Ancient and modern poetry from the Middle East, Asia,

Europe and the Americas served to inspire dozens of students

who participated in the first annual Tulare County Poet

Project. In September, four veteran poets visited select Tulare

County schools to

provide students with

intensive writing

instruction. The results

included amazing gains

in students’ creative

writing skills and

increased confidence in

reciting their original

works before audiences.

Three Tulare County poets and John Oliver Simon, president of the California Poets in the Schools (CPitS),

worked with students in select classrooms at La Sierra Military Academy, Hurley Elementary, Central Valley

Christian and Mission Oak High School for one week – visiting each of the schools two to four times during the

week of September 12-16. “After just one visit, teachers were telling us that they were amazed at the amount of

writing their students produced and how easy it was to integrate creative writing activities into their instructional

day,” said Kate Stover, TCOE’s staff development and curriculum specialist for the Visual and Performing Arts.

Read more at tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

Literary arts flourish in Tulare County through addition of new Poet Project program

Students engage in creative writing, expression

T H E N E W S L E T T E R o f T H E T U L A R E C O U N T Y O F F I C E o f E D U C A T I O N

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October 2016

(above) Poet Catherine Abbey Hodges works with cadet Rosie Gutierrez during weeklong instruction at La Sierra Military Academy. (left) Fourth- and fifth-grade students from Hurley Elementary and Central Valley Christian also participated in Poet Project.

In the far corner of the play yard of the Woodville Child Development

Center, teacher Connie Avina attends to children as they climb and slide

and stop to ask her questions. Amid the sea of activity surrounding her

on this warm Friday morning, Connie cheerfully speaks to each child

who comes to hug her, answering their questions and then sending them

on their way with “I love you.”

Unbeknownst to Mrs. Avina, KSEE24 reporter Teresa Sardina was

waiting inside the center’s office on September 23 to surprise her with

the news that the station had selected her as their Educator of the Week.

As Ms. Sardina prepared her camera and microphone, Alicia Franco,

family/community partnerships manager for TCOE’s Early Childhood

Education Program, rehearsed her announcement that Connie had been

selected for the honor.

Together, Ms. Franco and Ms. Sardina walked to the play yard,

followed by a group of center staff and Mrs. Avina’s daughter and

grandchildren, to share the good news with Connie. Surprised,

Connie graciously thanked the station and her coworkers as more

children came to see why she was getting so much attention. Read more at tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

High-definition program to debut to the public October 21

Planetarium adds new show on Earth, universeOn Friday evening, October 21, the Planetarium & Science Center

will premiere a new show for the public entitled From Earth to the

Universe. The 7:00 p.m. show, which was developed by the European

Southern Observatory, tells the story of Man’s quest to comprehend

the universe and our place in the vast cosmos.

From Earth to the Universe takes viewers on a journey of celestial

discovery, beginning with the theories of ancient Greek astronomers

and including the discoveries of today’s scientists using grand

telescopes. Within our solar system, audiences will discover the

splendor of the various planets and the ferocity of the scorching Sun.

From Earth to the Universe then leaves the solar system to explore the

colorful birthplaces and burial grounds of stars. Further out – beyond

the Milky Way – viewers will witness the unimaginable immensity of

a myriad of galaxies. Along the way, From Earth to the Universe

presents a history of astronomy and the invention of the telescope,

including today’s giant telescopes that allow scientists to continue to

probe ever deeper into space. Read more at tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

Parent nominates TCOE teacher for impact made on her son’s life

Avina named KSEE24 Educator of the Week

Early Childhood Education teacher Connie Avina was selected as a KSEE24 Educator of the Week.

An image of the Eagle Nebula from the new planetarium show, From Earth to the Universe.

October 2016

At the beginning of the 2016-17

school year, 12 young people became

the latest class of interns at the

SCICON outdoor education program.

Arriving at the school in August to

begin working alongside SCICON

teachers and naturalists, the American

interns, most of whom are recent

college graduates, came from the

Central Valley and as far as New

Jersey. Based on its international

reputation, SCICON also welcomed

interns from abroad. Young people in

this year’s class of interns came from

Argentina, Germany and England.

“SCICON is excited at the opportunity

this diverse group offers our students,”

said Dianne Shew, SCICON

administrator. “Learning from these

inspiring young naturalists, attending

fifth and sixth graders gain an insight

into different cultures and ideas for their

future, while learning hands-on science.”

Interns augment SCICON’s professional staff of program specialists and naturalists. Read more at tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

Read more at www.tcoe.org

SCICON welcomes American and international interns for new school year

Interns assist staff, help students learn science

Tulare, Kings and Fresno County superintendents, Career Technical

Education (CTE) directors, college and career directors, teachers and

community college faculty convened in September for a conference

hosted by TCOE’s College and Career Readiness program. The

purpose of the conference was to continue the regional discussion about

the misalignment between education and the demands of the workforce.

