Back to school on Long Island: Students in 49 districts return to class Wednesday

For many kids across Long Island, summer is effectively over.

Students in 49 of Long Island's 123 public school districts returned to class on Wednesday. They followed 37 districts that had already opened on Monday and Tuesday; the remainder will start the school year either Thursday or next week.

At Steele Elementary School in Baldwin, principal LaTrace Finney enthusiastically greeted parents and students Wednesday morning.

Her goal for this year is simple, she said. 

"When students walk into this building they feel loved, they feel valued," she said. "I really want to ensure that they have an amazing foundational experience when it comes to elementary school, because if we provide them with all the tools that they need to be successful, when they go off to middle school and high school, the sky's the limit."

Ryan Gill Sr. said his 7-year-old son, Ryan Gill Jr., kicked off the morning with a motivational speech he delivered outside to his peers and third grade teacher.

"He said the school is wonderful because not only do they do in-class activities, but [his teacher] also has bingo nights and game nights. He's a part of the chess club, and every day after school, his favorite part is to go into the playground," Gill said.

Gill said that as a parent, he appreciates the school's focus on emotional learning, such as how students can regulate their feelings.

Denise Perez, 37, is president of the school's PTA and mom to a third grader and first grader.

She said her children were not quite ready to say goodbye to their summer.

"It's bittersweet," she said. "They're excited to be back with their friends, and you know they're really comfortable here, but also they didn't want summer to end."

Tech debate

As Long Island's children navigate the excitement and worry of new classes, new teachers and new friends, they do so amid a debate that has been heating up over how much technology is appropriate in the classroom.

The American Federation of Teachers, the second-largest teachers union in the nation, and the New York State United Teachers union have called for bans on screens and "student-facing AI" for young learners. Gov. Kathy Hochul has said she wants to study the issue, and the state Education Department has said it is developing guidance for the use of technology, including artificial intelligence, in schools.

New York City's Department of Education on Wednesday announced a new policy that imposes a one-year moratorium on "student-facing generative AI" for students through eighth grade. AI instruction would be offered on a limited basis in high school. The policy also calls for screen time limits and prohibits "companion chatbots" for all grades.

Hochul, speaking at a school ribbon-cutting in Huntington Station, praised Mayor Zohran Mamdani for the "bold move."

She pointed to the state’s ban on cellphones in schools as well as a policy requiring social media companies to restrict algorithmically personalized feeds and nighttime notifications for minors.

With regard to technology in schools, she said, "We’re prepared to look at some options, and we can talk about this, especially when it comes to young kids, overall for our youngest children."

Baldwin's director of curriculum, Anne Marie Squicciarini, said children from kindergarten through second grade use Chromebooks that are kept in the classroom, while children in third to fifth grade receive their own devices to take home.

"We're really mindful to make sure that the technology apps that we're using are for learning purposes only, and not just as filler time wasters. I think as long as we're managing our technology use in a constructive way, where students are using it as a learning piece and a learning tool, then it's really beneficial and effective," Squicciarini said.

Some Baldwin parents agreed that technology should continue to be used in the classroom but said moderation is key.

"It is necessary, of course, because you have to compete in today's society," Ryan Gill said. ... "But it's good to have a balance, and I feel as though, like my son, he's trying to do things again, handwritten. He's doing a lot of art now. He's going into the chess club. There's always a place for technology, but especially at this age and growing up, the interactions are just as important as the innovations."

Perez, the Steele Elementary PTA president, said her son in third grade is eager to receive a Chromebook this year and added that she is pleased with the school’s technology policy.

"I think in moderation it's OK, she said. "It's always the fact of having too much when it becomes the problem."

Miller Place High School Principal Kevin Slavin echoed those sentiments.

"It's a balance. ... There are some great, great things that are out there that can enhance the instruction. It doesn't replace the instruction," he said. "So to me, we've done a nice job of being able to blend that model, use it where appropriate, but don't use it as the end all be all. It's never going to replace that person standing in front of the room."

