Welcome back to school! As you settle into your classrooms, we’re so glad to have you as part of our growing educator community.
We are excited to share handpicked stories we think will resonate with you and your students — especially those that can spark meaningful discussion. And can’t wait to share updates on resources; like our journalism scholarship program, lesson plans, in-class workshop opportunities and more all school year long.
Our goal is to make using Lookout in your classroom simple and valuable. We’d love your feedback on how these updates are working for you and how we can best tailor them to your needs.
This newsletter is sponsored by:
Current events to use in your classroom
Here’s a roundup of recent articles that could help you with your students, or ones you could use in your classroom. Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.
LOCAL NEWS
In Santa Cruz County, where a youth mental health crisis claims boys at alarming rates, new state initiative offers hope
By Hillary Ojeda
An executive order from Gov. Gavin Newsom aims to tackle the mental health crisis disproportionately affecting boys and young men through education, workforce engagement and mentorship initiatives. Clinician Matt Merrill, who works with youth in Santa Cruz County, calls it a meaningful first step.
‘We’re being targeted’: Santa Cruz nonprofit sees Black Lives Matter banner stolen three times
By Max Chun
The Walnut Avenue Family and Women’s Center saw its Black Lives Matter banner stolen for the third time last weekend, and for the second time this year. The organization’s leadership believes that it is being targeted, and that the current political climate has emboldened hate.
‘A giant leap forward,’ UCSC expert says of breakthrough in mass starfish die-off
By Gwyneth Holcomb
As scientists identify the bacteria killing Pacific sea stars, a UC Santa Cruz marine biologist who began spotting dismembered starfish on class dives more than a decade ago says the discovery highlights enduring questions about the local marine ecosystem.
Santa Cruz County teachers confront AI’s growing influence over the classroom
By Gwyneth Holcomb
Some local teachers are changing up assignments and returning to handwritten work as artificial intelligence tools threaten students’ critical thinking development. But Santa Cruz County educators also see opportunities for AI to help students and teachers alike.
CALIFORNIA NEWS
Gavin Newsom wants an election in a hurry on his gerrymander. Here’s what has to happen
By Maya C. Miller / CalMatters
California counties are scrambling to prepare for Gov. Gavin Newsom’s special election on redrawing congressional districts for the 2026 midterm. The effort will cost tens of millions of dollars.
STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
Chasing growth, not just goals: How a growth mindset helped me make Team USA
Lookout’s Student Stories initiative presents this piece written by local student, Charlee Rose Beck.
Watsonville High School senior appointed 2025-26 PVUSD student trustee
Watsonville High School senior Desiderio Salinas-Holz has been appointed as the 2025-26 Pajaro Valley Unified […]
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
Sign up for your free access on our Educator Page
Make sure to get your free access for a full year and utilize our resources on our Educator Page.
Reminder on student access
Lookout believes that all students deserve to know deeply about the place they live in. For all High School students in Santa Cruz County, Lookout offers free student memberships. Encourage them to sign up here.
Current Event Discussion Guide
Our current event discussion guide is a great activity to engage with local news and can be used for any article. Below is the lesson plan and the bilingual guide.
- Current Event Discussion Guide Lesson Plan (PDF)
- Bilingual Current Event Discussion Guide (PDF)
Class visits
We’d love to visit your classroom! Lookout staff can come to your classroom and lead a workshop about various different things from journalism to elections.
These workshops last the length of one class period and are a great way to get your students engaged in different aspects of learning. Reach out if you are interested.
Thank you for all the hard work you do in the community and for supporting our educational programs, helping the younger generations learn media literacy skills and become invested community members and democratic citizens. If you’d like to learn more about our school programs, get more involved or have any questions, please reach out to me jamie@lookoutlocal.com.
Best,
Jamie