NYC Middle Schoolers Can Return to Classroom February 25

New York City middle schoolers can return to in-person learning after the city's Midwinter Break.
New York City middle schoolers can return to in-person learning after the city's Midwinter Break.
2/8/21 - By Jody Mercier

New York City's public middle school students who have opted for hybrid learning can return to school on Thursday, February 25, the city announced Monday.

Middle school students have been learning remotely since Mayor Bill de Blasio shuttered all schools on November  19, 2020. Early education, elementary, and District 75 students returned to school two weeks later, but older students have been learning from home. No return date for high schoolers has been set.

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Middle school teachers will report to buildings Wednesday, February 24, to prep for students the following day. A special emphasis will be put on vaccinating middle school teachers before reopening, including throughout the upcoming midwinter recess.

"Our educators have done an incredible job supporting students remotely, but as we've said from the beginning, nothing can replace in-person learning and the support that our students receive in-person," said Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza. "We're so thrilled to be able to provide that. It won't come without additional support because we will not compromise on safety."

The reopening applies only to those students who opted into hybrid learning either during the lead-up to the school year last summer or during the November opt-in period. No new opt-in period has been opened. Like elementary schools, middle schoolers who attend in-person are subject to increased in-school testing. Random, weekly testing is required, and families must consent to testing before students are allowed back into the school buildings. Staffing will be increased in the citywide "Situation Room," which is responsible for monitoring test results and contact tracing within schools.

Of note: The chancellor said about half of the city's 471 middle schools will be able to offer in-person instruction five days a week immediately upon reopening; others are expected to phase in a five-day program. Children from "vulnerable populations," like those in temporary housing, English language learners, and students with disabilities will be prioritized for full-time, in-person instruction.