Update: The return to school has been delayed for a second time as of Sept 17. Read all about the new start dates and schedules.
Mayor Bill de Blasio revealed that New York City is delaying the start of the school year.
After much debate over the Sept 10 reopening, the NYC DOE and UFT have reached a mutual decision. Rather than begin on the 10th, the mayor said that Sept 10, 11, 14 and 15 will now be days devoted to preparation and "making sure that blended learning can really work for everybody."
Then, Sept 16 will be the start of a three-day transitional period. During this time, instruction will begin remotely for all students and there will be additional preparation for educators and staff. On Sept 21, the school buildings will open "full strength" with the blended learning model.
"What would have happened on Sept 10 is happening on Sept 21," the mayor said. However, staff will still be required to begin on Sept 8.
Michael Mulgrew, the president of the UFT joined Mayor de Blasio and Chancellor Richard Carranza for the announcement.
"We now can say that New York City Public School Systems has the most aggressive policies and greatest safeguards of any school system in the United States of America," Mulgrew said.
For more information about the delayed start, visit schools.nyc.gov. You can also learn about the NYC DOE's outdoor learning plans, safety measures and more right here at Time Out New York Kids.
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