NY Post: “Here’s what functional NYC school systems look like — and it puts DOE to shame”
The New York Post Praised the Opening Process at New York Catholic Schools in an Opinion piece published on September 12th, saying:
“… Meanwhile, the city’s Catholic schools opened all-in-person classes last week. That’s the 60,000-student Archdiocese of New York (covering Manhattan, Staten Island, The Bronx and parts of Westchester) as well as the separate, 22,000-student system covering Brooklyn and Queens.
Students were met with new safety procedures and protocols that included temperature checks, hand sanitizer and masks.
At Immaculate Conception School in The Bronx, an industrious maintenance worker roamed the halls wiping doorknobs, staircase rails, walls, hallways and other contact points…”
The New Normal – Catholic School Students Across NYC Return to Classrooms
CBS New York was at Immaculate Conception School at Gun Hill Road in the Bronx to document the first day of school. Wednesday was the first day of school for all students attending an Archdiocese of New York Catholic School in New York City. Seventh grader Nailla Thompson was interviewed by the CBS New York news team and said, “I feel kind of nervous, but then I’m also excited because it makes sure that we’re able to go back to school.”
Students flock to NYC Catholic schools as public schools lag behind
The New York Post visited Immaculate Conception School on Gun Hill Road in the Bronx for their first day of school. “Catholic schools across the five boroughs opened on Wednesday — with the COVID-19-fighting regimens of temperature-taking and stair-rail sanitizing mixed with the age-old traditions of crisp new uniforms and first-day jitters.”
Principal Amy Rodriguez said that even the more nervous parents were happy to see all of the safety and cleaning procedures in place. Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan said the Archdiocese of New York is so excited to open the schools for in-person learning.
NYC Catholic school students head back to class Wednesday Sept. 9
Catholic Schools in the New York City welcomed back students on September 9. All students will receive five days of classroom instruction with live streaming of lessons to provide synchronous learning. Classrooms and buildings will be outfitted with several new safety protocols as well as technology to allow for accommodations for both in-person and remote students.
Catholic schools in NYC welcome back students on first day of school
Our parents wanted their children back in the classroom and we worked tirelessly to get them back to school, safely. Thanks to ABC7NY for showcasing the safety precautions at Immaculate Conception School on Gun Hill Road in the Bronx early in the morning, before students arrived.
Click here to view the News Article
Click here to view the video coverage
And, Superintendent Michael Deegan was happy to witness the back-to-school excitement at Immaculate Conception School on Gun Hill Road. After two decades spent as a Catholic educator, this was certainly the most anticipated #ArchDay1!
A Picture Gallery of the First Day of Catholic School from Pacific Press Agency
Superintendent Michael J. Deegan and Principal of Immaculate Conception School on Gun Hill Rd. in the Bronx, Amy Rodriguez greeted students and parents for the first day of school with new safety protocols in place.
Yorktown Heights Catholic School opens for some in-person learning
One of Westchester’s top private schools is reopening today following the Archdiocese of New York’s school reopening guidelines.
Like most private Catholic schools in the state, St. Patrick’s Elementary in Yorktown Heights is planning to bring some students back for in-person learning five days a week — with 85% of parents saying they will send their children to class according to the schedule set by the school.
> Click here to view full News 12 Hudson Valley Coverage
Bronx Catholic school offers in-person learning 5 days a week to help working parents
Principal Amy Rodriguez of Immaculate Conception School on Gun Hill Road in the Bronx was interviewed by News 12 Bronx this week on the reopening of her school on September 9. Principal Rodriguez speaks about what the first day of school will look like, indicating that a lot of the day will be about teaching the children how to navigate their familiar – yet new – surroundings. She also speaks about the safety preparations that have been put in place as well as new technology, which will allow for synchronized learning if a parent or guardian chooses to keep their child at home. Principal Rodriguez, as well as the staff at Immaculate Conception, are thrilled to welcome back students for in-class learning, five days per week.
NYC Catholic School Openings Going Ahead Next Week as Scheduled
IMPORTANT NOTICE! Catholic Schools Openings are NOT Affected by Changes in New York Public School Opening Dates
For Families Planning to Attend Catholic Schools in The Bronx, Manhattan and Staten Island in September 2020 (haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio):
By now, you have likely heard the news that the New York City public schools will not be opening as planned next week. This decision has no bearing or impact on the plans of the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York.
As a result of the combined tireless efforts of the Catholic Schools Reopening Advisory Council and our dedicated pastors, principals and teachers, we are prepared to welcome all of our students into our buildings safely as scheduled. We expect this will not impact UPK programs in our schools, nor will it disrupt transportation or breakfast/lunch services provided by the New York City Department of Education.
This afternoon, with the support of Cardinal Dolan, I sent a letter to Chancellor Richard Carranza and Mayor Bill de Blasio informing them of our intention to move forward on schedule as well as our expectation that the New York City Department of Education would deliver the services which they are obligated to provide our Catholic school children.
