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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

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Voters in the Bayport-Blue Point, Islip, Locust Valley, South Country and Three Village districts will once again be asked to approve their district's proposed budgets later this month.

Lower tax levy increases, deeper cuts: How 5 LI school districts are responding after budget vote fail

Education Article Bottom Module

The districts and schools are among more than 1,000 nationwide named 2026 Best Communities for Music Education.

75 districts named 'best' for music education

The five-year agreement, which would run through July 1, 2031, would impact about 42,000 State University of New York faculty members and professionals.

Tentative SUNY faculty contract includes raises, more prenatal care leave

One student runs their school's Dungeons & Dragons club. Another volunteers at an animal shelter. Get to know the more than 150 top seniors from high schools across LI.

Meet Long Island's Class of 2026 valedictorians

One is an Eagle Scout. Another is an animal rescue volunteer, while another is a member of Athletes Helping Athletes. Get to know the more than 130 top seniors from high schools across LI.

Meet Long Island's Class of 2026 salutatorians

Applications for the 2026-27 academic year are being accepted through Aug. 31.

Scholarships offer free SUNY, CUNY tuition

The federal Education Department had previously determined that the Connetquot district violated civil rights law by complying with the state's Native American mascot ban.

Federal investigation into LI district over Native American mascot ban referred to DOJ

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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'

Dental professor Ira B. Lamster said the break with Stony Brook University was unrelated to the funding he received from Epstein. Newsday investigative reporter Joshua Solomon has more.

$100G grant from Epstein

A new report says the risks of AI in education are greater than the benefits. NewsdayTV spoke with a panel of experts on the topic.

A look at the risks of AI in education

It's been 40 years since the space shuttle Challenger disaster. Long Islanders remember where they were on Jan. 28, 1986.

'We had no idea what would transpire'

Under Gov. Kathy Hochul's budget proposal, Long Island districts would see a 3.8% increase in state aid. However, some districts would see modest decreases. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'I'm concerned for the kids'

Gov. Hochul unveiled plans for her state budget proposal, including no new state taxes, a 4.3% increase in school aid and no taxes on tips. NewsdayTV political analyst Joye Brown has more.

'You can make historic investments'

Each semifinalist will receive $2,000 and their school will receive a matching amount. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

'I'm ecstatic'

Mamdani made universal child care a cornerstone of his campaign. NewsdayTV's Macy England talks with experts on how his plan could impact Long Island.

'I think it's an awesome idea'

Smithtown High School West sophomore Nicholas Cardi, is working with NASA on a project called Radio JOVE.

An out of this world experience

NewsdayTV's Jasmine Anderson is joined by education experts to discuss the rising concerns of marijuana vaping in Long Island schools.

'Young people are turning to vaping ... to cope'

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Suffolk County Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr. spoke with NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa about what life is like for the Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann in jail.

Rex Heuermann's life behind bars

Recently passed state auto insurance reforms could help lower car insurance rates as much as 10% for New York drivers, according to some estimates. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

NYS takes crack at lowering auto insurance premiums. Here's what that means for LI.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is back for a second stint with the Giants. Head coach John Harbaugh on Wednesday said Beckham seems healthier and Beckham said he is looking forward to making the most of the opportunity.

Odell Beckham Jr. back with the Giants

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed visits the Long Island Game Farm for an inside look at the incredible hands-on wildlife encounters there.

Out East: What's new at the Long Island Game Farm

If approved, it would be the first new hospital on Long Island since 1980. Newsday business reporter James T. Madore has more.

NYU Langone plans new hospital in Melville 

NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano visited Main Event, an entertainment center that recently opened in Deer Park.

Arcade, bowling and giant claw machine at Main Event 

Newsday food writer Erica Marcus helps make a strawberry crunch ice cream at Coyle's Ice Cream in Islip.

Making ice cream at Coyle's in Islip

Rockville Centre's Lavert Henderson-Hobbs has been a Knicks' season-ticket holder since 1969.

Rockville Centre's Lavert Henderson-Hobbs a Knicks' season-ticket holder since 1969

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Chubs Meats in Medford to try The Brunson, a sandwich inspired by the New York Knicks' star player.

Trendy Bites: Trying a Jalen Brunson-inspired sandwich

Actor Gary Sinise partners with Wantagh schools on 9/11 education, remembrance

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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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