Student Future Ready Events

TCOE 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 Future Ready Events.

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 Future Ready Events are coded in one or both of the following manners:

  • Alignment to the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards, Mathematical Practices (MP), Artistic Processes in the California Arts Standards (CAS), and/or Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). CCR Anchor Standards, Mathematical Practices, Artistic Practices, and Science and Engineering Practices are listed in their entirety at this link.
  • Identification of the type of task associated with the event:

    • Presentation: information is orally conveyed
    • Performance: a dramatic interpretation is included
    • Project: a product is produced prior to the day of the event
    • Problem Solving: a recommendation or solution is provided

Download the printed version of the 2022-2023 Calendar of Student Future Ready Events. Descriptions of the annual student events can be found below, including contact information and links to further information, if available. 

March
Student Art Exhibition 
March 2023
(All Grades)

The annual Student Art Exhibition showcases the county’s talented young artists. Artwork submitted in a digital format will be displayed in a public online gallery during the month of March, which is Arts Education Month. Entries are judged by local artists and those pieces receiving a “Best of Show” will be highlighted. 

Registration due: November 1

Artwork submission and forms due: February 1

Virtual exhibition: March 1 - March 31, displaying all districts and Best of Show winners 

Online location: tcoe.org/ArtGallery

Additional information: tcoe.org/StudentArt

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

CAS:
Creating, Presenting, Responding, Connecting

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STEAM Expo
March 4, 2023
(all grades)
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Tulare County Office of Education, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia

The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Expo allows 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. To align with the California State Science and Engineering Fair, the Tulare County Science and Engineering Fair will be held online this year. The top winners in the Tulare County 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

Contacts:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565, or
Juliana Davidian at juliana.davidian@tcoe.org or (559) 651-3003

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

CAS: Creating, Connecting

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Tulare County Spelling Championship
March 9, 2023
(Grades 4-8)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia (New Location!)

Students in 4th through 8th grades compete in the fall at their school sites in classroom and school-wide spelling bees.  School site winners are then eligible to compete The Tulare County Spelling Championship. Annually, over 100 schools participate. The county champion then has the opportunity to compete at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. in May. 

Additional information: tcoe.org/SpellingBee

Contact:
Brook Killingsworth at brookk@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6326

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Speaking and Listening 2, 4

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Circle J-Norris Ranch Biodiversity Day
March 11, 2023
(Grades 4 - 12)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Circle J-Norris Ranch, 41893 Yokohl Valley Dr., Springville

Join us for a day of nature exploration with activities for the whole family: BioBlitz, wildlife habitat planting, guided nature walks, birding, hiking, and much more. This event is bilingual and co-sponsored with Alianza Ecologista. Registration required.

Contact:
Amanda Driver at circlej@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2263.

CSS SEP Standards:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5

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Poetry & Prose ON STAGE
March 13-17 & March 20-23, 2023
(Grades K-8)
9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., & 11:30 a.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

Poetry and Prose ON STAGE! has been part of TCOE's student events lineup since 1985. Kindergarten through 8th grade students present poetry and prose selections to an audience of students, teachers, family members, and judges at this countywide, oral interpretation event.  Students receive constructive feedback on their performance and each participant receives a beautiful, personalized certificate. This event currently averages over 1,400 students performing over six days!  Students make lifelong memories, gain confidence in performance and public speaking, and are encouraged to develop a love of poetry and literature.


Additional information: tcoe.org/pnp

Contact:
Brook Killingsworth at brookk@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6326

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

CAS: Performing, Responding, Connecting

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Math Super Bowl
March 23, 2023
(Grades 7-8)
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave.

Middle school 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.

Additional information: tcoe.org/MathSuperBowl

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

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

Problem Solving

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April
Young Authors' Faire
April 2023
(Grades K-8)
Virtual exhibition during the month of April

For the entire month of April, the work of young student authors will be featured in an online gallery. Students, parents, teachers, and members of the community are invited to read and comment on the submitted work.