As ever, I am grateful for your continued partnership in the sacred mission of Catholic education.
Mr. Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
Catholic Schools Ready to Follow ‘Blueprint’ to Safely Reopen Next Month
Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan was interviewed by the editor in chief of Catholic New York, John Woods, to speak about everything from the “blueprint” which the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York will follow for a safe opening this September, and which covers everything from technology, to finances and political advocacy.
Cardinal Dolan Speaks About Catholic Schools Reopening Plans
Archbishop Timothy Cardinal Dolan speaks with Fox 5 NY about the Catholic schools reopening plans for September 2020.
Superintendent of Schools Issues Update on September 2020 Opening Plans
Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York today issued an update to parents, teachers, Principals and staff across the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York regarding September 2020 opening plans (haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio)
You were recently shown a video (click here) providing an overview of the practices and protocols you can expect to see in schools throughout the archdiocese this fall, which will ensure the teachers’ and students’ safe return to our buildings. In addition to these measures, the initial re-entry and subsequent day-to-day monitoring of COVID-related issues will be overseen by the Catholic Schools COVID Coordination Team, which will include a noted expert in the field of public health. The team, overseen by The Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent of Schools, will be supported by a full-time staff dedicated to the health and safety of our students and staff who will monitor and manage our response to COVID-19. They will take the lead in interfacing with local health officials, including the crucial tasks of testing, contact tracing, school notifications any time a school experiences a suspected or confirmed case within the building.
While we are very proud of how our school leaders and teachers shifted to home-based learning overnight, we can all agree the ideal environment for students to pray, learn and grow is within the walls, halls and classrooms of our beloved schools. In many cases, this year, that will mean a hybrid model of in-person and enhanced, remote synchronized and a-synchronized education.
Teachers will be expected to utilize Zoom throughout the school day to engage your children when they are at home, providing the classroom experience of teaching, learning and practice of concepts. Since this technology is new, we have dedicated additional days of professional development for our teachers at the start of school. We anticipate that the first few days will find students, teachers and principals addressing and refining whatever fine tuning will be necessary.
Given the expanse of our regions and the unique physical characteristics of each school building, our gifted and talented principals have tailored the Catholic Schools Reopening: Moving Forward Together guidelines and manual to best serve the needs of their communities. Recognizing that principals have been keeping you informed since March and more recently with the release of our opening plan, in accordance with the governor’s new directives, principals will begin additional outreach to parents in the coming days. These communications will outline daily procedures specific to your school, such as but not limited to: pick up and drop off, meal times, maintenance of facilities, and daily screening procedures. Over the course of the coming weeks, you will have the opportunity to communicate with your principal. We are all blessed to have these dedicated school leaders. This series of communications will culminate in a virtual, interactive meeting to ensure you and your family are as comfortable as possible with the specific reopening plan in place.
As you learn more about the specifics relating to your individual schools, now is an ideal time to contemplate a discussion with your child about what they should expect as school reopens. While they likely have a favorite mask, and they certainly know how to sing two soapy choruses of Happy Birthday at the sink, it will be important for them to know how to implement the best hygiene practices they are already performing within the context of the school day. We have added resources on our website to help you prepare them for wearing a mask throughout the day at school.
Perhaps even more importantly, this will likely be the first time the children will have seen so many of their friends in person since March. Given they will be wearing face coverings and won’t have the usual physical contact or freedom of movement, there are conversations that can be started now addressing the social and emotional aspects of coming back to school in a COVID environment. The mental health professionals at the Archdiocese Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program (ADAPP) have prepared resources for this purpose, and we invite you to utilize them as you see fit.
As evidenced by all of the above, much planning and study has been committed –and will continue- towards safely reopening our school buildings and delivering the academically superior education of which we are all so proud. Ultimately, the people in whose hands these plans will rest, are the dedicated men and women who constitute the finest group of teachers in America today. These selfless, persevering professional educators have met every challenge placed before them and have exceeded expectations throughout the COVID-19 crisis, and we know they will continue to be there for your children in that sacred singular relationship that only exists between a student and their teacher. Not only are they your child’s hero, they are ours as well.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Deegan
Superintendent of Schools
Archdiocese of New York
Superintendent of Schools advocates for HEROES Act to benefit families and schools
Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Mr. Michael J. Deegan recently made appearances on national Catholic media advocating for the HEROES Act and other federal and state initiatives that would benefit our families and our Catholic schools.
Relevant Radio’s Morning Air with John Harper is heard by over one million listeners on 170 stations across America.
Mr. Deegan appeared on national Catholic television network EWTN’s The World Over with Raymond Arroyo, during which he articulated the same crucial arguments on behalf of our families. Also in the segment was Regina Christoforatos, one of our parents from Good Shepherd School, who is herself a graduate of the Manhattan school.
