Ted Crow, Post-Gazette illustration

In a wide-ranging series of articles that explores subjects from teachers' pay to digital library books, the Post-Gazette explores the new school year from the perspective of school districts, parents, teachers and of course, the students.

And articles from regional Post-Gazette editions explore issues in suburban communities.

Part One: Paid to teach, and more: Educators can fatten paychecks by taking on extra responsibilities

Part Two: A 'green' school saves on costs of energy

Part Three: These freshmen blaze new path as first in their families to attend college

Part Four: Carnegie Library goes high-tech with MP3 books

Part Five: Jewish day schools thrive despite cost

Part Six: At North Hills 'education mall' attend a seminar, take a course, dine and exercise

Part Seven: School bells ring out early end to summer

Part Eight: Health insurance premiums an issue for many school districts

North: Pupils, parents to find updates, new faces as schools open

South: School year dawns: 55,000 youngsters prepare to resume learning

East: East Allegheny middle school gets own space on second floor

West: Time to go back to school

Washington: New school year to bring changes in several areas