CALM Zoo is looking to the future with a 20-year master plan to expand habitats, enhance education, and reimagine visitor experiences. Already welcoming 100,000 guests each year — plus 65,000 more during HolidayLights — CALM is ready to inspire generations to come.
Read Full Story
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.
From humble beginnings with fewer than 50 students across a handful of rural schools, the Southern Kern Unified School District (SKUSD) has grown into the vibrant heart of Rosamond—serving thousands, expanding offerings from early childhood to adult education, and deeply rooted in community spirit. Discover how SKUSD honors its past while building toward a bright future.
When homework has Kern County students stumped, the solution has often been just a phone call — or TV remote — away. For more than two decades, “Do the Math,” a free, standards-based math tutoring show produced by KCSOS’s Kern Education Television Network (KETN), has been helping 4th–12th graders tackle everything from fractions to algebra. The program returns for its 24th season on Sept. 9, continuing its mission to make math less intimidating and a lot more fun.
Three Kern County students spent four days this summer sharpening their leadership skills and their voices at the California Association of Student Councils (CASC) Summer Leadership Camp in Santa Barbara. Sponsored by the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS), these three delegates joined a larger group of Kern County students and peers from across California for hands-on training in communication, advocacy, and leadership.
Centennial High School graduate Alex Fan has taken his love of dance from Bakersfield’s Nutcracker stage to the sidelines of the NFL. Recently named to the Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 cheerleading team, Fan is one of three male cheerleaders on the squad — the largest in team history. A standout student who graduated from Columbia University in just three years, Fan continues to balance his passions, working as a museum educator while performing with the Eagles and preparing for his long-term goal of attending law school.
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.
Before she even crossed the stage at graduation, Melissa Juarez of Lost Hills had already earned three associate degrees — an extraordinary achievement for a high school senior.
A proud graduate of Wonderful College Prep Academy, Melissa is part of just the second graduating class from the school’s Lost Hills campus. This fall, Melissa will enter UC Irvine as a Materials Science and Engineering major — a decision driven by her love of all things STEM.
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.
Lamont Elementary School District is officially back in session! Myrtle Avenue Elementary welcomed students with smiles, high-fives, and plenty of first-day excitement as eager learners returned to campus bright and […]
Panama-Buena Vista Union School District (PBVUSD) rolled out the black-and-white cow print carpet for its youngest learners on Thursday morning, welcoming more than 600 transitional kindergarten (TK) and kindergarten students, as well as nearly 1,000 family members, to its western-themed event, “Little Boots, Big Dreams.”
For the first time in her life, Taylor Burrows is leaving California — and she’s going big. The recent Highland High School graduate is headed across the country this fall to begin her college journey at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. There, she’ll pursue a pre-med track, continuing a path she’s been building since freshman year, guided by a love of science, a passion for helping others, and the relentless work ethic that has defined her high school experience.
When Avery Francisco Cacal walked across the stage at Delano High School’s graduation, he did so with a sense of purpose greater than himself. His journey is defined by hard work, sacrifice, and a dream of serving his country, just as his family has done before him. This fall, Avery is headed to New York to attend the United States Military Academy Preparatory School (USMAPS) before joining USMA, also known as West Point. His ultimate goal is to join the U.S. Army as an officer, a first for his family.
This fall, Nathan Chavez will be trading the warm familiarity of Bakersfield for the historic halls of the University of Pennsylvania — one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions in the country. With an acceptance rate of just 5.9 percent and a reputation for challenging its students, UPenn is no easy feat. Yet, for Nathan, it’s not just a college acceptance — it’s the realization of a dream and a defining milestone as the first in his family to attend a four-year university.
For Miriam Vasquez, high school wasn’t just about academics—it was about transformation, independence, and discovering the power of perseverance. Now, as she prepares to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) with an almost full-ride scholarship, she reflects on a journey that began far away.
Thanks to the extensive early college programs offered by high school districts across Kern County, many local seniors can graduate with more than just a few college credits to their name. In fact, a growing number are earning full associate degrees before they even leave their high school campus. Ruby Bravo, who recently graduated from Delano High School, has earned three degrees: two Associate of Arts (AA) degrees from Bakersfield College (BC) and one Associate of Science (AS) degree from Cerro Coso Community College.
