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Good morning, and happy first day of school, New York City! Mike here with a full roundup from Chalkbeat New York.

It’s an exciting and nerve-racking day for families across the five boroughs, as a new school year kicks off. Here at Chalkbeat, as we often do at the start of the school year, we’re sharing a couple of the big storylines we’ll be watching over the next ten months — the first full school year under Mayor Zohran Mamdani.

We’ll be keeping an eye on the newly announced AI and screentime limits, the launch of 2-K, and big systemic challenges like enrollment decline. We also want to hear from you: What’s on your mind this school year? How was your first day of school? Let us know at [email protected].

Also today, we have a story about how some New York City teachers are talking with their students about September 11 as the 25th anniversary of the terror attacks approaches.

I also wanted to let you know about an exciting event coming up for Chalkbeat members. Chalkbeat reporters Lily Altavena and Alex Zimmerman are hosting a virtual conversation next month about two of the biggest technology debates shaping schools this year: the rapid push toward AI and the growing backlash against screen time. Donate any amount to become a member, support Chalkbeat’s independent education journalism, and reserve your spot. We hope to see you there!

Local education coverage is disappearing. Chalkbeat helps families and educators understand what’s changing. We can’t do it without you.

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