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Student EventsTCOE Student Events and the California State Standards The California State Standards (CSS) were adopted by the State Board of Education in 2010. These focused and rigorous standards define the 21st Century knowledge and skills students need for success in college and career. The CSS call for an integrated curriculum that challenges students to think in complex ways and to apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired. Evidence of such learning can be demonstrated through the completion of a variety of assigned tasks, including TCOE Student Event activities. TCOE has always promoted student event participation as an avenue to providing a well-rounded educational experience. Now, we are able to further emphasize the importance of student events by directly aligning them to our 21st century standards. When applicable, TCOE Student Events are coded in one or both of the following manners:
Are you a TCOE employee interested in financially supporting student events? Student Art Exhibitions
November 2019 - March 2020 The annual Student Art Exhibitions showcase the county's talented young artists. From November through March, student artwork is displayed at the Tulare County Office of Education, and the public is invited to view the show. Entries are judged by local artists and those pieces receiving a Best of Show award are honored at a special reception in March during Arts Education Month.
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CSS VAPA Standards: a, b, c, d & e; ![]() SCICON and Circle J Christmas Bird Count
December 14, 2019 Join us for this worldwide annual tradition of counting all the birds we can see as we hike the trails at the SCICON and Circle J-Norris Ranch campuses. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. ![]() Student Tech Showdown
January 18, 2020 Teams of two to three students will conduct research on a topic prior to the day of the event. On the day of the event, the teams will create a presentation, based on their previously conducted research, using randomly selected technology applications. Students will compete in three grade divisions: grades 4-5, grades 6-8, and grades 9-12.
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January 21, 23, 28, & 30, February 6 & 18, 2020
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Academic Decathlon
January 25, & February 1, 2020 Academic Decathlon is a countywide student event for grades 9 through 12. It is part of the National Academic Decathlon competition. Schools field teams of up to nine members divided by thirds into Honors, Scholastic, and Varsity. Students compete in a series of 10 academic tests and demonstrations, including art, economics, a written essay, an interview, language and literature, math, music, social science, speech and a Super Quiz. Students compete in teams or as individuals. The winner in Tulare County competes at the state level; the state winner competes at the national level.
November 14, 2019, Scrimmage
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Poetry Out Loud
February 7, 2020 The Tulare County Office of Education is proud to introduce the Poetry out Loud competition. Sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Poetry Foundation, and the California Arts Council, Poetry Out Loud inspires high school students to discover and appreciate poetry through a combination of memorization, performance, and competition. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and improve English fluency and comprehension. The Poetry Out Loud program begins with classroom and school-wide competitions, with winners advancing to county, state, and national competitions. Through Poetry Out Loud, the Tulare County Office of Education encourages students to study and appreciate poetry through practice, performance, and competition.
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() National History Day - Tulare County
February 14, 2020
National History Day - Tulare County is coordinated with the National and California State History Days. Each year, a broad theme is selected at the national level to encompass local, state, American and world history entries. The theme gives a central focus to the work of all participants and provides a common "yardstick" by which the quality of research and understanding may be judged. Locally, over 200 students participate in the History Day competition held in March. The top competitors from each event and division advance to the National History Day - California.
February 25, 2020, Feedback Day
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Tulare County Spelling Championship
February 19, 2020 Students in grades 4-8 face off in a public, oral spelling competition. Schools hold their own spelling bees and select two students to attend the county-wide championship. The county champion has the opportunity to go on to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. For more information, contact Nancy Bellin at nancyb@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6734.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Circle J BioBlitz
February 22, 2020 Join us as students and scientists explore, discover, and document insects, plants, and other wildlife living at Circle J Ranch. Upload discoveries using the iNaturalist app to show the world what you found! For more information, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. CSS SEP Standards: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5 ![]() Habitat Restoration Volunteer Day at Circle J
February 22, 2020 Middle and high school students can get involved in restoring wildlife habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. ![]() Anti-Tobacco Challenge Bowl
February 26, 2020 Students participate in a game show-style competition, answering questions on topics including the tobacco industry and the health effects of smoking. The event gives students valuable information about the dangers of tobacco – before they enter middle school and are presented with the temptation to smoke. For more information, contact Frank Silveira at frank.silveira@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155, ext. 3611.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Step Up Youth Challenge
September 2019 through April 2020 The Step Up Youth Challenge will take place over the course of the 2019-20 school year, providing an opportunity for 20 middle and 15 high school teams to complete a project that will have a positive impact on their school and community.
