Public high schools in NYC to resume in-person learning

March 8, 2021 KT1 US 0

In this image made from video, an empty classroom is shown at David Ellis Academy in Detroit, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. It's coming up on a year since most of the students at the pre-K through 8th grade public charter school last had an in-person school day. (AP Photo/Mike Householder)

In this image made from video, an empty classroom is shown at David Ellis Academy in Detroit, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021.(AP Photo/Mike Householder)

OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 4:36 PM PT – Monday, March 8, 2021

New York City public high schools are preparing to reopen for in-person learning.

As part of his daily press briefing on Monday, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said 55,000 students who opted for in-person learning will be able to return on March 22.

High school students will go back to @NYCSchools buildings on March 22! Join us at City Hall for more. https://t.co/0lnDQ9Egvc

— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) March 8, 2021

However, the 282,000 other students in the system who opted out will continue to learn remotely.

High school sports are also set to resume, with competitive play to begin in May. Participants will have to wear masks and no spectators will be allowed.

“Our coaches know, as we all do, that this is so essential, not only for academics, but also for mental health,” NYC schools Chancellor Meisha Porter stated. “Sports, in particular, provide a much needed outlet for our kids, and they have been without that for nearly a year at this point.”

New York City Schools Bronx Executive Superintendent Meisha Ross Porter is shown this still image, from New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s media availability, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021, in New York. (New York City Office of the Mayor via AP)

Public schools in the city were closed in November in an effort to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Elementary schools in the area reopened in December, while middle schools reopened in February.