Eight Kern County schools are earning statewide recognition after being named 2026 California Distinguished Schools, one of the highest honors a public school can receive. The designation highlights campuses that demonstrate strong student outcomes and innovative programs that help students succeed.
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Bakersfield came alive last week as youth volunteers from across the region gathered for the first-ever California Service Corps Connections event held in Kern County.
A group of students from Wallace Middle School missed their long-awaited trip to Camp KEEP when the pandemic shut down the program in 2020. Years later, they returned — not as campers, but as high school counselors guiding a new generation of sixth graders through the same unforgettable coastal experience.
Students from across Kern County brought history to life during the 2026 Kern County History Day competition, showcasing months of research through documentaries, exhibits, performances, and more — all centered on this year’s theme, “Revolution, Reaction & Reform in History.”
Starting from the ground up, Fruitvale’s first Virtual Enterprise class turned a brand-new program into an award-winning experience while building real-world business skills.
Middle and high school students from across Kern County gathered Friday for a day of support, connection, and finding their voice at the 11th annual Youth Empowering Success (YES!) Conference at Bakersfield College. Each year, the conference brings together homeless and foster youth, educators, caregivers, and community partners for workshops, discussions, and activities centered on helping them succeed in school and beyond.
In an effort to strengthen respect and constructive dialogue across its schools and community, the Sierra Sands Unified School District is inviting families, staff, and community members to commit to a new Community Social Contract. Approved by the Board of Education on Feb. 19, the Social Contract establishes clear expectations for respectful communication and behavior both in and out of the classroom.
March 1-7 is recognized as School Social Workers Week, a time to celebrate the staff who provide support, resources and a safe space for students and their families. In recognition of the week, KCSOS hosted a Community of Practice session Wednesday, where six individuals were honored with School Social Worker of the Year awards.
More than 700 students from 4th through 12th grade got out their poster boards and hands-on experiments to showcase their science projects at the 38th annual Kern County Science Fair, held Tuesday at the Dignity Health Convention Center. Check out the results and photos.
Wonderful College Prep Academy (WCPA), which serves small, rural communities in Delano and Lost Hills, is being honored for its commitment to its students and families with a statewide award. This week, the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) presented the school with its Hart Vision Equity & Innovation Award and named it the 2026 Charter School of the Year.
Seventh and eighth grade students from McKittrick Elementary School beat out four other districts Friday to take home the top trophy at the annual Whiz Kids Competition. The Academic Decathlon-style event tests students’ knowledge in a variety of different subjects including math, science, history, and writing. The event concludes with a “Super Quiz” that questions students about a pre-selected novel.
Eighth grader Emery Peñaloza of Norris Middle School transformed his love of history into a state-level win in the Sons of the American Revolution Video Contest and now advances to the national stage, inspiring other students to follow their passions and embrace the joy of doing what they truly love.
Kern County families are invited to participate in the new KCSOS Parent Workshop Series, focused on the foundations of literacy and reading. Led by the Curriculum and Instruction team, the workshops were created to build parents’ capacity to support early literacy development using practical, research-based strategies.
What began as a routine campus walkthrough at the Blake School District in rural Woody quickly revealed unexpected playground safety concerns and complex logistical challenges. Through close collaboration and hands-on support from KCSOS’s Maintenance and Operations team, those initial concerns sparked a coordinated effort that reshaped the campus with thoughtful, lasting improvements.
After three decades of putting students first, Kern County Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Mendiburu is being inducted into California State University, Bakersfield’s Alumni Hall of Fame — an honor recognizing a career defined by service and impact.
A friendly puppet and oversized toothbrush are helping Kern County’s youngest learners build healthy smiles. During National Children’s Dental Health Month, the Children’s Dental Health Network is highlighting its free services that provide early screenings, prevention, and treatment for children from birth to age 5.
On a seemingly ordinary February morning in Lake Isabella, the library of Kern Valley High School buzzed with activity that was anything but ordinary — high school seniors studying literature, learning a Victorian ballroom dance, and becoming published authors. It’s all part of the annual Dickens Day of Writing, an academic celebration held in honor of Charles Dickens’ birthday.
Inside the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) Warehouse, home of the Maintenance and Operations Department, high school students are stepping into a working classroom — learning warehouse operations while gaining real-world experience that can launch their future careers.
Each February, Black History Month honors the contributions of Black Americans who have shaped communities and created pathways for future generations, celebrating both achievement and the enduring power of legacy. At KCSOS, that legacy is reflected in the daily work of educators and staff whose leadership is rooted in mentorship, service, and belief in others. The stories that follow highlight just a few individuals whose examples continue to influence careers, strengthen teams, and create lasting impact across the organization.
Stockdale High School received the Claude W. Richardson perpetual trophy as the overall team winner of the 46th Annual Kern County Academic Decathlon which concluded today at Stockdale High School. 130 students from 16 high schools participated. Stockdale will represent Kern County in the California Academic Decathlon scheduled for next month.
