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District News

Senior Spotlight: Maricopa Unified’s Dylan Henderson Aces Attendance
Wed May 28, 2025 | District News

Senior Spotlight: Maricopa Unified’s Dylan Henderson Aces Attendance

There are 180 days in a school year. Over 13 years—from kindergarten through high school—that adds up to 2,340 days. Dylan Henderson, a senior at Maricopa High School (Maricopa Unified School District), hasn’t missed a single one.

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Sierra Sands Unified Celebrates Milestones in School Culture, Student Support
Mon May 12, 2025 | District News

Sierra Sands Unified Celebrates Milestones in School Culture, Student Support

Sierra Sands Unified is celebrating major strides in student support and community engagement. Las Flores and Inyokern Elementary earned national recognition for fostering safe, connected school cultures, while Pierce Elementary launched the Watch D.O.G.S. program to bring positive male role models into classrooms. A new $1.9 million Community Schools grant will expand services and strengthen family partnerships districtwide.

Trio Named Kern County Teachers of the Year Finalists
Tue May 6, 2025 | District News

Trio Named Kern County Teachers of the Year Finalists

The Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) office announced the three finalists for the prestigious 2025 Kern County Teacher of the Year award, while also recognizing dozens of outstanding local educators as part of its annual Excellence in Education celebration Tuesday evening at the DoubleTree Bakersfield.

Discovery Elementary Earns Green Shield Status From Positivity Project
Tue May 6, 2025 | District News

Discovery Elementary Earns Green Shield Status From Positivity Project

Students at Discovery Elementary School (Fruitvale Union School District) are showing what it means to be kind, brave, prudent, and well-rounded individuals with a Green Shield designation from the Positivity Project (P2). P2 is a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) platform designed to teach students positive character traits while supporting their mental health and teaching desired behaviors. Lesson plans are tailored to each grade level and focus on 24 character strengths such as kindness, teamwork, and perseverance. Students learn how to adopt those traits into their everyday lives, building empathy and community.

Young Innovators Shine at 2025 STEAM Olympiad
Sat May 3, 2025 | District News

Young Innovators Shine at 2025 STEAM Olympiad

More than 1,100 students from dozens of schools competed in a series of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) challenges in the annual Kern County STEAM Olympiad Saturday at Liberty High School. The event, sponsored by the Kern County Science Foundation and the Kern County Math Council, helps foster 21st-century skills in STEAM fields that align with California Standards.

Inspiring Confidence: Students Deliver Excellence in Bank of America Speech Contest
Fri May 2, 2025 | District News

Inspiring Confidence: Students Deliver Excellence in Bank of America Speech Contest

Elementary school speakers from Kern County showed off their verbal and writing skills Thursday night at the annual Bank of America Essay/Speech Contest. Sponsored and judged by Bank of America employees and the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), the competition allows students in grades four through six to express their personal insights on a common topic.

General Shafter School Hosts Inaugural Community Resource and TK Readiness Fair
Tue April 29, 2025 | Community News

General Shafter School Hosts Inaugural Community Resource and TK Readiness Fair

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.

Student Orators Compete in Kern County Oral Language Festival
Sat April 26, 2025 | District News

Student Orators Compete in Kern County Oral Language Festival

More than 255 students, who already rose through the rakes of their schoolwide, districtwide, and regional competitions, went head-to-head Saturday in the annual Kern County Oral Language Festival at Stonecreek Jr. High School. Elementary and middle school students were tasked with presenting their interpretations of a published literary work in a three-to-five-minute piece.

Susan Holloway Clothing Bank Opens at Greenfield Family Resource Center
Fri April 25, 2025 | Community News

Susan Holloway Clothing Bank Opens at Greenfield Family Resource Center

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.

Kern County Students Immersed in Career and STEM Exploration at 2025 Expo
Fri April 4, 2025 | District News

Kern County Students Immersed in Career and STEM Exploration at 2025 Expo

More than 3,400 middle and high school students from across Kern County gathered today at the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) in Bakersfield for the annual Kern County Career & STEM Expo. Hosted by the Kern High School District (KHSD), the Kern Economic Development Foundation (KEDF), and Chevron—alongside several community partners—the event offered a hands-on look into the world of STEM and local career pathways.