September 19, Youth Summit (training for student teams)
Challenge Advisor Training (mandatory), September 5, 2019, 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact Kelley Petty at kelleyp@tcoe.org or call (559) 740-4303.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Science Olympiad - Division B/C
March 7, 2020
View a video of the 2010 event (.wmv)
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Math Super Bowl
March 11, 2020
View a video of the 2010 event. (.wmv file)
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CSS Mathematics Practices: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7; ![]() STEAM Expo
March 14, 2020 The STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) Expo will allow students, families, and community members to participate in a variety of STEAM-related activities. Students in grades 3-12 may participate in the Science and Engineering Fair portion of the event. The top winners in this competition (grades 6-12) qualify for the California Science and Engineering Fair. Featured speakers, informational booths, and hands-on activities will be available throughout the day.
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Poetry and Prose
March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, & 25, 2020 Students present poetry to an audience and judges at this county-wide oral interpretation event. Oral and written assessments are offered to each student, along with personalized certificates denoting their rank of Superior, Excellent, Very Good and Good. For more information, contact Nancy Bellin at nancyb@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6734.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Friday Night Live Lip Sync Contest
March 27, 2020 Dozens of middle and high school performers annually vie for awards in four categories: dance, lip sync, novelty and showcase. Friday Night Live provides youth with fun, life-affirming activities promoting abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gang participation and violence. For more information, contact Frank Silveira at frank.silveira@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155 , ext. 3611.
CSS VAPA Standards: a, b & d; ![]() Tulare-Kings College and Career EXPO
April 2020 (date TBA) Held on the College of the Sequoias' Visalia campus, the Tulare-Kings College and Career EXPO provides an opportunity for all Tulare and Kings County high school students to participate in career-themed competitions with peers from schools across the region. The event focuses on college and career awareness and exploration as students demonstrate and apply their industry knowledge and 21st century skills. For more information, contact Lori Morton at lori.morton@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6101.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Foundations for Life
Essays due online April 15, 2020 Foundations for Life is a national, maxim-based essay contest for middle and high school students to reflect upon, express, and commit to profound and enduring truths. Locally, schools enter their student's best essays in the annual Tulare County competition. One Tulare County student in each grade level will receive a cash prize.
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() SCICON Barbecue & Wildflower Festival
April 19, 2020 Each spring, SCICON opens its beautiful campus in the Sierra foothills above Springville to the public for a day of free tours, activities and entertainment. The program also sells tickets for a delicious barbecue luncheon. Proceeds benefit the SCICON program. All ages are welcome. For more information, contact Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642. ![]() Young Authors' Faire
April 23, 2020 Young Authors' Faire offers budding writers in grades K-12 an opportunity to have their books read by others. The books, which are written by students, are on display for a week in the TCOE Conference Center in Visalia. Visitors are invited to read and comment on the books. This event always has a great response. An evening reception is held so that the public can meet the young authors and help them celebrate in their success.
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Science Olympiad - Division A
April 25, 2020
View a video of the 2010 event (.wmv)
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Theatre Company Spring Musical
April 30 - May 2, 2020, Musical Revue The TCOE Theatre Company offers classes and performance opportunities to all Tulare County youth. Fall and Spring semester workshops culminate in a full-scale production. There are minimal course fees for classes and productions. For more information, contact Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext.3645.
CSS VAPA Standards: a, b, c, d & e; ![]() Robotics Exhibition
May 8, 2020 Students and teams showcase the robots that they have built. Robots are constructed and programmed using various kits and software. Students are not restricted to any one kit or design and can use any technology available. Students display their imagination and innovation in an array of events. For more information, contact Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0565.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Slick Rock Student Film Festival
May 8, 2020 The Slick Rock competition provides the opportunity for middle and high school students to submit videos they have created. The best videos will receive an award and be presented to the public at the film festival. Some videos may also be aired on television. For more information, contact Slick Rock staff at slickrock@tcoe.org or call (559) 737-6350.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Night at the 21st Century Museum
May 11, 2020 Registration Deadline April 3, 2020 Celebrate the rigorous and relevant Project Based Learning that is taking place in Tulare County. This unique museum experience will feature both quality exhibits and the outstanding students who created them. Docents (student participants) will showcase and expand their 21st Century skills of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication as they share their projects with the public. The museum tour will include opportunities to view short presentations by student docents and allow the public to engage with students, teachers and community partners in this uplifting and inspiring evening.