Online registration due: February 3, 2023

Books due: March 10, 2023

Virtual exhibition opens: March 27
 
Additional information: tcoe.org/YoungAuthorsFaire


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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Writing 3;
Language 1, 2;

CAS: Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting

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Tulare-Kings College & Career EXPO
April 14, 2023
(Grades 9-12)
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., College of the Sequoias Visalia and Tulare campuses

The Tulare-Kings College and Career EXPO provides students the opportunity to compete in college- and career-oriented competitions and spend time on a college campus. College and Career EXPO builds upon the momentum that students and schools are creating in college and career awareness, exploration, and preparation. The event is open to all students in academies or pathways.

Contact:
Shelsy Hutchison at shelsy.hutchison@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6101, ext. 1123.

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking & Listening 1, 2, 4, 5, 6;
Writing 1-9;
Problem Solving, Project, Presentation;
Various Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards specific to Industry Sector

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SCICON Barbecue & Wildflower Festival 
April 16, 2023
(All ages)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SCICON campus, Springville

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.

Contact:
Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642

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Science Olympiad - Division A
April 22, 2023
(Grades 3-6)
Time TBA, Mission Oak High School, 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).

Additional information: tcoe.org/ScienceOlympiad

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

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

CSS SEP Standards: 1-8

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Friday Night Live Middle School Lip Sync Battle
April 28, 2023
(Grades 6-8)
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.

Contact:
Brittaney Quinonez at  brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0155

CAS:
Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting

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May
Reading Revolution - Elementary School
May 4, 2023
(Grades 4-6)
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

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.

Additional information: tcoe.org/ReadingRevolution

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 6, 10

CAS:
Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting

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Reading Revolution - Middle School
May 12, 2023
(Grades 7-8)
online event 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

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.

Additional information: tcoe.org/ReadingRevolution

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 6, 10

CAS:
Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting

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Slick Rock Student Film Festival
May 12, 2023
(Grades 7 - 12)
9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Visalia Fox Theater, 300 W. Main St., Visalia

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.

Additional information: tcoe.org/SlickRock

Contact:
Kathleen Green-Martins at kgreen@tcoe.org or call (559) 737-6350.

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 4, 5;
Writing 5;

CAS: Creating, Performing/Producing, Responding, Connecting

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Physics Day
May 17, 2023
(Grade 8)
Porterville Fairgrounds, 2700 W. Teapot Dome Ave., Porterville

Tulare and Kings County eighth-grade students head to the Porterville Fair armed with worksheets, calculators, and accelerometers for lessons in physics.

Additional information: tcoe.org/physicsday 

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1;
Language 1 & 6;

CSS SEP Standards: 1-8

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June
Oak Forest Research & Restoration Internship at UC Merced/SCICON Field Station  
June 5-9, 2023
(Grades 9-12 and recent graduates)
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., UC Merced/SCICON Field Station @ Circle J-Norris Ranch
41893 Yokohl Valley Dr., Springville

Circle J-Norris Ranch is seeking technicians to set up oak forest research plots and assist with our oak forest restoration project. This intern experience is perfect for high school students who enjoy nature and are interested in science and ecology. Interns will increase scientific and outdoor leadership skills in navigation, safety, teamwork, map reading, record keeping, and troubleshooting problems. High school students and recent graduates may apply. Selected interns must attend all five days.

Contact:
Amanda Driver at circlej@tcoe.org or (559) 539-2263

NGSS Ecosystems:
Interactions, Energy and Dynamics HS-L2.4, LS2.C, LS4.D;
SEP Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking;

CA Environmental Principles and Concepts 2, 4, 5

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Theatre Company Summer Camp
June 12- 30, 2023, Production TBA
(Grades 1-6)

Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., 7000 Doe Ave., Visalia
June 23 Performance, 7:00 p.m.

