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 2023-2024 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. 

September
SCICON Open House  
September 2023 (Date to be determined)
(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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Step Up Youth Challenge
September 2023 through April 2024
(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 5, 2023
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Registration required

Youth Summit (training for middle school and high school student teams)
September 27, 2023 
September 28, 2023
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Red Carpet Awards Ceremony, April 14, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Location to be determined

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 12, 2023
(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 incorporating Pursuing Victory with Honor principles. 

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 12, 2023
(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 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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Speaking and Listening 1, 3, 5, 6

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TUPE/FNL Leadership Training
September 21, 2023
(Grades 6-8)
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Visalia Adventure Park, 5600 W. Cypress Ave., 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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Tulare-Kings Trades Day
September 28, 2023
(Grades 9-12)
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Porterville Fairgrounds, 2700 Teapot Dome Ave, Porterville

The Tulare-Kings Trades Day is a day of career exploration for high school students. The event introduces participants to industry career opportunities in construction, design, subcontracting, heavy equipment, engineering, and other skilled trades. Over 25 partners from the trades, industry, training and post-secondary programs will join together to provide hands-on activities for students to explore their industry, teaching skills such as hammering, concrete mixing, roofing, welding and more!

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Various Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards specific to Industry Sector

October
Cardboard Challenge
October 2023
(All grades)

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 16-22, 2023
(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! as based on the Six Pillars of Character - Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.

Tulare County schools and communities participate by nominating students of good character. Top honorees for each of the Six Pillars of Character will be featured throughout the week in the newspapers and honored at the annual Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Awards. 

Nominations accepted online August 16 to September 29 at KidsOfCharacter.tcoe.org

Additional information: 
tcoe.org/CharacterCounts

November 1, 2023, Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Awards Reception
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 26, 2023
(All Grades)
4:00 - 6:00 p.m., Valley Strong Ballpark

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:
Alice Flores at alicef@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155, ext. 3611

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3

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November
Anti-Bullying Conference
November 2, 2023 

8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Galaxy Theatres, 1575 Retherford St., Tulare
(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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Expanding Your Horizons
November 4, 2023
(Grades 4-8)

8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Porterville College, 100 E. College Ave., Porterville (New Location)

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.


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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Theatre Company Fall Musical

November 15-18, 2023
(Grades 1-12)
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer JR with GLEE-full Christmas preshow, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening shows at 7:00 p.m., Saturday matinee at 2:00 p.m.,  TCOE Administration Building & 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 2024 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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Mock Trial
January 23, 25 & 30, February 1, 6 & 13, 2024
(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 23, 25, 30, and February 1, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Locations to be determined.
 
Semi-Finals: Thursday, February 6, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Location to be determined.

Finals: Thursday, February 13, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Location to be determined.


October 5, 2023, Coaches Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Online ZOOM meeting

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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Academic Decathlon
January 25, 27, 30 & February 3, 2024
(Grades 9-12)

January 25, Online Essay Competition

January 27, Speech and Interview Competition
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

January 30, Online Objective Testing

February 3, SuperQuiz and Awards Ceremony
9:30 a.m. - 1:00 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.


September 26, 2023, Coaches Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., 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

February
Poetry Live!
February 2, 2024
(Grades 6-12)
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Location to be determined

Poetry Live! is a new 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.

September 22, 2023, Coaches Meeting
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

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National History Day - Tulare County
February 8, 2024
(Grades 4-12)
8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., 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.

September 29, 2023, Coaches Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

February 15, 2024, 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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Circle J-Norris Ranch Field Science Day
February 16, 2024
(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 27, 2024
(Grade 6)
8:30 a.m. - 2:30 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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Growing Health Leaders Conference
February 29, 2024 
(Grade 9-10)

8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

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

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March
Student Art Exhibition 
March 2024
(All Grades)
Virtual exhibition during the month of March

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: December 1

Artwork submission and forms due: January 19

Virtual exhibition: Beginning March 1, displaying all districts. Best of Show Exhibition displayed virtually end of March 2024.  

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 2, 2024
(all grades)
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Tulare County Office of Education, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia, and Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Avenue 264, 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 7, 2024
(Grades 4-8)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia 

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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Science Olympiad - Divisions B/C
March 9, 2024
(Grades 6-12)

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

8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Location to be determined

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 10, 2023
5:00 - 6:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

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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Math Super Bowl
March 12, 2024
(Grades 7-8)
8:00 a.m. - 1:30 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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Circle J-Norris Ranch Biodiversity Day
March 16, 2024
(Grades 4 - 12)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 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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April
Lip Sync Battle
Date to be determined
(Grades 6-8)
6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Location to be determined

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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Young Authors' Faire
April 2024
(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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Poetry & Prose ON STAGE
April 10, 11, 12, 16, 18 and 19, 2024
(Grades K-8)
9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.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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Tulare-Kings College & Career EXPO
April 12, 2024
(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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Huddle Jr. - Middle School Student-Athlete Conference
April 17, 2024
(Grades 6-8)

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

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 principles. 

Additional information:
tcoe.org/PVWH/Conference

Contact:

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

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SCICON Barbecue & Wildflower Festival 
April 21, 2024 
(All ages)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SCICON campus, 41569 Bear Creek Dr., 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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Make a Difference - TEACH Conference
April 26, 2024 
(Grade 9-12)

8:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

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

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Science Olympiad - Division A
April 27, 2024
(Grades 3-6)
8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Location to be determined

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 350 students from more than 20 schools compete in the annual 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).

Coaches Meeting - October 11, 2023
5:00 - 6:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

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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May
Reading Revolution - Elementary School
May 2, 2024
(Grades 4-6)
8:00 a.m. - 4:30 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.


September 19, 2023, Coaches Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

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 10, 2024
(Grades 7-8)
online event 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 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.

September 19, 2023, Coaches Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

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 10, 2024
(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 16, 2024
(Grade 8)
10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., 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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Young People's Concerts
May 20, 2024
(Grades 3-5)
Times TBA, Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W Main St, Visalia

Since 1959, the Tulare County Office of Education and the Sequoia Symphony Orchestra have partnered to share symphonic music with the students of Tulare County through the Young People’s Concerts. Beginning in the 2023-24 school year, elementary students from across the county will have the opportunity to perform alongside the orchestra as part of Carnegie Hall's Weill Music Institute Link Up program.

Link Up is an internationally-recognized, interactive student music program. Instead of simply listening to the musicians on stage for a single performance, students explore the process of creating and performing the concert music as musicians themselves. Through Link Up, students in grades 3-5 spend the school year learning to play recorder instruments. Their learning culminates in the spring at the Fox Theatre as they sing, dance, and play their instruments along with the orchestra.

Link Up Program Registration Deadline September 15, 2023. Registration and additional information: 
tcoe.org/YoungPeoplesConcerts

Contact:
Kate Stover at kate.stover@tcoe.org or (559) 741-0809

CAS:

Performing, Responding, Connecting

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, Winnie the Pooh Kids
(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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Past Events
August

No student events are scheduled for August.

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July
Theatre Company Summer Musical
July 20-29, 2023, Into the Woods
(Grades 7-12, including graduating seniors)

July 20 - 22, July 27 - 29, 7:30 p.m.; July 22, 29, 2:00 p.m.
Rotary Theater, 330 S. Dollner 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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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 15, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Friday, November 3, 6:30 - 8:30 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.

 
SCICON and Circle J Christmas Bird Count
Sunday, December 17
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (SCICON) or 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 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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