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Welcome back, teachers!
I hope you enjoyed a restorative winter break, perhaps with some time spent outdoors or with reading material that didn’t need to be graded… We’re kicking off the new year with a fun selection of stories from over break, including a timely opportunity to explore how past decisions continue to shape communities, and how civic systems respond over time.
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Featured Story of the Week
Superfund sampling to start at J.H. Baxter
By Ashli Blow
January 5, 2026
Environmental Protection Agency programs are coordinating new rounds of sampling at the J.H. Baxter site […]
Classroom Discussion Questions:
- What role did local residents and community groups play in this story? Why is their involvement important in a democracy?
- What sources does the reporter rely on in this article?
- What role do photographs, captions, and maps play in helping readers understand the story?
Writing Prompt: Civic Impact Over Time
What does this case show about the long-term impact of environmental policy, or the lack of it? Explain why this story matters now, even though J.H. Baxter stopped operating in 2022.
Latest from the Lookout Newsroom
Here’s a roundup of recent articles you could use in your classroom. Use our Current Event Discussion Guide for an easy way to facilitate reflection on these local events. Interested in more stories? Browse all our recent coverage here.
UO psychology scholar offers 2 tips for making New Year’s resolutions stick
By Sarah Lorge Butler
January 1, 2026
Setting the appropriate resolution — measurable, and not too hard or too easy — is one key to success. The other? Deanna Strayer’s research says that goals that get harder over time can keep the resolution-maker engaged.
These were the most checked-out books from the Eugene and Springfield libraries in 2025
By Lillian Schrock-Clevenger
January 2, 2026
Adult readers gravitated toward mysteries and historical fiction while young adults read romantasy and “The Hunger Games” series. See what community members borrowed from the libraries last year.
Latest Education & Statewide News
Lilly St. Angelo is Lookout’s dedicated education correspondent. Find more education coverage from her and our partners here. Do you have a story idea for Lilly? Contact her here.
High school sports realignment means less travel for Eugene, Springfield teams
By Lilly St. Angelo
January 5, 2026
Local high schools in the largest and second-largest OSAA classes will now form a hybrid league, which will mean fewer trips to southern Oregon for student-athletes. Three smaller schools in the county will also shift to new leagues.
LCC instructor brings classroom lessons to board meeting with his last words
By Mike McInally
December 27, 2025
Lane Community College professor Eric Kim has been taking the final spot in public comments at board meetings for the past few years. He uses this opportunity to share classroom lessons with the public.
Passing the crown: Willamette high schooler reflects on 2025 reign as Miss Oregon Teen Volunteer
By Lilly St. Angelo
December 24, 2025
Eugene teen Abigail Akins has competed in national pageants since she was young. She represented Oregon in Miss Volunteer America this year in Tennessee, highlighting her passion for gathering and donating books to schools and libraries to promote literacy.
Educator Resources
- Download the Lookout Media Literacy Guide
- Download the Current Event Discussion Guide & Discussion Questions
- Browse our curated list of Additional Resources
- Featured resource of the week: Common Sense Education
- Common Sense is a nonprofit organization providing research-backed entertainment and technology recommendations for families and schools. They work with policymakers, industry leaders, and global media organizations to help create a digital world that benefits all kids, their families, and communities.
Your students can set up their free high school student memberships here.
Wishing you a great first week back in the classroom, and thank you so much for reading.
Until next Tuesday,
Olivia Desgrange