All-Girl Middle School Robotics Team Makes History in U.S. Open Competition
Tue April 1, 2025 | District News

All-Girl Middle School Robotics Team Makes History in U.S. Open Competition

Even before the CREATE U.S. Open Robotics Competition in Council Bluffs, Iowa, last week, a robotics team from Downtown School had already made history. Not only are the Downtown Dragons the first team from the Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) to be invited to the national competition, but they’re also breaking barriers as an all-girls team. Their journey has taken them to new heights, placing them in the top 20 in their division and top 115 in the skills division.

Strong Showing for McFarland at First Migrant Regional Speech and Debate Tournament
Sat March 29, 2025 | District News

Strong Showing for McFarland at First Migrant Regional Speech and Debate Tournament

Nearly 30 migrant students from across Kern County went head-to-head Saturday in the region’s first-ever speech and debate competition explicitly geared toward them. After several months of planning, preparing, and practice, middle and high school students from McFarland, Arvin, and Fairfax school districts gave their prepared and extemporaneous speeches, and participated in debate in both English and Spanish categories.

Greenfield Debuts ‘The Nest,’ District’s First-Ever Gymnasium
Fri March 28, 2025 | District News

Greenfield Debuts ‘The Nest,’ District’s First-Ever Gymnasium

After decades of dreaming, Greenfield Union School District has unveiled its very first gymnasium — and it’s more than just a place to play. “The Nest,” a stunning, eagle-inspired facility, officially opened Friday with a community-wide celebration, marking a historic moment for the school and district. With room for 1,900 people, championship-ready courts, and a design that soars, this state-of-the-art gym is set to change the game for Greenfield students — rain or shine.

School Bus Drivers Soar to New Heights at Annual Road-eo Event
Mon March 24, 2025 | District News

School Bus Drivers Soar to New Heights at Annual Road-eo Event

School bus drivers showed off their skills this weekend in the annual School Bus Road-eo, hosted by the California Association of School Transportation Officials (CASTO) Chapter 12. Drivers from Kern and surrounding counties gathered early Saturday morning at Minter Field Airport District in Shafter to participate in a written test and an obstacle course, testing their ability to negotiate difficult situations they might encounter while transporting children to and from school.

The Power of Books: Read Across America’s Mission to Inspire a Love of Reading
Tue March 4, 2025 | District News

The Power of Books: Read Across America’s Mission to Inspire a Love of Reading

Every year in early March, classrooms, libraries, and communities across the nation come alive with the magic of books as they celebrate Read Across America. Established in 1998 by the National Education Association (NEA), Read Across America is a nationwide movement designed to inspire a love for reading among children. The weeklong event coincides with the birthday of the beloved children’s author Dr. Seuss on March 2 and serves as a cornerstone of National Reading Month in March.

Crescent Elementary Becomes First Certified Healthy School in Kern County
Thu February 27, 2025 | Community News

Crescent Elementary Becomes First Certified Healthy School in Kern County

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.

Local Middle Schools Expand CTE, Preparing Students for Future Careers
Fri February 21, 2025 | District News

Local Middle Schools Expand CTE, Preparing Students for Future Careers

Middle schools in the Rosedale Union and Norris school districts are expanding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, offering hands-on experiences in fields like cosmetology, forensic science, media arts, and many more. These programs help students develop technical skills, explore career interests, and gain real-world knowledge—all before they reach high school.

Sierra Sands Unified Reshapes Education with Ambitious Reorganization 
Thu February 13, 2025 | District News

Sierra Sands Unified Reshapes Education with Ambitious Reorganization 

For 50 years, Sierra Sands Unified School District has shaped education in northeastern Kern County. Now, with the ambitious R3 Initiative, SSUSD is reimagining learning—launching three new schools of choice, upgrading facilities, and expanding career pathways. Discover how this rural district is embracing innovation while staying true to its tight-knit community.

Powerhouse Centennial High Mock Trial Team Claims Victory Once Again
Sat January 25, 2025 | District News

Powerhouse Centennial High Mock Trial Team Claims Victory Once Again

High School teams from across Kern County went head-to-head in the courtroom today for the 43rd Annual Kern County Mock Trial Competition. Students have spent months preparing for this highly anticipated event, showcasing their talents in legal argumentation, public speaking, and critical thinking. In the end, it was Centennial’s prosecution versus Ridgeview’s defense that took the top two spots.

