2026 KCSOS You Make a Difference Awardees Named
Each year, KCSOS recognizes outstanding employees who exemplify the organization’s mission of serving children through excellence, innovation, and dedication. Meet this year’s honorees.
Fruitvale Schools Honored for Positive Approach to Student Behavior
Fruitvale School District’s PBIS and MTSS programs use positive, individualized support and data-driven interventions to improve student behavior, earning every school recognition for progress while helping students feel supported rather than defined by their behavior.
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NASA Astronaut Captain Victor Glover Inspires Students at Sierra Sands Unified
Artemis II astronaut Captain Victor Glover returned to Ridgecrest to share his journey from military aviation to space exploration, inspiring Sierra Sands Unified students to pursue their own goals through education, resilience, and perseverance.
$10,000 Stipends Aim to Open Doors for California’s Future Teachers
California’s new $10,000 student teacher stipend is helping remove a major barrier to entering the profession, while a statewide campaign and new toolkit are helping spread the word.
Katarina Osdale Finds Purpose in a Full-Circle Return to KCSOS
Katarina Osdale overcame addiction and hardship to rebuild her life, pursue education, and inspire others through her full-circle return to KCSOS.
BCSD Students Find Their Rhythm During Music in Our Schools Week
Students from across Bakersfield City School District (BCSD) gathered throughout the week for school assemblies celebrating the district’s annual Music in Our Schools Week (MIOSW).
KCSOS Looks Toward New Era of Dining at CSUB
KCSOS is assuming dining operations at CSU Bakersfield, bringing a nonprofit, student-focused approach with new food options, expanded services, local sourcing, and employment opportunities.
Kern County Community Reading Project Seeks Volunteers
You can help a child become a stronger, more confident reader by volunteering just one hour a week. The Kern County Community Reading Project is seeking volunteers to provide one-on-one reading support to local second-graders.
Back-to-School Traffic Safety with BPD Traffic Sgt. Rex Davenport
Kern County Superintendent of Schools and Bakersfield Police Department Traffic Sergeant Rex Davenport encourage families to prioritize back-to-school safety by slowing down, following traffic laws, modeling safe habits, staying alert, and teaching children safe practices as they travel to and from school.
California Teacher of the Year to Inspire Fellow Kern County Educators Sept. 12
April Raguindin, a first-grade teacher at Dr. Douglas K. Fletcher Elementary School in Bakersfield City School District and one of California’s 2026 Teachers of the Year, will deliver the keynote address at the free Educator Summit scheduled Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Bell Tower Plaza.
District Spotlight: How Lamont Elementary School District Cultivates Generations of Learners and Leaders
For more than 130 years, Lamont Elementary School District has shaped generations of families, with former students like first-year Superintendent Brandy Charles returning to lead the community that shaped them.
Annual Shopping Spree Helps Kern Students Start School Ready to Succeed
More than 100 Kern County students received new clothes, school supplies, and a confident start to the school year through the annual Kohl’s Children’s Shopping Spree.
Expanded Learning Conference Equips Professionals for the Future
More than 300 after-school professionals from across Kern County came together this week for the Expanded Learning Project’s 7th Annual After School Professional Development Conference, where workshops equipped staff with new tools to better serve students and families.
KCSOS STEAM Summer Camp Grows the Next Generation of Educators
The KCSOS STEAM Yard combines immersive, hands-on STEAM learning with a growing educator pipeline, inspiring thousands of students while helping mentors discover and prepare for careers in teaching.
Kern County Science Fair Leads Students to International Stage
The Kern County Science Fair equips students with the curiosity, critical thinking, perseverance, and problem-solving skills to tackle real-world challenges, empowering young innovators like Simar Singh and Eric Nahama to achieve international STEM success.
Girl Meets Metal: KCSOS’s College and Career Programs Host Girls Welding Workshops
Kern County students spent a summer day learning welding skills in a program aimed at encouraging girls to explore high-demand trade careers.
RISE Students Build Confidence Through Summer Empowerment Workshops
Inside the boxing ring, RISE students are learning more than footwork and technique. Through a summer partnership with Warm Up Athletics, they’re gaining confidence, discipline, and lessons that extend far beyond the gym.
Making Nature Accessible: Students with Special Needs Attend Camp KEEP
KCSOS’s Special Education program arrived at Camp KEEP Ocean last week for an opportunity to experience the various activities offered in one action-packed day.
America 250 Invites Kern County to Reflect, Celebrate
n July 4, 2026, the United States will commemorate a historic milestone — the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Adopted by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, the Declaration announced the 13 American colonies’ independence from Great Britain and articulated the founding ideals of liberty, self-government, and equality that continue to influence the nation today.
Senior Spotlight: Faith, Football Inspire Mason Rothermel’s Call to Serve
Driven by faith, football, and a lifelong desire to serve others, Tehachapi High School graduate Mason Rothermel will attend the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, where he will play football and prepare for a career dedicated to leadership and national service.