TCOE | Student Events

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 2025-2026 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

Sustainability Challenge Showcase

Information Session for New Teachers September 9, 2026
(Grades 9-12)
4:00 p.m., Virtual
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 10, 2026.

Information Session: September 9, 4:00 p.m.
Registration Deadline: October 2

Final Presentations: December 10, 4:00 - 6:30 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Contact:
Grecia Pacheco at grecia.pacheco@tcoe.org or 559-302-3731, ext. 3121

Step Up Youth Challenge

September 2026 through April 2027

(Grades 6-8 and 9-12)

No fee

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 8, 2026
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Registration required

Youth Summit (training for student teams): September 28, 2026

9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Step Up Project Presentation Day, March 2, 2027

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Red Carpet Awards Ceremony, April 8, 2027
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Contact:
Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Writing 1;

Speaking and Listening 4;
Project, Problem Solving, Presentation

College Night

September 8, 2026

(Grades 9-12)
5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia
No fee

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

Anti-Bullying Conference

Postponed, Date TBA
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Galaxy Theatres, 1575 Retherford St., Tulare
(Grades 6-12)
Fee: $150/team

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.

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

PVWH Huddle: High School Student-Athlete Conference

September 24, 2026
(Grades 9-12)

9:00 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

Contact:

Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349

October

Cardboard Challenge

October 2026

(All grades)
No fee

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:

tcoe.org/CardboardChallenge

Contact:

Juliana Davidian at juliana.davidian@tcoe.org or 559-651-3003

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Speaking and Listening 1, 4;

CAS: Creating, Presenting

CHARACTER COUNTS! Week

October 18-24, 2026

(All Grades)
No fee

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 17 through September 25 at KidsOfCharacter.tcoe.org.

Additional information:
tcoe.org/CharacterCounts

November 3, 2026, Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Awards Reception

6:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

May 2027 TBA, KSEE24's Your Character Matters Recognition Dinner

6:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Contact:

Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349

Tulare and Kings County Trades Day

October 22, 2026

(Grades 9-12)

8:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Porterville Fairgrounds, 2700 Teapot Dome Ave, Porterville
No fee

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!

Additional information:

tcoe.org/CollegeandCareer/TradesDay

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

Cosmic Creeps Family Movie Night

October 23-24, 2026

Show times TBA, TCOE Planetarium & Science Center, 11535 Ave. 264, Visalia
Admission: TBA

Bring the whole family for an outdoor movie night. A variety of food trucks will also be on site.

Contact:

Bethany Rader at bethany-rader@tcoe.org or 559-651-1482, ext. 3372

Expanding Your Horizons

October 24, 2026

(Grades 4-8)

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.

Additional information:

tcoe.org/EYH

Contact:

Paula Terrill at paula.terrill@tcoe.org or 559-651-0565

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3;

CSS SEP Standards: 1, 2, 6, 7

Tulare County Red Ribbon Celebration

October 24, 2026

(All Grades)

11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Mooney Grove Park, 27000 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, CA, 93277

No fee

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:
Alisha Montoya at alisham@tcoe.org or call 559-651-0155, ext. 3625

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3

November

CHOICES Leadership Conference

November 5, 2026

(Grades 6-8)

8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., McDermott X, 365 N. Sweetbriar Ave., Lindsay, CA

Fee: $150/team

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

Theatre Company Fall Musical

November 19-21 2026
L.J. Williams Theater, 1001 W. Main St., Visalia
(Grades 1-12)
Fee: $85/student participants (scholarships available).

How To Train Your Dragon JR will be performed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings with shows at 7:00 p.m. A Saturday matinee will be performed at 2:00 p.m. A school show will be offered Friday morning, November 20 ,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.

Auditions: August 11-12 with invited dance callbacks August 13 and invited callbacks August 15; check-in beginning at 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. 3372

CAS:

Performing, Responding, Connecting

December

TCOE Esports League Fall Tournament

December 3, 2026
(Grades 6-8)
Time TBA, Planetarium and Science Center, 11535 Avenue 264, Visalia
Fee: $75/team (annually)

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.

