Kingston Catholic School’s In-Person Reopening Plan Has Been a Success
When schools shut down last March, many educators were left wondering how they could possibly adapt
to the pandemic’s new normal. But the Catholic Archdiocese of New York lost no time, immediately setting to work designing reopening plans for its more than 150 New York schools, in consultation with a team of architects, healthcare consultants, school leaders, and staff.
According to Kingston Catholic School (KCS) Principal Jill Albert, the large-scale, proactive effort played a vital role in allowing the school to remain open five days a week since last fall. “The Archdiocese sent architects to walk the building with the state guidelines in hand and lay out for us exactly how we could achieve safe distance. Then we trained our faculty and staff in our new plans and protocols, and added additional staff to support the cleaning of high-touch points and a new deep cleaning every day,” Albert says. “Hand sanitizer is everywhere now.”
At a time when so few schools are able to make in-person learning work for their communities, KCS has been able to maintain continuity of daily instruction, including important enrichment programs like art, music, and technology. And the opportunity to be back each day has helped KCS students embrace the changes they’ve had to make to their routines with the new policies and procedures. “We were expecting pushback from the older kids and that it would be really hard on the littlest, but everyone just got it from the get-go,” says Albert.
Pictured at right: Temperature checks on the first day of school at Kingston Catholic School.
NY Catholic Elementary Schools to Close Tomorrow Feb. 18 Due to Impending Snow Storm
This Will be a Traditional Snow Day with No Remote Learning
All Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of New York will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, February 18, due to the expected snow storm. The National Weather Service expects the system to bring accumulations of 5 to as many as 9 inches of snow in some areas, as well as strong winds which will cause hazardous driving conditions throughout the Metropolitan Area. Tomorrow will be a “traditional snow day” with no remote instruction. All Catholic schools have snow days built into their calendars with contingencies for making up instruction time.
Archdiocese High Schools operate independently, so high school families need to follow instructions from their individual schools.
“The safety and well-being of our teachers, staff and families are always primary. With the snow expected to begin in the morning, the height of this storm is forecast to coincide with school dismissal when we don’t want buses or parents on the roads,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Michael J. Deegan. “All schools in the archdiocese have provisions for ‘traditional snow days’ in their calendars and all class time will be made up.”
“We anticipate that everyone associated with our schools will continue to take all COVID precautions tomorrow. As we always say, the pandemic does not take a snow day or a holiday,” said Mr. Deegan.
A Time to Learn: What Catholic Schools Have Learned During the Pandemic
Superintendent Michael J. Deegan and other Catholic school leaders speak to Archways Magazine about what they’ve learned during the Pandemic, and what lies ahead.
> Click here to read the full article
NY Catholic Schools, John S. Burke Catholic High School Announce Creation Of Burke Catholic Academy
Beginning in Fall of 2021, Burke Catholic to Offer Grades 6-8 in Academy Setting — Current Eligible Catholic Elementary School Students to Enjoy Guaranteed Placement and Seamless Transition
Goshen, New York: Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York and John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen, NY jointly announce an exciting new opportunity for middle school students to attend grades 6-8 in an academy setting on the expanded high school campus at Burke Catholic. All eligible students currently enrolled in Catholic schools are guaranteed placement at the new Burke Catholic Academy. The Burke Catholic Admissions Team will offer a seamless transition to those who choose to enroll. The Burke Catholic Academy will be open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in the Hudson Valley.
“This is great news for our Catholic school families in a year of turmoil for the archdiocese and the world,” said Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. “The archdiocese introduced organized education to New York more than 200 years ago. The academy’s formation is a strategic move towards preserving and re-imagining Catholic education in Orange County for generations.”
From professional development to special education to safe in-person learning during the global pandemic, archdiocesan schools have been proactive in adapting and overcoming 21st century challenges facing Catholic education. This opportunity for middle school students in the Orange County area reflects a commitment to ingenuity as we prepare for the future.
“In our mission statement, you will find the phrase ‘future focused’, and this alignment with John S. Burke Catholic High School, re-imagining how we deliver a Catholic education is precisely that,” said Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael J. Deegan. “The leadership of Burke Catholic have created a truly impressive opportunity for middle school students to prepare for high school and beyond while continuing the same, academically superior, values-infused curriculum they know so well.”
John S. Burke Catholic High School has an impressive personalized infrastructure for information and enrollment that will provide a seamless transition process for all. The Burke Catholic Admissions Team looks forward to welcoming rising and current Catholic and public middle school students and their families for in-person tours of what Burke Catholic hopes will be their home for as many as seven years of their Catholic education journey.