Superintendent of Schools Announces Catholic Schools Will Open in September
Catholic Schools are opening in September! I know for so many of you that is the question that has been on your mind, and the next question is how are we doing it safely? Since March, the Health & Safety Task Force of the Superintendent of Schools has been ensuing that our students and staff remain healthy and have access to the most accurate information to safeguard them. Moreover, in April the Catholic Schools Re-Opening Council with leading experts across our state and nation have been working on a plan to safely bring our students home to our beloved catholic school buildings.
Click here to read full announcement | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
20 Catholic Schools in Archdiocese of NY Will Not Reopen, 3 Will Merge in Wake of COVID-19 Pandemic
Health Concerns and financial devastation for families result in low registration for fall; months of cancelled public masses curb archdiocese’s ability to support schools
Click here for the English version of this announcement | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
(July 9, 2020 – Manhattan, NY) – The Office of the Superintendent of Schools of the Archdiocese of New York today announced 20 Catholic schools will be unable to reopen in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Three schools will merge. The coronavirus public health crisis has had a devastating financial impact on Catholic school families and the greater Archdiocese. Mass unemployment and continuing health concerns have resulted in families’ inability to pay their current tuition, and a significantly low rate of re-registration for the fall; while months of cancelled public masses and fundraising for scholarships have seen a loss of parish contributions which traditionally help support the schools.
“Children are always the most innocent victims of any crisis, and this COVID-19 pandemic is no exception,” said Timothy Cardinal Dolan Archbishop of New York. “Too many have lost parents and grandparents to this insidious virus, and now thousands will not see their beloved school again. I’ve kept a hopeful eye on our schools throughout this saga and my prayers are with all of the children and their families who will be affected by this sad news. Given the devastation of this pandemic, I’m grateful more schools didn’t meet this fate, and that Catholic schools nearby are ready to welcome all the kids.”
Much deliberation and analysis went into the final determination of which schools would not reopen. It is expected these changes, which will impact approximately 2,500 students and 350 staff, will have the positive effect of ensuring the overall fiscal stability and strengthen the vitality of New York Catholic schools for decades to come.
“The reality of these schools being lost is painful, and it was only accepted reluctantly after a detailed study was conducted of their respective fiscal standing in the wake of the coronavirus public health crisis,” said Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Deegan. “I have been a Catholic school educator for more than 40 years, and could never have imagined the grave impact this pandemic has had on our schools. If more assistance is not forthcoming in the longed for HEROES Act now before Congress, I am afraid even more might close. This is a very sad day for everyone in the extended Catholic school community. I send my love and prayers to the families, teachers, principals and staff of the affected schools.”
The following Catholic schools will not reopen:
- Corpus Christi School, Manhattan
- Divine Mercy School, New Windsor
- Holy Family School, New Rochelle
- Nativity of Our Blessed Lady School, Bronx
- Our Lady of Mt. Carmel-St. Benedicta School, Staten Island
- Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Pelham Manor
- Our Lady of Pompeii School, Manhattan
- Our Lady of the Assumption School, Bronx
- Sacred Heart School, Suffern
- St. Ann School, Yonkers
- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School, Shrub Oak
- St. John’s School, Kingsbridge, Bronx
- St. Joseph-St. Thomas School, Staten Island
- St. Luke School, Bronx
- St. Patrick School, Bedford
- St. Paul School, Yonkers
- St. Peter School, Poughkeepsie
- Sts. Peter & Paul School, Staten Island
- Sts. Philip & James School, Bronx
- St. Thomas Aquinas School, Bronx
St. John School in Goshen will welcome the following school communities to their campus:
- Sacred Heart School, Monroe
- St. Stephen-St. Edward School, Warwick
The Office of the Superintendent of Schools will work closely with each affected family, to help find a neighboring Catholic school for the fall. The directors of enrollment will provide each family with information and answer any questions that they may have, whether they are about enrollment, transportation or tuition. The best resource for continually updated information will always be https://catholicschoolsny.org/announcements.
The superintendent’s office is dedicated to working in coordination with the teachers’ union to do everything it can to help faculty of the affected schools to find employment within the Archdiocesan school system.
About the Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York:
For more than two centuries, Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York have taught and nurtured children from diverse backgrounds and successfully provided students with the life-changing opportunities that are inherent in a Catholic education. Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of New York currently serve more than 60,000 students from Pre-K through 12th grade at 191 schools across the counties and boroughs of New York.
Academy of Mount St. Ursula follows safety guidelines for in-person graduation
The class of 2020 celebrated their graduation with classmates after Governor Cuomo announced schools would be able to hold outdoor ceremonies. While adhering to safety guidelines, including maintaining six feet of distance, wearing masks, and limits on occupancy, the students were treated to a sense of normalcy through this experience and were delighted to be reunited with friends for their commencement.
