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:
Download the printed version of the 2024-2025 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.
No student events are scheduled for August.
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.
No fee
Additional information:
tcoe.org/StepUp
Speaking and Listening 4;
Project, Problem Solving, Presentation
In early September each year, the Tulare County Office of Education hosts Tulare County College Night. Hundreds of high school students from throughout Tulare County attend to meet college and university representatives from around the country, including representatives from national trade, art, specialty programs, and military institutions.
Additional information:
tcoe.org/CollegeNight
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565
Speaking and Listening 1, 3, 5, 6
Project, Problem Solving
September 21, 2025
(All ages)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SCICON campus, Springville
No fee
Each year, SCICON hosts an open house for sixth graders and their families. Staff is on hand to answer questions and give tours. The open house is from 11:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Students and their families may bring a picnic lunch to eat in the picnic area.
Contact:
Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No Fee
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 incorporating Pursuing Victory with Honor (PVWH) principles.
Additional information:
tcoe.org/PVWH/Conference
Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call (559) 737-6349
Project Launch September 24, 2025
(Grades 9-12)
10:00 - 11: 00 a.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No Fee
Tulare and Kings high school students are invited to develop a business proposal addressing climate solutions within their communities in Tulare and Kings counties. This project will launch in the fall with the final presentations being presented on December 4, 2025.
Contact: Emilia Wade at (559) 302-3670, ext. 3119, or emilia.wade@tcoe.org
CAS: Creating, Presenting
Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call (559) 737-6349
Show times TBA, TCOE Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia
Fee: $20/student
Each fall, a small cast of students performs a reenactment of the infamous 1938 radio broadcast, War of the Worlds. The Theatre Company offers classes and performance opportunities to all Tulare County youth. There are minimal course
fees for classes and productions (scholarships are available). Please visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo/callboard or TCOE social
media platforms for audition and performance information.
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., College of the Sequoias, 915 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Fee: $20/student
This hands-on student event is for 4th- through 8th-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.
CSS SEP Standards: 1, 2, 6, 7
Contact:
Alisha Montoya at alisham@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155, ext. 3625
Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Galaxy Theatres, 1575 Retherford St., Tulare
(Grades 6-12)
Fee: $150 for each team registered
Open to students in middle and high school, this conference 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.
Brittaney Quinonez at brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0155
Presentation
November 20-22, 2025
Rotary Theater, 330 S. Dollner St., Visalia
(Grades 1-12)
Fee: $85/student participants (scholarships available). For audition updates, visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo/callboard.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening shows at 7:00 p.m., Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m. A school show will be offered Friday morning, November 21 at 9:30 a.m.
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.
4:00 p.m., TCOE’s Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia
Audition information, resources, and forms available at tcoe.org/TheatreCo/Callboard
Additional information and ticket purchases:
tcoe.org/TheatreCo/Productions
Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482 ext. 3645
Performing, Responding, Connecting
December 13, 2025
(Grades 6-8)
Time TBA, TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Fee TBA
The TCOE Esports League is an organized competitive gaming program that allows
middle students across Tulare County to form teams and compete in structured gaming
tournaments, much like traditional sports. Within this league, students develop critical
skills such as teamwork, strategic thinking, communication, and digital literacy. The
TCOE Esports League creates inclusive opportunities for students who may not be
involved in other extracurriculars, helping them build confidence and a sense of
community.
Contact: Paula Terrill at (559) 651-0565, or paula.terrill@tcoe.org
High School Finals: February 5, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/MockTrial
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565
Performance, Problem Solving
Coaches Meeting: September 25
4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Online Zoom meeting
Online Scrimmage: November 18
Online Essay Competition: January 22
Speech and Interview Competition: January 29
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
Online Objective Testing: January 31
SuperQuiz and Awards Ceremony: February 7
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
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
Project Launch (mandatory for all registered teams to attend): January 29
4:00 - 7:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Final Presentations: May 14
4:00 - 7:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Contact: Emilia Wade at (559) 302-3670, ext. 3119 or emilia.wade@tcoe.org
Poetry Live! is a series of events that offer students in grades 6-12 the opportunity to not only recite poems written by great poets, but to write and recite their own original works as well. Poetry Live! will feature three events that students can choose to participate in: Poetry Out Loud, Poetry Out Loud Junior and Poet's Own Voice. 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.
