Student Events

Battle of the Books (BOB) is an exciting literacy event designed especially for middle school students. Each middle school forms teams that read selected BOB titles throughout the year in preparation for a spring competition. The novels chosen are always student favorites and award-winning books, ensuring a captivating reading experience.

On competition day, teams answer challenging questions about the books they’ve read, putting their knowledge to the test in a fun, fast-paced environment. Battle of the Books not only fosters a love of reading but also encourages teamwork, critical thinking, and friendly competition.

The CalTeach program at UC Merced proudly operates the only University of California laboratory dedicated exclusively to K–12 STEM outreach. Through their innovative programming, they offer engaging, hands-on field trips for our 7th-grade students right on the UC Merced campus in a fully equipped scientific laboratory.

As leaders in experiential STEM education, they reach and inspire a minimum of 4,000 K–12 students annually, providing them with meaningful opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in a real-world university setting.

Learning lab

Camp Green Meadows is nestled in Fish Camp, CA, within the Sierra National Forest, just 2 miles from Yosemite National Park along Highway 41. Celebrating its 60th year in 2024, this Outdoor School has provided generations of Central Valley 6th graders with an immersive environmental education experience.

Through hands-on activities and a standards-based curriculum, students explore and connect with the natural world, fostering both scientific knowledge and a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Camp Green Meadows is committed to delivering high-quality science programs that enrich and inspire the communities it serves.

Every Kid Outdoors was created to give 4th grade students and their families the chance to discover wildlife, natural resources, and history, all for free! Research shows that children ages nine to eleven (typically in 4th grade) are at a crucial stage of learning about the world around them. They’re curious, open to new ideas, and more likely to form lasting connections with nature and our nation’s history.

Each year, this pass is offered to 4th graders, ensuring that over time, every child can receive a free pass to explore and experience the wonders of our country.

learn more

The Merced Field of Honor is held each November at Merced College to honor those who have served and continue to protect our freedom.

MCSD 8th grade students participate by visiting the Field of Honor, where they learn about national symbols and values, and read the personal stories of the honorees. Before the visit, students study the history and etiquette of the U.S. flag and explore its significance to our country. They also research local fallen heroes and the vital roles of First Responders.

This meaningful experience helps students connect with our nation’s history and the sacrifices made for our freedom.

Merced Field of Honor

Kids Discovery Station, a nonprofit organization, is the only educational venue of its kind in Merced.
They offer a unique environment where children can engage in fun and stimulating activities that foster imagination, creativity, and learning through the power of play. A place that’s nearby, safe, and positive for all our Kindergartners.

Kids Discovery Station

The Merced Symphony Children’s Concert is an interactive music experience designed for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students. This lively performance introduces children to the world of music through a vibrant mix of classical and contemporary pieces. The concert also features fun, hands-on elements like sing-alongs and chances for students to try playing different musical instruments.

Concert Flyer

History Day is a year-long educational program that inspires students to explore local, state, national, and world history through research and creative projects. National History Day® (NHD) is a nonprofit leader in history and civics education, dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of history.

NATIONAL HISTORY DAY - Merced County (Grades 4-8) - February 26-27, 2026

Merced County Office of Education is excited to host the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee, in addition to the California State Qualifier held in December. Schools may choose to register for one or both competitions independently.

The Scripps Regional Spelling Bee will take place on March 28, 2026, and will follow a traditional oral spelling bee format.

The winner of this event will advance to represent our region at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C.

Flyer and more information

The Speech Festival is a countywide program that begins at the school level, allowing students to develop and showcase their public speaking skills. Each school may select up to three students per grade to represent their site at the county level.

Student speeches must be original and fall into one of the following categories: Persuasive, Tall Tale, Legend, or Fable.

The Merced City School District Spelling Bee is a competition where elementary and junior high students test their spelling skills against their peers for the title of top speller.

Winners from both the elementary and junior high levels earn the opportunity to advance to the Merced County Office of Education Spelling Bee, where they will compete against the best spellers from schools across Merced County.

MCSD Spelling Bee

MCOE Spelling Bee

The Writing Festival, created by local teachers, is a celebration of student creativity and expression through writing. With over 40 diverse categories, the festival provides students with an opportunity to showcase their talents across a wide range of genres and styles.

Entries are judged by grade level and category, and the top two submissions in each grade receive a prestigious Gold Medal Award.