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.
Del Oro High School, the newest campus in the Kern High School District, celebrated its first graduating class last week. Among the first members of the senior class is a trailblazer Edwin Jesus Campos who sought success and found it with his acceptance to Stanford University.
With proud families, friends, educators, and partners from Kern County Probation watching, the Class of 2025 from KCSOS’s Alternative Education programs crossed the stage this morning during a heartfelt commencement ceremony held at Valley Oaks Charter School in Bakersfield.
Meet the unsung heroes of Valley Oaks Charter School. The inaugural Superintendent’s Award honors four standout students—not just for grades, but for grit, kindness, and quiet leadership. From running a petting zoo to reviving a drama program, these 8th and 12th graders show that impact isn’t always loud—but it’s always powerful.
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.
Caps and gowns, tiny edition! 🎓✨ On a beautiful spring morning, the Richardson Center’s preschool graduates stole the show as proud parents and loved ones looked on. With songs, smiles, and precious little faces beaming with pride, it was a celebration to remember. Congratulations to these bright young learners — kindergarten, here they come!
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.
Student-designed trophies, heartfelt recognition, and powerful stories of inclusion — Kern County Consortium SELPA’s first-ever Empowering Students with Disabilities Awards honored the educators making a difference, with a special assist from McFarland High’s media arts students.
Local elementary and middle school students are returning victorious after a standout showing at the California History Day competition in Sacramento. Following months of in-depth research and creative project development, five students earned top honors and have advanced to the prestigious National History Day contest in Maryland.
The 2025 Kern County Battle of the Books is underway this week, bringing together students from across the region in a spirited celebration of reading and teamwork. This year’s event has expanded to five days and, for the first time, is being hosted at the California Living Museum (CALM) Zoo, providing a unique and engaging backdrop for the competitions.
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.
A celebration of healing, connection, and community lit up the Blanton Education Center as KCSOS’s Alternative Education program hosted its third annual Mental Health Fair. With the theme “Mental Health Begins With Me,” the event invited students and families to explore vital wellness resources, enjoy live music and therapy dogs, and embrace the message that support is always within reach.
Nearly 900 of California’s brightest young minds gathered at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks on April 12–13 for the 2025 California Science & Engineering Fair, the state’s premier science competition for students in grades 6 through 12. Among the 881 participants representing 351 schools, several Kern County students stood out for their innovative research and scientific curiosity.
California teachers: Don’t reinvent the wheel. Thousands of free, standards-aligned lessons are now available on CA Educators Together — built by educators, for educators. Whether you’re looking to supplement your curriculum or save time without sacrificing quality, this Kern-led platform is here to support you.
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.
Five years after the COVID-19 shutdown, Kern County schools look very different. What started as a temporary closure became a turning point, reshaping education through digital learning, mental health support, and new student interventions. How did schools adapt, and what changes are here to stay?
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.
After months of research, experiments, and hard work, about 600 4th through 12th grade students showcased their projects at Kern County’s 37th annual Regional Science Fair. The event, which took place at the Dignity Health Convention Center Tuesday, was a chance for students who had risen through the ranks of their schools and districts to compete at the county level.
What if cities were designed for play? Kendrick Elementary students tackled this challenge in a hands-on LEGO Build the Change workshop, using creativity to make urban spaces more fun. Their imaginative designs—like interactive fountains and talking trash cans—will be featured in an animated film and global curriculum.
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.
The Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) is set to begin interior renovations next week on the historic Bell Tower Plaza, which it purchased last year. Once completed, the Plaza will serve as KCSOS’s signature professional learning and events center, with a grand reopening planned for next fall.
The inaugural IgniteHER STEAM 4 Girls Conference is set to empower young girls to explore STEM fields on April 5, 2025, at Bakersfield College. Led by KCSOS STEM specialists, this event will connect fifth through eighth-grade girls with inspiring female role models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With hands-on workshops and mentorship opportunities, IgniteHER aims to break stereotypes and open doors to exciting career possibilities.
