Senator Mannion to Governor Cuomo: It Is Time to Safely Resume In-Person Physical Education and Fine Arts Activities in Schools

ALBANY – Senator John W. Mannion (D-Geddes,) today released the following letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo outlining his strong support for safely resuming in-person physical education and fine arts activities in our schools:

February 2, 2021

Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo

Gov. State of New York

Executive Chamber

The Capitol

Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo,

I want to thank you for working with the Legislature to ensure the wellbeing of all New Yorkers as we all strive to safely reopen and resume certain activities. In the interests of the social, physical, and mental health of New York’s students, it is time we take the necessary steps to safely resume in-person Physical Education and activities related to Fine Arts education and instruction.

As someone who taught high school science for twenty-eight years, I am certain that these activities are critical for proper student development. The resumption of high school sports, allowed by the state with guidance from local health departments, should be a model. We know much more about COVID-19 than we did when these activities were suspended. We have proven repeatedly that we can undertake the necessary precautions to safely reopen elements of our lives that we had previously placed on pause.

The lives of school-aged children have been upended by the pandemic. Physical Education and the Fine Arts are essential to the student experience. Every effort must be made to restart these classes and programs as soon as possible. I have enormous confidence in our teachers, instructors, and students to abide by all necessary safety requirements.

Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach me at 518-455-3511.

Very truly yours,

Senator John W. Mannion

50th Senatorial District