Additional Information: tcoe.org/esports

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

January

Poetry Live!

January 15, 2027

(Grades 6-12)

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., Arts Consortium, 340 E. Oak Ave., Suite 112, Visalia
No fee

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: TBA

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

Middle School Mock Trial

January 19, 21, 26 & 28; February 4, 2027

(Grades 6-8)
Various competition locations, Trial begins at 5:00 p.m. each night
Fee: $500/team

Mock Trial is an educational competition that simulates a real courtroom trial, giving students the opportunity to serve as attorneys, witnesses, and other courtroom roles in a fictional legal case. Designed to build critical thinking, public speaking, and collaboration skills, Mock Trial also helps students develop a deeper understanding of the legal system. At the middle school level, the program introduces students to the structure and process of courtroom proceedings, preparing them for more advanced high school competitions. This early exposure allows students to build confidence, sharpen their skills, and enter high school Mock Trial teams with a strong foundation and valuable experience.

Coaches Meeting: September 9
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, Cedar Room, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Competition Rounds: January 19, 21, 26, and 28, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tulare County Superior Courthouse, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Finals: February 4, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tulare County Superior Courthouse, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

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

Mock Trial

January 19, 21, 26 & 28; February 4 & 11, 2027

(Grades 9-12)
Various competition locations, Trial begins at 5:00 p.m. each night
Fee: $500/team

Coaches Meeting: September 15
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center B, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Competition Rounds: January 19, 21, 26, and 28, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tulare County Superior Courthouse, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Semi-Finals: February 4, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., Tulare County Superior Courthouse, 221 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Finals: February 11, 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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Reading 1;

Writing 1;

Speaking and Listening 4;

Performance, Problem Solving

Community Design Challenge

Launch January 28; Final Presentation May 13, 2027

(Grades 9-12)

Final Presentation 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
No fee

The Community Design Challenge is an architectural design competition where Tulare and Kings county high school students research, understand, and design a solution to a challenge in their own community. These challenges can be functional, civic, climatic, or structural challenges. The goal is to identify the problem and then design a solution following an architectural and engineering design process.

Project Launch (mandatory for all registered teams to attend): January 28
4:00 - 7:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Final Presentations: May 13
4:00 - 7:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Contact: 559-739-0314, ext. 3106

Academic Decathlon

January 30 & February 6, 2027

Grades 9-12
Fee: $600/team or $60/at-large competitor

Academic Decathlon is a competition for high school students featuring 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.

Coaches Meeting: October 1
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, Room D, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

Online Scrimmage: November 18

Online Essay Competition: January 13

Online Objective Testing: January 27

Speech and Interview Competition: January 30
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

Super Quiz and Awards Ceremony: February 6
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

February

Circle J-Norris Ranch Field Science Day

February 12, 2027

(Middle and high school students, and community college students)

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Circle J-Norris Ranch, 41893 Yokohl Valley Dr., Springville
No Fee

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

National History Day - Tulare County

February 17, 2027

(Grades 4-12)

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Fee: $20/student

For over 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.

Coaches Meeting: October 22

4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, Cedar Room, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Project Presentations: February 17

8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Feedback Day (for champions): February 25

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., 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

PVWH Huddle Jr.: Middle School Student-Athlete Conference

February 23, 2027

(Grades 6-8)

9:00 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

Contact:

Zoty Briceno at miozoty.briceno@tcoe.org or call 559-737-6349

Taste of Tulare-Kings

February 26, 2027

(Grades 9-12)

6:00 - 8:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
No fee

Held at the annual Tulare County Office of Education Foundation donor appreciation event, Taste of Tulare-Kings is a culinary competition for teams of students in Tulare and Kings county high school food service pathway programs. Teams are judged on the taste of prepared hors d'oeuvres and dessert samples, and on their overall team presentation. The foundation provided a grant to TCOE's College and Career Readiness program to support this event.

