This fall, Valley Oaks Charter School (VOCS) is celebrating 25 years of reimagining education in Kern County. What began in 2000 with fewer than two dozen students, two part-time teachers, and a single bamboo table has since grown into one of the most unique and family-centered learning communities in the area.
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KCSOS has launched the Kern County Kindness Project to honor high school students whose small acts of compassion make a big difference in their schools and communities. Nominations are open through December 5.
The excitement is building for the second annual STEAM on the Streets, and this year, the celebration is moving into a brand-new home. On Saturday, October 25, families from across Kern County are invited to gather at The STEAM Yard (2020 K Street) for a free morning of hands-on exploration, creativity, and community fun centered around Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics.
For two decades, families across Kern County have marked their calendars for one of the most beloved fall traditions in Bakersfield — Boo at the Zoo. This year, the California Living Museum (CALM) is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Halloween-themed event, welcoming guests October 15–19 for five days of festive fun, animal encounters, and community spirit.
Where once there was a blank stucco wall on the southwest side of the Dream Center, there is now a splash of vibrant color – a mural that tells a story of resilience, growth, and community, all brought to life by the very youth the center serves. Local artist Jennifer Williams-Cordova, and current and former foster youth from the Dream Center collaborated to brainstorm, design, and paint the mural from start to finish.
Kern County’s need for bilingual educators is growing — and thanks to a partnership between the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) and California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), the pipeline is beginning to strengthen. Through the state-funded Bilingual Teacher Professional Development Program (BTPDP), teachers across Kern County have the opportunity to complete coursework at CSUB at no cost and earn their Bilingual Authorization (BILA). This credential allows them to teach in dual language immersion (DLI) programs.
From blue-ribbon woodwork to award-winning culinary creations, students at Crossroads and the Youth Detention Center are proving that hands-on learning builds skills — and pride. See how their projects at the Kern County Fair are making a lasting impact.
At the beginning of August, Julissa Rocha packed up her life in Bakersfield and drove four and a half hours north to begin her journey into higher education. Now a freshman history major at UC Davis, Rocha is embracing her new life as a first-generation college student, balancing summer courses, making new friends, and exploring a new home.
Over the summer, school districts from across Kern County came together for the region’s first Community Partner Convening, an event dedicated to building stronger collaborations between schools and community organizations. Hosted by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), the convening welcomed more than 90 participants — including representatives from 15 school districts — to strengthen regional networks and share strategies for supporting students and their families.
The Southern Kern Unified School District (SKUSD) is opening its doors after the summer break to welcome students and families back to campus and provide them with everything they need to start the new school year off right. This week, the district hosted its annual Ice Cream Social and Backpack Giveaway, bringing the community together for a day of fun and community support.
The Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD) in Ridgecrest cut the ribbon Tuesday morning on its new Richmond Elementary School. School staff, military officials, local leaders, and community members all celebrated the legacy of the beloved institution while bringing it into the future.
Middle school students across Kern County got a chance to flex their creative muscles today and spread a message of tobacco prevention at the same time, with an awareness campaign created by kids for kids. The Kern County Superintendent of Schools’ Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) program teamed up with the Delano Union School District Friday to host a ‘PSA day’ at La Viña Middle School.
Kern County education leaders gathered to dedicate the Aurora Learning Center in honor of former Superintendent Mary C. Barlow, whose advocacy helped create a safe, supportive space for students with the most complex needs.
General Shafter School welcomed families from across the community to its first annual Community Resource Fair, featuring a special TK/Kindergarten Readiness event for young children and their parents. The event helped connect families with valuable local resources and support early childhood education. Community partners like the Kern County Sheriff’s Department, Kern Family Health Care, and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) were on hand to provide information and assistance.
More than two decades ago, sixth-grade teacher Susan Holloway began collecting various clothing and hygiene items in her classroom to give to her students and their families in need. Those decades of hard work culminated in the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the Susan Holloway clothing bank at the Greenfield Family Resource Center in the Greenfield Union School District (GFUSD). Thanks to Holloway’s determination, Greenfield’s outreach efforts, and community contributions, the district can offer another vital resource to the families it serves.
Nearly $42,000 in scholarships were awarded to 48 high-achieving seniors during the 46th Annual African American Graduation Awards in Bakersfield — a powerful evening of celebration, pride, and academic excellence.
In a day packed with energy, creativity, and inspiration, young girls from across Kern County got hands-on with science and engineering — and saw just how bright their futures in STEM can be.
Middle and high schoolers from across Kern County stepped into the spotlight at the Youth Against Commercial Tobacco Summit, learning to lead the charge against vaping and smoking through advocacy, education, and grit.
Youth Empowering Success (YES!) marked its monumental 10th annual conference recently, bringing together foster youth, educators, and community leaders across Kern County for a day of growth, empowerment, and connection. Held at Bakersfield College, this year’s event focused on the journey of YES! throughout the years.