“Burke Catholic is the premier high school in the Hudson Valley. Our strength and commitment to excellence position us well to align with the Archdiocese of New York in this exciting opportunity for middle school students,” said Burke Catholic Board Chairman, Mr. Ron Boire SSSE P ’08, ’09, ’13. “The new Burke Catholic Academy will expand the great tradition of academic excellence for future generations in Orange County.”
“Burke Catholic is excited to be part of this innovative program for Catholic education in Orange County,” BC President, John Douthit SHS ’82 and BC Principal, Janice Clark, SJS ’84, said jointly.
All 6-8 grade families are encouraged to visit the Burke Catholic Academy website for more information. All families of every faith with elementary school-aged children are always welcome to visit https://catholicschoolsny.org at any time, year-round, to learn more about the opportunity to provide their children an exceptional education at an affordable price in a Catholic school.
About the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York:
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York serve nearly 55,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade across 172 schools in ten counties and boroughs throughout New York, including Manhattan, the Bronx, Staten Island, Westchester, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, Sullivan, Orange, and Dutchess. Catholic schools offer a unique combination of academic and spiritual development that empowers children of all backgrounds to gain the confidence to realize their fullest potential. To learn more about the Archdiocese of New York’s Catholic schools, visit catholicschoolsny.org or www.facebook.com/CatholicSchoolsArchdioceseNewYork.
About John S. Burke Catholic High School/Academy:
John S. Burke Catholic High School is the premier college preparatory high school in the New York Hudson Valley. Burke Catholic is excited to expand this academic excellence to all 6, 7, 8th grade students enrolled in the innovative new Burke Catholic Academy. Burke Catholic Academy will shape students’ talents and abilities academically, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Our young men and women will embody the spirit of Catholic Christian values, demonstrate civic responsibility, and become leaders who will positively impact and serve the world.
To learn more about Burke Catholic, visit www.BurkeCatholic.com.
Catholic Elementary Schools to Remain Closed Tuesday Feb. 2 Due to Prolonged Snow Storm
This Will be a Traditional Snow Day with No Remote Learning
All Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, will remain closed tomorrow, Tuesday, February 2, due to the impact of the continuing major snow storm. The National Weather Service predicts that the slow-moving system has the potential to continue to produce accumulating snow as late as mid-day Tuesday. The accompanying winds gusting as high as 40 MPH will continue to cause hazardous driving conditions and the potential for power outages throughout the Metropolitan Area. Tomorrow will also be a “traditional snow day” with no remote instruction. All Catholic schools have snow days built into their calendars with contingencies for making up instruction time.
- Tomorrow’s closure includes all UPK and 3K programs that are provided in Catholic elementary school buildings.
- Archdiocese High Schools operate independently, so high school families need to follow instructions from their individual schools.
“This extreme weather event continues to impact the entire metropolitan area and our concern now, as always, is the safety of our families and our dedicated principals and teachers,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Michael J. Deegan. “We value the social-emotional and spiritual health benefits of these traditional snow days, which is why we provide contingencies for these events in the school year calendar.”
“We continue to urge our families and staff to observe all COVID precautions while away from school, as we intend to keep our buildings safe as we have since the beginning of the public health crisis.” said Mr. Deegan.
Catholic Elementary Schools to Close Monday February 1 Due to Impending Snow Storm
Catholic Elementary Schools of the Archdiocese of New York to Close Tomorrow Due to Impending Snow Storm — This Will be a Traditional Snow Day with No Remote Learning
All Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, will be closed tomorrow, Monday, February 1, due to the expected major snow storm. The National Weather Service expects the slow-moving system to bring accumulations exceeding 12 inches in some areas, as well as winds gusting to as high as 40 MPH, which will cause hazardous driving conditions and the potential for power outages throughout the Metropolitan Area. Tomorrow will be a “traditional snow day” with no remote instruction. All Catholic schools have snow days built into their calendars with contingencies for making up instruction time.
Archdiocese High Schools operate independently, so high school families need to follow instructions from their individual schools.
“While we are all looking forward to kicking off Catholic Schools Week, the safety and well-being of our teachers, staff and families are always primary, and this is a serious storm that will impact the entire metropolitan area,” said Superintendent of Schools Mr. Michael J. Deegan. “All schools in the Archdiocese have provisions for ‘traditional snow days’ in in their calendars, and Monday will be exactly that, with no online instruction and all school buildings closed. We will launch our annual celebrations Tuesday.”
