Ava Lafler, 5, of East Yaphank, with help from her mom, Meridith, prepared for her first day of kindergarten at Charles E. Walters in Yaphank. Ava was one of more than 150,000 students returning to school Tuesday to begin the 2018-19 academic year in 47 of Long Island's 124 public school districts.


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Yaphank students head to school Tuesday in week's first wave

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Nick Cannon, host of the Wild 'N Out Live show at Barclays Center, visited students at Hempstead and Roosevelt high schools 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'

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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

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The prestigious Gates award is given annually to a select number of "outstanding" low-income students.

LI high school senior named Gates scholar, gets $332G college scholarship

An elementary school's beautification project was splashed with color Saturday by students, staff and community members.

School blacktop 'a beautiful canvas' for LI community to paint

Nine out of 10 first-year students and 84% of all undergraduates received grants, according to a new report from the National Association of College and University Business Officers.

You could save over 50% on your tuition at a private college. Here's how.

The actor, comedian and rapper will bring a live version of the game show to Barclays Center later this month.

Nick Cannon, of 'Wild 'N Out' fame, performs at Hempstead, Roosevelt high schools

With fans' excitement reaching a fever pitch, parents are weighing whether they should bend the usual bedtime rules for what could be a once-in-a-lifetime event.

What happens when the Knicks game interferes with kids' bedtime?

The survey also found a greater share of the Island's senior citizens entered poverty in the past 5 years.

Census survey shows spike in seniors living in poverty

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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'

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

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Dennis Arfa, the architect of the Piano Man's record-breaking residency at Madison Square Garden, was inducted on Saturday into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame in Stony Brook. NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano reports.

Billy Joel inducts longtime collaborator into LI Music Hall of Fame

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Yaphank Deli to try their "chip bag sandwich."

Trendy Bites: It's a bag of chips ... it's a sandwich ... it's the chip bag sandwich! 

NYU researchers are surveying the Eastern box turtle population to better understand how they are faring against habitat destruction, roadways and global warming.`

Turtle-sniffing dogs searching LI woods to help protect a species

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

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.

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

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

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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.

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