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Recent Blogs

1. Seth's Law discussion to be held at CSUB

   By THE BAKERSFIELD CALIFORNIAN

   Monday, May 21 2012 10:00 PM

   In July, a law will kick in requiring all California school districts to institute anti-harassment policies with shorter timelines for investigating bullying claims.

   Schools for months have been gearing up for Seth's Law, named after Seth Walsh, a 13-year-old Tehachapi boy who hanged himself in 2010 after being bullied repeatedly for being gay. Federal officials found that his school failed to respond appropriately to the sex-based harassment

   On May 30 at Cal State Bakersfield, the Seth Walsh Foundation will host parents, educators and community members interested in learning about AB 9 and other legal measures for students who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

   The event will feature a slew of guest speakers including Walsh's mother, Wendy Walsh, and: Judith Pratt, CSUB professor and co-advisor of the campus Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network; Suzanne Taylor, civil rights attorney with the U.S. Department of Education; Reena Doyle, human rights consultant with California Teachers Association; Vinnie Pompei from the Center for Excellence in School Counseling and Leadership; Daniel Rodriguez, a local attorney representing Walsh in her ongoing wrongful death lawsuit; and Gary Takasian, film director.

   Takasian's film, "Teach Your Children Well," will be screened. California Teachers Association is sponsoring the forum.

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2. North High awarded in national safe-driving contest

   North High School has been awarded $2,000 by Allstate Foundation and National Organizations for Youth Safety for students' efforts in organizing safe driving activities throughout the school year.

3. Gay tolerance the focus of CSUB 'Ally Rally"

   Cal State Bakersfield will focus its attention on tolerance of the gay community from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday in its third annual Ally Rally in the CSUB student union multipurpose room.

4. CSUB students receive Californian Foundation scholarships

   Three Cal State Bakersfield students have been awarded scholarships funded by The Bakersfield Californian Foundation.

5. Assemblywoman Grove accepting internship applications

   Assemblywoman Shannon Grove, R-Bakersfield, is now accepting internship applications for her Sacramento and Bakersfield offices. Those interested in broadening their knowledge of state government and exploring a career in public service should apply.

6. KHSD meeting: building named, administrators appointed

   Here are a few actions taken Wednesday at the Kern High School District special board meeting:

7. Eight local school districts in financial jeopardy

   Eight local school districts have recently stated they may be unable to meet financial obligations in the next two years, according to Kern County Superintendent of Schools officials.

9. Results: Kern County math field day

   Rosedale Middle School distinguished itself with 10 category finalists and Murray Middle School from Ridgecrest was second with 9 among about 700 students from 26 schools who competed at the 42nd annual Kern County Middle School Mathematics Field Day held May 12 at Liberty High School.

10. Schools hold 'signing days' for academic achievers

    Several schools are holding ceremonial "senior signing days" for their graduating seniors to honor not their athletics accomplishments, but their academic achievements.

11. Rubio aims to limit out-of-state UC students

    State Sen. Michael Rubio, D-Shafter, has introduced constitutional ammendment that aims to prohibit the University of California system from enrolling more than 10 percent of out-of-state students in each campus' freshman class, and also systemwide.

12. KHSD board to vote on building naming, appoint administrators

    Kern High School District's board Wednesday morning is expected to approve the naming of a wing at East High School after a 36-year employee of KHSD who spent her career helping math students and educators.

13. Science teacher, students competing for $10K in class technology

    A Foothill High School teacher and his students are in the running for $10,000 worth of graphing calculators after being named finalists in a science project competition.

14. Students to compete in Rubik's Cube competition

    Students from six Kern High School District campuses will compete at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the annual Rubik's Cube competition at Golden Valley High School.