One Brooklyn
March 8, 2021
“After months of uncertainty, I am thrilled to see that in-person learning will resume for high school students in two weeks. This is a victory for parents and students across the city who have been pushing to get back to the classroom, especially those who have struggled with remote learning. Resuming in-person instruction for the more than 55,000 students in grades nine through 12 who have opted in will not only help these students get academically up to speed, it will also improve their mental health, which is critical after such a traumatic year. I especially thank our hard-working teachers and administrators who have given so much amid this pandemic, and need our continued support to ensure our school environments are safe and supportive.
“Making our kids whole again after the ravages of the pandemic will take more than just academics, however. Weeks ago, we stood with student-athletes, coaches, and parents outside Barclays Center to demand the return of school sports in New York City, recognizing the physical and mental health benefits it provided to young people, as well as the valuable lessons it imparted about the importance of teamwork and overcoming adversity. Today, we are pleased to see the mayor and the new chancellor have heard our calls, and that a phased resumption of school sports will begin in April. This pandemic has already taken so much from our young people, and I commend the City’s commitment to moving forward with a safe re-opening process that puts students first.
“Now is the time for the mayor and chancellor to outline a plan that ensures additional schooling and social-emotional support services are available for students who have struggled during this school year.”
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