“We anticipate that everyone associated with our schools will continue to take all COVID precautions tomorrow, since the pandemic does not take a snow day or a holiday,” said Mr. Deegan.
Cardinal Dolan: “All Our Children Deserve the Best, Healthiest Schools”
His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan reflected on his latest Catholic school visit to the new Father Vincent Capodanno
Catholic Academy on Staten Island, and noted that support for schools from the wider community is “stronger than ever,” saying, “They point to our superior test scores, the exceptionally high graduation and college admission rates, and the climate of duty, virtue, faith, safety, and discipline that is tangible in our schools.”
Despite our strong community support, New York City is still fighting the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York on the provision of testing in an equal fashion to its public school counterparts. Cardinal Dolan calls for equity and fairness, putting the children above all.
> Click here to read the full article
Timothy Cardinal Dolan Blesses New Catholic School on Staten Island Today
Timothy Cardinal Dolan and Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York Michael J. Deegan visited the new Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy on Staten Island for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and for the blessing of the school and of the statue of the school’s patron, which was unveiled today!
Click here to view today’s CBS coverage
Cathedral High School Launches Principals’ Council
Cathedral High School announced the creation of a principal’s council, which will serve as ambassadors and strategic advisers to Principal Maria Spagnuolo. The council, which is made up of alumnae and supporters, will help to further the school’s mission and enhance its visibility.
The council is made up of impressive professionals including Emmy-Award winner Lynda Baquero of NBC and Ursula Burns, who headed the White House National STEM Program under President Barack Obama, to name a few.
Click here to read Catholic New York’s article to learn more about the team.
City Again Denies Testing Services for School Children Despite State Law and Court Order
Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza continue to deny students in non-public schools the same Covid testing services that are being provided to public school students, despite being required to do so by New York State Education Law and two consecutive court decisions, said Michael Deegan, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York.
“Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York opened on time for in-person instruction in September, and have safely operated since then, complying with all city and state health and safety requirements,” Deegan said.
“The Archdiocese won another important victory in its fight to keep Catholic schools open for in-person instruction and New York City Catholic school children safe, as the New York State Supreme Court on Staten Island issued a judgment on January 11, 2021 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,” Deegan continued.
He added, “The decision is significant because Executive Order 202.68, enacted into law by Governor Cuomo on October 9, 2020, requires that schools in designated ‘Yellow Zones’ test 20 percent of their students, faculty, and staff every two weeks in order to remain open for in-person instruction. Faced with the prospect of another round of catastrophic school closures, the Archdiocese sued the City under Section 912 of New York’s Education Law, which requires school districts to provide all health and welfare services to students in non-public schools in the same manner and to the same extent that the school district provides such services to public school students.”
Deegan summarized the court decision as a clear and unambiguous victory for Catholic and other non-public schools. He said, “In his ruling in favor of the Archdiocese, the Honorable Justice Wayne Ozzi 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 City’s ‘self-serving’ and ‘spurious’ assertions used 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 fight continues, however, as the City has already appealed the decision of the Supreme Court, automatically staying the effect of Monday’s order.”
One Catholic school parent, Mrs. Jasmine Rodriquez, whose two children have attended Catholic school in the Bronx, including a current 8th grade student, reacted strongly to the news of the City’s attempt to deny testing to non-public school students. She said, “My children have been reminded every day the difference between right and wrong, that they should do the right thing. They are also taught that we are all equal in God’s eyes, nobody is better than anybody else. Mayor de Blasio and the chancellor need to do the right thing, follow the law and treat our children the way they treat public school students. Maybe our students can teach a class in right and wrong for city hall.”
Superintendent Deegan concluded, “We will continue our efforts to ensure that all students, regardless of which school they attend, are treated fairly and equitably by the City of New York during this health crisis, as the law and basic decency demand.”
Click here to view the full release | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
Virtual School Open Houses Put Prospective Students, Families in the Know
Since early December, prospective students and their families have been able to participate in the archdiocesan Virtual Visiting Program for school open houses, a solid plan stemming from limitations on in-person visits due to the pandemic.
“This is critical to our recruitment process and to families being able to get the information that they need about our schools,” Veronica Jarek-Prinz, archdiocesan director of school Enrollment Management, told Catholic New York in a phone interview last week.
“It’s been our mission to keep the schools open and safe for families during the pandemic, and so our office has worked to develop a completely safe virtual enrollment process.”
> Click here to read the full article. Pictured: Our Lady of Lourdes School in West Harlem NYC.