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Physics Day
May 13, 2020 Tulare and Kings County middle school students head to the Porterville Fair armed with worksheets, calculators and accelerometers for lessons in physics. View a video of the 2007 event [.wmv] [.mov] For more information, contact Juliana Davidian at juliana.davidian@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3003.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Reading Revolution - Middle School
May 15, 2020 To promote literacy and the joy of reading, Reading Revolution is open to teams of middle school students. The teams will answer questions drawn from a limited list of titles released in the fall. Following school-wide competitions, schools send their top team to participate at the county event.
2019 Results
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Reading Revolution - Elementary School
May 21, 2020 To promote literacy and the joy of reading, Reading Revolution is open to teams of upper elementary school students. The teams will answer questions drawn from a limited list of titles released in the fall. Following school-wide competitions, schools send their top team to participate at the county event.
2019 Results
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Theatre Company Summer Musical
July 17 - 25, 2020, Mary Poppins The Theatre Company offers classes and performance opportunities to all Tulare County youth. Fall and Spring semester workshops culminate in a full-scale production. There are minimal course fees for classes and productions. For more information, contact Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext.3645.
CSS VAPA Standards: a, b, c, d & e; ![]() Ongoing ProgramsCircle J - Norris Ranch(Grades K- 14) An outdoor campus located near SCICON, Circle J provides a wide range of field study options for grades K-12, as well as community college students. Programs are designed to expand appreciation of the environmental and aesthetic values of the outdoors and to increase understanding of the relationship between humans and nature. Reservations required. For more information, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. ![]() Planetarium and Science Center(Grades K- 8) A multimedia facility designed to provide unique and exciting learning experiences which supplement and reinforce the classroom curriculum, the Sam B. Peña Planetarium and Science Center offers a variety of programs throughout the school year at no cost to Tulare County students. Out-of-county schools may visit for a small fee. Reservations required. For a listing of programs and shows, including evening public shows, call (559) 737-6334 or visit tcoe.org/planetarium. ![]() SCICON(Grades 5- 6) SCICON is the nationally-recognized outdoor science and conservation school located above Springville. Fifth- and sixth-grade students visit for one-day or week-long experiences in natural science and conservation. Students also experience SCICON's natural history museum, raptor center, planetarium and observatory, and tree nursery. Reservations required. For more information, visit tcoe.org/SCICON or contact Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642. ![]() Theatre Company's On Stage Program(Grades K- 8) The Theatre Company provides the directors and all the resources a school needs – including costumes, props and backdrops – to produce a 35-minute musical involving up to 50 students. The well-known children's musicals offered are ideal for after-school programs, fundraisers and more. For more information, contact Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482. ![]() Tulare County History of Farm Labor & Agriculture Museum Theater(Grades K- 12) Located within the Tulare County History of Farm Labor & Agriculture Museum in Visalia's Mooney Grove Park, this 60-seat theater offers a variety of TCOE-produced videos on the various ethnic groups that settled in Tulare County to farm and ranch. Featured ethnic and immigrant groups include Armenian, African American, Dust Bowl Migrants, Mexican, Native American, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Croation, Italian, Dutch, and others. The museum also offers an orientation video, which gives an overview of Tulare County history. One version of the video is suited for students K-6, while another was developed for grades 7-12 and adult groups. Teachers are encouraged to contact museum staff to schedule visits. For more information, contact Amy King at aking1@co.tulare.ca.us or call (559) 733-6616. ![]() Past Events Circle J Family Astronomy Nights
Fall 2019 Under the supervision of a team of local amateur astronomers, visitors learn to work the telescopes and guide them to view planets, star clusters and distant galaxies. Visitors also learn the ancient mythologies of the constellations and how to identify the stars that they contain.
August 30, 2019, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. (view Jupiter and Saturn) For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. ![]() College Night
September 10, 2019
College Night also features a variety of informational seminars, both in English and Spanish, on topics ranging from the application process and financial aid to foreign exchange opportunities and transfering credits.
