Mask Up? Many Catholic Schools Are Thinking Maybe Not
In this interview with the National Catholic Register, Superintendent Michael J. Deegan discusses how schools might respond to ongoing public health concerns for the reopening of schools this September. As Catholic elementary schools gear up for the 2021-2022 academic year, key decisions on safe practices related to the COVID-19 pandemic are being made on the local level.
2016 Fordham Prep Grad Wins a Pulitzer!
Timothy M.Facciola of Philipse Manor, Sleepy Hollow, and a 2016 graduate of Fordham Prep, won a Pulitzer Prize on Friday, June 11, for Public Service journalism coverage of the Coronavirus by the New York Times.
He will share the award with members of many departments at the paper. Facciola was part of the New York Times multi-department, in-depth and data-heavy coverage of the pandemic, which killed millions worldwide. The Pulitzer board called The Times’s coverage “courageous, prescient and sweeping.”
> Click here to view the full article by The Hudson Independent
Superintendent of Schools Calls for Families to Demand New COVID Guidelines Now
In a letter to our Catholic Schools Communities today, Superintendent Michael J. Deegan asks families to let elected officials know you demand new COVID guidance NOW, so schools can properly plan! You can join us in our advocacy today by clicking on the link below:
Please click here for the New York State Catholic Conference Action Center to join us in our advocacy!
Also, feel free to Tweet your concerns, using the hashtag #NYCatholicSchoolsNow.
Click here to view Mr. Deegan’s full letter in ENGLISH
Click here to view the letter in SPANISH
Anthony Biscione Appointed Regional Superintendent of Manhattan Schools in the Archdiocese of New York
Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael J. Deegan is pleased to announce Mr. Anthony Biscione has been appointed the regional superintendent of Manhattan schools in the Archdiocese of New York, effective July 1, 2021. Mr. Biscione (shown above with Catholic Schools colleagues Linda Dougherty and Joanne Walsh) has served the region as interim superintendent since June of 2020, leading the schools through a successful reopening and safe in-person instruction during the COVID-19 crisis. >Click here to view the full announcement
Anthony Biscione holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications and a Master of Science in education, administration and supervision, both from Fordham University, where he has also studied doctoral courses in Church leadership.
Mr. Biscione has devoted his entire career to Catholic education. Following his first eight years as a teacher at St. Mary School in Long Island City, Mr. Biscione made his first move into administration as principal of Most Precious Blood School, also in Long Island City. In 2004, Mr. Biscione was named associate superintendent of schools for curriculum in the Diocese of Brooklyn. Soon thereafter, he became deputy superintendent and then senior deputy in Brooklyn, working in collaboration with the staff of the Office of the Superintendent for Catholic School Support Services. Mr. Biscione then went on to the Diocese of Rockville Center as assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and assessment. Since 2019, Mr. Biscione has been with the Archdiocese of New York as a concentrated coaching specialist with Catapult Learning in the Northeast Bronx.
Superintendent Deegan is grateful to have a professional educator of Anthony Biscione’s caliber permanently in this position. With this announcement, the Manhattan Region will move forward with long-term, effective servant-leadership to further enhance Catholic education in New York City.
Superintendent of Schools Sends Thank You Message to Catholic Schools Community
As the 2020-2021 school year comes to a close, please see this heartfelt video from Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael J. Deegan expressing gratitude for what was accomplished this past year and in anticipation of great times ahead for our beloved Catholic schools.
> Click here to view the video!
AM New York: in-person learning is important for teachers, parents and students
In yesterday’s AM New York newspaper’s Opinion Column, Gina Christoforatos wrote a compelling opinion piece. Ms. Christoforatos’ children attend the School of the Good Shepherd in Manhattan, where she herself attended school. In her article, Ms. Christoforatos writes: “While the pandemic reminded us about so many things that are out of our control, it also helped reinforce that there are things we can do to help our families stay healthy and ensure our kids thrive. Going back to solely in-person learning next fall is one of those choices that makes sense intuitively after watching students and their families struggle with remote learning. We are grateful for her passionate advocacy for Catholic schools.
> Click here to read the full article
Catholic Schools Unveil the 2021 Arch Media Award Winners
We are very happy to deliver the 2021 Arch Media Awards Show, produced by our partners at the Catholic Faith Network. Thank you to all the students, teachers, principals and pastors for participating.
As expressed in the presentation, we hope this will be the last time the awards must be a virtual experience. We have every expectation to be together in person next spring for our first-ever televised Archies awards program.
