April 20, 2020
Dear Catholic School Community,
Joy is what the Easter season is all about! Given the context of the COVID-19 crisis, we are assured the Light of the Risen Christ erases the gloom of sadness. This Light has never been more tangible in our lifetime. After four decades as a Catholic educator, I have never been prouder of our extended Catholic school community. We are bound by our shared faith and commitment to our mission of educating each child. Together we have adapted and will continue to overcome the obstacles placed in front of us by this global pandemic.
As we return from Easter break and resume home-based learning, I am providing several important updates below:
• Following recommendations of the Health and Safety Task Force of the Office of the Superintendent, Catholic Elementary Schools in the Archdiocese of New York will remain closed through Friday, May 22, 2020, since the well-being of our children and teachers is our preeminent responsibility.
• There has been a lot of information in the news about Zoom, a tool we use to teach your children digitally. Before we adopted any tool, the Office of the Superintendent of Schools worked with our Safe Environment Office and the Office of Legal Affairs. We had proactively recommended many if not all of the education security measures which were then adopted by Zoom for educator accounts. We strongly encourage you to also review the internet safety materials posted on our website, continue to monitor your children’s online activities and have an open dialogue with them about internet safety. Click here to view updated and additional information about Zoom on our website.
• For all of us, these times remain challenging, please know that our counselors and mental health professionals are an email or phone call away. I have linked my letter from March 25, 2020 which has all of the contact information. I have also posted new resources on our website.
• Last week, Cardinal Dolan and I participated in a call with Senator Charles Schumer (NY) to thank the senator for his support as well as to advocate for additional relief for our families and our schools. We remain engaged in working to ensure local, city, state and federal government deliver all the support and services our students are entitled to and deserve.
• Our website CatholicSchoolsNY.org continues to be the best source for timely updates and information about home-based learning, as well as parent and family resources including additional materials helpful to your loved ones going forward.
With prayers for your continued health and happiness,
Mr. Michael J. Deegan Superintendent of Schools Archdiocese of New York
WWW.CATHOLICSCHOOLSNY.ORG