Kern County’s Young Entrepreneurs Shine at Virtual Enterprise Competition
Thu January 23, 2025 | District News

Kern County’s Young Entrepreneurs Shine at Virtual Enterprise Competition

Students from more than 70 high schools across California and the region shined at the Virtual Enterprises (VE) California Conference and Trade Exhibition, showcasing their innovative business concepts in a competitive and collaborative environment. The event, which spans two days at the Mechanics Bank Convention Center in Bakersfield, is one of the country’s largest and most competitive VE events.

Highland High Senior Earns Full-Ride to Prestigious Johns Hopkins University
Mon January 13, 2025 | District News

Highland High Senior Earns Full-Ride to Prestigious Johns Hopkins University

For many high school seniors, their final year is a whirlwind of excitement, but it also comes with the stress of planning for their future. But for Taylor Burrows, a senior at Highland High School, one monumental achievement has lifted a significant weight off her shoulders. In December, Burrows received life-changing news that she was accepted to Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders at Student Voice Matters Day
Fri January 10, 2025 | District News

Empowering Tomorrow’s Leaders at Student Voice Matters Day

The California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) Student Union buzzed with excitement today as about 200 middle and high school students gathered for the Second Annual Student Voice Matters Day. These student ambassadors, representing 13 chapters across Kern County, stepped onto campus ready to grow as leaders, explore college and career opportunities, and, most importantly, amplify their voices for change in their schools.

Small-Town Grit: Taft Union High School District’s Story of Resilience and Renewal
Thu December 12, 2024 | District News

Small-Town Grit: Taft Union High School District’s Story of Resilience and Renewal

In a tight-knit town rooted in the legacy of oil fields, the Taft Union High School District (TUHSD) is defined by its hard work, resilience, and unyielding community pride. Over the past decade, the district’s educators and leaders have faced challenges head-on, driven by the belief that hard work and collective effort can yield positive results for their students.

Arvin Triumphs Over Powerhouse Centennial in ‘We the People’ Competition
Sat December 7, 2024 | District News

Arvin Triumphs Over Powerhouse Centennial in ‘We the People’ Competition

Golden Valley High School buzzed with excitement today as students from seven Kern County high schools — Centennial, West, Independence, East, Liberty, Arvin, and host Golden Valley — showcased their constitutional expertise in the annual We the People competition. Arvin High School upset the competition with its 22nd Congressional District win and an overall score of 1686.

Tiny But Mighty: Kern’s Smallest School Districts Team Up for Big Impact
Fri December 6, 2024 | District News

Tiny But Mighty: Kern’s Smallest School Districts Team Up for Big Impact

In the far reaches of Kern’s vast landscape — atop foothills out east and sprawled across the oil and ag land out west — lie eight of the County’s smallest school districts. Together, they serve fewer than 1,000 students. Despite facing unique challenges like social isolation and limited resources, these districts are proving that size is no limitation when it comes to making a big impact. 

Local Officials Support Homeless Youth Awareness With a Purple Pie to the Face
Mon November 4, 2024 | Community News

Local Officials Support Homeless Youth Awareness With a Purple Pie to the Face

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.

School Nurse David Tate Champions Support for Kids Battling Cancer
Wed October 30, 2024 | Community News

School Nurse David Tate Champions Support for Kids Battling Cancer

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. 

Creating a Peaceful Path: McKinley Elementary Revitalizes Nature Trail
Thu October 24, 2024 | Community News

Creating a Peaceful Path: McKinley Elementary Revitalizes Nature Trail

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.

Lamont Elementary School District Celebrates 130 Years of Legacy and Progress
Wed October 23, 2024 | District News

Lamont Elementary School District Celebrates 130 Years of Legacy and Progress

The Lamont Elementary School District (LESD) is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its 130th anniversary. Since its humble beginnings in the late 19th Century, the district has grown alongside the town of Lamont, transforming into a vital institution at the heart of its community. Current and former school officials, as well as community members gathered at Mountain View Middle School Tuesday morning to celebrate as LESD looks back on its storied past while keeping its eyes set on the future.

First-Ever SEL Symposium Promotes Student Well-Being in Kern County
Thu October 17, 2024 | District News

First-Ever SEL Symposium Promotes Student Well-Being in Kern County

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.