We wish everyone a safe, healthy and fun summer. We will be in touch in the fall with next year’s theme and more details about the Arch Media Awards for 2022.
> Click here to learn more about the Arch Media Awards.
Kingston Catholic School Presents Streaming Performance of “Peter Pan, Jr.”
Triple threats, Thomas Netter and Nicole Tarcza, are 23 and 26 year-old actors, singers, and dancers, who
are also theatre directors and teachers at Kingston Catholic School in Ulster County, NY. These talented and dedicated people are currently creating an extraordinary project – producing, directing, filming and editing a streaming production of “Peter Pan, Jr.” at Kingston Catholic School in Ulster County, NY, while adhering scrupulously to the strict mandates set forth by the Archdiocese of New York during the pandemic. The production includes 50 students in grades 1 through 8.
Tickets are available online for four streamed performances – Friday, May 28 at 7 pm, Saturday, May 29 at 3 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday, May 30 at 3 pm. Kingston Catholic School’s production of “Peter Pan, Jr.” will fly into ticket holders’ homes May 28, 29, and 30th. Visit this website to buy your tickets: SHOWTIX4U.COM. Then, from the comfort of your own sofa, join these spunky students on their adventures and float away to “a place where dreams are born.”
> Click here for full press release
How NYC’s Catholic schools kept their doors open against all pandemic odds
In this insightful OpEd piece in the New York Post, His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan looks back on how Catholic Schools across the Archdiocese of New York kept their doors open during the Covid-19 pandemic against all odds.
> Click here to view the full article.
‘Revolutionary’ Opportunities Seen When Catholic Schools Reopen in Fall
“Schools are not simply going to be back in September, they’re going to be better than back.”
That was the assessment of archdiocesan Superintendent of Schools Michael Deegan, about the April 27 announcement that the Catholic schools in the archdiocese plan to be open for a full five days a week of in-person instruction for all students beginning in September, as long as health directives from federal, state and local county health agencies allow, and the community infection rate remains at appropriate levels amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Superintendent Deegan SI Live Op-Ed: So many reasons today to choose resilient Catholic schools
At a time when the deficiencies of our education system have captured the attention of so many, public schools and our state’s education and political leaders may want to look towards the kind of innovative and faith based, values-infused instruction the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York provide. Especially amidst the current open-enrollment period, families, now more than ever, are looking for schools that are resilient. That’s a major reason why we’re seeing increased enrollment numbers, as our schools remain on track to graduate 99 percent of our high school students — more than 15 points higher than the national average.
Mr. Deegan to the Wall Street Journal: Catholic Schools Deserve to Be Flourishing
In a letter to the Wall Street Journal, Superintendent Michael J. Deegan wrote:
“…During this pandemic, our Catholic schools have become the envy of the nation and model to government schools on how to safely and effectively remain open in service to the educational community.
As … families recover from the pandemic’s effects, which have already had a disproportionate impact on many of their communities, Catholic schools offer holistic, reliable and forward-thinking curricula. We’re proud to continue to be a resource for the thousands of New York families who want all children to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.”
Central Westchester Catholic School Region Celebrates First Archdiocesan Principal Appreciation Day
Some schools produced video tributes, such as St. Eugene Elementary School and Resurrection Grammar School, while many decorated bulletin boards with notes of gratitude including St. Peter School, Immaculate Heart of Mary School, and St. John the Baptist School. Principal Tracy Strub of Sacred Heart Grade School was decked out in a distinctive tiara and tee-shirt for the day, while Principal Chris Siegfried of Sacred Heart Elementary School was treated to a specially decorated office door.
Our Lady of Sorrows Elementary School students surprised Principal Sister Marie Cecile, RDC, with an outdoor concert, and the St. Barnabas Elementary School community had the date proclaimed, “Principal Jonathan Morano Day” in the City of Yonkers by Mayor Mike Spano.
Immaculate Conception School Principal, Maureen Harten, enjoyed a table full of gifts and cards, and Principal of Kristen O’Leary of John Cardinal O’Connor School was treated to a desk organizer handcrafted by a young student woodcrafter. Students at Our Lady of Victory School used Flipgrid, a classroom discussion tool, to offer words of encouragement and appreciation to Principal, Helena-Castilla Byrne.
Celebrations at The Annunciation School, Corpus Christi Holy Rosary School, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, St. Anthony School (pictured here, with Regional Superintendent Dr. Noelle Beale, Principal Sharyn O’Leary, and Debbie Carr, Assistant to the Regional Superintendent), Sts. John and Paul School, St. Joseph School, and Transfiguration School included prayer services, flowers, balloons, celebratory meals, and handmade thank you cards from students.
