K-12 Newsletter December 2024
 
 
SCPL's monthly library newsletter for kids, parents, and educators...
 
There are so many educational programs, events, and resources available at your local library.
In this month's newsletter:
  • Universal Human Rights Month - Booklists and more
  • Computer Science Education Week - Free events in Santa Cruz County
  • ParentTV - Parenting videos on all sorts of topics
  • Stem Kits - Check out a kit and explore STEM subjects at home
  • Featured Programs - Fratello Marionettes and more
  • Resource Spotlight - NoveList
  • Educator Resources - Tools and resources for teachers, parents and students
  • Local websites of interest - Links to local organizations with programs and resources for families and educators
Scroll down for more information on all of the above!

 
December is Universal Human Rights Month
 
Universal Human Rights Month is a time to celebrate the fundamental rights and freedoms that all humans are entitled to, regardless of their race, gender, religion, or other characteristics.  
 
Here is a booklist for kids.
 
Here are some resources for teachers from the United Nations
Computer Science Education Week
December 8-14, 2024 
 
FREE COMMUNITY NIGHTS CS Playground
December 10th  and 12th
Click here for more information and to register.
 
Activities & Resources
ParentTV
 
 Search and find videos on general parenting, play, behavior, child development, mental health, sleep, nutrition, technology and more. Most videos are under 10 minutes in length and can be accessed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
 
You will need your library card and password to access this service.
Click here to access Parent TV


 
 
STEM KITS FOR KIDS
 
SCPL offers 5 different STEM kits for families to check out and use at home. Topics include: coding, levers and pulleys, switches and circuits, building, and microscopes. 
 
You can find them in our catalog under
"Stem Kits"
K-12 Coastal Art & Poetry Contest
 
This contest is open to California residents in grades K-12. 
 
Enter by 5pm January 31, 2025
 
Click here for guidelines and entry information.
 
Featured Programs
Fratello Marionettes
 
Join us for Fratello Marionettes' performance of The North Pole Review.  Be entertained by high-kicking Russian Trepak Dancers, graceful ice skating and acrobatic penguins.  
 
Three shows on Saturday,
December 21st 
10:30a Downtown
1:00p  Aptos
3:30p Boulder Creek
 
Special Winter Programs 
@  The Felton Branch Library
 
Thursday, December 19th @ 11am
Special Winter Holiday Preschool Storytime & Winter Luminary Craft 
 
Thursday, December 19th from 3-5pm
Special Make & Explore
Cinnamon Salt Dough Ornaments
 
Saturday, December 14th from 2-4pm
The Advisory Council of Teens will have a special holiday activity: making cinnamon salt dough ornaments to keep or gift for the winter holidays.


 
Winter Movie Matinee
Thursday December 19th
3:30-5:00pm
@ The Boulder Creek Branch Library
 
Join us at the Boulder Creek Branch for a family friendly after school viewing of Disney's The Nightmare Before Christmas (Rated PG).  Snacks will be provided! Registration is not required.
 Check our Calendar of Events for even more youth programs!
 
We have Make & Explore STEAM programs, Legos, chess, storytime, sewing, Minecraft, Advisory Council of Teens, crafts and much, much more.
 
Calendar of Events

Youth Programs Break
December 21st - January 5th
 
Programs for kids and teens will be taking a winter break. Most programs will return the week of January 6th. Make sure to check the calendar for updates and cancellations.
Resource Spotlight
Find a Good Book 
 
 NoveList K-8 is a children's book resource providing read alikes for both fiction and nonfiction. Find the order of titles in a series, find book recommendations by grade level, and meet curricular standards.
 
NoveList assists high school and adult readers in finding new authors and titles. Find the order of titles written in a series.
 
Find these and more on the 
"Find Books and Movies"
section of the kids page of our website
Educator Resources
HelpNow and CollegeNow
 
 In addition to homework help with HelpNow, Brainfuse is now offering CollegeNow. Receive personalized assistance on your path to college from live online guidance counselors. Available free with your library card.
  • Get Ready for College Applications
  • Nail Your College Interviews
  • College Finances including FAFSA help
  •  Strengthen Your Essays
Click here for more information.
 
Local Websites of Interest
Check out these local organizations with programs and resources for families and educators:
  • Santa Cruz Parent - We connect families and family resources
  • Growing up in Santa Cruz - Online resources
  • KidPower - Interpersonal safety resources
  • First 5 Of Santa Cruz County - Triple P - Positive Parenting Program - not just for preschoolers 
  • O'Neill Sea Odyssey - OSO Goals and Curriculum
  • Museum of Art and History - Educational Resources
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium - Resources for Educators
  • Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History - For Educators

 
The K12 Newsletter is published monthly
on the first Thursday of the month.
 
To contact the K12 team, email us at k12@santacruzpl.org