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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support. FOR THE WEEK OF DEC. 14, 2020 Holiday tech gifts: See what's new, imaginative and affordable![]() ![]() Look for a mention of one or more gifts – digital or not – that you want.
![]() Look for people or groups helping the less fortunate. Who benefits and how?
![]() Find news of a local virtual event this holiday season – entertainment, an online tour or Zoom caroling.
Tech devices and accessories that you get or give this season can be practical as well as cool. Choices of digital gadgets and electronic diversions get more imaginative, portable and interactive each year. Check out new offerings that you many want to give or get in the categories of apps, games, consoles, audio gear and streaming devices. Accessories for Xbox Series X from Microsoft and PlayStation 5 from Sony include a second controller, an extra-games subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass, and an Xbox storage expansion card. For computer gaming, fancy keyboards with LED backlighting and varied lighting modes are $60 to $130. Some offer millions of color options. Alternately, Logitech has the the G502 Hero gaming mouse ($40) with 11 customizable buttons that can be set to remember your specific setup for each game. Five removable weights let users adjust it for the right amount of resistance, and there's also programmable lighting. Among other handy products are AirPods cases in snazzy colors, iPhone12 cases in slick designs and Bitty Boomer wireless Bluetooth speakers in Fortnite and Mandalorian themes ($18). Speaking of familiar characters, amusing video game controller recharging stands now come as arms-out Boba Fett from Star Wars, or Ironman, or Spiderman. And if your PC or Mac isn’t powerful enough for advanced games, a $10 monthly streaming service called Google Stadia is an option. It handles the power requirements of games on its own servers and includes titles such as Destiny 2, GRID and Thumper. Games can be played on compatible laptops, desktops, phones and tablets. Here are more ideas:
Front Page Talking Points is written by
Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2025
Front Page Talking Points Archive►Federal vaccine testing change concerns some medical experts ►Courts try to halt rushed removals of alleged gang members, testing presidential powers ►U.S. Education Department shrinks as the president tries to 'move education back to the states' ►Batter up: Odd-looking 'torpedo bat' apparently can help players smash home runs ►Top U.S. officials mistakenly leaked Yemen attack phone chat messages before jets and missiles flew ►Trump stirs drama with talk of wanting Greenland, Canada and the Panama Canal ►Measles outbreaks bring reminders of need for childhood vaccines ►White House media policy changes spark lawsuit by AP and concerns about presidential access |
Step onto any school campus and you'll feel its energy. Each school is turbocharged with the power of young minds, bodies, hearts and spirits.
Here on the Western Slope, young citizens are honing and testing their skills to take on a rapidly changing world. Largely thanks to technology, they are in the midst of the most profound seismic shift the world has ever seen.
Perhaps no time in our history has it been more important to know what our youth are thinking, feeling and expressing.
The Sentinel is proud to spotlight some of their endeavors. Read on to see how some thoroughly modern students are helping learners of all ages connect with notable figures of the past.
Now you can register online to start getting replica e-editions in your classroom.
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