In addition to these school-based celebrations, Central Westchester Regional Superintendent, Dr. Noelle Beale, traveled to schools to thank principals personally for their flexibility and ingenuity educating students throughout this challenging year. Moreover, she offered her gratitude for their ongoing dedication to Catholic education and commitment to the families they serve.
To view photos and videos’ for the day’s events, visit the Central Westchester Facebook page and corresponding Facebook Photo Album.
Catholic Schools Plan Full Opening for Sept. 2021; Social Distancing Guidelines Update
In a letter released today, Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan wrote:
Since September, the Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York have been open for in-person instruction thanks to the unwavering partnership of our parents and students with our devoted pastors, principals, and teachers. Your faithful commitment to our rigorous protocols has ensured the continued health and safety of our school communities. Our children have been learning and have been safe!
I write to you with the good news for next year – September 2021. My goal and that of the Health & Safety Task Force is to commit all our collective expertise and resources to ensure all our schools will be open for five full days a week of in-person instruction for all students beginning in September 2021. This will eliminate the need for hybrid learning or remote classes next school year. Before and after care programs will also begin at the start of the new school year. This is, of course, as long as health directives from federal, state, and local county health agencies allow, and the community infection rate remains at appropriate levels.
I also write with an update for the remainder of this school year. On March 19, 2021, the CDC released guidance allowing for the reduction of student desk spacing from 6 feet to 3 feet. After several weeks, the New York State Department of Health released similar guidelines on April 9. Following that, with the exception of New York City, which has not provided any guidance, local county health departments have allowed for the reduction. The vast majority of our schools will maintain the 6 foot guidelines because they are unable to meet the criteria mandated by the State and CDC to move to 3 feet. Some of our schools are currently reviewing the possibility of instituting the 3 foot student desk spacing only if such a transition allows:
- all students in a class or school to return for five full days of in-person instruction and eliminates hybrid learning.
- six feet must be maintained during snack, lunch, or anytime a mask must be removed.
If reducing student desk spacing to 3 feet does not result in the above, the 6 foot parameter remains in place. Schools with the ability to transition to three feet student desk spacing approved by the Health & Safety Task Force will be required by the state to have parent meetings and revise and submit their plans to the local health department as well as the NYS Department of Health and State Education Department. This process takes time to implement. We are grateful to our parents for maintaining reasonable expectations throughout this process, knowing we are doing everything we can to return students to 5 days of instruction full time in September.
Effective immediately, Catholic school students who have been fully remote will no longer be required to present a negative PCR Test to participate in the reception of the sacraments of penance, communion, and confirmation, as well as participating in Graduation ceremonies in church.
Thanks to your commitment to Catholic education, our enrollment continues to rise. If you have not already reregistered for the next school year and guaranteed your child’s seat for September, please speak with your principal, who will be happy to provide more information. I encourage you to share September’s good news with family members, friends, and colleagues who may be considering one of our schools. Virtual tours are still available by following this link.
Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership during this last unprecedented and challenging year.
Watch Superintendent Deegan’s CFN Interview Re NYC Reimbursement of Mandated COVID-19 Services
In this live interview on Catholic Faith Network, Superintendent Michael J. Deegan discusses the recent outcome of two court cases, whereby the City of New York will reimburse Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York for mandated COVID-19 testing and other services.
WHUD100.7FM and MVP Health Care Honor Teacher of the Month Kyle Roach from St. Denis-St. Columba in Hopewell Junction!
Each month, 100.7 WHUD and MVP Health Care are honoring High School and Middle School teachers who are making a difference during these difficult times!
Here’s what students and parents say about Mr. Roach:
WHUD should honor my fifth grade teacher Mr. Roach because he is awesome. Mr. Roach is new to St. Columba this year just like I am. This is my first year at the school and I love it because of my teacher Mr. Roach. He make me want to try and push myself to do the best that I can in all of the subjects. He teaches our class Math, Religion, Social Studies, Science and ELA. One of my favorite subjects is Grammar because Mr. Roach makes learning fun. One time we were learning exclamatory phrases and he acted out the phrase, “watch out!” We all jumped out of our seats. It was very funny. He also calls me the preposition Queen! Mr. Roach is also very patient when he teaches our class. Sometimes it is hard because he teaches kids in school and he teaches the kids at home on the computer at the same time. Sometimes the internet doesn’t work. I really like how Mr. Roach doesn’t. keep us on the computer all day. He lets us do fun sheets!
