take the time to remember the many other lifesaving vaccines we need to maintain to ensure a healthy city,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Dave A. Chokshi. “As a father, I know just how important it is to maintain your child’s annual well visit to make sure they are up to date on their routine vaccinations. Don’t wait, call your child’s doctor and make an appointment as soon as you can.”
Children should be vaccinated in accordance with the ACIP routine immunization schedule to ensure protection against preventable illness such as measles and pertussis (whooping cough). Further, with in-school learning returning in the Fall, parents should take steps now to make sure their children will be in compliance with all child care and school immunization requirements for attendance.
The City will continue reminding families and the school community through public service announcements and communications to parents. The Department has issued guidance to the pediatric-care provider community, held webinars and has been distributing vaccine for providers enrolled in the CDC’s Vaccine for Children (VFC) program.
Check with your child’s health care provider about what immunizations are due and to make an appointment. If you are unable to make an appointment with your child’s provider or need to find a provider, New Yorkers can get low- or no-cost immunizations at the Health Department’s Fort Greene Health Center immunization clinic, regardless of immigration status. The clinic serves anyone 4 years or older; appointments can be scheduled here.
In addition to the Fort Greene Health Center, uninsured and underinsured children can also get immunization services at other locations for a sliding scale fee. Appointments can also be made at NYC Health & Hospital facilities here, or by calling 1-844-NYC-4NYC. New Yorkers can also find a list of Community Health Centers here.
To find a health care provider or for other locations throughout NYC that provide vaccination services for children and adults, call 311.