The Kern County Fairgrounds were bustling with excitement this week for the 41st annual Farm Day in the City. Hosted by the Kern County Farm Bureau, the event continues a long tradition of educating the next generation about the origins of their food and the significance of agriculture. About 5,000 students from all over the county came to the Kern County Fairgrounds for the two-day event, eager to explore the hands-on exhibits and demonstrations highlighting the importance of farming and ranching in Kern County.
For years, the KCSOS AmeriCorps Mentoring Program has provided invaluable support to Kern County students through dedicated mentors who go beyond academics to address the whole child. From tackling chronic absenteeism to building meaningful connections, mentors like Samantha Lopez and Candice Magaña are making a real impact—both in students’ lives and their own. Discover how AmeriCorps is shaping futures and building stronger communities.
Kern County Public Health and Greenfield Union School District (GFUSD) Nutrition Services celebrated a significant milestone in promoting student health and wellness this week, as Crescent Elementary School became the first Certified Healthy School in Kern County. This designation is part of Public Health’s new Certified Healthy Schools Initiative, which recognizes schools that serve nutritious and well-balanced meals to students.
Buttonwillow Union School District (BUSD) is celebrating a giant leap forward in its capacity to provide much-needed services and resources to its rural community. On Wednesday, the small district hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new early childhood education facility and family resource center.
This summer, 72 educators from here at home and across the nation will embark on an interactive journey through the history of labor and migration in California’s Central Valley. The California Dreamin’ program is once again bringing to light our region’s rich and often overlooked history.
With Super Bowl legend Cinnamon the bear snoozing, CALM’s mountain lions and bobcats took over prediction duties. Their pick for the Big Game? The Eagles! Will they match Cid’s 85% accuracy? Find out Sunday if the Cats of California are the new champs of Super Bowl forecasting!
Kern’s finest high school musicians and singers took the stage at the Mechanics Bank theater last night for the annual “It’s a Grand Night for Music.” The honors music festival featured nearly 800 high school orchestra, band, and choir members who endured demanding auditions and grueling practice schedules to earn their spot on the stage.
Since its inception two decades ago, California’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program has been celebrated for equipping students with practical skills and industry-relevant knowledge. Many CTE instructors bring a wealth of experience from their first careers, offering students a unique perspective. But what inspires these professionals to embark on a “second career” in teaching?
Tickets are now on sale for the 4th annual KEEP CALM Jamboree presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. Back by popular demand is Yächtley Crëw, the nation’s top “Yacht Rock” cover band performing soft rock classics from the 1970s and early 80s.
Schools throughout the region are set to benefit from the launch of PBIS ACER 2.0, a comprehensive certification overhaul designed to enhance the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS). This updated process emphasizes consistency, quality, and accountability, taking school climate and student outcomes to the next level.
Bakersfield’s beloved holiday tradition, The Nutcracker, is celebrating its 47th annual production this Christmas season, bringing magic to audiences of all ages. Today and tomorrow, as many as 6,000 local students will have the chance to experience the wonder of ballet during the Nutcracker Young People’s Concerts held at the Mechanics Bank Convention Center.
Kern County has been awarded a $5.2 million Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program (YHDP) grant, a groundbreaking investment that aims to transform the lives of thousands of young people facing housing instability.
Gloria Rodriguez, a 22-year-old foster youth, was beaming with excitement and hope today as she received her first car — a gently used Ford EcoSport SE — thanks to a community partnership between the Dream Center, Kern County Network for Children (KCNC), and Jim Burke Ford. The donation marks a transformative moment in Rodriguez’s journey toward independence and success.
Applications officially opened for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) today. Y2LEF teamed up with the Kern Regional K-16 Education Collaborative and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) to host a news conference highlighting financial aid opportunities here in Kern County. Local education leaders and community officials joined the conference, stressing the importance of access to higher education.
The annual update to the California School Dashboard, the state’s annual report card for K-12 public schools, was released today. It provides a transparent overview of how schools and districts are performing across key indicators.
The Embrace Equity Symposium in Bakersfield is honoring three Equity Champions whose dedication to inclusivity is inspiring change in Kern County. This year’s honorees—Salvador Avalos, Raji K. Brar, and Ishmeet Singh—are celebrated for their tireless work to uplift others.
Nearly 500 educators and community members from Kern County and beyond gathered at the Mechanics Bank Convention Center for the 4th Annual EMBRACE Kern Equity Symposium, marking the first day of this impactful two-day event.
As California gears up to offer an entirely new type of teaching credential geared toward pre-kindergarten through third-grade teachers, experts and educators alike are rallying around the idea that play is more than just a break from learning — it is the learning.
