For five years, local employers in the Golden Isles have embraced a new path to workforce development. By collaborating with schools in an externship program, they aim to nurture future talent well before students enter the job market.

On January 7, 2026, the Madison-Oneida Board of Cooperative Educational Services (MOBOCES) will hold its regular monthly board meeting at 5 p.m. in Verona. The agenda includes discussions on regional cooperative educational services, and the meeting will take place in the administration board room at 4937 Spring Road.

Looking for ways to keep children entertained after the holidays? The Frederick Mom shares family-friendly weekend ideas, ensuring locals can stay active and engaged on December 26.

A concerned mother reveals her growing alarm over her daughter’s sudden inclination to lie. She wonders how to address this troubling behavior before it becomes deeply ingrained in the child’s everyday life.

Through early wakeup calls, shared devotion, and cheering at every childhood performance, one mother’s guidance built the foundation for a daughter’s success—even across 8,000 miles.

A forward-thinking program at Lincoln Public Schools is preparing students for the child care workforce. By offering a Child Development Associate certificate through The Career Academy, LPS connects students with a nationally recognized credential in early childhood education.

In this piece from Johanna Thomas’s “Administrator’s Corner,” readers hear not from the administrator but from students at the Albert Lea Area Learning Center. Their insights shed light on the day-to-day experiences and personal growth they find within the ALC community.

In an era of rising expectations for young competitors, a junior named Noah at Central Union High School is taking on new challenges and exceeding them. His recent recognition by the school district board underscores the importance of perseverance, resilience, and community support for today’s student-athletes.

Calexico Library rolls out a warm welcome for native author David Tittle, who returns to share his passion for poetry. The event emphasizes the vital role local libraries play in nurturing writers and fostering a love for literature.

The Academy Art Museum in Easton has officially broken ground on a cutting-edge research center designed to preserve its growing collection and open new pathways for public engagement. With dedicated spaces for education and preservation, this initiative signals a new era of art accessibility for the community.

Wahpeton’s fifth graders came together on Monday, Dec. 15, to celebrate their completion of the D.A.R.E. program at Wahpeton High School auditorium. Marking the program’s third successful year locally, the ceremony highlighted the community’s dedication to educating youth about drug abuse prevention.

Students in the Judith Basin area are officially on winter break, starting around December 20. They will return to school on Monday, January 5, providing a well-earned pause before the new semester begins.

A recent study has identified New York as having the fifth-strongest search interest in SEO training, placing it among the top 10 states nationwide. This finding highlights the Empire State’s growing dedication to digital marketing skills.

The Central Texas College board of trustees has approved Khaled “K.J.” Matahen, a well-known local business owner, to join the CTC Foundation board. This nomination underscores CTC’s commitment to partnering with community leaders to advance educational initiatives.

The Lincoln Academy in Beloit recently inducted 15 scholars into the National Honor Society. The celebration underscored these students’ commitment to academic excellence, leadership, service, and character.

Buffalo County is applying for a $230,969 grant that would boost a local diversion program for at-risk youth. The initiative, led by juvenile services coordinator Doug Kramer, addresses truancy, family support, and early interventions to help keep kids on track.

Keene State College’s CALL program, which has served senior citizens for decades, may be reduced or eliminated due to campus-wide cost-saving efforts. A college administrator confirmed that the program’s future is under review, though no final decision has been made.

Multiple Wyoming County 4-H members earned honors for their outstanding achievements at an annual ceremony in Warsaw. Their dedication echoes 4-H’s broader mission of engaging youth in agriculture, biology, and zoology-related pursuits.

After 26 years in the classroom, one teacher is reaching out with a heartfelt message at the end of the school year. Despite loving both the job and the students, this educator wants parents to know there is something important to hear.

Researchers are sounding the alarm: children as young as five are already drawn to what experts call “brain rot” content. The study raises pressing questions around privacy, mental health, and technology’s role in shaping young minds.

Kelowna’s Rotary Centre for the Arts is opening 2026 with a new series of winter programs that cater to creative minds of all ages. With classes for adults, seniors, youth, and families, this fresh lineup blends new workshops with returning favorites, setting a bright tone for the year.