What is the current now? 

The Current Now is the online newspaper created by the student journalists of the summer enrichment program, "The Critical Current," created by Deborah Park and taught by Deborah Park and April Salas at Mendez Fundamental Intermediate School in Santa Ana, California. Students learn the art of critical thinking through current events. Each week, students learn about the role of journalism in society, go on amazing field trips, and blog about their experiences. Students also create a newspaper, in which they publish articles about current events researched online and through multiple perspectives and sources. Our students are mostly English Learners and range from grades 5 through 9, with some students entering middle school in the coming fall, and others leaving for high school. We wanted to create a rich learning environment where writing is the main mode of expression, power, and change. Through creating more informed students who are curious and knowledgeable about the world, and who understand the impact that words can have on people and society, we believe that The Current Now is a wonderful outlet for students to put their skills to practice.  

Check out the Critical Current Summer website, which has more information about this program, as well as links to all of our students' blogs! www.criticalcurrentsummer.weebly.com