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As the school year begins in Washington, DC, parents and students face heightened anxiety due to a federal law enforcement surge and immigration crackdown. Many parents, particularly from minority backgrounds, are taking extra precautions, such as escorting their children to school and carrying identification. One mother expressed her fear, commenting: “It’s hard... it’s a risk to go and protect my daughter and her classmates, but it’s also necessary to protect them.” Schools are implementing creative safety protocols, including advising staff to carry passports and establishing procedures for potential ICE visits. Jeannine Piacenza, executive director of CommuniKids, noted that parents are now asking about the school’s ICE policy, a stark contrast to typical inquiries. The atmosphere has become increasingly stressful for families, with many feeling the need to alter their behavior to avoid drawing attention.

 

CNN Edition

As the new school year begins, an increasing number of districts are implementing cell phone bans to enhance student focus in classrooms. Brigette Whaley, an associate professor at West Texas A&M University, believes these restrictions create "a more equitable environment" and lead to higher student engagement. In Texas, all public and charter school students will be without their phones during school hours. While many teachers support the ban, some students express frustration, with 83% of Delaware teachers in favor, but only 11% of students agreeing. Zoë George, a student in New York City, finds the ban "annoying," especially as it affects her ability to complete homework during free periods. Despite mixed feelings, educators hope that as students experience the benefits, their attitudes will shift.

 

NPR / National Public Radio

As the 2025-26 school year begins, North Jersey districts are implementing significant changes. New Jersey students in grades 3-9 will take a new adaptive learning assessment test in English and math from April to May 2026, marking a shift from previous testing formats. Additionally, several schools are proactively managing cell phone use while awaiting a potential statewide ban proposed by Gov. Phil Murphy. For instance, Montclair is introducing an "off and away" policy, while Sussex County mandates that phones be powered off during school hours. In a positive development, the Trump administration has reversed a freeze on $158m in K-12 funding after challenges from state attorneys general, including New Jersey's Matthew Platkin. Clifton's Maple Valley Middle School will also open its doors this fall, welcoming its first students. New leadership is also a theme this year, with multiple districts appointing new superintendents, including Andrea Oates-Parchment in Hackensack.

 

New Jersey Herald

In response to a tragic shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, the Gloucester Township Police Department dispatched specially trained crisis response dogs and their handlers to provide comfort to the community. The team, including K-9 Axel and his handler John Hunt, visited parishioners at Annunciation Catholic Church. Police Chief David Harkins and Bishop Joseph Williams coordinated the effort, with Williams expressing gratitude for the community's support. The attack resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 15 others, with the shooter dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The Crisis Response Canines team expressed their commitment to offering strength and comfort to those grieving.

 

NJ.com

Evergreen Public Schools in Washington state will remain closed on Tuesday as negotiations with the district's classified employees' union continue. Superintendent Christine Moloney expressed hope for a resolution, commenting: “We remain hopeful that we will be able to reach an agreement with the union and get students back in the classroom.” The district has delayed the school year start and will provide daily updates on school openings. Additionally, free breakfast and lunch will be available for students at designated schools. The classified union, representing around 1,400 employees, has been negotiating a new contract since March, with a mediator involved since July.

 

The Oregonian

The COMSA summer program in Green Bay concluded with a vibrant celebration, showcasing the diverse voices of students speaking Ukrainian, Somali, Pashto, and English. Asif Ariazai, a program participant, emphasized the importance of cultural adaptation, stating: “We should not forget our culture, but we should be adapted with the culture we are living in here.” The program, which connects new immigrants and refugees to essential resources, included activities like bingo to track students' reading levels. Students shared their favorite moments, from zoo visits to learning about healthy eating at farmers markets. With nearly 61,000 questions answered on IXL, the program aims to bridge cultural gaps and support students' educational journeys. COMSA's executive director, Said Hassan, highlighted the long-term goal of helping families navigate cultural integration, noting, "It's got to be an injection of that (community) system.”