The Theatre Company offers a summer camp to Tulare County youth grades 1-6. The summer camp helps young performers develop their stage skills through three weeks of performance training. Directors work with participants on refining their voice, dance, and acting skills. The camp culminates in a performance on the evening of the final day of camp.

For more information, contact Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext.3645.

CAS:
Performing, Responding, Connecting

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July
Theatre Company Summer Musical
Summer 2023, Into the Woods
(Grades 7-12, including graduating seniors)

July 21 - 22, July 27 - 29, 7:30 p.m.; July 22, 29, 2:00 p.m.
L. J. Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia

The Theatre Company traditionally performs a full-scale musical production with seven shows held during the last two weeks in July. This year, the program will perform Into the Woods.

Students from throughout Tulare County are invited to audition each spring. Rehearsals are held during the summer. There are minimal course fees associated with the production, but scholarships are available.

Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext. 3645. For more information, visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo. 

CAS:

Performing, Responding, Connecting

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August

No student events are scheduled for August.

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Past Events
September
Step Up Youth Challenge
September 2022 through April 2023
(Grades 6-8 and 9-12)

The Step Up Youth Challenge takes place over the course of the school year, providing an opportunity for Tulare County middle and high school teams to complete a project that will have a positive impact on their school and community.

Additional information:
tcoe.org/StepUp

Challenge Advisor Training (mandatory), September 7, 2022
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Registration required

Youth Summit (training for student teams)
Middle School Teams: September 28, 2022 
High School Teams: September 29, 2022
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Red Carpet Awards Ceremony, April 13, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Fox Theater, 300 W. Main St., Visalia

Contact:
Kelley Petty at kelleyp@tcoe.org or call (559) 740-4303

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Writing 1;

Speaking and Listening 4;

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Huddle - High School Student-Athlete Conference
September 13, 2022
(Grades 9-12)

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia 

A conference for high school student-athletes, the Huddle is designed to help participants develop leadership skills they can use in team building, positive communications, and goal setting. The conference features a dynamic keynote speaker and breakout sessions. 

Additional information:
tcoe.org/PVWH/Conference

Contact:

Gene Mendes at genem@tcoe.org or call (559) 737-6349, ext. 1303

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College Night
September 13, 2022
(Grades 9-12)
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia 

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, including representatives from national trade, art and specialty institutions.

Additional information:
tcoe.org/CollegeNight

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Speaking and Listening 1, 3, 5, 6

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SCICON Open House  
September 18, 2022
(All ages)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SCICON campus, Springville

Each fall, 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.

Contact:
Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642

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October
Cardboard Challenge
October 2022
(All grades)

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., College of the Sequoias, 915 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

The Global Cardboard Challenge was inspired by the short film entitled Caine’s Arcade and is a worldwide celebration of childhood creativity and the role communities can play in fostering it. TCOE encourages Tulare County students to participate in the Challenge by spending creative time at home or in the classroom engineering their own cardboard creations, then sharing pictures with TCOE to possibly be included on the Cardboard Challenge website. This Cardboard Challenge engages students in the 4Cs of 21st century learning: critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1, 4;

CAS: Creating, Presenting

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CHARACTER COUNTS! Week
October 17-22, 2022
(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.

Nominations accepted online August 23 to September 23 at KidsOfCharacter.tcoe.org

Additional information: 
tcoe.org/CharacterCounts

November 2, 2022, Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Awards Reception
6:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

May 17, 2023, Your Character Matters Awards Dinner (for students profiled on KSEE 24's Your Character Matters weekly feature)
6:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Contact:
Kelley Petty at kelleyp@tcoe.org or call (559) 740-4303

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Tulare County Red Ribbon Celebration
October 27, 2022
(All Grades)
4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Valley Strong Ballpark, Kids Corral/Toyota Terrace Area, 300 N. Giddings St., 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 allows 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.

