In May, Molloy announced the end of the cohort system for seniors, juniors, and sophomores, with each class returning to in-person instruction five days per week. This became possible due to eased COVID-19 restrictions resulting from falling community infection rates. Students who have been opted-out for full distance learning may continue to do so, while those who are back on campus will continue to wear face masks as required for schools by the New York State Department of Health. After seniors enjoyed their last day of classes on May 26th, Molloy announced the end of the cohort system for freshmen as of June 1st. As with the other classes, opt-outs may remain fully remote if they prefer.
The New York City Department of Health has adopted New York State and CDC guidance in recommending that desks be spaced three feet apart in classrooms. This means that an overwhelming majority of classes will not need to have any students relocate to other rooms in the building, and all our in-person students will get an in-person classroom experience. This guidance still calls for six feet of spacing during lunch, and Molloy will continue its current arrangements of spaced out desks in the student cafeteria and Jack Curran Gym. In some rare cases, a handful of students will attend a few classes each week virtually from another room in the building. These students will rotate so that each student will have an equitable amount of in-person time. Molloy will continue to closely monitor the impact of these changes and is prepared to revert to the cohort system if necessary.
The 2020-21 school year has been a unique and challenging year that has required the tireless work and dedication of many individuals to create a safe and effective learning environment. Ending the cohort system and welcoming students back full-time, while also continuing an opt-out component for those who prefer it, is a tremendous accomplishment. Congratulations and thank you to our administration, faculty, staff, students, and Stanner families for all you have done to make this year a success.
Pictured: Seniors wear their college sweatshirts during a dress down day this spring.