NYC Catholic schools want to be included in early COVID-19 vaccine distribution
In a joint letter to Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza, Superintendents Michael J. Deegan, of the Archdiocese of New York, and Tom Chadzuko, of the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens, requested for Catholic school teachers to be included in the city’s upcoming teacher-focused vaccination rollout.
> Click here to view the full article
Cardinal Dolan releases statement on efforts in Congress to support schools during COVID-19 Pandemic
Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, released the following statement yesterday on efforts in Congress to support schools during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Every child, teacher, and staff member in every school—public, independent, and religious—has struggled with the Covid-19 pandemic afflicting America.
“The coronavirus does not discriminate based on where a child attends school. It does not discriminate based on what kind of school a teacher serves.
“As Congress continues to deliberate this week on Covid emergency relief, sadly, some of its membership seeks to discriminate against children, teachers, and staff who happen to attend or work in an independent or religious school by denying funds to sustain them during this nation’s ongoing, unprecedented health emergency.
“Religious and non-governmental schools educate approximately 10 percent of our nation’s schoolchildren, and accordingly save taxpayers billions of dollars on an annual basis. Many of these children are among our nation’s most vulnerable from high-needs communities, whose parents make enormous sacrifices for their education. They are no less afflicted by the coronavirus and no less entitled to emergency education funding from Congress commensurate with the amount provided to district public schools.
“I call on the U.S. Congress, starting with New York State’s distinguished delegation, to treat all schoolchildren, staff and teachers equally in providing emergency funding in the fight against this insidious coronavirus. Robust emergency aid for students in non-public schools must be included in any final Covid agreement this week.
“Again, coronavirus does not discriminate based on schooling. Neither should our representatives in the Congress of the United States.
“We do not want to say “bah humbug” to the 10% of our children in non-public schools.”
Catholic Elementary Schools of the Archdiocese of New York to Close Tomorrow Due to Impending Snow Storm
All Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, December 17th, due to the expected heavy snow storm (click here to view the full press release).
The National Weather Service expects accumulations exceeding 18 inches in some areas, as well as winds gusting as high as 40 MPH which will cause hazardous driving conditions and the potential for power outages throughout the Metropolitan Area.
Archdiocese High Schools operate independently, so high school families need to follow instructions from their individual schools.
“The health and safety of our teachers, staff and students are always the first thought that crosses our minds. To that end, the Archdiocese will have a ‘traditional snow day’ tomorrow with no online instruction and all schools buildings closed,” said Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools, Archdiocese of New York.
“And please continue to take all COVID precautions, since COVID does not take a snow day or a holiday,” said Mr. Deegan.
Archdiocese of New York Expands COVID Response Team
Testing and vaccine coordinator hired to oversee operations across schools. Kevin F. Thompson to streamline current COVID testing process and establish future vaccine-related measures.
Click here to view press release in English | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
In order to meet the growing needs of our school system during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic in New York, Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael J. Deegan is announcing an expansion of the COVID Response Team of the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent. Mr. Deegan is pleased to welcome Kevin F. Thompson in the new position of Testing and Vaccine Coordinator.
Mr. Thompson will join the team as a consultant to efficiently and effectively streamline the current testing process required by state mandate for schools to remain open. This work will play a part in establishing the logistical groundwork for our schools once a vaccine plays a role in the administration of our schools.
“We continue to rigorously follow the guidance of government health officials and to monitor the developments on COVID vaccines,” said Mr. Deegan. “There is currently no requirement to receive a vaccine, and we await direction on that front as well as the evolving COVID situation in the metropolitan area from the federal, state and city agencies. Mr. Thompson’s vast experience in managing planning and logistics will be invaluable as we step up our strategies to keep our schools safely open.”
Mr. Thompson holds a B.A. in Government and International Relations, as well as a Masters in Business Administration, both earned at The University of Notre Dame. Mr. Thompson served our country for six years in The United States Navy as an Officer. During his years at the consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton, Mr. Thompson led multiple strategic innovation and transformation efforts for a variety of clients, including large-scale infrastructure and energy projects at one of the largest federal agencies in the United States government.
Government testing and safety protocols are constantly changing as COVID-19 spikes throughout the New York metropolitan area. In addition to Mr. Thompson, Mr. Denis Sweeney, Esq. and Ms. Theresa Hutchinson have also been engaged to enhance the efficiency with which COVID-related response is carried out. The expanded scope of the response team will ensure we meet regulations as they are issued so our school buildings may remain safely open.