The audience spanned the educational spectrum, including

representatives from elementary (TK-8), secondary (9-12) and

post-secondary (community college).

The keynote presentation was delivered by Dr. Kevin Fleming, an

author, educator and passionate advocate for the alignment of students’

future careers with their personalities and strengths. Read more at tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

Dr. Kevin Fleming advocates preparing students to meet the needs of the economy

Educators gather to discuss career pathways

The 2016-17 SCICON interns include (front row, l-r): Evedicia Martinez (U.C. Merced), Lindsay Hescock (Wharton, NJ), SCICON Administrator Dianne Shew, Renane Rodriguez (College of the Sequoias), Elaine Brown (University of Leeds, UK), and SCICON Lead Teacher Stein Stoddard. (back row, l-r): Vicente Figueroa (College of the Sequoias), Margarita Tapia (CSU Monterey Bay), Francisco Escamilla (Fresno State), Bauti Pangaro (Universidad del Salvador, Argentina), Christin Gunia (Martin Luther Universitat Halle, Germany) and Ana Anglesio (Universidad Favaloro, Argentina) Not pictured: Catherine Lunewski (UC Santa Cruz), and Mayra Ramos (Vanguard University, Costa Mesa, CA)

Conference keynote speaker Dr. Kevin Fleming urged educators to focus on building career readiness in students.

spot l ight

Read more at www.tcoe.org

(photo 1) In September, Donna Hofer (l) and Candy Nowakowski (r) of Assistance League of Visalia (ALV) donated more than 50 backpacks to the Migrant Education Program. Administrator Tony Velásquez (c) reports that the backpacks will be given to migrant students. Countywide, ALV distributed in excess of 800 backpacks to students. Annually, the Assistance League donates clothing sets and hygiene kits to students and offers its Kids on the Block puppet program to address a variety of social/behavioral issues with elementary students. For more information on Assistance League services, call (559) 737-1907. (photo 2) This November, the Tulare County History of Farm Labor and Agriculture Museum in Mooney Grove Park will open a new exhibition on the history of Chinese immigrants who settled in Tulare County. The exhibition has been planned to showcase the rich contributions made to local agriculture by Chinese immigrants and their descendants and includes the stories of several Tulare County families. Also included in the exhibition is a video developed by TCOE's Planetarium & Science Center staff on Tulare County's Chinese-Americans. Teachers can arrange a visit to the museum and view the video by calling (559) 733-6616. The exhibition will remain on view through October 2017. (photo 3) The public is invited to attend the second annual Cardboard Challenge at TCOE’s Doe Avenue Complex on Saturday, October 8, beginning at 8:00 a.m. Numerous Tulare County schools are planning to bring student cardboard creations. At the free event, children and adults will have the opportunity to design and fabricate their own creations from cardboard and supplies provided. For more information about the Cardboard Challenge, call Paula Terrill at (559) 651-0565. (photo 4) Jennifer Reimer, administrator for the Mild to Moderate and the Adapted Physical Education programs, joined the staff of the Special Services Division this summer. Ms. Reimer came to the Tulare County Office of Education from the Tulare Joint Union High School District, where she had been director of Special Education. On October 26, she will oversee the annual College and Career Fair – an event designed to connect high school students with special needs to post-secondary academic and vocational programs. An estimated 350 students are expected to attend the event beginning at 9:30 in the TCOE Redwood Conference Center at 6200 S. Mooney Blvd. For more information about the fair, please call Jennifer Reimer at (559) 730-2910, ext. 5141. (photo 5) Ana Flores, a Friday Night Live liaison with the CHOICES Prevention Program, is pictured presenting at the annual T.U.P.E. (Tobacco Use Prevention Education) Leadership Training, held September 20. Nearly 150 middle school students from 16 Tulare County schools participated in the leadership skills development event. Ms. Flores led one of four breakout sessions on the dangers of tobacco and e-smoking devices. Students also received training on the role of a leader, proper character in leadership, team building and bullying prevention in order to implement schoolwide prevention campaigns. (photo 6) Three Tulare County teachers were honored at the 23rd Annual Confucius’ Birthday/Educators of the Year event held September 22 at the Chinese Cultural Center. Read more at tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

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For more events, programs and meetings, visit our online calendar at www.tcoe.org/CalendarOfEvents

upcomingevents

Circle J - Norris Ranch Family Astronomy NightOct. 6, 6:30 p.m. (for families with students of all ages)Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m, (for families with K-2 students) Circle J–Norris Ranch, 41893 Yokohl Valley Rd., SpringvilleFor more information and to reserve a spot, call Nancy Bruce at (559) 539-2263

Planetarium Public Show, Back to the Moon for Good7:00 p.m., Peña Planetarium, 11535 Avenue 264, VisaliaFor more information, call (559) 737-6334

Cardboard Challenge (All grades)8:00 a.m. - noon, 7000 Doe Ave., VisaliaFor information, call Jared Marr at (559) 651-3047

