<p>Long Island&#39;s Head Start programs are facing financial headwinds. NewsdayTV&rsquo;s Virginia Huie reports.</p>


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Li's Head Start programs face issues with funding, infrastructure

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'Not knowing how important this program is'

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Long Island's Head Start programs are facing financial headwinds. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

A 2023 Farmingdale High School crash led to New York mandating seat belts in charter buses, but enforcement remains challenging. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'This law is difficult to enforce'

There is a new push to look into the effect of screen time in classrooms. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn spoke to Newsday state reporter Keshia Clukey and other experts on the topic.

'I don't advocate for one blanket policy'

Two months into the state's "bell-to-bell" ban on electronic devices in schools, some districts are reporting positive changes in the classroom. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Students are much more talkative to one another'

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Education Newsletter Widget

Many LI districts will welcome students back before Labor Day, but 18 others won't do so until after the holiday.

When is the first day of school on LI?

Education Article Bottom Module

New federal rules could alter the early education program's mission, impacting vulnerable children nationwide.

LI Head Start struggles to prepare preschoolers as federal revamping looms

Public schools on Long Island will return to class as early as Aug. 31 this year.

See when your school district starts classes this year

The Trump administration is seeking to block the state from offering scholarships, student loans and discounted tuition rates to students who do not have legal immigration status.

DOJ sues NYS over in-state tuition for undocumented students

Child advocates say many students and parents don't know they can file formal complaints or are afraid to come forward due to fear of retaliation or alienation.

LI districts reported 1,906 bullying incidents in 2024-25. Advocates say the number could be bigger.

The number of incidents dropped 26.3% from the year prior, when 2,587 incidents were reported.

See how many bullying incidents your school district reported in 2024-25

A strike could only happen after the current five-year contract expires on Aug. 31 — the same day classes are set to begin.

Hofstra faculty union votes to authorize possible strike

Education Video Playlist

NewsdayTV's Jasmine Anderson and Newsday education reporter Dandan Zou talk to Long Island school administrators about how the school cellphone ban is going so far.

'Kids are outside. They're playing. They're laughing together.'

Former Holy Trinity lineman Lance Swift spoke with Newsday high school sports reporter Jared Valluzzi after the Titans suspended their football program.

'Honestly, I was hurt'

The best friends, who are known at South Side High School as the "Dynamic Duo," are among Newsday's 2026 Extraordinary Seniors.

'They are both perfection in their own right, but together they are extraordinary'

Nick Cannon, host of the Wild 'N Out Live show at Barclays Center, visited Roosevelt High School on Friday.

'Excited about entertainment'

12-year-old Cesar Albarracin Guncay, a 6th grader in Sag Harbor, died during a rafting field trip in the Poconos after the raft overturned in the river.

'Cesar was a cherished member of our school family'

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland speaks to actor Gary Sinise about the Wantagh Union Free School District partnering with his foundation to raise money for field trips to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, as well as a commemorative 9/11 statue in front of Wantagh High School.

'To make sure those students never forget'

Sara Lopez Garcia recorded an address to her class from her native Colombia. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'Never underestimate your strength'

Chaminade twins John and Joseph Gomes were named valedictorian and salutatorian, a first for the all-boys Catholic school in Mineloa.

Twins make val and sal history

Jesse Findling, of Massapequa Park, made a stop at his alma mater on Monday. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'He just followed his dream'

A federal judge approved an agreement this week to phase out the Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, Plan. The move could affect millions of borrowers. Newsday's experts break it down.

'A lot of uncertainty'

The East Meadow school district is asking taxpayers to vote yes on a $71.5 million capital improvement bond. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'It's good for the school district'

The Connetquot school district must decide whether to keep its new nickname, the T-Birds, or go back to Thunderbirds in the ongoing mascot fight. NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland talks with a panel of experts.

Island Insider: Mascot fight on LI

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NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa finds the perfect fit at Rico's Clothing in Center Moriches.

LI Works: Ken finds the man who makes the clothes that make the man

NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie spoke with the Suffolk Sheriff's Marine Bureau about tips boaters should follow to be prepared when heading out onto the water.

In wake of deadly New York Harbor accident, LI official provides boating safety tips

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed has a first look at something new to enjoy, an evergreen maze at Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm.

Out East: Shamrock Christmas Tree Farm's new evergreen maze

The nonprofit Whip Pediatric Cancer provides unicorn-themed dresses to kids receiving chemo treatment. The dresses have a zipper running down the chest allowing for access to a chemotherapy port.

Unicorn-themed dresses help girls who are undergoing chemo feel 'like a princess'

Newsday travel reporter Carissa Kellman bikes Ocean Parkway Coastal Greenway, stopping along the way at seasonal hot spots.

Beach hop with savory stops along LI's coastal bike path

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland and Doug Geed take a look back at the case against Richard Angelo, who injected several patients with a paralyzing drug.

Picture This: That time an LI nurse killed several patients

Advocates say they are seeing signs that U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement agents are becoming more active on Long Island. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

ICE presence once again growing on LI

Sunday's competition, the 12th annual held at Peter's Clam Bar, raised money to benefit the Lindsey Rose Parke Foundation.

Island Park restaurant holds annual clam-eating contest

John Scarola of Kings Park volunteers at the Sweetbriar Nature Center because environment and nature are things he is very passionate about.

 Volunteers of LI: Kings Park man does his part to preserve nature

Newsday food writer Melissa Azofeifa tried several dishes on from the social media menu at Island Lake Diner in Ronkonkoma.

Trying the social media menu at Island Lake Diner

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Newsday is highlighting the passionate, engaging and innovative educators of Long Island with its Teacher Spotlight feature.

Teacher Spotlight

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Residents in LI's more than 120 school districts weighed in on board candidates, budgets and propositions. See how your district voted. For additional information, read our article here.

2026 School Vote

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See the latest news from Long Island school districts, including local rankings, school board developments, safety updates and more.

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