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 Event activities.

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

  • Alignment to the College and Career Readiness (CCR) Anchor Standards, Mathematical Practices (MP), Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Standards, and/or Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). CCR Anchor Standards, Mathematical Practices, Visual and Performing Arts Standards, 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 2021-2022 Student Events brochure. Descriptions of the annual student events can be found below, including contact information and links to further information, if available. 

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

January 26, Online competition

January 28, Online competition

January 30-31, Online competition

February 1, Online competition

February 5, SuperQuiz and Awards Ceremony
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

Academic Decathlon is a countywide student event for grades 9 through 12. It is part of the National Academic Decathlon competition. Schools field teams of up to nine members divided by thirds into Honors, Scholastic, and Varsity. Students compete in a series of 10 academic tests and demonstrations, including art, economics, a written essay, an interview, language and literature, math, music, social science, speech and a Super Quiz. Students compete in teams or as individuals. The winner in Tulare County competes at the state level; the state winner competes at the national level.

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1;
Writing 2, 9;
Speaking and Listening 5;
Problem Solving, Performance;
CSS Mathematics Practices: 1
Anti-Tobacco/Marijuana Challenge Bowl
February 23, 2022
(Grade 6)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Wyndham Visalia, 9000 Airport Dr. 

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:
Tony Cavanagh at tcavanag@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155, ext. 3614

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1;
Reading 1, 4;
CSS SEP Standards: 1, 3, 6, 8
Bullying Advocacy Conference
August 2022

(Grades 6-12)
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave.

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:
Stephen Amundson at stephen.amundson@tcoe.org or (559) 651-0155

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Writing 1;
Speaking and Listening 4;
Project,
Problem Solving,
Presentation
CHARACTER COUNTS! Week
Third Full Week in October 2022
(All Grades)

In partnership with the Visalia Times-Delta / Tulare Advance-Register, this event is a week-long celebration of the principles of CHARACTER COUNTS!. Tulare County schools and communities participate by nominating students of good character. Top honorees will be featured throughout the week in the newspapers.

Nominations accepted online at tcoe.org/KidsofCharacter

Additional information: tcoe.org/CharacterCounts

October 2022, Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Awards Reception
TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Contact:
Kelley Petty at kelleyp@tcoe.org or call (559) 740-4303
CHOICES Leadership Training
September 2022
(Grades 6-8)
Event location, date, and time TBA

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:
Tony Cavanagh at tcavanag@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155, ext. 3614

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1;
Writing 4, 8;
Project, Problem Solving
Circle J-Norris Ranch Community Biodiversity Festival
February 26 - 27, 2022
(Grades 4 - 12)
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Circle J-Norris Ranch, 41893 Yokohl Valley Dr., Springville

Join us for two days 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
College Night
September 13, 2022
(Grades 9-12)
Event time TBD, Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia 

In early September each year, the Tulare County Office of Education hosts Tulare County College Night. Hundreds of high school students from throughout Tulare and surrounding counties attend to meet college and university representatives from around the country, including representatives from national trade, art and specialty institutions.

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1, 3, 5, 6
Expanding Your Horizons
November 5, 2022
(Grades 4-10)

Event location and time TBD

This hands-on student event is for 4th- through 10th-grade young women. Its focus is to enlighten and spark an interest in STEM field careers: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This conference will help young women discover how interesting and fun math and science can be, form personal contacts with women working in traditionally male occupations, and help them meet other young women interested in math and science.

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3;
CSS SEP Standards: 1, 2, 6, 7
Friday Night Live Lip Sync (Cancelled for 2022)
April 1, 2022
(Grades 6-8)
6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave., Visalia

Dozens of middle and high school performers annually vie for awards in four categories: dance, lip sync, novelty, and showcase. Friday Night Live provides youth with fun, life-affirming activities promoting abstinence from alcohol, tobacco, drugs, gang participation, and violence.

Contact:
Stephen Amundson at stephen.amundson@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155 , ext. 3618.

CAS:
Creating, Performing, Responding, Connecting
Math Super Bowl
March 22, 2022
(Grades 7-8)
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Visalia Convention Center, 303 E. Acequia Ave.

Math Super Bowl logoMiddle 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
Mock Trial
January 24, 26 & 31, February 2, 9 & 16, 2023
(Grades 9-12)
Various competition locations, Time TBD

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.

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
National History Day - Tulare County
February 23, 2023
(Grades 4-12)
8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

For nearly 20 years, the Tulare County Office of Education has hosted National History Day - Tulare County. The event is an exciting, history-based competition. Fourth through twelfth grade students learn about issues, ideas, people and events in history, and then illustrate what they have learned with creative and original productions.

