California's transitional kindergarten (TK) program has seen enrollment double to 151,000 since its expansion, yet the percentage of eligible four-year-olds participating has declined by 4 to 7 percentage points. Despite this, officials remain optimistic about the program's potential to enhance early education. As the new school year begins across the U.S., teachers express excitement and stress, navigating various challenges such as poverty and chronic absenteeism that affect student learning. In Fayette County, Kentucky, school officials report full staffing and new policies, including a ban on vaping and the introduction of cursive writing instruction, while emphasizing efforts to mitigate pandemic-related educational setbacks. Meanwhile, educators nationwide are preparing to foster community and learning in their classrooms amidst ongoing challenges.