Even after 25 years in education, Farmingdale High School science teacher Cordelia Anthony said she still greets the new school year with anticipation — and a little bit of nerves.

“The night before the first day of school, you're like anxious,” she said. “I'm sure it's different for everyone, but I definitely heard the same thing from a lot of people, like: ‘Oh man, I didn't even sleep that well because I was so excited.’ ”

As students and educators across Long Island return to school in the coming days, they will be greeted by the usual buzz of excitement as empty hallways and classrooms once again fill with young people. Amid the normal hubbub of students reconnecting with friends and adjusting to new teachers and classes, educators say this school year will usher in new challenges as

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