A grant program sponsored by Davenport-based Big Creek Lumber that gives students and teachers the opportunity to learn through hands-on projects in science, biology, agriculture, carpentry and forestry is continuing in 2026, the company announced in a media release.
K-12 Education
Posted inLatest News
Watsonville activist nears end of monthlong hunger strike after brief hospitalization
Tuesday marks the final day of Watsonville activist Omar Dieguez’s monthlong hunger strike to protest the application of pesticides near schools in the Pajaro Valley. On Friday, Dieguez checked into the hospital after experiencing intense stomach pain, but told Lookout that he’s feeling better and on track to finish out his fast.
Posted inEducation
Live Oak district will not move to close schools, with report citing new housing and birth increases as potentially boosting enrollment
Live Oak School District has decided not to pursue school closures at this time, citing a potential stabilization of student enrollment over the next few years. Officials are remaining cautious of the projections as the district faces continued uncertainties from federal funding cuts.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
A pediatrician’s advice for caring for your kids’ emotional well-being
Back-to-school jitters affect kids of all ages, but pediatrician Sara Faheem reminds parents that preparation, open conversations and modeling empathy can ease the transition. She encourages year-round check-ins on both physical and emotional health, not just at the start of the school year.
Posted inEducation
Ethnic studies was supposed to start in California schools. What happened?
The ethnic studies class was meant to focus on the cultures and histories of African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and Latinos. The state’s curriculum also encourages schools to add additional lessons based on their student populations, such as Hmong or Armenian.
Posted inEducation
Watsonville activist says school district ‘blocking’ him from speaking to students about pesticide harms
Activist Omar Dieguez told Lookout that Pajaro Valley Unified School District is not allowing him to present to students about the harms of pesticides during his monthlong hunger strike.
Posted inEducation
Aptos High aims to reopen Friday after experiencing prolonged power outages
Aptos High School canceled class Thursday as crews work to restore power to the campus after a prolonged outage that began on Saturday. A district spokesperson told Lookout that the school is aiming to reopen on Friday.
Posted inLatest News
A Santa Cruz teen’s lemonade stand fundraiser has helped feed thousands. After 7 years, it’s his final pour.
Santa Cruz High senior Drew Trowbridge will host his seventh and final lemonade stand fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 28, aiming to surpass $5,001 for Second Harvest Food Bank — capping a community effort that has raised more than $16,400 since 2018.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
PVUSD needs to do more to support Aptos High students
Ian Hsu, a 2025 graduate of Aptos High School, says Pajaro Valley Unified School District must do more to invest in the high school and rebuild a culture of confidence, opportunity and support. Budget cuts, he writes, have slashed key programs and worsened morale.
Posted inEducation
Without power at school, some Aptos High students leave class early
A prolonged power outage at Aptos High School disrupted classes and led many students to leave early Monday. PG&E confirmed that the school was receiving power and said the issues stemmed from the school’s internal equipment.