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

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November
Expanding Your Horizons
November 5, 2022
(Grades 4-10)

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., College of the Sequoias, 915 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

This hands-on student event is for 4th- through 10th-grade young women. Its focus is to enlighten and spark an interest in STEM field careers: 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:
 
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

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TUPE/FNL Leadership Training
November 16, 2022
(Grades 6-8)
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Visalia Wyndham Hotel, 9000 W. Airport Dr., Visalia 

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.

Contact:
Brittaney Quinonez at brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0155

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1;
Writing 4, 8;

Project, Problem Solving

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Theatre Company Fall Musical

November 17-19, 2022
(Grades 1-12)
Disney's Moana Jr.,  Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening shows at 7:00 p.m., Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m.,
TCOE Redwood Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia 

The TCOE Theatre Company offers classes and performance opportunities to all Tulare County youth. Fall semester workshops culminate in a full-scale production. There are minimal course fees for classes and productions.

Additional information and ticket purchases:
 

Contact: 
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext. 3645

CAS:

Performing, Responding, Connecting

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December

No student events are scheduled for December.

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January
Theatre Company Spring 2023 Workshops
Dates and live/virtual location TBA
(Grades 1-12)

Each spring, the Theatre Company offers a variety of short workshop and performance opportunities throughout the county, including acting, auditioning, dance, and vocal classes. For updates on class offerings, visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo/Catalog.

Additional information:
 

Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482

CAS:
Performing, Connecting, Responding

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Anti-Bullying Conference
January 19, 2023

8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Neighborhood Church, 5505 W. Riggin Ave., Visalia
(Grades 6-12)

Open to students in middle and high school, this symposium is designed to empower attendees to develop safe, inclusive, and supportive schools. The conference features a keynote speaker and breakout sessions on topics of diversity, building resiliency, creating cultures of kindness, teamwork, making healthy choices, leadership, and self-advocacy.

Contact:

Brittaney Quinonez at  brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0155

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Writing 1;
Speaking and Listening 4;
Project,
Problem Solving,

Presentation

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Academic Decathlon
January 26, 28, 30-31 & February 1 & 4, 2023
(Grades 9-12)

January 26, Online Essay Competition

January 28, Speech and Interview Competition
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

January 30-31, Objective Testing TBA

February 1, Objective Testing TBA

February 4, SuperQuiz and Awards Ceremony
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 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.

Additional information: tcoe.org/AcademicDecathlon
 
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;
Problem Solving, Performance;

CSS Mathematics Practices: 1

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February
Poetry Out Loud
February 3, 2023
(Grades 9-12)
5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., 210 Cafe, 210 W. Center Ave., Visalia

Poetry Out Loud inspires high school students to discover and appreciate poetry through a combination of memorization, performance, and competition. 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.

Additional information: tcoe.org/PoetryOutLoud

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;

CAS: Performing, Responding, Connecting

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National History Day - Tulare County
February 7, 2023
(Grades 4-12)
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

For nearly 20 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.

Date TBA, Coaches Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., online via Zoom

February 14, 2023, Feedback Day (for students selected as finalists)
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 7000 Doe Ave., Visalia

Additional information: tcoe.org/HistoryDay

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Writing 3, 4, 5;
Speaking and Listening 3;

CAS: Creating, Performing, Presenting, Producing, Responding, Connecting

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Mock Trial
January 24, 26 & 31, February 2, 9 & 16, 2023
(Grades 9-12)
Various competition locations, Trial begins at 5:00 p.m. each night

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.

Competition Rounds: Tuesdays & Thursdays      
January 24 & 26, 31, and February 2, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Visalia Courthouse, 221 S. Mooney Blvd.
 