Did I mention Mr. Roach is also an alien. We hear weird ringing noises that randomly go off in the class sometimes. There are also about 35 little green aliens in the class that are his friends. They come from their home to watch over us. He is a little “sus“, AKA suspicious! These are my reasons why Mr. Roach should be honored as the (Alien) Teacher of the Month! – Isabella L.
> Click here to view the article
Catholic Schools to be Reimbursed by City of New York for COVID Health Care Costs
Agreement Follows Two Court Victories for the Schools.
Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York will be reimbursed by the City of New York for the cost of Covid-19 testing services under an agreement reached on April 15, 2021. This agreement, which will also cover future costs associated with testing, comes after the Catholic schools won two court rulings after suing the City to compel them to comply with New York State Education Law.
Under the agreement, the City will fund mandated COVID-19 testing services for Catholic school students, teachers, and staff in the same manner as they do for public schools, and will reimburse the Catholic schools for what the schools already spent prior to this agreement.
On November 18, 2020, in an effort to avoid another round of catastrophic school closures and to keep New York City school children and staff safe while attending New York City Catholic schools for in-person instruction during the ongoing public health crisis, the Archdiocese sued New York City under Section 912 of New York’s Education Law to ensure that our children and staff are receiving equivalent COVID-19 health and welfare services and facilities to those being provided by the City to New York City public school children and staff.
The Catholic schools prevailed in court, obtaining preliminary and permanent injunctions against the City, ordering the New York City Department of Education to immediately comply with New York State law and provide COVID-19 testing services and facilities to New York City children attending Catholic schools in designated “Yellow Zones” in the same manner and same extent that the City is providing such testing to New York City children in the City’s public schools. The court concluded that the City’s efforts to deny COVID-19 testing services to New York City Catholic school students in the midst of a public health emergency that the City was providing to public school children residing in the same community “belie[d] logic” and constituted a clear violation of New York State law. The court further rejected the assertions offered by the City to justify its decision to evade compliance with New York State law and protect all New York City children equally during this public health crisis.
The City initially appealed that decision to a New York State appellate court, but has since abandoned the appeal and agreed to reimburse the Archdiocese for all COVID-19 testing services previously provided in our schools that the City was providing to New York City public school children and staff. The City also agreed that it would continue to cover future expenses associated with COVID-19 testing undertaken by our schools to keep our doors open for in-person instruction and our children and staff safe during the ongoing public health crisis.
Michael Deegan, Superintendent of Schools for the archdiocese, praised the agreement, saying, “The health and well-being of our children should not depend on what school they attend, and it is good that the City recognizes their obligation to provide these health services to students in all schools. The Archdiocese of New York is committed to fighting for the safety and welfare of its students, and we hope that in the future the city will more quickly recognize its obligations to treat the students in Catholic schools with equity and fairness. It is not only the right thing to do legally, it is also the right thing to do morally.”
BREAKING NEWS! Catholic Schools to Receive Funding under American Rescue Plan
After exhaustive efforts on many fronts, our schools will be receiving some financial relief as part of the American Rescue Plan legislation. This is just the beginning of a larger movement to ensure our students and families are treated equally in the eyes of the government.
Click here to see this Daily News opinion piece by Cardinal Dolan.
Pictured at left: a full-page ad in the New York Post acknowledging Senator Charles Schumer and others for their advocacy on our behalf.
Catholic Schools Update! Academic Progress, New Parent Resources, Continued Focus on Health, Safety & Faith Help Us Stay Open!
A letter from Superintendent Michael J. Deegan has been posted to our website today with important news about our students’ academic progress, new parent resources, and continued focus on health & safety. Our students have emerged outpacing their peers in growth as measured by the NWEA MAP assessments taken this past January. A new Parent Resource Website has been launched — a one-stop-destination with materials and activities to help support your child’s education and your family’s well-being. Continued vigilance in maintain COVID-19 Health & Safety Measures.
Go to: catholicschoolsny.org/covid-19/ to read more!
Washington Post Opinion: Getting a stimulus check? Spend it on private school tuition
Washington Post Opinion Contributing columnist Hugh Hewitt offered great advice this week to parents of elementary school children: “If you are getting a check, here’s the smart thing to do: Enroll your child in a private school.” Mr. Hewitt goes on to say:
“Find a school, do a deal, and enroll your children. Catholic schools especially are used to making arrangements with families to bring in new sets of siblings. Catholic elementary school tuition averages around $5,000 a year in the United States, but all with which I am acquainted provide scholarships and other means to help an eager family find desks for their kids. Start this very day by Googling the name of your city and “Catholic schools.” Make a list, start calling, asking for the admissions office. Tell them you want in and you have the new benefit coming.”
