Tulare County Office of Education

Student Events

Download the 2012-13 Student Events Brochure.

Read about the
TCOE Student Events and the Common Core State Standards.

Robot Riot
May 11, 2013

Students bring their robots and imaginations to compete in multiple events using LEGO Mindstorm kits and VEX Robotics. Students will be challenged to direct their robots in one-on-one competition with other machines and in single machine competitions of accuracy and speed.

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Problem Solving and Project

Battle of the Books
May 15, 2013: Middle Schools (grades 6-8)
May 22, 2013: Upper Elementary Schools (grades 4-6)

Battle of the Books, an event to promote literacy and the joy of reading, is open to teams of students in grades 4-8. Teams of students will answer questions drawn from a limited list of titles released in the fall. Following schoolwide competitions, schools send their top team to contend at the county event.

2013 Book List for Middle School Competition
2013 Book List for Upper Elementary Competition

View the list of 2012 winners.

For more information, contact Beth Olshewsky at bolshewsky@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3042.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Reading 1, 2, 6 & 10

Arbor Day Celebration
May 16, 2013

Arbor Day Celebration is a hands-on student event provided to all 3rd - 5th grade students in Tulare County. This late spring event provides the opportunity for students to learn about the importance and care of our trees in the environment. Students who participate will experience environmental lessons within Mooney Grove Park. Local environmental experts conduct these fun-filled, activity-based lessons. Students will get the opportunity to tour the County museum and learn about the rich history of our valley. Each class will help plant a tree at Mooney Grove for the restoration of the park. Each student will not only learn how to plant trees properly, but will be given their very own tree to take home and plant with their Mother in celebration of Mother's day!

Arbor Day Celebration

Teachers get to have fun celebrating with their students, participating in the environmental lessons conducted by skilled gardeners. Each teacher will receive materials with information on trees and environmental education that aligns to state science standards.

Traditionally the National Arbor Day, founded by J. Sterling Morton in Nebraska in 1872, is celebrated each year on the last Friday in April. The Tulare County Arbor Day Celebration is held in early May to accommodate schools involved in the California STAR testing.

View the 2013 Arbor Day flyer.

View a video of the 2008 event. [.wmv] [.mov]

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 1, 2 & 3

Slick Rock Film Festival
May 18, 2013

Provides the opportunity for middle and high school students to submit their videos created about various categories. The best videos will receive an award and be presented to the public. Some videos may also be aired on television (grades 6-12).

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 4 & 5; Writing 5; Project

Theatre Company Productions
November 15-17, 2012, Fall Musical: Disney's The Little Mermaid, Jr.
April 25-27, 2013, Spring Musical: Britain on Broadway
July 19-27, 2013, Summer Production: Shrek The Musical

The Theatre Company offers free classes, including set construction and performance opportunities, to all Tulare County youth. Fall and Spring semester workshops culminate in a recital production. Troupe TCOE (by audition only) performs at special events throughout the community.

For more information, contact Brian Roberts at brianr@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext.3645.

Past Events

College Night
September 11, 2012

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 representatives from over 90 universities and colleges 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.

For more information, contact Beth Olshewsky at bolshewsky@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3042.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 1 & 3; 5 & 6

Physics Day
September 13, 2012

Tulare and Kings County middle school students head to the Tulare County Fair armed with worksheets, calculators and accelerometers for lessons in physics.

View a video of the 2007 event. [.wmv] [.mov]

For more information, contact Jennifer Janzen at jenniferj@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3043.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 1; Language 1 & 6; Project and Problem Solving

Cowboy Poetry
October 12, 2012

Cowboys are an important part of our American history. Poetry, songs and campfire stories are an integral part of their story. Cowboys and cowgirls are available to visit classrooms prior to the Annual Cowboy Round-Up held in Tulare County in October.