National History Day - Tulare County is coordinated with the National and California State History Days. Each year, a broad theme is selected at the national level to encompass local, state, American and world history entries. The theme gives a central focus to the work of all participants and provides a common "yardstick" by which the quality of research and understanding may be judged. Locally, over 200 students participate in the History Day competition held in March. The top competitors from each event and division advance to the National History Day - California.

September 17, Coaches Meeting
4:00 - 5:00 p.m., online via Zoom

February 25, 2022, Feedback Day
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
Oak Forest Research & Restoration Internship at UC Merced/SCICON Field Station  
June 6 - 9, 2022
(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. Must attend all four 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

Physics Day
May 11, 2022
(Grade 8)
Porterville Fairgrounds, 2700 W. Teapot Dome Ave., Porterville

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

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
Poetry and Prose
March 29 - 31 & April 5 - 7, 2022
(Grades K-8)
9:00 a.m., 10:15 a.m., & 11:30 a.m., TCOE Administration Building & Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

Students present poetry to an audience and judges at this county-wide oral interpretation event. Oral and written assessments are offered to each student, along with personalized certificates denoting their rank of Superior, Excellent, Very Good, and Good.

Student performance information is due to the event coordinators by March 11, 2022. 

Additional information: bit.ly/PoetrySchedule2022.

Event flyer

Contact:
Nancy Bellin at nancyb@tcoe.org, Brook Killingsworth at brookk@tcoe.org, or call (559) 733-6734

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 4, 5;
Speaking and Listening 6;
CAS: Performing, Responding, Connecting
Poetry Out Loud
February 3, 2023
(Grades 9-12)
Public event location and time TBD

Poetry Out Loud inspires high school students to discover and appreciate poetry through a combination of memorization, performance, and competition. Students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and improve English fluency and comprehension. The Poetry Out Loud program begins with classroom and school-wide competitions, with winners advancing to county, state, and national competitions. This year, school-site champions interested in participating in the county competition must submit a video by February 1, 2022.

Additional information: tcoe.org/PoetryOutLoud

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;
Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;
Language 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6;
CAS: Performing, Responding, Connecting
Reading Revolution - Elementary School
May 5, 2022
(Grades 4-6)
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

To promote literacy and the joy of reading, Reading Revolution is open to teams of upper elementary school students. The teams will answer questions drawn from a limited list of titles released in the fall. Following school-wide competitions, schools send their top team to participate at the county event.

Additional information: tcoe.org/ReadingRevolution

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

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

CAS:
Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting

Reading Revolution - Middle School
May 13, 2022
(Grades 7-8)
online event 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney, Visalia

To promote literacy and the joy of reading, Reading Revolution is open to teams of middle school students. The teams will answer questions drawn from a limited list of titles released in the fall. Following school-wide competitions, schools send their top team to participate at the county event.

Additional information: tcoe.org/ReadingRevolution

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 6, 10
CAS:
Creating, Performing, Presenting, Responding, Connecting

SCICON Barbecue & Wildflower Festival 
April 10, 2022
(All ages)
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., SCICON campus, Springville

Each spring, SCICON opens its beautiful campus in the Sierra foothills above Springville to the public for a day of free tours, activities, and entertainment. The program also sells tickets for a delicious barbecue luncheon. Proceeds benefit the SCICON program. All ages are welcome.

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

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

Each fall, SCICON opens its beautiful campus in the Sierra foothills above Springville to the public for a day of free tours, activities, and entertainment. The program also sells tickets for a delicious barbecue luncheon. Proceeds benefit the SCICON program. All ages are welcome.

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

Science Olympiad - Division A
March 28-29 & April 2, 2022
(Grades 3-6)

March 28-29: online testing
April 2: build events at TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia, 8:00am - 2:00pm

Science Olympiad is an international non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of science education, increasing student interest in science, and providing recognition for outstanding achievement in science education by both students and teachers. Science Olympiad tournaments are rigorous academic interscholastic competitions that consist of a series of individual and team events for which students prepare throughout the year. These events are balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics and technology. There is also a balance between science facts, process, skills and applications. Locally, over 550 students from more than 25 schools compete in the annual regional competition.

The Science Olympiad is divided up into three divisions: Division A (grades 3 - 6), Division B (grades 6 - 9), and Division C (grades 9 - 12).