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.
Frontier High School received the Claude W. Richardson perpetual trophy as the overall team winner of the 44th annual Kern County Academic Decathlon which concluded today at Stockdale High School. 115 students from 13 high schools participated. Frontier will represent Kern County in the California Academic Decathlon scheduled for next month.
Students, teachers, and school districts all over the county are showing us what it means to be kind. This week is the Great Kindness Challenge (GKC), a worldwide movement that takes place at the end of January each year and encourages everyone to embrace kindness.
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.
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.
In Kern County, educators and first responders are joining forces to prioritize school safety. Through collaborative efforts like the Safer Schools Coalition and the implementation of standardized emergency protocols, the community is taking proactive steps to ensure students are protected and prepared for any situation
Kern County’s education landscape has lost a transformational leader. Dr. Kelly Foster Blanton passed away earlier this month, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of dedication, innovation, and a commitment to the success of all children. He was 87. From his humble beginnings as the son of Dust Bowl migrant farmworkers to his transformative tenure as Kern County’s 18th superintendent of schools, Blanton’s life exemplified resilience, vision, and service.
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’s most anticipated holiday tradition, HolidayLights at CALM, is back and brighter than ever. Running from November 30 through January 4, this award-winning event combines breathtaking light displays with festive activities, making it a must-visit for families and friends during the holiday season.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do you know a student, educator or community member who is doing great work to make Kern County a more inclusive and welcoming place? Nominate them for the annual Equity Champion Awards program.
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.
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.
Across the state, many students are stepping into roles traditionally reserved for adults: serving as representatives on their local school boards. Read about a few right here in Kern County.
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.
First-generation college student Raul Garza is about to embark on an exciting new chapter in his life. After graduating from McFarland High School in the spring, Garza has set his aspirations on the University of California, Riverside where he will major in business.
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.
The Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) is once again hosting its highly anticipated summer camps, drawing nearly 4,000 students from across the county. Taking place at three unique sites—California Living Museum (CALM), Kern County Museum and the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History—these camps offer an engaging mix of education and fun, with a strong emphasis on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics).
Betsy Rodriguez, a first-generation college student, exemplifies the power of perseverance and dedication. Celebrating her remarkable academic success, Betsy graduated as valedictorian from Rosamond High School. She is now set to attend California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo to major in architecture.
With a deep passion for space travel and an impressive array of interests and talents, Iamanni Jackson’s journey to one of the most prestigious universities in the world says a lot about her resilience and determination.
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.
Valley Oaks Charter School allows parents to customize their child’s learning experience, tailoring it to their individual needs in a homeschool environment. Read what two graduates say about the program and what their plans are for the future.
Despite facing significant challenges throughout their academic journeys, local foster students have defied the odds and are now set to attend four-year universities this fall. Among these resilient students is Memory Richmond, who is a graduating senior at Mira Monte High School.
Meet Vanessa Ponce. She will graduate as Rosamond High School’s valedictorian on June 4 boasting an incredible 4.59 GPA. Her story is one in a series of Kern County “first-gens” that we are covering this graduation season.
Three Teachers of the Year finalists and eight Classified School Employees of the Year were honored this evening at the first-ever Kern County Education Champions of the Year awards dinner.
To help National Library Week, held the third week of April every year, we are spotlighting Carter Beardsley, a junior at Frontier High School who is making strides to combat literacy issues in Kern County.
Kern County 7th and 8th graders competed in the 69th annual Henry Greve Speech Contest Thursday evening. Each of the competing students had between four-and-a-half and seven minutes to convince the judges with their persuasive speeches, answering the prompt: “How Can One Person Make A Difference?”
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.
School bus drivers from across Kern County and beyond gathered today at the Kern High School District transportation yard for the annual Bus Road-eo skills competition.
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.
Dozens of honor band, orchestra, and choir students took the stage Tuesday night for the annual Kern County Honor Music Festival.
As part of School Social Workers Week, six School Social Workers (SSWs) were named to the inaugural cohort of School Social Workers of the Year.
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!
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.
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.
