FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 8, 2021
CONTACT: Peter Giunta, 347.621.8031
The following statement is from Assemblymember Michael Reilly (R-Staten Island) on today’s announcement that New York City public schools will resume in-person learning for middle school students beginning on February 25, 2021:
“Today’s announcement that New York City public schools will resume in-person learning for middle school students later this month is welcome news and a step in the right direction.
There is no denying that this was achieved thanks to the thousands of students, parents, and even educators who organized and made their voices heard over the past several months. It is that same energy that I believe will soon lead to the reopening of our public high schools, and even the return of youth sports, sometime this year.
As the parent of two public school students, one in middle school and one in high school, I understand just as much as anyone how important this fight is — because it’s not just about our student’s education, but also about their mental well-being. We still do not possess an understanding of the long term impact that closing schools, or remote learning, has had on our students, but, as the largest school district in the nation, it is incumbent upon New York City to lead the way and prioritize the reopening of our public schools now, before it’s too late.”