 

Green Bay Press Gazette

On June 6th a significant milestone was reached for college athletes as schools were granted the right to directly pay players for the first time in NCAA history. This change resulted from a settlement in the House v. NCAA lawsuit, approved by U.S. District Judge Claudia Wilken, which allows schools to share revenue with athletes. However, confusion remains regarding payment amounts and structures. Ramogi Huma, executive director of the National College Players Association, expressed concerns about the implications of the SCORE Act, commenting: “Currently, players have never had so many rights. But there are tremendous threats.” The act aims to regulate athletes' name, image, and likeness deals while maintaining NCAA control. As the House prepares to vote on the SCORE Act, advocates for athletes are pushing for legislation that ensures their rights and opportunities for collective bargaining.

 

CNBC

As Harvard University reopens for the new semester, students are met with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Abdullah Shahid Sial, co-president of the undergraduate student body, expressed concerns, commenting: “I do think there's a big, big spike in how much people feel scared.” The Trump administration's recent actions, including cutting federal funding and threatening to revoke the international student program, have left many students feeling uncertain about their future. While some international students are opting to defer their enrollment, others are worried about their visa status. The tension is palpable, with students feeling the weight of the administration's scrutiny. Despite the challenges, the campus remains vibrant, with students reconnecting and enjoying the return to school life. However, the looming threat of federal actions continues to cast a shadow over their academic experience.

 

CNN Edition

Many college students are facing delays in graduation due to a lack of required courses being offered when needed. Research by Ad Astra indicates that colleges manage to provide these essential classes only 15% of the time, contributing to the fact that fewer than half of students graduate on time. Tom Shaver, founder of Ad Astra, emphasized: “What is more foundational to what we do as colleges and universities than offering courses to students so they can graduate?” With budget cuts and layoffs, the situation is expected to worsen. Students like Emilee Xie and Victoria Quiran have reported difficulties in enrolling in necessary courses, leading to increased costs and extended time in college. A study by Kevin Mumford found that students unable to enroll in required courses are significantly less likely to complete their degrees.

 

Los Angeles Times

Edmonton Public Schools has introduced a new rule stipulating that students trying out for female sports teams will need their parents to sign a form vouching that they were assigned female at birth. It comes as the Fairness and Safety in Sport Act sets new rules prohibiting transgender athletes from competing in amateur female sports divisions. If a written challenge questioning a student's right to compete as female is made and it's deemed to be valid, the child will have to provide a copy of their birth certificate. Eligibility complaints must also be reported. "Sport is for everyone, which is why Alberta's government is working to make sport safe, fair and accessible for all Albertans," commented Vanessa Gomez, the press secretary for the Ministry of Tourism and Sport. 

 

CBC News

As the new academic year begins in Ukraine, students return to school in Bobryk, a village near the front lines of the ongoing conflict. Principal Oleksii Korenivskyi emphasizes the importance of education, stating, “We must do everything so this generation is not lost.” Classes have been relocated to a basement to ensure safety from air raids, with makeshift classrooms created from heavy plastic sheets. Despite the challenges, students adapt, with some expressing a preference for learning underground over online classes. The school has seen a decline in enrollment, with about 10% of students leaving since the invasion began. Eva Tui, a seven-year-old student, shares her wish to return to a traditional classroom, saying: “It feels more like home.” The resilience of these students highlights their determination to continue learning despite the war.

 

Los Angeles Times

The American Federation of Teachers has agreed to endorse a boycott against Target, over the retailer’s decision to end some diversity programs amidst pressure from conservative activists and the U.S. government. The Monday endorsement from the 1.8m member union came as part of Labor Day activities in Chicago and was attended by Atlanta-area pastor Jamal Harrison Bryant, along with other leaders of the boycott, which started in March. “Target rolled back promises to help the people who have been loyal customers, because of a president who is trying to roll back history and ignore the struggle for freedom and justice,” AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement. “Those customers, who have helped Target’s bottom line, now feel set aside, ignored and dismissed.”

 

Bloomberg