As we enter into the final months of the 2024-2025 school year, remember these tips to help your student finish strong.  

“Focus on School Attendance” - In recent years, where student attendance rates have plummeted, students chronically absent (missing 10% or more of a school year) are struggling to meet grade level standards.  Make sure your student is at school, on time, and ready to learn.  

“Prepare for the CA State Assessment” - Students in 3rd through 8th grade and students in 11th grade will take the California State Assessment this spring in Mathematics, English Language Arts, and Science.  Encourage your students to showcase their learning for the school year on these assessments!   

 

Parent and community feedback is critical to the yearly planning, goal setting and budget prioritization for our local school districts.  Both PBVUSD and KHSD utilize spring surveys for the Local Control Accountability Plans (LCAP).  If you haven’t already done so, complete your district's LCAP survey information and engage in opportunities to join various advisory groups and committees.  In this plan, each district establishes action items tied to specific funding, and many are based on the feedback from you, the educational partners.  For example, feedback shared around “struggling students needing additional academic support” may have an outcome of tutoring services with appropriate funding attached. 

 

One way to get more involved with your students' school is to join the School Site Council (SSC).  A SSC is an excellent place for parents to serve because it allows them to actively participate in shaping the school's goals, programs, and budget decisions, ensuring resources meet student needs. It fosters collaboration between parents, teachers, and administrators, promoting a shared commitment to student success.  Check with your school's site administrator to see if any openings on the council are planned for the beginning of the new school year. 

 

All of our Seven Oaks regional schools have had a successful school year highlighted by a number of events and accomplishments.  Reagan Elementary School has excelled in Oral Language, Knowledge Bowl, MathCounts, Science Fair and History Day.  They recently hosted an evening Talent Show where students put their heart and soul into each performance.  The atmosphere was energetic as students played various instruments, sang songs, and danced to a packed house of parents and families.  The audience was treated to a special performance as two students wore bobble heads with the likeness of their assistant principal and principal.  The school is also opening their 25-year Time Capsule that was buried when the school opened in 1999, and an article highlighting this event will be featured in a future Greet Magazine. 

 

Highgate Elementary School has been busy celebrating their students’ achievements in academic competitions and enrichment programs! This year students proudly participated in History Day and Oral Language, showcasing their research, creativity, and public speaking skills. Several outstanding Husky students will represent Highgate at the district and county level competitions! The school is also launching MathCounts for the first time. A group of Highgate students are taking on this challenging and prestigious math competition, demonstrating their problem-solving skills and teamwork. 

 

Highgate also hosted their very first Family Interactive Math Night.  The event put on in partnership with Mathnasium and school staff featured engaging, hands-on math activities for all ages and was a fantastic opportunity for families to explore math in a fun and interactive way. Lastly, Highgate wants you to mark your calendars for Husky Coldstone Night on May 7th where Highgate staff will be mixing up the delicious desserts from behind the counter.  

 

Bakersfield Christian High School (BCHS) is continuing to grow and innovate, providing students with new opportunities for success both in and out of the classroom. 

 

Academically, BCHS continues to expand career-focused pathways to prepare students for their futures. The school's medical pathway, developed in partnership with Adventist Health, provides hands-on learning and real-world experience for students interested in healthcare careers. In addition, BCHS is introducing an agriculture and engineering pathway, which will equip students with skills and knowledge in these essential industries. 

 

The school's spring fundraiser, The Key Event, takes place on Saturday, April 26, on the BCHS campus. This event brings together the community to support the mission of BCHS while raising critical funds for need-based financial assistance.  Attendees can look forward to an evening of celebration, impact, and generosity—all in support of students who rely on tuition assistance to receive a private Christian education.   

 

These initiatives reflect the commitment to “The Road Ahead,” this year’s theme at BCHS. As our community's regional private high school, BCHS continues to help students soar by honoring God and remaining focused on creating opportunities that inspire excellence, leadership, and faith-driven success in Kern County and beyond. 

 

As parents of middle school age students, the transition to high school can be overwhelming and sometimes emotionally draining. Students move from mid-size learning environments to large high school campuses with more students and opportunities.  These critical four years of high school are full of big decisions, newly found freedoms, and opportunities to thrive into the next phase of adult life.  Both Stockdale High School and BCHS, our two regional Seven Oaks community high schools, offer a strong, interactive and impactful 4 years with Dual Enrollment, Career Pathway and athletic opportunities. 

 

Whatever high school your students attend, it is especially important to partner with the school during the transition from 8th grade to freshman year.  Be sure to attend freshman orientation events, meet with academic advisors often, and encourage your student to take advantage of special student engagement events specifically for freshmen.  Talk through schedule and course options together and discuss available pathways and how they help your student achieve their goals.  Many students have the opportunity to earn college credit through Dual Enrollment courses with Bakersfield College in grades 9 -12, so creating a plan and end goal is critical.   

 

Finally, though it may not feel as natural in high school to be involved in campus activities like the elementary days, your commitment to your students’ school and education will make a difference.  Join the booster organizations, School Site Council, or chaperone the homecoming dance.  Stay connected to your students' education!