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