Kern High School District Celebrates Principal Partners’ Day
Thu October 17, 2024 | District News

Kern High School District Celebrates Principal Partners’ Day

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.

BCSD Hosts Inspiring Community Partners in Education Event
Fri October 4, 2024 | District News

BCSD Hosts Inspiring Community Partners in Education Event

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.

McKee Middle School Clothing Bank Continues its Tradition of Care
Mon September 23, 2024 | District News

McKee Middle School Clothing Bank Continues its Tradition of Care

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.

Redwood Elementary Celebrates Inclusivity with Start With Hello Week
Tue September 17, 2024 | Community News

Redwood Elementary Celebrates Inclusivity with Start With Hello Week

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.

Standard Elementary Celebrates Healthy Practices With Blue Zones Project Approval
Thu August 29, 2024 | District News

Standard Elementary Celebrates Healthy Practices With Blue Zones Project Approval

Standard Elementary School is proudly celebrating its recent designation as a Blue Zones Project (BZP) approved school, the first of its kind in the Standard School District. This achievement reflects the school’s efforts to create a healthier, more vibrant learning environment for its students. Students and staff celebrated today to highlight the practices that have earned Standard Elementary this recognition.

Panama Buena-Vista Embraces Social-Emotional Learning with The Positivity Project
Tue August 27, 2024 | District News

Panama Buena-Vista Embraces Social-Emotional Learning with The Positivity Project

In recent years, Kern County schools have increasingly recognized the need for Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in their classrooms. With the emotional and psychological challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and other stressors, educators have been trying to find ways to better support their students’ mental health. The Positivity Project, also known as P2, has been embraced by the Panama Buena-Vista Union School District (PBVUSD) as one way to fulfill this need.

Lifelong Dream Takes Flight for Highland High Grad Jack Stringer 
Mon August 26, 2024 | District News

Lifelong Dream Takes Flight for Highland High Grad Jack Stringer 

Recent Highland High School graduate Jack Stringer is fulfilling a dream he’s had since early childhood: attending the Air Force Academy to become a fighter pilot. His journey began long before he reported for basic training this summer at the prestigious Academy campus in Colorado Springs, requiring years of dedication, discipline, and perseverance.

Sierra Sands Celebrates 50 Years, Introduces Visionary R3 Initiative 
Tue August 6, 2024 | District News

Sierra Sands Celebrates 50 Years, Introduces Visionary R3 Initiative 

The Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD) in Ridgecrest is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year and has its sights set on an ambitious district improvement project. Coined “R3” — which stands for Rebound, Rebuild, Reimagine — the initiative is designed to ensure students have access to modern, safe school environments, as well as looking to the future and reshaping the landscape for a thriving community.

McFarland High School Early College Program: A Pathway to Success
Mon July 8, 2024 | District News

McFarland High School Early College Program: A Pathway to Success

McFarland High School Early College is offering all its students a significant head start through its robust dual enrollment program. In partnership with Bakersfield College (BC) and the Kern Community College District, McFarland High  has developed an initiative that allows high school students to graduate not only with their high school diploma but also with an Associate of Arts degree or college credits, setting them up for future academic and career success.

From Wasco to Princeton: Alexis Cruz Overcomes All Odds
Wed June 5, 2024 | Community News

From Wasco to Princeton: Alexis Cruz Overcomes All Odds

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.

Hundreds Show off STEAM Skills at 3rd Annual Olympiad
Sat May 4, 2024 | District News

Hundreds Show off STEAM Skills at 3rd Annual Olympiad

Hundreds of Kern County students participated in the 3rd annual Kern County STEAM Olympiad today at Liberty High School. The event, sponsored by the Kern County Science Foundation and the Kern County Math Council, allowed students to work together in teams of up to six to compete in various math, science, art and engineering events.

Eight Kern County Schools Named Innovative & Impactful Schools
Wed May 1, 2024 | District News

Eight Kern County Schools Named Innovative & Impactful Schools

Congratulations to Kern County’s 2024 Innovative & Impactful Schools.
Norris Middle School, Rio Bravo Greeley Elementary, Vista West High School, and Warren Middle School were recognized for their efforts to reduce suspension rates. At the same time, Di Giorgio Elementary, Thomas Middle School, Frazier Park Elementary, and Taft Union High School were honored for their efforts to reduce chronic absenteeism.