View a video of the 2007 event. [.wmv] [.mov]

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 1 & 3; Language 5

Young People's Concerts
October 16, 24, & 25, 2012

A series of seven concerts performed by the Tulare County Symphony Orchestra and co-sponsored and coordinated by the Tulare County Office of Education are offered to the students of Tulare County. Concerts are performed at the L.J. Williams Theater in Visalia, the Tulare Union High School Auditorium in Tulare, and the Buck Shaffer Auditorium in Porterville. Students in first through sixth grades are invited to attend the concerts.

View the flyer.

For more information, contact Brian Roberts at brianr@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext.3645.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 4

Expanding Your Horizons
October 20, 2012

Expanding Your Horizons logo

This student event is for 4th- through 11th-grade young women. Its focus is to enlighten and spark an interest in careers for women in the fields of Mathematics, Science, Engineering, and Technology. 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.

View a video of the 2007 event. [.wmv] [.mov]

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0565.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 1, 2 & 3

Civil War Time Travelers
October 26, 2012

Civil War Time Travelers is a tour of educational stations at the Civil War reenactment held at Kearney Park in Fresno. Ten classes, grades 5 through 8, from Tulare County are invited to visit with actors, view medical tents, sing at campfires, and learn about canons and cavalry. The reenactment brings to life a time when the United States was faced with one of its greatest challenges.

For more information, contact Joy Soares at jsoares@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0501.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 1, 2 & 3; Writing 4; Project

Student Art Exhibits
November 1, 2012 - March 1, 2013
Best of Show Exhibit: March 4 - 28, 2013

The Tulare County Office of Education hosts two art exhibits each year, one in November/December and one in January/February. The artwork is displayed throughout the Education Building at 2637 West Burrel Avenue in Visalia. The exhibits are open to the public. Both of these art exhibits are judged by people in the art community, and each school may win up to 10 BEST OF SHOW ratings. There are no first, second or third place rankings.

In March, which is Arts-in-the-Schools-Month, all of the BEST OF SHOW art pieces are exhibited, and those students and their families are invited to attend a reception in honor of these talented young artists. It is an evening event, and the public is invited to attend.

For more information, contact Brian Roberts at brianr@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext.3645.

CyberQuest
November 17, 2012

CyberQuest is a student event in which student teams must research a problem, create a multimedia presentation and then present to a panel of judges - all within three weeks. Students use the Internet, magazines, interviews, books, video and other forms of information to put their presentations together. The research skills they will use are based on the "Big6^TM Information Skills."

View video from the 2007 event. [.wmv file] [.mov file]

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Writing 6 & 7; Speaking and Listening 4; Project, Problem Solving and Presentation

Academic Decathlon
January 26, 2013: Interview, Speech and Essays
February 2, 2013: Testing, Super Quiz Relay and Awards

Academic Decathlon is a countywide student event for grades nine through twelve. 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 ten academic events including written examinations, speech, interview and Super Quiz. The winner in Tulare County competes at the state level; the state winner competes at the national level.

2013 Volunteer Registration Form

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

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

Mock Trial
January 29 & 31; February 5, 7, 14 & 21, 2013

Mock Trial logo

High school students throughout Tulare County compete as lawyers, plaintiffs, and defendants to gain experience in public speaking and the law. Local lawyers serve as judges and advisors.

For more information, contact Joy Soares at jsoares@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0501.

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

Science & Engineering Fair
February 25 - March 1, 2013

The Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair is held annually during March. Traditionally, over 230 science fair projects from grades 4-12 representing schools throughout the county are on display for public view. These projects recognize the outstanding effort and scientific achievement of Tulare County students. Science experts from a wide variety of fields involving both the private and public sectors judge the projects. All projects are categorized within ten major areas of content:

Behavioral & Social Sciences
Botany
Earth/Space
Engineering & Mathematics
Environmental Science
Medicine/Health
Microbiology & Biochemistry
Physical Science (Physics & Chemistry)
Product Testing & Materials Science
Zoology

Outstanding projects receive special recognition through the awarding of ribbons and plaques. The top High School project receives a special award from a community-based business. Local industries, such as the health and farming community, often sponsor special awards for projects meeting specific criteria. The Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair is affiliated with the California State Science Fair. The top science fair projects, as judged by a panel of experts, will continue on to compete in the California State Science Fair.

