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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Valley Oaks Charter School (VOCS) in Tehachapi has been voted the community’s Best School, a recognition that Principal Kristi Henry says reflects the strong partnership between families, credentialed teachers, and students.
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.
School chefs from around the region are getting a taste of the mediterranean at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) new Central Kitchen. The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division teamed up with the Institute of Child Nutrition (ICN) to bring school nutrition professionals together for a day of training and scratch cooking.
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.
A group of Kern County middle school students is spending part of their summer exploring hands-on career and technical education opportunities through a free two-week camp hosted by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS).
Each summer, thousands of tourists flock to Washington, D.C. to visit its historic landmarks. But for 51 middle school students from Kern County’s Migrant Education Program, this year’s visit meant something more: it was a chance to see democracy in action and to imagine themselves as part of it.
For a group of rising juniors and seniors from the Kern High School District, this summer was more than a break from the classroom — it marked the beginning of what could be a lifelong calling. The first-ever Kern Healthcare Academy wrapped up its immersive three-day residential program with a symbolic white coat ceremony on Thursday at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), celebrating the students’ early commitment to healthcare careers.
Junior high students in KCSOS’s Alternative Education program spent the summer exploring hands-on career pathways through a new CTE camp—and today, they capped it off by proudly showcasing their skills, projects, and growing confidence to family, educators, and community leaders.
This summer, a group of young foster students from across Kern County experienced more than just hands-on learning — they began making their mark as future civic leaders. For three weeks this summer, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) hosted its third annual Foster Youth STEAM Summer Camp at the Kern County Museum. The free program welcomed 23 incoming third through sixth graders currently active in the foster care system.
Earlier this week, Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) celebrated the opening of the new Central Kitchen, marking a significant milestone in the way meals are prepared and delivered to students across Kern County.
Thousands of students across Kern County are sparking curiosity and a love of learning at the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) summer STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Camps. The summer extended learning program offers a variety of hands-on activities and lessons for several age groups and districts. The summer STEAM Camps were nominated for a 2025 Beautiful Bakersfield Award in the Educational Excellence category. This year, the camps’ locations have expanded to include the new KCSOS STEAM Yard, which opened at the beginning of May. Each location offers a distinct focus, with lesson plans tailored to match each theme.
After more than a decade in leadership at Bakersfield City School District, Superintendent Mark Luque is stepping into a new role with the Kern County Superintendent of Schools as Chief Training & Advancement Officer. The longtime educator, who once attended BCSD schools himself, says the move isn’t a departure but an expansion — a chance to support and empower school leaders countywide while continuing to champion student success.
Cheers to progress! English learners served by KCSOS were recently celebrated for their impressive gains on the ELPAC. From growth to reclassification, these students are making major strides toward English fluency.
Kindergarten graduation at Valley Oaks Charter Bakersfield was all smiles, songs, and sweet moments. Congrats to our littlest grads — first grade, here they come!
Hundreds of students are being awarded for more than just their academic achievements — they’re being recognized for their commitment to making a difference in their communities. Thanks to a major local push to promote civic participation, more than 700 high school students will earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement (SSCE) this year, a dramatic leap from just two students a few years ago.
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.
KCSOS honored four Alternative Education students with its 2025 Graduate Memorial Awards Thursday evening, recognizing character, courage, and growth. The awards celebrate the legacy of four former educators and the values they embodied: empathy, perseverance, integrity, and optimism.
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.
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.
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.
More than 100 students, judges, parents, and teachers packed the new Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) STEAM Yard Thursday afternoon to watch elementary and middle school students go head-to-head in the inaugural Kern Codes Skoolcade: the competition to see who can design the best video game.
Each year, KCSOS calls for nominations from Kern’s 46 school districts for the Classified Employees of the Year program. Nine individuals rose to the top of the field this year, and will be honored at the annual Education Champions ceremony on May 6 where Kern County’s Teachers of the Year will also be announced.
KCSOS has been awarded a $20 million statewide grant to lead a transformative math initiative aimed at improving instruction, equity, and student outcomes across California. In partnership with the California Mathematics Project and others, this effort will empower educators with training, tools, and support aligned to the state’s 2023 Math Framework.
Families filled the McFarland High School campus with laughter, music, and pride on Saturday for the 3rd annual Migrant Family Day—a celebration that honors the learning, culture, and resilience of students in the Migrant Education Program and their families.
Young children engaged all their senses today in the inaugural Sensory Storytime event. Organized by the Community Connection for Child Care, in partnership with Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), Sensory Storytime is designed to engage kids from an early age through a series of fun, creative activities that let children express themselves and tap into their imaginations.
With the snip of ceremonial scissors and a powerful vision for the future, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), in partnership with Chevron, officially launched The STEAM Yard today — a one-of-a-kind hands-on learning center designed to ignite curiosity and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, artists, and innovators.
