New York City To Resume In-Person Learning With No Virtual Options

New York City is gearing up to resume all in-person learning for the next academic school year.

NYC school district officials made the announcement on Monday. Mayor Bill de Blasio attributes the move to increased COVID-19 vaccinations and a decrease in coronavirus cases. He also says that numerous measures will be put in place to ensure the safety of students. Face masks will still be required for all students when school reopens on September 13th.

“It’s just amazing the forward motion right now, the recovery that’s happening in New York City. But you can’t have a full recovery without full-strength schools, everyone back sitting in those classrooms, kids learning again,” de Blasio stated on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”

Many parents are concerned with the school board’s decision not to offer a virtual option. However, the school board will allow parents to visit students’ classrooms starting in June to preview all the new measures to eliminate COVID-19 transmission. This includes deep cleanings and upgraded ventilation.

The United Federation of Teachers is still wary of the lack of remote learning. President of the federation, Michael Mulgrew, issued a statement voicing the union’s “concerns about the safety of a small number of students with extreme medical challenges. For that small group of students, a remote option may still be necessary.”

This move follows Los Angeles announcing their school reopening plans. However, they are still offering a remote learning option for students who prefer it.