View the flyer for 2013 information.

For more information, contact Jennifer Janzen at jenniferj@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3043.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Reading 7; Writing 2, 7, 8 & 9; Problem Solving, Project and Presentation

Holocaust Presentations
February 2013 (Dates TBA)

The Tulare County Office of Education co-sponsors presentations given by Holocaust Survivors. This offering is for students in seventh through twelfth grades who are studying the Holocaust in conjunction with their history/social science curriculum. Survivors share their personal stories with students and answer questions pertinent to these experiences.

For more information, contact Joy Soares at jsoares@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0501.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Speaking and Listening 3

Young Authors' Faire
March 4 - 8, 2013

Young Authors' Faire offers budding writers in grades K-8 an opportunity to have their books read by others. The books, which are written by students, are on display for a week in the Elderwood Room at the Tulare County Office of Education Doe Avenue Campus (7000 W. Doe Ave., Visalia). During the week, 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.

Download the Teachers' Packet.

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Writing 3; Language 1 & 2; Project and Performance

Science Olympiad
March 9, 2013 - Division B/C
April 20, 2013 - Division A

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 held at College of the Sequoias. The Science Olympiad is divided up into three divisions:

Division A - grades 3 - 6
Division B - grades 6 - 9
Division C - grades 9 - 12

County Superintendent of Schools Jim Vidak congratulates winners

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 videos of the 2010 events:
Division A (69MB.wmv)
Division B/C (108MB.wmv)

View the flyer for 2013 Division A information.
View the flyer for 2013 Division B/C information.

For more information, contact Jennifer Janzen at jenniferj@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3043.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Reading 1, 2 & 10; Writing 2 & 7; Project and Problem Solving

History Day
March 13, 2013

History Day Logo

For over 15 years, the Tulare County Office of Education has hosted Tulare County History Day. 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.

Tulare County History Day 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 late March. The top competitors from each event and division advance to the California State History Day.

View a video of the 2010 event. (17MB.wmv)

For more information, contact Joy Soares at jsoares@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0501.

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

Artists' Reception
March 15, 2013

In March, which is Arts-in-the-Schools-Month, all of the BEST OF SHOW art pieces chosen from the November/December and January/February exhibits are displayed, and those students and their families are invited to attend a reception in honor of the talented young artists. It is an evening event, and the public is invited to attend.

For more information, contact Brian Roberts at brianr@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext.3645.

Foundations for Life
Essays due March 22, 2013

A national, maxim-based essay contest for middle and high school students sponsored by the Josephson Institute of Ethics. Top essays from each grade level receive a cash prize (grades 6-12).

View the flyer.

2012 Winners & Essays

Bethany Houghton, 6th Grade, Eleanor Roosevelt Community Learning Center
Claire Stetson, 7th Grade, George McCann School
Aubrey VanSickel, 10th Grade, Mission Oak High School
Allison Nguyen, 11th Grade, El Diamante High School

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Writing 2 & 4; Language 1, 2 & 3; Project

Math Super Bowl
April 9, 2013

Math Super Bowl logo

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. (22MB.wmv)

For more information, contact Glenn Williams at glennw@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3047.

CCSS Mathematic Practices:
	MP1, MP2, MP3, MP5, MP6, MP7; CCSS Grades 7 & 8 Algebra 1; Problem Solving

Día de los Niños/ Día de los Libros
April 27, 2013

"Día," is a community celebration promoting literacy and connecting all young people and their families to books. The Día celebration includes: book giveaways, author speakers, various activities supporting literacy including family workshops and book making, and community cultural performances for children, youth, and their families.

For more information, contact Beth Olshewsky at bolshewsky@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3042.

CCSS CCR Anchor Standards:
	Reading 10; Writing 3; Speaking and Listening 1

Tulare County Office of Education
Educational Resource Services
7000 Doe Avenue, Suite A
Visalia, CA 93291

Charlene Stringham,
Student Academic Services Administrator
(559) 651-3031
fax: (559) 651-0571

Please direct web site problems or comments to tcoeweb@tcoe.org.