Nearly 2,000 students from nine school districts across eastern Kern County gathered Thursday at the Mojave Air and Space Port for the third annual East Kern Career Expo. The event, packed with exploration and learning, provided students from grades six through twelve with a firsthand look at potential college and career paths in their own region.
Standard Middle School and Mt. Vernon Elementary School are Bakersfield’s latest Blue Zones Project Approved Schools. Both campuses celebrated their milestones this week. Over the past year, staff at each school have worked with Blue Zones Project Bakersfield to implement changes to help make their campuses healthier for students.
November marks Homeless Youth Awareness Month (HYAM). This nationwide effort began in 2007 to highlight the issues faced by young people experiencing homelessness. The Bakersfield-Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative’s (BKRHC) Youth Action Board (YAB) is leading the charge through a series of events all month long. Key activities include the Purple Pie Challenge, a public donation drive, and a Town Hall meeting, all aimed at raising both awareness and resources.
The California Living Museum (CALM) announced today that tickets for the award-winning HolidayLights, now featuring a refreshed logo, are now on sale at www.calmholidaylights.org. HolidayLights will kick-off on Saturday, Nov. 30 and run nightly through Jan. 4, except on Christmas. Guests can enjoy the lights from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Sundays through Thursdays, and enjoy new extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
In the halls of Rio Bravo-Greeley Union School District (RBG), school nurse David Tate has made it his mission to bridge the gap between education and healthcare for families going through childhood cancer. Inspired by his son’s fight with leukemia, Tate, alongside the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), has championed resources aimed at helping schools support children with cancer as they return to the classroom.
The Pledge of Allegiance is no longer just a daily classroom tradition. Through a new initiative called Pledge Across Kern, led by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) in partnership with KUZZ 107.9 FM, students from all corners of the county are coming together to lead the Pledge not just in their classrooms but over the airwaves.
McKinley Elementary School has welcomed back its Peaceful Paths Nature Trail. This project has transformed a long-forgotten trail into a tranquil space for students and staff alike. The trail, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, was brought back to life thanks to the efforts of Leadership Bakersfield’s Team Three and dedicated community volunteers.
In a significant move to equip young Californians with essential life skills, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill last June that will require financial literacy education in high schools. Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, all high schools in the state will offer a semester-long personal finance course; by the 2030-31 school year, financial literacy will become a graduation requirement. This initiative aims to give youth the tools they need to navigate adult financial life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even though they were not yet born when the tragic events of September 11, 2001 unfolded, a new generation is stepping up to honor and remember the day that forever changed America. Across Kern County today, young people organized and participated in memorial events, paying tribute to the victims, first responders, and all those impacted by the attacks.
The Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), in partnership with Chevron, announced its plans today for The STEAM Yard, a first-of-its-kind educational center dedicated to fostering student growth through an innovative, student-centered approach.
The California Coastal Commission Whale Tail Grant Program has funded the development of a new environmental sustainability curriculum that will be implemented this fall at Camp KEEP’s Ocean and By the Sea campuses.
Applying to college requires time and effort. Just ask the more than 2,500 Kern County high school seniors who have started, or will start soon, navigating the sometimes complex process. Thankfully, several resources are available to students and families.
Officials from Strata Credit Union and California Resources Corporation attended back to school nights in Wasco this week to surprise students and families with a $250,000 gift that will send all sixth graders to Camp KEEP this year.
The Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) and the Kern County Department of Human Services (DHS) have partnered with HopSkipDrive, a rideshare service designed to get students to and from school. The service aims to fill gaps in transportation for some of the community’s most vulnerable children, including those in foster care and experiencing homelessness.
Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), in conjunction with the Kern High School District, Bakersfield College, CSU, Bakersfield, and Taft College will host the annual Kern County College Night on Monday, Sept. 9 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Mechanics Bank Convention Center.
Wasco native Alexis Cruz, 19, has a remarkable story to share — one marked by perseverance, resilience, and impassioned support. He experienced hearing loss early in life, which presented challenges that could have easily limited his potential. Instead, these obstacles became the stepping stones leading him to the prestigious halls of Princeton University, where he recently finished his first year.
The KCSOS AmeriCorps Program has become an invaluable resource in Kern County. Through the deployment of mentors across various school sites, the program provides crucial one-on-one support to students, assisting their academic and personal development and fostering positive learning environments.
Self-Insured Schools of California is the largest public school pool in the United States, fostering the health and well-being of California’s educators and their families.
This is one in a series of stories highlighting the 2024 Kern County School Classified Employees of the Year Selections. Eight employees were selected by a committee from a pool of thirty nominees in a variety of job classifications. The eight are now eligible for the statewide award program.
This is one in a series of stories highlighting the 2024 Kern County School Classified Employees of the Year Selections. Eight employees were selected by a committee from a pool of thirty nominees in a variety of job classifications. The eight are now eligible for the statewide award program.