Coaches Meeting: September 25
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Doe Avenue Complex, Willow Room, 7000 W. Doe Ave., Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/PoetryLive
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
4:30 - 5:30 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
CAS: Creating, Performing, Presenting, Producing, Responding, Connecting
CA Environmental Principles and Concepts 2, 4, 5
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Ridgeview Middle School, 3315 N Akers St, Visalia
Fee: $300/team
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8
Registration due: November 3
Artwork submission and forms due: December 8
Virtual exhibition: Beginning March 2, displaying all districts.
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
CSS SEP Standards: 1, 3, 6, 8
Speaking and Listening 2, 4
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia, and TCOE Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Avenue 264, Visalia
Fee: $20/project for Science Fair participants; STEAM Expo free to the public
Students in grades 3-12 may participate in the Tulare County Science & Engineering Fair portion of the event. The top winners in this competition (grades 6-12) qualify for the California Science and Engineering Fair. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) Expo allows students, families, and community members to participate in a variety of STEAM-related activities. Informational booths and hands-on activities will be available throughout the day. (Grades 3-12)
CAS: Creating, Connecting
Contact:
Shelsy Hutchison at shelsy.hutchison@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6101, ext. 1123.
CSS SEP Standards:
1, 2, 3, 4, 5
8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No fee
Growing Health Leaders is the TK Healthcare Partnership's annual conference focusing on career exploration for High School students in healthcare pathway programs. Students will attend multiple sessions led by industry professionals of in-demand health occupations.
Contact:
Shelsy Hutchison at shelsy.hutchison@tcoe.org or (559) 733-6101, ext. 1123
CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Various Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards specific to Industry Sector
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No fee
A conference for middle 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 incorporating Pursuing Victory With Honor (PVWH) principles.
Additional information:
tcoe.org/PVWH/Conference
Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call (559) 737-6349
Contact:
Juliana Davidian at juliana.davidian@tcoe.org or (559) 651-3003
CAS: Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting
April 14, 2026
(Grades 7-8)
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia
Fee: $45/team
Problem Solving
Additional information: tcoe.org/pnp
Contact:
Brook Killingsworth at brookk@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6326
CAS: Performing, Responding, Connecting
Contact:
Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642
Coaches Meeting: October 23
4:30 - 5:30 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Additional information: tcoe.org/ScienceOlympiad
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8
Coaches Meeting: September 26, 2025
4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Online Zoom meeting
CAS:
Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting
Performing, Responding, Connecting
8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No fee
In partnership with Fresno States, the Make a Difference - TEACH Conference is an event to learn about a variety of careers in education. Students will hear from professionals and college programs that could make their interest in this field a reality.
Contact:
Shelsy Hutchison at shelsy.hutchison@tcoe.org or (559) 733-6101, ext. 1123
CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Various Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards specific to Industry Sector
Contact:
Brittaney Quinonez at brittaney.quinonez@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0155
CAS:
Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting
Coaches Meeting: September 26, 2025
4:30 - 5:30 p.m., Online Zoom meeting
Additional information: tcoe.org/ReadingRevolution
Contact:
Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0565
CAS:
Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting
CAS:
Creating, Performing/Producing, Responding, Connecting
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
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8
CA Environmental Principles and Concepts 2, 4, 5
Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., TCOE Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia, or TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia (No camp will be held Friday, June 19.)
CAS:
Performing, Responding, Connecting
Performing, Responding, Connecting
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 information: tcoe.org/SCICON
Contact:
Dianne Shew at dshew@tcoe.org or call (559) 539-2642
Additional information: tcoe.org/TheatreCo
Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482
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.
Contact:
Bethany Rader at bethany.rader@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-1482
CAS:
Performing, Connecting, Responding
Additional information: tularecountymuseum.org
Contact:
Amy King at aking1@co.tulare.ca.us or call (559) 733-6616
Tulare County Office of Education
Tim A. Hire, County Superintendent of Schools
P.O. Box 5091
Visalia, CA 93278-5091
(559) 733-6300