Contact:
To participate, contact Bill Davis at bill.davis@tcoe.org or call 559-302-3674
For more information on the TCOE Foundation, contact foundation@tcoe.org or visit tcoe.org/Foundation

Science Olympiad - Divisions B/C

February 27, 2027

(Grades 6-12)

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

8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Location TBA
Fee: $300/team

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 7

4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, Cedar Room, 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

March

Student Art Exhibition

March 2027

(All Grades)
Virtual exhibition during the month of March
No Fee

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.

Registration due: November 2

Artwork submission and forms due: December 4

Virtual exhibition: Beginning March 1, 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

Tulare County Spelling Championship

March 4, 2027

(Grades 4-8)

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Fee: $50/school

Students in 4^th through 8^th 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. Schools must indicate their intent to participate by December 18, 2026. 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:
Anette Eickelberg at annette.eickelberg@tcoe.org or call 559-733-6326

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Speaking and Listening 2, 4

Tulare County Science Fair, featuring the STEAM Expo

March 6, 2027

(Grades 3-12)

10:00 a.m. - 2:00 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)

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

Anti-Tobacco & Marijuana Challenge Bowl

March 11, 2027

(Grade 6-7)

8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Galaxy Theatres, 1575 Retherford St., Tulare
Fee: $150/team

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

Growing Health Leaders Conference

March 11, 2027

(Grades 9-10)

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

Tulare-Kings College & Career EXPO

March 2027 TBA

(Grades 9-12)

8:00 a.m. - 1:15 p.m., College of the Sequoias Visalia and Tulare campuses
No fee

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

Circle J-Norris Ranch Biodiversity Festival

March 13, 2027

(Families and students of all ages)

10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Circle J-Norris Ranch, 41893 Yokohl Valley Dr., Springville
No fee

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. Registration required.

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

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

Academic Pentathlon

February 23 & March 15, 2027

Grades 6-8
Fee: $300/team or $30/at-large competitor

Academic Pentathlon is a competition for middle school students designed similarly to the high school decathlon event. Middle school students will complete the tests, the essay and the super quiz. Students compete in teams or as individuals. Winners of the middle school pentathlon will compete in the California Academic Pentathlon.

Coaches Meeting: October 6
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, Room D

Online Scrimmage: January 20

Online Essay Competition and Objective Testing: February 23

SuperQuiz and Awards Ceremony: March 15
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;
Problem Solving;
CSS Mathematics Practices: 1

April

Young Authors' Faire

April 2027

(Grades K-8)

Virtual exhibition during the month of April
No fee

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: January 29, 2027

Books due: February 26, 2027

Virtual exhibition opens: April 1, 2027

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

CHOICES Lip Sync Battle

April 2, 2027
(Grades 6-8)

6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W. Main St., Visalia
Fee: $150/team

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

Math Super Bowl

April 7, 2027
(Grades 7-8)
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia
Fee: $45/team

Middle school students participate in a 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 questions in the Team Bowl. The Power Bowl challenges students individually with 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

Poetry & Prose

April 13-16 and 20-22, 2027

(Grades K-8)

9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
No fee

Poetry and Prose has been part of TCOE's student events lineup since 1984. 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. 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:
Annette Eickelberg at annette.eickelberg@tcoe.org or call 559-733-6326

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:

Reading 4, 5;

Speaking and Listening 6;

CAS: Performing, Responding, Connecting

SCICON Barbecue & Wildflower Festival

April 18, 2027

(All ages)

11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SCICON campus, 41569 Bear Creek Dr., Springville
No fee

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

Young People's Concerts

April 19, 2027

(Grades 3-5)

9:45 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., Visalia Fox Theatre, 308 W Main St, Visalia
$7 per student and adults; reservation required

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. Elementary students from across the county 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 October 1, 2026. Additional information at: tcoe.org/YoungPeoplesConcerts

Link Up Training: October 6, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Training details will be provided to registered schools

Contact:

Kate Stover at kate.stover@tcoe.org or 559-741-0809

CAS:

Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting

Science Olympiad - Division A

April 24, 2027

(Grades 3-6)

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Location TBA
Fee: $150/team

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 20, 2026
4:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, Cedar Room, 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

Reading Revolution - Middle School

April 29, 2027

(Grades 7-8)

8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia
Fee: $25/team

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.

