NYC vaccine mandate for school staff survives court challenge

A federal judge rejected a request to temporarily block New York City's vaccine mandate for Education Department employees because she couldn't "ignore the harm" if schoolchildren were exposed to COVID if she gave temporary relief from a mandate meant to protect them.

Unvaccinated teachers, health care workers lament loss of employment

New York City school teachers and state healthcare workers who didn't get the coronavirus vaccine are now out of a job. They're frustrated that they lost their employment. But the CDC and state and local officials are clear about the need to fight the pandemic.

Justice Sotomayor denies NYC teachers' request to block vaccine mandate

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has denied a request by a group of New York City teachers to block the city's vaccine mandate for Department of Education staff.

NYC teachers ask Supreme Court to block vaccine mandate

In their request, the plaintiffs assert that the Executive Order requiring vaccination threatens the education of thousands of children.

Appeals court rules in favor of COVID vaccine mandate for schools, health care

A three-judge panel ruled against a temporary injunction that blocked the COVID vaccine mandate from taking effect at New York City schools and in New York state healthcare settings.

Court allows vaccine mandate for NYC school employees, for now

Several unions have sued New York City to stop its vaccine mandate for teachers and other workers in schools, saying that it violates workers' rights. But a state judge has lifted a restraining order for now.

Melle Mel and Amadeus inspire Bronx kids at special event

It was a day meant to celebrate so many milestones for kids across the city: the end of summer and the return to school. It's also a time to highlight the strength and resiliency that young students have shown this whole pandemic.

New COVID testing policy for NYC public school students

Unvaccinated students in the New York City Public Schools will face different rules starting Sept. 27 when it comes to COVID testing and quarantining.

East Harlem school closed after COVID outbreak

19 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed at a school in East Harlem, but none of the infected are students.

New York schools feel shortage of bus drivers

Right now there are about 50,000 school bus drivers in New York. But that number is down from before the pandemic.

New York City public schools reopen for in-person instruction

For the first time since March 2020, classroom doors reopened for about a million New York City public school students.

Hochul says statewide mask mandate for schools is likely

Speaking at P.S. 143 in Queens, Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul indicated she will likely issue a statewide mask mandate for schools after she assumes the office of governor.

NY Education Department to give schools guidance on COVID protocols

New York's Education Department is now stepping in. In a letter to district superintendents Tuesday, the commissioner promised guidance based on CDC guidelines to come before September.

NYC students are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible

Schools Chancellor Meisha Ross Porter is making a plea to all eligible students to get vaccinated as we learn of nearly 94,000 reported new pediatric COVID-19 cases across the country.

Vaccination rate among eligible NYC schoolchildren still lags

Monday was the last day for eligible students in New York City to get their shots in order to be fully vaccinated by the first day of school on Sept. 13.

Delta variant surge brings anxiety to parents of NYC students

With just weeks to go before kids are due to return to classrooms, the CDC has already changed its mask guidance for schools. Now, some parents are bracing for the possibility of more restrictions.

NYC will require masks in classrooms at start of school year

Mayor Bill de Blasio said parents and kids should plan on keeping faces covered to protect against COVID-19 even though the infection rates inside school buildings remain low.

Is NYC's special summer program ready for kids?

Summer Rising is meant to help the children who had a particularly rough school year because of the pandemic. It also incorporates field trips, outdoor recreation, arts, and more.