City kids are finally trickling back to class after a rash of widespread absenteeism last month, according to Department of Education figures.
Wednesday’s attendance was 88 percent — up from a low of 67 percent early last month, the numbers show.
Plagued by skyrocketing COVID-19 infections in schools after the winter break, the DOE saw hundreds of thousands of kids missing from their buildings each day.
Absenteeism grew so dire that parent, teacher and activist groups pressed for a remote learning option to reach those not coming to class.
Students at some city schools also staged a walkout to back that push.
While attendance is still not at pre-pandemic levels, absenteeism has waned significantly in recent weeks.
“Our young people learn best and grow as humans when they attend school in-person, and because of our ‘Stay Safe, Stay Open’ plan our schools are also some of the safest places for them to be during this pandemic,” schools Chancellor David Banks said. “The safe environment our schools provide is a life changer for young people, and yesterday’s attendance is proof that families are responding to this success.”
That trend has coincided with a sharp decline in student and staffer COVID-19 cases.
Students staging a walkout at Fiorello H. La Guardia High School in Manhattan to protest for a remote learning option on January 11, 2022. REUTERS/Mike SegarMore than 10,932 students tested positive for the virus on January 6 — the highest one-day total this year. A total of 2,247 school staffers also came up positive that day for a total of 13,179 cases.
On Wednesday, 672 kids and 163 employees tested positive for COVID-19.
COVID-19 classroom closures have also dwindled to zero in recent weeks.
The DOE has not closed an entire class due to coronavirus infections for over a month, according to DOE figures.