> Click here for full Bronx News 12 coverage!
Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York 2019-2020 Year in Review
The Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York present this video retrospective of the 2019-2020 academic year. From the first day of school to graduation – and everything in between – we thank our parents, teachers, and students for a wonderful year, amidst extraordinary circumstances.
Superintendent of Catholic Schools Sends End of Year Message to Students and Families
As the 2019-2020 school year comes to a close, Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Michael J. Deegan speaks to the challenges we faced in what was a year unlike any other. Mr. Deegan highlights the accomplishments and continuity of learning achieved amidst the COVID-19 shutdown; the financial challenges faced by the Archdiocese as a whole; and the future of Catholic schools, now being planned by the Catholic School Reopening Advisory Council. Mr. Deegan promised to keep in touch with families throughout the reopening process.
Cardinal Dolan Issues Update on Developments Across the Archdiocese of New York
In his letter to the Family of the Archdiocese of New York, His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan shares some good news concerning Daily Mass re-openings happening across New York State now and in the next few weeks, and also that funerals, weddings, and baptisms can now be held once again.
In addition, Cardinal Dolan also reviews the results of recent fundraising efforts by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese, the transition to home-based learning by Catholic Schools, and the current and future financial outlook for the Archdiocese.
Click here for the English version | Haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
Superintendent of Catholic Schools Congratulates 2020 8th Grade Graduating Class
In this newly-released video, Michael J. Deegan, Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of New York, expresses his congratulations to our 2020 Graduating 8th Grade Class, acknowledging their dedication and hard work, and thanking their principals, teachers and especially their parents for giving them the lifelong gift of a Catholic education. Mr. Deegan closes with the hope that these graduates will carry this gift with them to high school and beyond, and give back, to their communities and to their church.
Class of 2020 Valedictorians and Salutatorians
Each year, Catholic New York salutes the hard work and dedication of the members of the senior class graduating from the 44 Catholic high schools in the Archdiocese of New York. Each school’s valedictorians and salutatorians are recognized for their academic achievements in the listings. Above, St. George Academy 2020 Valedictorian Precious Mann, and Salutatorian Alexandra Pabon. Congratulations to one and all!
Profiles in Courage: Our 2020 High School Graduates!
Catholic New York profiled five outstanding Catholic school students from the Class of 2020 including, from left to right: Virginia Capellupo from Kennedy Catholic High School in Somers, Ethan Zayas from Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx, Catherine Sutterlin from Dominican Academy in Manhattan, Alexander Luey from St. Joseph by-the-Sea on Staten Island, Caitlin McCartney from John S. Burke Catholic High School in Goshen. The students speak about what their experience has been as graduating seniors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and their bright plans for the future.
> Click here to read all about these outstanding individuals!
Courtesy photos of the graduates were provided by their schools.
Commission of Religious Leaders Issue Statement on the Death of George Floyd
haga clic aquí para la versión en español de este anuncio
The Book of Ecclesiastes teaches us, “There is a time to be silent and a time to speak out.” We of different faiths cannot remain silent after we watched the shattering video of a police officer keeping his knee on the neck of George Floyd who was crying out “I can’t breathe.” Such inhumane treatment of another human being requires a collective response from all people of conscience. The pursuit of justice is a fundamental tenet of our respective religious traditions, and thus we stand together to declare that all life is sacred, and all people are equal before the law in a democratic society.
We respect those who want to honor George Floyd’s memory with peaceful protest against the horror, evil, and sin that is racism. We also support the members of Floyd’s family who said, in part, “We cannot endanger each other as we respond to the necessary urge to raise our voices in unison and in outrage. Looting and violence distract from the strength of our collective voice.”
We often speak of “thoughts and prayers.” We will offer our many prayers of healing, but we need not only serious thoughts but also firm action as we work together with all members of our community to find that critical cure for human hatred.
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| Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Chair | Rev. Dr. A.R. Bernard, Sr., President | Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Vice President |
Maria Regina High School Chorus Performs Somewhere Over the Rainbow Online!
The chorus ensemble at Maria Regina High School dedicated a virtual performance of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ to first responders. Watch the videos!
Click here to see the choir’s full performance of this beautiful tribute.
Mother’s Day Greeting from Superintendent of NY Catholic Schools
Superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese of New York Michael J. Deegan sent a Mother’s Day letter to all Catholic School parents today, which he summed up as follows:
“As we focus on the dynamic of the home, now more than ever we must remember and honor the thousands of Catholic school parents who cannot work from home because their careers are on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Please join me in saying a Hail Mary for all of our parents — especially the mothers — who are doctors, firefighters, nurses, police officers and EMTs. Please also pray for all our parents who are keeping supply lines moving, stocking shelves and proving all the services our society needs to get to the other side of this crisis. God bless them all.”