On Sunday, Aug. 24, the Santa Cruz High School Alumni Association is hosting a biennial all-class alumni barbecue.
K-12 Education
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz County teachers confront AI’s growing influence over the classroom
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.
Posted inEducation
Santa Cruz County districts get tough on cellphones in class as new school year begins
Most of Santa Cruz County’s school districts were set to welcome students back to school Thursday, with many announcing new cellphone policies to improve student well-being and to reduce distractions during school hours.
Posted inEducation
In Santa Cruz County, where a youth mental health crisis claims boys at alarming rates, new state initiative offers hope
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.
Posted inEducation
Newsom directs agencies to tackle loneliness crisis among boys and young men
A new California directive aims to tackle a “crisis of loneliness” in boys and young men.
Posted inEducation
In Pajaro Valley Unified, parents ask: How much power should police have in schools?
As students prepare to return to class, Pajaro Valley Unified School District is confronting a contentious debate over police powers in schools. Law enforcement officers argue their work prevents many students from ending up in the criminal justice system.
Posted inHealth & Wellness
Health officials urge Bay Area families to prioritize immunizations this back-to-school season
With the new school year starting for most Santa Cruz County students within the next few weeks, health officials are asking families to be sure vaccinations are up to date.
Posted inEducation
Universal pre-K now available to all Santa Cruz County families
Starting with the 2025-26 school year, all families in Santa Cruz County will have access to free or low-cost early learning through California’s Universal PreKindergarten initiative, the Santa Cruz County Office of Education announced Monday.
Posted inEducation
Parents, teachers protest decision to end Barrios Unidos mentorship program at Pajaro Valley High
Parents and teachers are urging Pajaro Valley Unified School District to reinstate a contract with Barrios Unidos, a local nonprofit that provided on-campus mentorship to Pajaro Valley High School students. While district officials cite unmet performance outcomes, supporters argue the program was vital for students facing crises and should be prioritized.
Posted inEducation
Kids2Parks program to fund student field trips to state parks set to open for school year
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks is opening applications July 28 for the Kids2Parks field trip program, which funds transportation for field trips to state parks and beaches for schools serving low-income families.