Nearly 1,400 middle and high school students found their spark Thursday at the 25th Annual Leaders in Life Youth Conference, created by teens for teens. Known as one of California’s premier youth leadership events, Leaders in Life celebrated a legacy of over two decades of empowering young people from Kern County.
The Kern County Honor Music Festival brought together the best junior high and middle school musicians from all over Kern County for an unforgettable performance on the evening of February 25. Under the direction of guest conductors, Michael Stone, Patrick Burzlaff, and Amanda Sproul, the talented students took the stage and wowed the audience with their incredible music. From classical composers Tchaikovsky and Mozart, to the James Bond Theme, to songs in multiple languages, the Orchestra, Choir, and Band gave the audience a show they will never forget.
A School Site Council (SSC) is a space where educators, parents, and sometimes students come together to make decisions that directly impact student achievement and school improvement.
Today, KCSOS’s Alternative Education program donated a refurbished golf cart to the California Living Museum (CALM). This amazing project was made possible by the hard work of the APEX EV Auto CTE students, who repaired and restored the cart with guidance from their CTE instructors.
More than 200 educators, industry leaders, and workforce experts gathered at the Bakersfield Marriott this morning for the 2nd Annual CTE Summit, hosted by KCSOS’s College and Careers Program. Designed to foster collaboration and innovation in Career Technical Education (CTE), the one-day summit featured discussions on curriculum development, work-based learning, instructional strategies, and best practices for assessment and program design.
Valley Oaks Charter School senior Max Morelos has spent much of his life soaring through the air as a competitive gymnast. This spring, Max will graduate from VOCS’s independent study program, and join the prestigious men’s gymnastics team at the University of Oklahoma (OU), a program renowned for its 12 national championships and consistent placement among the nation’s top teams.
Roses are red, cockroaches are… creepy? This Valentine’s, show your love — or lack thereof — for just $5! Dedicate a rose or a cockroach to someone special (or not-so-special) and watch the fun unfold on CALM’s social media Feb. 14.
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.
The 25th Annual Kern County Teacher Recruitment Fair is scheduled to take place Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Larry E. Reider Education Center, 2000 K Street in Bakersfield. Individuals who are fully credentialed, intern-eligible and holders of bachelor’s degrees or higher are invited to attend.
Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu honored KCSOS employees who are retiring with 10-plus years of service during a semi-annual celebration this yesterday. Each received kind words and a classic school hand bell as a memento of their dedication as “Advocates for Children.”
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.
More than 6,000 students descended on Mechanics Bank Arena today to watch the Bakersfield Condors take on the Abbotsford Canucks for the annual Field Trip Day. Students were bused in from more than two dozen school districts to take part in the event, presented by Valley Strong Credit Union. The Canucks beat the Condors 4-2. The Condors’ next game is on Friday.
Ishmeet Singh, a junior at Stockdale High School, is reshaping how students across California receive critical mental health support. He spearheaded an initiative to integrate QR codes on all school ID cards across the state, linking students directly to the mental health resources they need.
KCSOS has introduced a regionalized model for special education, cutting travel times and fostering deeper connections between families and schools. Fruitvale School District’s Endeavour Elementary, a key partner of this initiative, exemplifies the powerful social and emotional impacts of inclusion.
In the early 1990s, former Kern County Superintendent Kelly Blanton dreamed of moving KCSOS to downtown Bakersfield to create a lively hub of learning and community. His vision became reality in 1994 with the dedication of City Centre, which has since become the beating heart of KCSOS, serving thousands who have worked tirelessly to support Kern County’s children and families over the years. Now, as KCSOS marks 30 years downtown, the addition of the iconic Bell Tower signals an exciting new chapter in Blanton’s enduring legacy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For over 20 years, Kern County students have turned to “Do the Math,” a math tutoring TV show produced by KCSOS’s Kern Education Television Network. The 23rd season starts on September 10, featuring a newly renovated studio with advanced technology, a larger demonstration area, and a modern and sophisticated look.
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.
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.
The story of Noor El Kereamy is one of tremendous ambition and achievement. The recent Stockdale High School graduate seamlessly blends her passions for science, dance, and community service into a story of success that inspires others. Now, this distinguished young woman has her sights set on the prestigious halls of Stanford University.
Employees working in KCSOS’s Transportation Department came together today to recognize the impact of their work for children in Kern County. The awards included the coveted CHP Safe Driving Certificates and KCSOS’s Safe Driving Pins.
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.
Students from Kern County’s Migrant Education Program (MEP) are seeing themselves represented in STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Mathematics) fields and getting the unique opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM lessons. Migrant students participated in a free STEM Institute this summer at UC Santa Barbara.