Semi-Finals: Thursday, February 9, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Visalia Courthouse

Finals: Thursday, February 16, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. 
Granite Hills High School Justice Center, 1701 E. Putnam Ave., Porterville 

Additional information: tcoe.org/MockTrial

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, Problem Solving

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Circle J-Norris Ranch Field Science Day
February 17, 2023
(Middle and high school students, and community college students)
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Circle J-Norris Ranch, 41893 Yokohl Valley Dr., Springville

The Field Science Day is open to classes of middle and high school students, and community college students. Come conduct original research and collect data on vernal pool ecosystems, measure water levels, and monitor the animals that depend on the pools. Reservations required. 

Contact:
Amanda Driver at circlej@tcoe.org or (559) 539-2263

NGSS Ecosystems:
Interactions, Energy and Dynamics HS-L2.4, LS2.C, LS4.D;
SEP Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking;

CA Environmental Principles and Concepts 2, 4, 5

Anti-Tobacco/Marijuana Challenge Bowl
February 22, 2023
(Grade 6)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Galaxy Theatres, 1575 Retherford St., Tulare

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 and marijuana – before they enter middle school and are presented with the temptation to smoke.

Contact:
Brittaney Quinonez at brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0155

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1;
Reading 1, 4;

CSS SEP Standards: 1, 3, 6, 8

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Science Olympiad - Divisions B/C
February 25, 2023
(Grades 6-12)

Division B (grades 6-9) / Division C (grades 9 - 12)

Ridgeview Middle School, 3315 N. Akers, Visalia

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.

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.

Coaches Meeting - October 4, 2022
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., online via Zoom

Additional information: tcoe.org/ScienceOlympiad

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 10;
Writing 2, 7;
Project, Problem Solving;

CSS SEP Standards: 1-8

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Ongoing Student Activities & Programs
Circle 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.

Throughout the year, the program also offers a variety of evening and weekend events designed students and their families, including stargazing, bird watching, and wildflower walks. 

Additional 2022 Family Events (pre-registration required for each)
Location: Circle J-Norris Ranch, 41893 Yokohl Valley Dr., Springville
Contact: Amanda Driver at (559) 539-2263, or circlej@tcoe.org
 
Family Astronomy Nights
Friday, September 23, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. (Full)
Friday, November 18, 6:00 - 8:15 p.m. 
Enjoy an evening under Circle J’s dark skies viewing planets, constellations, and star clusters. Under the direction of amateur astronomers, navigate to deep sky objects using our five telescopes. No cost; donation box available. Program limited to 20 participants.

Acorn Planting Day
Saturday, November 19, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Join the staff of Circle J-Norris Ranch in planting acorns to develop oak stock.  

SCICON and Circle J Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 18
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (SCICON) or 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Circle J)
Join us for this world-wide annual tradition of counting all the birds we can see as we hike the trails of SCICON & Circle J.
To schedule a visit to Circle J-Norris Ranch or for additional information: tcoe.org/CircleJ

Contact:
Amanda Driver at circlej@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2263.

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Planetarium & 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 and school staff. Chaperones are $3/person. Out-of-county students are also $3/person.

Throughout the year, the planetarium also offers public shows on select Friday evenings. 

Reservations required

Additional information: tcoe.org/Planetarium

Contact:
Conan Palmer at planetarium@tcoe.org or call (559) 737-6334

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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

Additional information: tcoe.org/SCICON

Contact:
Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642

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Theatre Company's OnStage 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. Several well-known children's musicals are available, ideal for after-school programs, fundraisers, and more.

Reservations required

Additional information: tcoe.org/TheatreCo

Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482

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Tulare County Museum
(Grades K-12)

Located within Visalia's Mooney Grove Park is the Tulare County Museum and its History of Farm Labor & Agriculture Museum. Within the History of Farm Labor & Agriculture Museum is a 60-seat theater that 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.

Through December 23, 2022, the museum will also feature a new exhibition entitled CAMINOS: Latino History of the San Joaquin Valley. 

Teachers are encouraged to contact museum staff to schedule visits.

Reservations required

Additional information: tularecountymuseum.org

Contact:
Amy King at aking1@co.tulare.ca.us or call (559) 733-6616

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