CHARACTER COUNTS! Week (All grades)For information, call Kelley Petty at (559) 740-4303

Young People’s Concerts (Grades 3-8)Oct. 18 (three performances), L.J. Williams Theater, VisaliaOct. 24 (two performances), Tulare Community AuditoriumOct. 26 (two performances), Buck Shaffer Theater, PortervilleFor information, call Kate Stover at (559) 651-1482

Civil War Time Travelers (Grade 8)Civil War Reenactment at Kearney Park in FresnoLimited number of 8th-grade classes eligible.For information, call Gay Atmajian at (559) 651-3350

Planetarium Public Show, From Earth to the Universe7:00 p.m., Peña Planetarium, 11535 Avenue 264, VisaliaFor ticket information, call (559) 737-6334

Step Up Youth Challenge Youth Summit 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Visalia Convention CenterFor information, call Rob Herman at (559) 733-6606

Tulare County Red Ribbon Celebration (All grades)4:00 - 7:00 p.m., Visalia Convention CenterFor information, call Adam Valencia at (559) 651-0155

CHARACTER COUNTS! Provident-Salierno Family Foundation Awards Reception6:00 p.m., TCOE Administration Building, 6200 S. Mooney Blvd., VisaliaFor information, call Kelley Petty at (559) 740-4303

Excellence in Education Awards Program7:30 – 9:15 a.m., Visalia Convention Center,303 E. Acequia, VisaliaFor information, call Marlene Moreno at (559) 733-6302

Expanding Your Horizons (for young women in grades 4-10)8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., College of the Sequoias, 915 S. Mooney Blvd, VisaliaFor more information, contact Katherine Goyette at katherineg@ers.tcoe.org or call (559) 651-3008

Circle J Field Science Weekend (open to high school students and their teachers)8:00 a.m. Saturday through 4:00 p.m. Sunday, Circle J-Norris Ranch, SpringvilleFor registration information, call Nancy Bruce at (559) 539-2263

Theatre Company Fall Musical, Les MisérablesL. J. Williams Theater, 1001 Main St., VisaliaFor information, call Brian Roberts at (559) 651-1482

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November ‘16

Tulare County Board of Education

News Gallery CommitteeEditor: Robert Herman, Public Information OfficerContributors: Marlene Moreno, Jennifer Fisher, Lorena White, Dianne Shew, Gabriela Porter, Joy Soares, Kris Costa, Kate Stover,

Conan Palmer, Alicia Franco, Christine Glass, Jennifer Reimer and

Amy King.

The News Gallery is published monthly with the exception of double issues printed for July/August and December/January. If you would

like to receive The News Gallery, visit tcoe.org/GetTheGallery or

contact Jennifer Fisher at (559) 733-6172, or at jenniferf@tcoe.org.

Since 1959, the Tulare County Office of Education and the Tulare County Symphony have partnered to bring symphonic music to the students of Tulare County. During the annual Young People’s Concerts, students are treated to a live orchestral performance, coupled with lessons in music history and concert etiquette. Over 9000 students from across the area attend each year. Spanning seven separate concerts and three different venues - Visalia, Tulare, and Porterville - the Tulare County Young People’s Concerts are one of the oldest and largest youth concert programs in the nation. The Young People's Concerts are open to students in grades 3-8. This year, the symphony will perform a program entitled Rodeos and Roundups with music from composers Elmer Bernstein, John Williams, Aaron Copeland and others. Special classroom curriculum has been created for the program and seats are still available for each venue. For registration information, teachers are encouraged to call Kate Stover at (559) 651-1482.

October 26, the CHOICES Prevention Programs, in partnership with Tulare County Health & Human Services Agency, ProYouth, Family HealthCare Network, the Tulare County Prevention Coalition, and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, will hold its annual Tulare County Red Ribbon Week Celebration. The free event, scheduled for 4:00 - 7:00 p.m., will be held at the Visalia Convention Center. Students of all ages are invited to commit to and celebrate the choice to lead lives free of drugs and alcohol. Nearly a dozen student performance groups and interactive

resource booths are planned for the event, which carries the theme You Only Live Once: Be Drug Free! For more information about the Tulare County Red Ribbon Week Celebration, contact Al Rodriguez at (559) 651-0155.

Arte Américas, the Fresno museum dedicated to Latino arts of California, the U.S. southwest, Mexico and Central America, will be hosting its first-ever high school art exhibition December 1, 2016

through February 12, 2017. Read more at tcoe.org/NewsGallery.

Tulare County Superintendent of Schools Jim VidakPresident: Chris Reed, Trustee Area No. 6

Vice President: Judy Coble, Trustee Area No. 4Trustees: Celia Maldonado-Arroyo, Trustee Area No. 1; Debby Holguin, Trustee Area No. 2; Tom Link, Trustee Area No. 3; Joe Enea, Trustee Area No. 5; And Patricia Hillman, Trustee Area No. 7

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