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Past Events

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Circle J Family Astronomy Nights

Fall 2019
(Grades 3 - 12)
evenings, Circle J-Norris Ranch, Springville

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)
September 27, 2019, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (view Jupiter and Saturn)
October 4, 2019, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. (view the Moon, 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
(Grades 9-12)
5:30 - 8:00 p.m., International Agri-Center Heritage Complex, 4500 S. Laspina St., Tulare

In early September each year, the Tulare County Office of Education hosts Tulare County College Night. Hundreds of high school students from throughout Tulare and surrounding counties attend to meet college and university representatives from around the country. Representatives from national trade, art and specialty institutions also attend.

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.

Additional information:
tcoe.org/CollegeNight
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/college-night

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1 & 3, 5 & 6

SCICON Open House

September 15, 2019
(Grade 6)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SCICON campus, Springville

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
(Grades 6 - 8)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wyndham Visalia, 9000 W. Airport Dr.

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:
Speaking and Listening 1;
Writing 4 & 8;
Project and Problem Solving

Cardboard Challenge

October 2019
(All Grades)
classrooms throughout the county

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.

Additional information:
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/cardboard-challenge

Contact:
Juliana Davidian at juliana.davidian@tcoe.org or (559) 651-3003

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1 & 4;
CSS Mathematics Practices: 4, 5 & 6

CHARACTER COUNTS! Week

October 20 - 26, 2019
(All Grades)

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
6:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

For more information, contact Kelley Petty at kelleyp@tcoe.org or call (559) 740-4303.

Young People's Concerts

October 22 & 29, 2019
(Grades 3 - 8)
October 22, 9:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m., Visalia First, 3737 S. Akers, Visalia
October 29, 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., Buck Shaffer Auditorium, 415 W. Olive Ave., Porterville

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.

Additional information:
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/young-peoples-concerts

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 4;
CSS VAPA Standards: a, c, d & e

Field Science Weekend @ UC Merced / SCICON Field Station

October 25-27, 2019
(Grades 9 - 12)
Circle J-Norris Ranch, Springville

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
(All Grades)
4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

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:
Speaking and Listening 1, 2 & 3

Circle J High School Astronomy Night

November 1, 2019
(Grades 9 - 12)
6:00 - 8:15 p.m., Circle J-Norris Ranch, Springville

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
(Grades 4 - 10)
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., College of the Sequoias, 915 S. Mooney, Visalia

This student event is for 4th- through 10th-grade young women. Its focus is to enlighten and spark an interest in careers for women in the STEM fields: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. This conference will help young women discover how interesting and fun math and science can be, form personal contacts with women working in traditionally male occupations, and help them meet other young women interested in math and science.

Additional information:
tcoe.org/EYH
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/eyh

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1, 2 & 3;
CSS SEP Standards: 1, 2, 6 & 7

eBirding for Beginners at Circle J

November 16, 2019
9:00 a.m. - noon, Circle J-Norris Ranch, Springville

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
(Grades 7 - 12)
1:00 - 4:30 p.m., Circle J-Norris Ranch, Springville

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!
(Grades 1-12)
November 21 - 23, 7:00 p.m.; November 23, 2:00 p.m.
L.J. Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia

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
November 22, 2019
9:30 a.m., L.J Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia

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;
Performance

SCICON and Circle J Christmas Bird Count

December 14, 2019
8:00 a.m. - noon at SCICON and/or 1:00 - 4:30 p.m. at Circle J-Norris Ranch, Springville

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
(Grades 4 - 12)
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Porterville Military Academy, 900 Pioneer Ave., Porterville

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.

Additional information:
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/student-tech-showdown

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

Mock Trial

January 21, 23, 28, & 30, February 6 & February 18, 2020
(Grades 9 - 12)

January 21, 23, 28, & 30, Competition Rounds
5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tulare County Courthouse, Visalia
February 6, Semi-Final Rounds
5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tulare County Courthouse, Visalia
February 18, Final Round
5:00 - 8:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

High school students throughout Tulare County learn about the content and processes of the law during Mock Trial competition. Through role-playing, studying a case, and preparing strategies and arguments for trial, students increase skills in public speaking, analytic ability, and team cooperation. Local attorneys serve as judges and advisors. Winners advance to the State Mock Trial Finals.

Additional information:
tcoe.org/MockTrial
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/mock-trial

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1;
Writing 1;
Speaking and Listening 4;
Performance and Problem Solving

Academic Decathlon

January 25, & February 1, 2020
(Grades 9 - 12)

January 25, Online Essay and Objective Testing at individual school sites
February 1, Speech, Interview, Super Quiz Relay and Awards Ceremony
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

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
TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

View the flyer.

