Two local schools were among six in the state recognized for efforts to foster engaged citizens.

Foothill High School in the Kern High School District and Endeavour Elementary School in the Fruitvale Elementary School District received the Education for Democracy Award from the California Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools, the state education department said.

“I want to congratulate Bell Gardens High School, Santiago Creek School, Foothill High School, Meadowbrook Middle School, Endeavour Elementary School, and De Anza Senior High School for developing exemplary programs about democracy that help students become active participants in their communities,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell said.

Schools of Distinction receive decals, plaques and flags, the CMS Web site said.
Selection criteria included instruction in government and democracy, incorporating current issues in the classroom and encouraging involvement in student government.

Imagine, it's last Thursday, you're heading for grad night at Disneyland. Your mom drops you off at school at 7 p.m., an hour before the four charter buses are set to leave Bakersfield for the magic kingdom.

One bus comes, loads up with about 60 kids, takes off on time. But bus number two, three and four are nowhere to be seen ... it's 8:30, it's 9, it's 9:30 p.m. and still no buses.

Woops, kids. Sorry, but there's no Disneyland for the rest of you tonight. The buses aren't coming.

A West High employee said she didn't know if the transportation department or the charter company accidentally cancelled the other buses.

But it's all fixed now, she said.

The kids are going tomorrow night (they're graduating tonight). And they are getting half of their $115 fee refunded because this time they are taking school buses.

But Jacqueline Carter isn't going at all now, her mom said. Her friends were on the first bus.

Bummer.

Are kids cramming in too many AP classes and ditching lunch in the mean time?

This is an interesting look at some super competitive behavior. New York Times

I've talked to several kids at BHS who have taken tons of AP classes but I hadn't heard about them skipping lunch periods to schedule more classes.

I can't imagine nutritionists are excited that kids are skipping meals or eating on the run. Do you think this pressure comes from the kids themselves? parents? can we blame this problem on video games too? (kidding) Is it a problem or just a reflection of adults' eat-on-the-go mentality?

Another bit of time has been set aside for public comment on proposed boundary changes that took the community by surprise at a previous board meeting.

Modified boundaries for next year would affect:

Berkshire
Buena Vista
Loudon
Lum
Old River
Panama
Sandrini
Williams

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. at the Actis Junior High School multipurpose room at 2400 Westholme Blvd.

From what I can tell, it looks like a small change was made re: a section at the corner of Akers and Pacheco roads that had been slated to move from Loudon to Sandrini will stay at Loudon. The rest of the map looks the same as was presented before.

Sorry I can't post the map here - we tried to scan it but the boundaries don't show through.

I'll be going to North High's academic signing day Monday. These things have apparently been around for a few years but I have heard that it's becoming more of a national trend to celebrate academic all-stars heading to university similar to athletic signing days.

Do you know of any other academic signing days around the county?

You can help raise money for Camp KEEP ( Kern Environmental Education Program) on May 18 from 11 a.m. at the California Living Museum. CALM will donate a portion of the admission to Camp KEEP and the proceeds will help students pay for the program who could otherwise not afford it.

Events include an academic competition between schools that attended Camp KEEP this year, the Kern County Superintendent of Schools said.

About 3,000 Kern County students attend the program each school year where they learn about the environment and ocean life. The camp is in the Montaña De Oro State Park near Morro Bay as well as a campus near Cambria.

ALSO ...

The Geodesic Dome, where most camp activities take place, is run down and will be replaced by a "green" facility. The price tag, however, is $600,000 and the program is looking for a private or corporate sponsor to help fund the remaining $350,000.

To contribute to this effort contact

Camp KEEP
Ken P. Taylor
Kern County Superintendent of Schools office
1300 17th Street
Bakersfield, CA 93301-4533
636-4716

I've never been to Camp KEEP but I've heard it's a big part of the community. What stories and memories do you have of the program?

Starting this fall, Cal State fees will increase $276 to $3,048 per year for undergraduate students, according to the CSU system. Other increases are $324 for teacher credential students and $342 for graduate students.

It's the 26th annual day to celebrate teachers throughout the state. This year, Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association members with other teachers from around the area are expected to head to Yokuts Park today from 4-7 p.m.

Planners hope the event rallies parents, students, community members and teachers to talk to their legislators about proposed education budget cuts.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is set to release his May revise today and an early report shows a plan to increase education funding over this year's levels and suspend cost of living increases, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.