> Click here to read the full article!
How Catholic schools have returned to in-person learning
‘Fox & Friends‘ co-host Brian Kilmeade speaks with Timothy Cardinal Dolan on how parochial schools have reopened and stayed open to students during the pandemic.
New Web Resource for Catholic School Parents Launches Today
Superintendent Michael J. Deegan announced today that Catholic Schools have created a new parent resource web page designed specifically for parents and caregivers of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York students!
The motivation behind creating this website is simple: we want to be there for you throughout your child’s education journey. This page allows us to provide you with ongoing and updated info. How? By offering the following:
- Parent Workshops: These workshops are live, virtual events and sessions that cover relevant topics for parents and caregivers, including social-emotional learning, supporting academic growth, and preparing for transitions.
- Parent Blogs: Written by experts in their fields, these blogs provide helpful information for parents across a wide range of subjects, such as anxiety, grief, learning gaps, and so many more.
- Free Resources: Here you’ll find useful downloads and other free resources to help support you and your child.
We invite you to CLICK HERE to check out our new parent resource page to learn more!
Catholic Schools Offer New Program of Parent Workshops
Our March Parent Workshops not only give parents the opportunity to ask the experts any questions they may have, but also they provide network opportunities for parents who share similar situations. As we enter the home stretch for what has been one of the most challenging school years on record, families still need to support one another during these challenging times. We invite our Catholic School parents to join us for our free virtual parent workshops in March, which include sessions on:
- Incorporating the Individual Education Plan (IEP) at Home: Supporting Your Child with Special Needs
- At-Home Learning and Support
- Nurturing a Growth Mindset and Perseverance
- Supporting Your Elementary School Child’s Social-Emotional Learning
- Bullying Prevention
- Managing Anxiety
More than 600 parents joined us for our workshops in February, and we hope to see even more at our upcoming events in March! Parents can select a day and time that fits their schedule. Click here to register!
Teachers Appreciation Day Messages from Cardinal Dolan and Superintendent Deegan
Today, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Michael J. Deegan sent the following message to our Teachers on this day, marking Teachers Appreciation Day:
The Year of St. Joseph
Dear Valued Teachers,
I understand you were recognized for your work during Catholic Schools Week and there is indeed a national Teachers Appreciation Week in the spring. But where you are all concerned, there can never be too much gratitude expressed. When Cardinal Dolan heard I had declared today our very own Catholic School Teacher Appreciation Day, His Eminence insisted on recording this special video message just for you:
I often reference my own decades in Catholic education when discussing the unique vocation of teaching in Catholic schools, but that calling has taken on an entirely new dimension over the past calendar year. Around the nation, as parents clamor for in-person learning to resume, the secret is out: Look at the Catholic schools, their teachers show up! Of course, you do. You always show up; always have, always will. Since this time last year, you haven’t just shown up, you have answered the bell. Just when the world was on its heels in a once-in-a-century crisis -including your own families- you learned how to teach all over again, this time from your dining room, your garage, your kitchen. You answered the bell and showed up for students and helped them find some normalcy in unfamiliar scary circumstances and finish the school year.
This September, we needed you to come back to the buildings to teach in person. You came out of your homes refreshed and ready to fight a few more rounds against this invisible foe, and fight you did. You masked up and you showed up for your students and in doing so, you placed our schools front and center in the national spotlight, showing the country that schools can be open and children can learn safely in person.
I chose this day, March 3 to honor all of you – our cherished Catholic educators – because it is the feast day of St. Katherine Drexel, a woman of great means who walked away from a wealthy comfortable existence to answer a calling to religious life. St. Katherine dedicated her life to the education of African-American and Native Americans; in the late 19th century, something truly selfless and certainly a mission not without peril.
Something tells me St. Katherine Drexel has been watching over each of you and has been very impressed by what she has seen. I’m also quite sure she is grateful for your carrying on her legacy of selflessness regardless of the peril.
You are each so treasured and very much appreciated. Thank you and enjoy your day!
Sincerely,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan to consecrate the Archdiocese of New York to St. Joseph on Friday March 19
On Friday March 19, His Eminence will consecrate the Archdiocese of New York to St. Joseph.
Click here to find the Prayer of Consecration and the Litany of St. Joseph.
We have invited all of our parishes to join in offering the prayers so that the consecration will be made throughout the archdiocese. When we confirm the time when the cardinal will make the consecration, we will announce it so that, if possible, our Catholic School Community might join us in offering the prayers simultaneously.
We hope you will join in.