This summer, the Beale Memorial Library in Bakersfield is a hub of creativity and learning, thanks to an interactive wind tube exhibit. The Kern County Superintendent of Schools, in partnership with the library, is hosting this exhibit every Monday from 3-4 p.m. and Wednesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. until the end of July.
California recently enacted a new law that will require high school students to complete a semester-long ethnic studies course before graduation. In anticipation, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) is taking significant steps to prepare educators for the new requirement.
The Beautiful Bakersfield Awards, presented by the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, honored the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) for their impactful Do the Math television program in the education category. This award serves as a testament to the program’s remarkable influence on education in Kern County.
The Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Educator Development program is getting ready to host the annual New Educator Summit Day of Learning, and local teachers still have an opportunity to sign up.
Camp KEEP is the recipient of a Whale Tail Grant from the California Coastal Commission. Funding will be used to enhance the student experience at the KEEP Ocean and KEEP By the Sea campuses beginning in the fall.
Career Technical Education (CTE) is not just vocational training. For those in Alternative Education (Alt Ed) settings like KCSOS’s court and community schools, CTE programming offers a unique opportunity for growth and is a transformative journey for many students.
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.
KCSOS has announced the recipients of its Alternative Education program annual Graduate Memorial Awards, paying tribute to four staff members who have passed away.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced Wednesday that the California State Board of Education approved $1.3 billion in Community Schools implementation grants. Just over $49 million of the pot will make its way to 11 Kern County school districts.
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.
Ryan Merkle was selected as KCSOS’s Teacher of the Year nominee. Merkle was recognized alongside 58 other Kern County Teachers of the Year district nominees during the Education Champions awards dinner held May 7.
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.
The annual Youth Empowering Success (YES!) Conference, held at Bakersfield College Friday, brought together more than 150 middle and high school foster youth along with caregivers, educators, and community agencies to help students forge a path to success.
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.
For over two decades, Leaders in Life has been one of California’s premier youth leadership conferences created by teens, for teens. Thursday, nearly 1,100 teens turned out for the 24th annual conference, almost doubling last year’s figures.
Approximately 540 4th through 12th grade students took part in Kern County’s 36th annual Regional Science Fair. The annual event is the culmination of months of hard work for students who rose through their school and district ranks for a chance to showcase their science projects and compete at the county level.
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.
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.
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.
Frontier High School received the Claude W. Richardson perpetual trophy as the overall team winner of the 43rd annual Kern County Academic Decathlon. Nearly 100 students from 12 high schools participated. Frontier High will represent Kern County in the California Academic Decathlon scheduled for next month.
More than 200 Kern County educators gathered for the first-ever CTE Summit hosted by KCSOS to kick-off National CTE Month. The event focused on a variety of CTE topics including curriculum development, the key components of a CTE program, work-based learning, instructional strategies, best practices, and assessment methods.
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.
Five local schools are being recognized and honored for making a positive impact on their students. The Innovative and Impactful Schools (I2S) recognition program identified the schools across all 46 districts in Kern County that use verified systems to increase student success.
The voices of students matter. But, what does it mean to truly take students’ opinions and experiences into account, and how do leaders use those voices to make lasting change? That is what students and educational leaders set out to answer during the inaugural Student Voice Matters Day held today at California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB).
In February of 2023, CALM had the privilege of hosting Joel Sartore, an internationally celebrated photographer and conservationist, to take photos of some of CALM’s animals for his decades-long project with National Geographic.
The Arvin Union School District is making the most of its three-week winter holiday break to provide an enriching STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) camp for kids.
KCSOS has purchased the iconic Bell Tower building in downtown Bakersfield. The complex will become a center for KCSOS’s professional learning opportunities.
A new program has local middle school students thinking ahead to their adult lives and future careers. KCSOS is piloting a new “I have a Plan” Career Exploration Curriculum that introduces students to a variety of career options that they can explore and learn about before they reach high school.
KCSOS’s Alternative Education program has teamed up with Kern County’s Aging and Adult Services on a unique partnership for the benefit of students and aging adults alike.
Every year, KCSOS solicits nominations for its annual You Make a Difference Awards, which recognize employees in three categories: Overall Excellence, Innovation in Education, and Distinguished Service.
Happy Thanksgiving from KCSOS! As schools gear up for their well-deserved Thanksgiving break, the Richardson Child Development Center at KCSOS hosted its annual Turkey Trot Parade this Friday morning.
More than $1.8M has been awarded to the Kern County Superintendent of Schools office to help build California’s cradle-to-career program.
Every November, KCSOS’s Foster and Homeless Youth Education Program, the Kern County Network for Children’s Dream Center, Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative (BKRHC), and many other local organizations pool their resources to bring awareness to youth homelessness. For KCSOS Peer Support Specialist Gennessa Fisher, this month is also a time to advocate for more compassion for all people experiencing homelessness.
