Middle school teachers will report to buildings Wednesday, February 24, to prep for students the following day. A special emphasis will be put on vaccinating middle school teachers before reopening, including throughout the upcoming midwinter recess.

"Our educators have done an incredible job supporting students remotely, but as we've said from the beginning, nothing can replace in-person learning and the support that our students receive in-person," said Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza. "We're so thrilled to be able to provide that. It won't come without additional support because we will not compromise on safety."

The reopening applies only to those students who opted into hybrid learning either during the lead-up to the school year last summer or during the November opt-in period. No new opt-in period has been opened. Like elementary schools, middle schoolers who attend in-person are subject to increased in-school testing. Random, weekly testing is required, and families must consent to testing before students are allowed back into the school buildings. Staffing will be increased in the citywide "Situation Room," which is responsible for monitoring test results and contact tracing within schools.

Of note: The chancellor said about half of the city's 471 middle schools will be able to offer in-person instruction five days a week immediately upon reopening; others are expected to phase in a five-day program. Children from "vulnerable populations," like those in temporary housing, English language learners, and students with disabilities will be prioritized for full-time, in-person instruction.