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() SCICON Open House
September 15, 2019 SCICON staff hosts an open house each year so that parents of sixth-grade students preparing for a trip to the outdoor education campus can tour the program. Families are welcome to bring picnic lunches. SCICON staff is on-hand to answer questions. For more information, contact Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642. ![]() FNL T.U.P.E. Leadership Training
September 18, 2019 This event is a training session for middle school students identified as campus leaders. Selected students learn how to engage fellow classmates in activities that encourage healthy choices and how to implement their training at school. For more information, contact Tony Cavanagh at tcavanag@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155, ext. 3614.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Cardboard Challenge
October 2019 The Global Cardboard Challenge was inspired by the short film Caine's Arcade and is a worldwide celebration of childhood creativity and the role communities can play in fostering it. TCOE encourages Tulare County school districts to participate in the Challenge by providing curriculum and ideas for managing this creative time at school. Teachers are encouraged to indicate their intent to participate in the event so that TCOE staff might visit your school and help collect video or photos to share on its website. This Cardboard Challenge engages students in the 4Cs of 21st century learning: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication.
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() CHARACTER COUNTS! Week
October 20 - 26, 2019 In partnership with the Visalia Times-Delta / Tulare Advance-Register, this event is a week-long celebration of the principles of CHARACTER COUNTS!. Tulare County schools and communities participate by nominating students of good character. Top honorees will be featured throughout the week in the newspapers.
October 30, Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Awards Reception For more information, contact Kelley Petty at kelleyp@tcoe.org or call (559) 740-4303. ![]() Young People's Concerts
October 22 & 29, 2019 For over 60 years, the Young People's Concerts have provided an opportunity for Tulare County students to attend a live orchestra performance, courtesy of the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra.
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Field Science Weekend @ UC Merced / SCICON Field Station
October 25-27, 2019 High school students and teachers set up research plots and gather data for scientific research examining the health of Circle J's oak woodlands. Overnight and meals at SCICON. Cost is $55 per student or 10 participants for $500. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. ![]() Tulare County Red Ribbon Celebration
October 30, 2019 Through a partnership between the Tulare County Office of Education, the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency and a myriad of other county and city resources, the Red Ribbon Celebration event will allow students and families to participate in safe, educational and fun activities without the use of alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. In addition, the event will be a showcase of positive choices and opportunities for the youth of the Valley. For more information, contact Frank Silveira at frank.silveira@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155, ext. 3611.
CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() Circle J High School Astronomy Night
November 1, 2019 Enjoy an evening under Circle J's dark skies viewing Jupiter and Saturn, constellations, and star clusters. Under the direction of amateur astronomers, navigate to deep sky objects using our five telescopes. Interested teachers must pre-register by contacting Nancy Bruce, Lead Teacher, to reserve a spot. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. ![]() Expanding Your Horizons
November 2, 2019
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CSS CCR Anchor Standards: ![]() eBirding for Beginners at Circle J
November 16, 2019 Explore Circle J Ranch while learning to identify birds. Participants use binoculars, learn birding basics, and use the eBird & Merlin apps to help identify 20 birds in preparation for the SCICON and Circle J Christmas Bird Count. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. ![]() Habitat Restoration Volunteer Day at Circle J
November 16, 2019 Middle and high school students can get involved in restoring wildlife habitat for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. For more information and to reserve a spot, contact Nancy Bruce at circlej@ocsnet.net or call (559) 539-2263. ![]() Theatre Company Fall Musical
November 21 - 23, 2019, Frozen, Jr! The TCOE Theatre Company offers classes and performance opportunities to all Tulare County youth. Fall and Spring semester workshops culminate in a full-scale production. There are minimal course fees for classes and productions.
Special Schools-Only Performance - grades 6-12 For more information, contact Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext.3645.
CSS VAPA Standards: a, b, c, d & e; ![]() |
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Tim A. Hire, County Superintendent of Schools Tulare County Office of Education All mail to: P.O. Box 5091, Visalia, CA 93278-5091 Physical address: 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA 93277 phone: (559) 733-6300 · · fax: (559) 627-5219 Please direct web site problems or comments to tcoeweb@tcoe.org. Copyright © 2019, Tulare County Office of Education |