UFT Calls for Fully Remote Learning at all NYC Public Schools Amid Rising COVID Cases

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Citing a 7-day average COVID-19 positivity rate that surpasses 9 percent in New York City, the solidarity caucus of the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) is calling for the New York City Department of Education (DOE) to follow through on the Governor’s guidance and transition to fully remote learning for all NYC public schools. The UFT wrote in a press release dated Jan. 3 that both Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio recently suggested ditching the 9 percent threshold, a move the union finds alarming. “Governor Andrew Cuomo remarked that data shows schools are ‘almost without exception’

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The following feature story is an extended version of the one which appeared in our recent print edition. Growing up at 2746 197th Street and Decatur Avenue in the Bronx, Nilda Irizarry Hofmann said she had no connections with the NYPD nor any inkling that, one day, she would end up as one of the highest-ranking women in the largest police department in America. Following her retirement at the end of October, marking 30 years of service, the former chief told the Norwood News one thing she knew she never wanted to do when she grew up was

By JOSÉ A. GIRALT

When Lehman College President Daniel Lemons received a cryptic email message from a team of advisors to America’s second wealthiest woman, he had no idea what was to follow. A few weeks later, he received a phone call confirming that Lehman College was selected to receive a $30 million donation from MacKenzie Scott. It is the largest single gift in the history of the college which was founded in 1968. The school made the announcement in a press release on Dec. 16. “It was completely out of the blue,” Lemons told the Norwood News. He adds that incredibly, “There

By SÍLE MOLONEY

As previously reported by the Norwood News, the Foundation for Excellence in Education (FLAG) Award for Teaching Excellence opened its nomination process for this school year’s awards program in October. The FLAG Award for Teaching Excellence recognizes and celebrates extraordinary public school teachers in each borough who inspire learning through creativity, passion, and commitment. The nomination period for 2020 has since been extended to Jan. 3, 2021. Jurists include Betty A. Rosa, interim commissioner of the New York State education department, and Félix V. Matos Rodríguez, chancellor of the City University of New York. Students, parents, school personnel, and

By RICHARD A. CARRANZA

As we approach the end of an unprecedented year, I reflect on the past eight months with a deep sense of gratitude and awe for the unwavering commitment parents have shown to their children and New York City. I always say parents are our partners in everything we do, and at no point has that ever been more true than throughout the coronavirus pandemic. Each of you has gone above and beyond during this crisis, and your continued investment and engagement in our school communities has been vital as we move forward together. As a parent myself, I know how

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Members and volunteers from Bronx Committee for Transportation Alternatives have been holding their monthly “Complete the Concourse,” protest bike rides that aim to raise awareness of the risks to both pedestrians and cyclists of traveling on the Grand Concourse. Transportation Alternative’s mission is to reclaim New York City’s streets from the automobile, and advocate for better cycling, walking, and public transit for all New Yorkers. During an Oct. 24 ride, Streetmemorials.org representatives and members of Five Boro Bike Club, joined Bronx Transportation Alternatives for the installation of a “Ghost Bike” memorial on the corner of Grand Concourse and

By SÍLE MOLONEY

The Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for Congress Campaign formally launched a virtual Homework Helpers Program on Tuesday, Nov. 24, after a four-week pilot program helped approximately 100 Throggs Neck students. The program is made possible by a community of educators and volunteers from around the country who provide NY-14 students with one hour of free virtual homework help per week. “COVID-19 has meant parents are struggling to juggle work, childcare, and remote schooling. Last week, NYC shut down our public schools, and as we brace for yet another wave of rising COVID-19 cases, folks need our support more than ever”,

By SÍLE MOLONEY

Details of a new charter school that is to be located at 2720 Jerome Avenue in Fordham Manor were presented during Bronx Community Board 7 Education, Youth and Libraries Committee meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 4. Jhennelle Robinson, committee chairperson, said, “One of our priorities was to have amenities for our growing community.” She added, “They’re building all these buildings, but with that comes families, and children, and we’re already strapped for [school] seats, so we need to continue to support any new schools or education programs coming in.” KIPP NYC public charter schools was founded in the South

By ELIOT SCHIAPARELLI

Norwood News, in partnership with WFUV radio and BronxNet Television, presents a five-part series on national issues affecting voters during the 2020 presidential election, seen through the local lens of Bronx neighborhood communities. Part five looks at housing and education. It’s no secret that the Bronx has challenges, that its richer neighbors to the North and South do not. It ranks last among New York counties in terms of health outcomes, has some of the poorest school districts, and some of the highest air pollution rates, but it also has people who care fiercely about it, people who want