Local Leaders Connect with BCSD Students at Community Partners in Education Day

Students and staff lined up outside Harding Elementary School’s entrance gates, welcoming students with cheers and high-fives. As students walked onto campus with smiles, the school’s positive culture was evident, reflecting an environment that staff work hard to cultivate and students recognize.

Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) brought community leaders together Wednesday for its annual districtwide Community Partners in Education (CPIE) event, which gives participants an up-close look at schools across the district while building lasting partnerships between BCSD and the broader community.

At Harding, student council members kicked off the day by presenting their school’s mission, vision, and values, while giving community partners an authentic look at campus life. Students explained the character traits the school prioritizes: equity, accountability, integrity, caring, and collaboration.

Harding currently ranks second in the district for attendance, with a schoolwide goal for students to miss no more than 10 days during the year. Abraham Rivera, Principal of Harding Elementary School, said the school has maintained a positive culture for years.

“Our data is fabulous because we have a great partnership with our parents, our community members, and of course, our students make it happen, and our teachers are excellent,” Rivera said.

LEFT AND RIGHT: Harding Elementary School student council and school staff welcome students and guests to school.

Students said they joined the student council to practice leadership skills, try something new, or build on prior council experience. They also shared what makes Harding unique.

“At my old school, I never felt academically challenged. But here, it’s way different,” student Christian Broussard shared. “Now I’m feeling a little bit overchallenged, and it’s a lot more fun.”

Among the visitors was former Harding staff member Jonathan Rizo, Clinical Director and Licensed Educational Psychologist at Rizo Psychological & Behavioral Health Services. Rizo reflected on watching students grow since his time at the school.

“You guys are the group that started school in COVID, and I remember that,” Rizo said. “I gotta say, it is an honor watching you guys grow up to be able to talk extremely well, to present well, and to be just good leaders.”

Students then turned the tables, asking community partners about their college experiences and favorite sports teams. The conversation drew laughter when students told Rizo that all of his favorite teams were great except the San Francisco 49ers.

The exchange also revealed connections between community partners and the school. Three guests had grown up in East Bakersfield, while others found common ground with students through basketball, reading Lord of the Rings, visiting Santa Barbara, and playing in a local football league.

“We want to make sure first and foremost that there is a positivity that allows the students to essentially want to come to school more consistently, so that way they can be in a position where they can thrive,” Rivera said proudly.

BCSD board member Mike Eggert also attended the event and offered students words of encouragement.

“Make sure you continue this on and spread the word,” Eggert said, applauding the students’ leadership. “You let other children know what positive things you’re doing here and how to get involved. It’s very important.”

Following the student presentations, guests toured three classrooms where students were engaged in math and reading lessons, including multiplication practice and theme and plot analysis.

Student Isaiah Aceves captured the sense of pride that permeated the day: “I think your future kids should join this school because this place is very joyful.”

LEFT: Aiden Argueta and Reagan Owens present. RIGHT: Marcos Miguez, Christian Broussard, and Justice Pinkins present.

LEFT: A student works on a language arts lesson. RIGHT: Alicia Areola, BCSD’s 2024 Teacher of the Year, and BCSD board member Mike Eggert observe a math activity.