Thousands of local students got a glimpse into their possible futures Friday at the Kern County Career & STEM Expo hosted by the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC).
The Self Insured Schools of California (SISC) is well-known throughout Kern County and California as a major insurer of school districts, with more than 400,000 members in its network. Now the organization is taking its place on a national stage with other big-name companies.
The Richland Union School District, serving the small community of Shafter, is making great strides toward student success by addressing the needs of the whole child and the whole community.
Middle and high school students from across Kern County attended the first-ever Tobacco Youth Summit today. The event aimed to empower youth against tobacco use and the importance of advocacy.
April marks the observance of Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the critical issue of child abuse and neglect. As we shine a spotlight on this problem, it is imperative that we not only acknowledge its existence but also commit ourselves to proactive measures to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, our children.
Jordan Mondragon, a student with visual impairments enrolled at Beardsley Elementary, has attended the Bakersfield Police Department’s Audible Egg Hunt since he was three years old. Today, while walking arm in arm with officers, Mondragon continued the tradition of hunting for “beeping” eggs created specifically for students like him.
Amid sprawling almond orchards and oil patches on Kern’s west side, a unique partnership has emerged that embodies what it means to truly collaborate to uplift an entire community.
Students and parents are discovering the joy of reading thanks to a Lunchtime Literacy program at Beardsley Elementary School (Beardsley School District). Parents brought lunch for their students Friday, and the families sat down in the playground to read together.
Parents of students in the Fairfax School District (FSD) are becoming United States citizens and learning English thanks to special courses offered at the district’s Parent Education & Resource Center.
Buttonwillow Union School District broke ground this week on a new early childhood education and resource center. When it’s finished, the building will be home to a preschool classroom, a transitional kindergarten (TK) classroom, and the district’s community resource center.
Lamont Elementary School District (LESD) is making sure the health needs of all of its students are met by utilizing the latest technology. Myrtle Avenue School hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony this week to open the first-of-its-kind Telehealth School Wellness Center.
Community Schools are a nationwide initiative to bring education together with whole communities. They not only focus on academics, but also on providing students and families with wraparound support services such as social emotional support, healthcare, transportation and much more.
February is Safely Surrendered Awareness month in Kern County. First signed into law in January 2001, the Safely Surrender Baby Law became permanent in 2006. Since its inception, Kern has seen 98 babies safely surrendered, including Nathan Davis in 2013.
Kids from across Kern County were taken on a musical journey this week at the Young People’s Concerts, courtesy of the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.
All eyes were on Cinnamon today — or Cid for short — one of CALM’s black bears who has become distinctly accurate in predicting the outcome of the Super Bowl in recent years. His pick? The 49ers!
Families in rural Weedpatch are getting their basic needs met thanks to the Vineland School District. The district established a food pantry, open every day, to allow the community to come and pick up food and other necessities free of charge.
The Kern County Consortium SELPA will host its bi-annual conference on March 15. This year’s focus will be on providing strategies for parents and educators related to a variety of communications topics to benefit children with special needs. Registration is just $10 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.
Nearly 800 high school band, choir and orchestra members filled the stage at the Mechanics Bank Theater and Convention Center at the “It’s a Grand Night for Music” celebration Tuesday night.
Students across Kern County are embracing and embodying kindness this week for the Great Kindness Challenge (GKC), a worldwide movement, which encourages students to find ways to be kind to others.
The Kern High School District (KHSD) teamed up with Virtual Enterprise International (VEI) to host the 25th annual Virtual Enterprise California Conference and Trade Exhibition on Jan. 17 & 18, 2024.
Tickets are now on sale for the 3rd annual KEEP CALM Jamboree featuring Yachtley Crew. The April 19 event is a fundraiser for Camp KEEP and CALM.
The county’s largest gathering of school district recruiters in one location will take place Feb. 3, 2024 in downtown Bakersfield.
The Bakersfield Condors invited students from all over the region to watch them take on the Colorado Eagles Tuesday morning for their annual Field Trip Day.
The California Living Museum (CALM) decked out their halls this weekend to prepare for an appearance by multi-platinum, Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress Brandy to celebrate her first-ever Christmas album.
A major Bakersfield holiday tradition is back this Christmas season. The Nutcracker is celebrating its 46th annual production run and local kids are getting a chance to experience it.
Local Latin reggae ska band Mento Buru is embracing the holiday spirit by recording a sequel to their beloved East Bakersfield Christmas album, and this time, they’re getting some help from Kern County students.
The beloved HolidayLights at CALM event is returning to its original format as a walk-thru event after three years as a drive-thru experience.
Results from last year’s administration of the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) are in. How did Kern County students do?
Four individuals have been named Kern County Equity Champions for their work advocating for, modeling, and promoting inclusive practices in our schools and our community at large.
