Panama-Buena Vista Union School District Student Events
It is our hope that your child will be participating in one (or more) of the student events sponsored by the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District this year. Student events can be incredible motivators for children, and enhance creativity, character and knowledge. Competition is demanding, but offers rich and rewarding experiences, regardless of event ranking. And remember, events are fun!
We offer numerous competitive student events. Talk to your child and select events that are appropriate for him/her and that fit into your schedules. Check with your school for specific offerings and deadlines.
Remind your child that not everyone will be a winner. Whether or not your student places in the county competition is not as important as the life lessons revealed through the competition process. The world is full of disappointment, and many times we learn more and develop greater character, when life does not go the way we expect.
Thank you for supporting your child in his/her academic pursuits. We wish you both a year full of rich experiences through competition.
(Student/Parent Guidelines for Events - Important things to remember, when competing.)
- Students are kids and they should have FUN when competing.
- Things do not always go the way we expect, but we make the best of the situation. Remember that your student/child takes behavior clues from you.
- Talk to your child about disappointment and set an example of how to be gracious in disappointing situations.
- Judging is a subjective process and judges' decisions are final.
- We are guests at our event venues, please be courteous and respect the property of others. We hope to be invited back.
- Do not enter or leave a room during a presentation. Avoid unnecessary noise during a presentation.
- Turn off all cell phones and pagers, when in a competition room.
- Ask permission of competitors, before taking photos or videotaping them.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS EVENTS
Oral Language Festival, Grades 4-8: Students memorize and present their interpretation of a published literary work, written by a known author. Presentations are 3-5 minutes in length with grades 4-6 and grades 7 -8 competing separately. Henry Greve Speech Contest, Grades 7-8: This event was established in 1955 for 7th and 8th grade students, by the Bakersfield Toastmasters Club, and offers students the opportunity to participate in a speech event. Students prepare a 4½ - 7 minute speech on a designated topic. Bank of America Essay/Speech Competition, Grades 4-6: Students entering this event must prepare an informative essay on a designated topic. Essays are judged and ranked by an evaluation panel.
MATH/SCIENCE EVENTS
MathCounts, Grades 6-8: A nationwide middle school/junior high math program that promotes student interest in math, by making math achievement as challenging , exciting and prestigious as a school sport. Math Field Day, Grades 6-8: Math Field Day is a fun-filled day of learning and competing for middle school/junior high students. Science Fair, Grades 4-8: Students explore the scientific process.
VISUAL/PERFORMING ARTS EVENTS
Nutcracker Concerts, Grades K-12: A concert presented by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra. Honor Music Festival, Grades 6-8: Junior high and middle school students earn a place in Honor Band, Chorus and Orchestra, after being selected through the audition process. Kern County Fair Art Awards, Grades K-12: School students display original artwork. Young People’s Concerts, Grades K-12: A concert presented by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra.
HISTORY/SOCIAL SCIENCE EVENTS
History Day, Grades 4-12: History Day is an interdisciplinary program that encourages students to research and prepare papers, exhibits, posters, performances, and documentaries on an annual historical theme. Students learn to be historical detectives and sharpen their skills as writers, artists and performers.
