School representatives from all over Kern County came out to the Padre Hotel Thursday morning for Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ (KCSOS) Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Symposium. The event, themed “Cultivating Hearts and Minds: Empowering the Whole Child,” emphasized the importance of supporting all students from academics to behavior to mental health and well-being.
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The Kern High School District (KHSD) brought nearly 400 community partners together for an inspiring day of collaboration and connection during the annual Principal Partners’ Day event on Wednesday. With the theme “Together We Thrive,” this year’s event celebrated the powerful role community partnerships play in shaping the education and future of Kern County’s students.
The latest standardized test results from Kern County show slight improvements in both English Language Arts (ELA) and math. While overall progress has been slow, bright spots are apparent at school districts all over the county.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County hosted its highly anticipated Artfest this past Friday, where dozens of young artists from across Kern proudly showcased their visual and performing arts talents. While the event raises essential funds for art programs across four Boys & Girls Club sites, it serves a deeper purpose. It empowers students by building their confidence and encouraging them to pursue their passion for art.
Inside a classroom at Bakersfield College, a group of young adults is working on building futures that, for some of them, seemed out of reach. The cohort, made up of former foster students, is part of a unique program designed to help them gain skills in early childhood education, a field that is not only in high demand but also offers them a personal connection through their lived experiences.
To help ease the stress of the college application process, the Kern Regional K-16 Education Collaborative is offering free workshops on October 26, November 16, and November 23. Held in Bakersfield, Mojave, and Shafter, these sessions provide one-on-one assistance with applications, personal essays, FAFSA, and more. Virtual options are available, ensuring support for all students.
The Kern County Leadership Program, operated by the Kern County Network for Children, is accepting applications for its next class. Running from January to May, this program is designed to foster leadership skills in those passionate about improving the lives of children and families in the community.
Student voices took center stage Thursday morning as the Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) brought together community leaders, local businesses, and educators for its annual Community Partners in Education (CPIE) event. This year’s gathering emphasized the collaboration between schools and the community to help set Bakersfield’s students up for success.
Childhood has changed. Kids are more depressed, anxious and lonely, and it’s clear, screens aren’t helping. Award-winning journalist Maddie Janssen took a deep dive into this topic and brings us this special report about our society’s digital addiction.
Several schools across Kern County have been recognized for their outstanding work implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). PBIS, an evidence-based approach designed to create positive school environments and improve student behavior, has gained traction across California.
As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Candi Huizar, KCSOS’s director of equity and inclusion, knows firsthand the power of resilience and determination. Growing up, she and her seven siblings navigated the challenges of language barriers, poverty, and adapting to a new way of life in the U.S. Now, forty years later, Huizar looks back on her family’s incredible journey — eight children, all college graduates, three with master’s degrees, and Huizar herself on the path to earning her doctorate.
After nearly a decade of relying on bottled water, the Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District (RBGUSD) students and staff can now access safe, clean drinking water, thanks to the district’s new Water Treatment Plant. Tuesday morning, community members, staff, and local officials gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and tour of the new plant.
Dozens of students from 16 schools across Kern County gathered this week at CALM Zoo for the annual Student Voice Ambassador Program Retreat.
After more than two decades of teaching and serving Greenfield’s students, Susan Holloway, a beloved 6th-grade teacher at McKee Middle School, is preparing to retire. But Holloway’s legacy at Greenfield Union School District (GUSD) is about much more than just teaching. She has dedicated more than 20 years to providing clothing and essential items to families in need.
The Kern County Fair came alive today with the inaugural Chopped Challenge, where teams of school nutrition directors and high school students faced off in a cooking competition. Hosted at the Frontier Stage, the event showcased creative culinary talent and promoted the principles of healthy eating inspired by the Blue Zones Project (BZP).
Seven-year-old Alessandra Gutierrez recently won the 2024 National Mariachi Youth Vocalist Competition and gained millions of TikTok views for her remarkable singing. Her passion for mariachi began during a family trip to Mexico and is deeply tied to her cultural heritage, supported by her bilingual education.
Kern County schools are tackling chronic absenteeism by addressing sleep deprivation and fostering strong student-family relationships. Initiatives like Student Sleep Health Month, community engagement, and targeted support have helped reduce absenteeism, improving student success.
Redwood Elementary School (Richland School District) in Shafter is celebrating its first-ever Start With Hello Week, joining schools nationwide in a program focused on fostering empathy and a sense of belonging among students. On Monday morning, Redwood staff, along with board members, district staff, high school students, and community members, walked the corridors, giving a warm greeting, a smile, and a big hello to every elementary student.
More than 250 youth leaders from 24 schools across Kern County rallied behind drug prevention efforts at the annual Drug-Free Youth Summit hosted today by Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (KernBHRS). Student representatives came together to sharpen their strategies for drug and alcohol prevention, connect with their peers, and plan impactful activities like Red Ribbon Week.
The Bakersfield City School District has long been seen as a leader in music and arts education throughout California. With new funding made possible by Prop 28 — the Arts and Music in Schools Act — the district is continuing to transform its arts offerings for the benefit of all students.