Additional information: tcoe.org/ScienceOlympiad

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 4, 7-10;
Writing 1, 2, 4-10;
Speaking & Listening 1-6;
Project, Problem Solving;
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8
Science Olympiad - Divisions B/C
March 4, 2023
(Grades 6-12)

Division B (grades 6-9) / Division C (grades 9 - 12)
Event location and time TBD

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.

September 13, 2021, Coaches Meeting
3:30 - 5:30 p.m., online via Zoom

Additional information: tcoe.org/ScienceOlympiad

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Reading 1, 2, 10;
Writing 2, 7;
Project, Problem Solving;
CSS SEP Standards: 1-8
Slick Rock Student Film Festival
May 13, 2022
(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.

More 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
STEAM Expo
March 11, 2023
(all grades)
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., TCOE 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
Step Up Youth Challenge
September 2021 through April 2022
(Grades 6-8 and 9-12)

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

Challenge Advisor Training (mandatory), September 9, 2021,
4:30 - 6:00 p.m. TCOE Conference Center, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia
Registration required

Youth Summit (training for student teams) September 21 & 22,
Tuesday, September 21 (middle school) & Wednesday, September 22 (high school)
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., Visalia

Red Carpet Awards Ceremony, April 7, 2022
6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Fox Theater, 300 W. Main St., Visalia

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

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Writing 1;
Speaking and Listening 4;
Project, Problem Solving, Presentation
Student Art Exhibitions 
December 2021 - March 2022
(All Grades)

The annual Student Art Exhibitions showcase the county's talented young artists. From December through March, student artwork is typically displayed at the Tulare County Office of Education administration building, and the public is invited to view the show. However, during these uncertain times, artwork will be submitted in a digital format and will be displayed in a public online gallery. Entries are judged by local artists and those pieces receiving a Best of Show award will be highlighted in March during Arts Education Month.

Online location: tcoe.org/ArtGallery
Virtual Exhibition: December 1 - March 31, displaying all districts and Best of Show winners 

Additional information: tcoe.org/ArtGallery

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

November 2022
(Grades 1-12)
Musical selection and performance location, dates, and times TBA

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.

More information: tcoe.org/TheatreCo

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

CAS:
Performing, Responding, Connecting
Theatre Company Spring Workshops
Dates and live/virtual location TBA
(Grades K-8)

This spring, the Theatre Company will offer a variety of short workshop and performance opportunities throughout the county, including acting, auditioning, dance, and vocal classes. The program will also offer a two-week staged reading class utilizing the comedy, The Curious Savage. 

Additional information: tcoe.org/TheatreCo

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

 CAS:
Performing, Connecting, Responding
Theatre Company Summer Camp
June 6 - 24, 2022, Seussical JR
(Grades 1-6)

Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., 7000 Doe Ave., Visalia
June 25 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
Theatre Company Summer Musical
Summer 2022, The Music Man
Grades 1-12, including graduating seniors)

July 22 - 23, July 28 - 30, 7:30 p.m.; July 23, 30, 2:00 p.m.
Location TBD

The Theatre Company traditionally performs a full-scale musical production with seven shows held during the last week 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. 3645.

CAS:
Performing, Responding, Connecting

Tulare County Red Ribbon Celebration
October 2022
(All Grades)
Event location, date, and time TBA

Through a partnership between the Tulare County Office of Education, the Tulare County Health and Human Services Agency and a myriad of other county and city resources, the Red Ribbon Celebration event allows students and families to participate in safe, educational, and fun activities without the use of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs. In addition, the event will be a showcase of positive choices and opportunities for the youth of the Valley.

Contact:
Frank Silveira at frank.silveira@tcoe.org or call (559) 651-0155, ext. 3611

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 1, 2, 3
Tulare County Spelling Championship
March 1, 2022
(Grades 4-8)
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Valley Strong Ballpark, 300 N. Giddings St., Visalia,

Students in grades 4-8 face off in a public, oral spelling competition. Schools hold their own spelling bees and select students to attend the county-wide championship. The county champion has the opportunity to go on to the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

More information: tcoe.org/SpellingBee
Contact:
Nancy Bellin at nancyb@tcoe.org or call (559) 733-6734

CSS CCR Anchor Standards:
Speaking and Listening 2, 4
Tulare-Kings College & Career EXPO
April 1, 2022
(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

Young Authors' Faire
April 2022
(Grades K-8)
Virtual exhibition during the month of April

Online Registration due February 21, 2022.
Books due March 21, 2022.

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.

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
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. 

Reservations required

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

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. 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