New Pre-K center

In the South Huntington district, students and parents on Wednesday officially welcomed the new Silas Wood Pre-K Center, a dedicated space for about 270 students.

Schools in the district actually opened a day earlier, on Tuesday. But on Wednesday, the school held a ceremonial ribbon-cutting with Hochul, who has championed universal Pre-K, in attendance.

A total of $560 million was allocated in this year's state budget for the program, Hochul noted. More than 400 districts in the state have expanded their pre-K offerings this year, including 84 on the Island, she said.

"What you can do for our kids, when they’re that young, will make a profound difference in their success later on," she said as she addressed a room of local leaders.

District pre-K classrooms were previously spread out among several district buildings.

Principal Renee Schumm said having all pre-K classes in one location allows for better collaboration and builds a sense of belonging.

"...So, getting them in the door, and having them develop language skills, and socialization, and taking turns, and learning what a school building really is, and what a school day looks like is huge," Schumm said.

In Samantha Leonick’s Pre-K classroom, students took turns playing with magnetic building tiles, puzzles and coloring on sheets of paper. She said was excited for a new year and new building.

“We have math, literacy lessons, we go through the routine of how we run a classroom and how we’re supposed to behave in a classroom,” Leonick said. “So, a lot of times this is the first time leaving their families, so this is like the first stepping stone into their educational journey."

Parent Ty Scarlett, whose 4-year-old son Tyler is a student at Silas Wood, praised the program.

"He came home yesterday and he had a phenomenal day," Scarlett said of his son. "He spoke so highly of the program and the school."

Scarlett said on the first day his son saw another student crying and he walked over and "consoled and lifted" her up.

He said the new Pre-K center is "something to be proud of" for the school district.

"I’m happy we as parents in the community get to benefit from something so special as UPK," he said

Cindy Abate, who walked her grandson Alejandro to the front door Wednesday, praised the school for being organized during the first days of the school.

"They did a wonderful job putting this all together," she said. "I, myself, attended Silas Wood, K through sixth, so it was nice coming home."

As for Alejandro, he said he made a lot of friends on the first day, but he enjoyed something even more.

"My favorite thing was playing with Play-Doh," he said.

Hitting the ground running

Farther east, dozens of students entering Miller Place High School for the first day of classes Wednesday morning said they had a positive outlook and were looking forward to starting the school year.

For sophomore Brighton Fries, 14, the school year started early as she runs on the cross-country track team and its season has already started.

"We’re looking good, our team," she said.

Brighton is also the business captain of the school's robotics team and a member of Athletes Helping Athletes, a sportsmanship program in which high school students work with elementary students.

But above all, Brighton said she was eager to delve into her studies.

"I'm really looking forward to just taking new classes," she said. "I'm excited for my public speaking class. That was my elective this year."

For Van Johnson, 17, senior year started early for him as well, as he plays linebacker and a tight end on the varsity football team.

He said the season had a disappointing start, when two home games were canceled after the Port Jefferson and Amityville football teams withdrew from playing.

"We're going to try and make the most of our home games and homecoming," Johnson said. "Just have a great football season, and hopefully make it in the playoffs."

As executive president for the student body, Johnson oversees homecoming, pep rallies and a talent variety show, and gives monthly student body reports at school board meetings. He is also involved in Athletes for Athletes, the Foreign Language Art Society, National Honor Society and the school’s service club.

"I'm trying to do my best to hit the ground running," Johnson said.

The senior's classes this year include AP Biology, AP Government, AP Calculus BC and college business law.

Johnson said after graduation he plans to study nursing at The Catholic University of America.

His strategy for staying on top of his coursework? Using the 1½ to two hours between the end of seventh period and the start of football practice: "I try to get my work done as fast as possible," Johnson said.

Check back for updates on this developing story.