Interest Meeting: September 10
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Online Zoom meeting

Coaches Meeting: September 22
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, Rooms EF, 6200 S. Mooney, 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

Make a Difference - TEACH Conference

April 30, 2027

(Grade 9-12)

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

May

Project AWARE's Mental Health Student Art Exhibition

May 2027 Virtual Art Exhibition

(All Grades)
No Fee

Project AWARE's Mental Health Student Art Exhibition showcases the creativity and artistic expression of Tulare County students in grades PK–12. Coinciding with national Mental Health Awareness Month, the exhibition provides students with an opportunity to use art to express their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to mental health and well-being. Artwork submitted in a digital format will be displayed in a public online gallery at tcoe.org/ProjectAWARE/StudentArt.

Artwork submission and forms due: April 30, 2027

Virtual exhibition opens: May 1, 2027.

Additional information: tcoe.org/ProjectAWARE

Contact:
Abigail Shaewitz at abigail.shaewitz@tcoe.org or Nicholas Wainwright at nicholas.wainwright@tcoe.org

CAS:
Creating, Presenting, Responding, Connecting

Reading Revolution - Elementary School

May 6, 2027

(Grades 4-6)

8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Fee: $25/team

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.

Interest Meeting: September 10, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., Online Zoom meeting

Coaches Meeting: September 22, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, Rooms EF, 6200 S. Mooney, 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

Slick Rock Student Film Festival

May 7, 2027

(Grades 7 - 12)

9:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m., Visalia Fox Theater, 300 W. Main St., Visalia
No fee

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

Tulare County Physics Day

May 13, 2027

(Grade 8)

10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Porterville Fairgrounds, 2700 W. Teapot Dome Ave., Porterville
No fee

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

TCOE Esports League Spring Tournament

May 17, 2027
(Grades 6-8)
Time TBA, TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Fee: $75/team (annually)

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.

Additional Information: tcoe.org/esports

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

June

Theatre Company Summer Camps

June 7-25, 2027, Productions TBA

Fee: $50-100/student (scholarships available)

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 18.)

June 25 performances, 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

The Theatre Company offers summer camps to Tulare County youth grades TK-1 and 1-6. The summer camps help 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 camps 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. 3372.

CAS:
Performing, Responding, Connecting

Oak Forest Research & Restoration Internship at UC Merced/SCICON Field Station

June 7-10, 2027
(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
Student stipend provided

Circle J-Norris Ranch is seeking up to 20 technicians to set up oak forest research plots and assist with the 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 four days. A small stipend will be provided.

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

Past Events

July

Theatre Company Summer Musical

July 17-25, 2026, Big Fish
(Grades 3-12, including graduating seniors)

July 17- 18, July 23- 25, 7:00 p.m.; July 18, 25, 2:00 p.m.

Rotary Theatre, 330 S. Dollner St., Visalia
For ticket information, visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo/tickets

The Theatre Company traditionally performs a full-scale musical production with seven shows held during the last two weeks in July.

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. 3372. For more information, including show times and tickets, visit tcoe.org/TheatreCo.

CAS:

Performing, Responding, Connecting

August

No student events are scheduled for August.

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 Family Events (pre-registration required for each)

Location: Circle J-Norris Ranch, 41893 Yokohl Valley Dr., Springville

Family Astronomy Nights

October 2, (7:00 - 9:30 p.m.) and October 30 (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

December 13, 2026 (tentative)

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.

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

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

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

Theatre Company 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:

tcoe.org/TheatreCo

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

CAS:
Performing, Connecting, Responding

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