Additional information:
tcoe.org/AcademicDecathlon
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/acadec

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1;
Writing 2 & 9;
Speaking and Listening 5;
CSS Mathematics Practices: 1;
Problem Solving and Performance

Poetry Out Loud

February 7, 2020
(Grades 9 - 12)
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., 210 Café, 210 W. Center Ave., Visalia

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.

Additional information:
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/poetry-out-loud

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6;
Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6;
Language 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6;
CSS VAPA Standards: a, b, c, d & e;
Performance

National History Day - Tulare County

February 14, 2020
(Grades 4 - 12)
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

For over 15 years, the Tulare County Office of Education has hosted National History Day - Tulare County. The event is an exciting, history-based competition. Fourth through twelfth grade students learn about issues, ideas, people and events in history, and then illustrate what they have learned with creative and original productions.

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
7000 Doe Ave., Visalia

Additional information:
tcoe.org/HistoryDay
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/nhd

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Writing 3, 4 & 5;
Speaking and Listening 3;
Project, Presentation, and Performance

Tulare County Spelling Championship

February 19, 2020
(Grades 4 - 8)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

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:
Speaking and Listening 2 & 4

Circle J BioBlitz

February 22, 2020
(Grades 4 - 12)
9:00 a.m. - noon, Circle J-Norris Ranch, Springville

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
(Grades 7 - 12)
1:00 - 4:30 p.m., Circle J-Norris Ranch, Springville

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
(Grade 6)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wyndham Visalia, 9000 W. Airport Dr.

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:
Speaking and Listening 1;
Reading 1 & 4;
CSS SEP Standards: 1, 3, 6 & 8

Science Olympiad - Division B/C

March 7, 2020
(Grades 6 - 12)
Division B (grades 6-9) / Division C (grades 9 - 12)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Mission Oak High School, 3442 E. Bardsley Ave., Tulare

Science Olympiad is an international non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of individual and team events for which students prepare throughout the year. These events are balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology. There is also a balance between science facts, process, skills and applications. Locally, over 550 students from more than 25 schools compete in the annual regional competition. The Science Olympiad is divided up into three divisions: Division A (grades 3 - 6), Division B (grades 6 - 9), and Division C (grades 9 - 12).

Individual and team awards are presented with the top four teams in the B and C divisions advancing to the NorCal State Science competition.

View a video of the 2010 event (.wmv)

Additional information:
tcoe.org/ScienceOlympiad
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/science-olympiad

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2 & 10;
Writing 2 & 7;
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8;
Project and Problem Solving

Math Super Bowl

March 11, 2020
(Grades 7 - 8)
8:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

This student event is for 7th-8th grade students throughout Tulare County. Over 700 students participate in the day-long series of mathematics challenges. Students work with members of other schools to solve one open-ended problem in the Pro Bowl test, which is evaluated against a rubric. They also work with members of their own team to solve 15 free-answer questions in the Team Bowl. The Power Bowl challenges students individually with 35 enhanced multiple-choice questions. Awards are given to students in both large and small school categories. Ribbons, medallions and trophies are awarded for excellent mathematical performances.

View a video of the 2010 event. (.wmv file)

Additional information:
tcoe.org/MathSuperBowl
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/msb

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS Mathematics Practices: 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 & 7;
Problem Solving

STEAM Expo - CANCELLED

March 14, 2020
(Grades 3 - 12)
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Avenue 264, Visalia

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.

Additional information:
tcoe.org/STEAMexpo
commoncore.tcoe.org/student-events/steam-expo

Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 4 & 7-10;
Speaking & Listening 1-6;
Writing 1, 2 & 4-10;
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8;
Problem Solving, Project, and Presentation

Poetry and Prose - CANCELLED

March 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, & 27, 2020
(Grades K - 8)
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

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.

Register to participate at pnp.tcoe.org.

2020 Schedule
March 16 at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m.
March 17 at 9:00 and 10:15 a.m.
March 18 at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.
March 23 at 10:15 a.m.
March 24 at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.
March 25 at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.
March 27 at 9:00, 10:15, and 11:30 a.m.

For more information, contact Nancy Bellin at nancyb@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6734.

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 4 & 5;
Speaking and Listening 6;
Performance

Friday Night Live Lip Sync Contest - CANCELLED

March 27, 2020
(Grades 6 - 12)
6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

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;
Performance