Local news in the classroom: Weekly roundup Feb. 12 – 18
Good afternoon,
Happy Tuesday, I hope everyone’s weeks are off to a great start. The days are getting longer and the sun is shining through those clouds which is always a nice sight to see. I want to make one final announcement in this format for our Unsung Hero Journalism Scholarship. This is the last week to work on and submit stories (deadline: 2/23/2025). If you know a student who is thinking about writing a story, let them know that there is still this week and they can write a great story in just a week’s time!
I have also made a brief survey for you to share your thoughts about this resource so we can ensure it is meeting your needs and expectations.. The survey takes about 2 minutes to complete and will be very constructive to the future of this newsletter. I sincerely appreciate your time! You can access the survey by clicking this link.
Current events to use in your classroom
Explore the linked lesson plans below for simple ways to facilitate reflection on these local events. Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.
LOCAL NEWS




CALIFORNIA NEWS



Student Opportunities
Journalism Scholarship

Our annual Journalism Scholarship is back! Lookout’s journalism scholarship invites all high school students in Santa Cruz County to apply. The top three winners will each receive $500, and the top 10 will be featured on our site. Students can enter individually or as part of a class project if you want to learn more click here. Teachers interested in having their class participate this year should contact me, Eetai Shwartz, at eetai@lookoutlocal.com
Student Stories

Student Stories is a place for students to have their voices heard by the community and the rest of Santa Cruz County. It is designed to showcase stories, events, clubs, and opinions authored by students in Santa Cruz County. Students can either submit ideas or completed stories. Learn more here and reach out if you have any questions.
EDUCATOR RESOURCES
Learning For Justice

How do educators approach some of the most complex and potentially divisive topics of our time? Learning for Justice gives teachers a structured way to engage their students in conversations about race, bodily autonomy, social justice and environmental issues while leaving space for differing viewpoints. Aligned with the mission of the Southern Poverty Law Center, Learning for Justice focuses on Southern American educational systems, but is applicable to school districts nationwide.
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.
Educator Page
- You can find more resources on our Educator Page, including a media literacy guide, specific new quizzes and more.
Reminder on student access
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.
Best,
Eetai
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