NEW YORK - Emilia Brusseau was counting down the days until she could go back to Bard High School Early College Academy.


What You Need To Know

  • The delayed in person learning learning for most students

  • High school and middle school students will have to wait until October 1st

  • Many students and parents feel frustrated by the delay and say they’re missing out socially and academically

She was disappointed the city delayed in-person learning for most students again and she’s bracing for more remote schooling from her Brooklyn bedroom. 

"I mean the first day of school is so important and you get your hopes up always to see your friends and you’re so excited and so for the second time it being pushed — it’s kind of like I’m being let down again,” she said.

The junior was expecting to start in person learning this week with a blended schedule. Now that the city is making students return in phases, middle and high school students will be the last to go back.

Brusseau’s mother, Rocio Fernandez, is angry her daughter is being forced to wait especially for 11th grade. 

"It’s the the year where they are going to dedicate themselves to get the best grades, as well as prepare exams to go to college. It’s a very important year,” said Fernandez.

Sixth grader Amalia Marrone just started middle school at Bell Academy in Bayside, Queens. She is eager to start in-person learning, especially so she can meet her new classmates. She only knows a few people at her new school. 

"It was kind of hard hearing that we weren't going to go back because I really wanted to meet all my friends,” said Marrone.

As for Brusseau she also misses the social aspect of school. Now she’s just hoping the schedule won’t be delayed again. 

"It just kind of feels like I never got away from what happened ‪on March 13th,” she said.”

Middle and high school students are expected to return to the classroom ‪on October 1.