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s the sun sets on summer vacation and school doors swing open once again, we welcome students to the start of a brand-new academic year. 

This season is always filled with possibility—fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils and new faces in the classroom mark a chance to grow and learn.

The beginning of the school year is a reminder of the value of education and community. Classrooms become spaces of connection, where students learn not only math and reading, but empathy, resilience and teamwork. 

We hope teachers have had a restful summer (and a little bit of fun) as they bring their energy to another school year. We appreciate all the hard work that you do in educating our youth, and recognize your dedication.

To parents and guardians, your role is more important than ever. Your support at home—whether through encouraging words, help with homework, or simply being present—makes a profound difference. 

As a community, we can all be mentors to children. And we can also support each other–as the saying goes, it takes a village.

This year will present new conditions in schools across New York State, with the initiative to ban cellphones in schools. It will be interesting to see how schools implement this change and how students respond to it.

As September marks another school year, we applaud all who make it happen, from the students to the teachers, administrators and school staff.