Among those on the response team with greater day-to-day roles and responsibilities will be Coordinator Bridgette Mastaglio, Henry Costello, and Vincent Nabavi. Mr. Thompson and his colleagues will report to Mr. Deegan and Senior Associate Superintendent of Schools, Mr. Michael Coppotelli.
About Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York:
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York serve nearly 62,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade across 172 schools across 9 counties and boroughs throughout New York. Catholic schools offer a unique combination of academic and spiritual development that empowers children of all backgrounds to gain the confidence to realize their fullest potential.
Is NYC’s Department of Education trying to sabotage Catholic schools?
Superintendent of Catholic Schools Michael J. Deegan penned an op-ed in today’s New York Post regarding the New York City Department of Education’s decision to immediately appeal Judge Ozzi’s decision regarding equal testing for Catholic school students.
> Click here to read the full article
NYC Catholic schools remain open during pandemic; city to provide testing for kids, staff
Thursday, Nov. 25: Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Michael J. Deegan spoke with Pix 11 regarding his decision to keep Catholic schools safely open, despite city closures. Deegan noted a .003% positivity rate and said, “Our children need to be in school. The social, emotional and spiritual well-being of our children need to be met in person.”
> Click here to view the interview!
Superintendent Michael J. Deegan Interview on Relevant Radio
John Harper of Relevant Radio interviewed Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York, on the decision to keep Catholic schools open, and how Catholic schools plan to do so, safely.
> Click here for the interview
Superintendent Michael J. Deegan Interviewed on EWTN News Nightly by Mark Irons
On Nov. 20, Superintendent Michael J. Deegan spoke with Mark Irons on EWTN News Nightly about the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York’s recent victory over the New York City Department of Education, mandating the DOE to provide equal testing resources to Catholic schools as is provided to public schools.
> Click here to view the news clip
Judge Rules in Favor of Catholic Schools in Case against New York City Department of Education
For Immediate Release:
Judge Rules in Favor of Catholic Schools in Case against New York City Department of Education
Public Schools Must Provide COVID-19 Testing to Catholic Schools Where Law Mandates
Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York, released the following statement today in response to the decision by Judge Wayne Ozzi of the New York State Supreme Court – Richmond County, granting the relief sought by Catholic schools that the Department of Education of the City of New York provide the same Covid-19 testing for its students as it does for public school students, as required under Section 912 of the State Education Law.
“We are most grateful for the judge’s swift and favorable decision on behalf of our Catholic school students and their families. The law is clear: the health and safety of students in non- public schools are as important as the health and safety of students in public schools. We hope Chancellor Carranza and the City DOE will now do the right thing and immediately provide the appropriate COVID-19 testing in accordance with the law.”
About the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York:
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York serve nearly 62,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade across 172 schools across 9 counties and boroughs throughout New York. Catholic schools offer a unique combination of academic and spiritual development that empowers children of all backgrounds to gain the confidence to realize their fullest potential.
For more information, visit: CatholicSchoolsNY.org
NYC Catholic Schools in Session While Pandemic Closes Public Schools
The National Catholic Register covered the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York’s decision to keep schools open, despite the closure of New York City’s public schools.
> Click here to view the full article.
Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan appears on Conversations with Cardinal Dolan
Mr. Deegan joined His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan on ‘Conversations with Cardinal Dolan’ today, to discuss the decision to keep the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York open, citing a .0016% positivity rate within the schools. The Archbishop and Superintendent also discussed testing, and the city’s and state’s responsibility to step up to ensure the health and safety of Catholic school children, under law.
> Click here to watch the video!
NYC Catholic schools remain open with ‘uptick’ in enrollment as public schools close
Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan appeared on Fox and Friends this morning at 7:15 a.m. to speak about the archdiocese’s decision to keep Catholic schools open regardless of the public school decision.
> Click here to view this live coverage
New York City schools closure could be 1st domino in rollback of COVID reopenings
The public schools in New York City may be closing, but the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York remain committed to keeping their buildings open, while monitoring the health and safety of students and staff. ABC 7 NY was on the scene at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Manhattan to speak to parents and students about why they feel safe and happy to attend their Catholic school.
> Click here to view the full report from ABC 7 NY
Catholic Schools Across City Vow to Stay Open, Even if Public Schools Don’t
reported on our declaration to keep our schools open regardless of what the public schools do. We take pride in the fact that our school communities have remained safe places for our students to learn, pray and grow together. For this reason, we feel we can handle our schools on a case-by-case basis, allowing for in-person learning to continue.
> Click here to view the full report