Tuesday, Jan 15, 2026
5:30pm - 7pm

The annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Educational Contest is hosted by the Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools. Beginning in September, we welcome students to participate in creating art, delivering speeches, and composing essays to honor the life and vision of Rev. Dr. MLK, Jr. With the support of a teacher/advisor from their campus, students can choose to participate in any or all of the contest categories that best showcases their unique talents and skills. 

Learn more the the event

Monday, Feb 23 2026
6 - 8pm

Mock Trial is designed to demystify the workings of our legal institutions for young people and to help them develop analytical abilities and communication skills. Students are given a court case that incorporates roles of various abilities. Teams of high school students present the case in actual courtrooms in Fresno County Superior Court. Presiding judges and attorneys evaluate each team’s performance. All Fresno County high schools are invited to participate in the competition.

Learn more about Mock Trial

Thursday, Feb 26 2026
9am - 4:30pm

The FCSS Spell Off is a regional qualifier for the overall Champion Speller to enter the Scripps National Spelling Bee. In addition to sending our top two elementary and top two junior high spellers in Fresno County to the State spelling competition, the single overall Fresno County Champion Speller will represent Fresno County at the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C in May 2026.

Visit the Spell Off website

Saturday, March 14, 2026

History Day is an excellent way to embed Universal Design for Learning (UDL), as students have options in their research and choice to present their arguments within seven different categories (historical papers, podcasts, documentaries, performances, websites, exhibits, or a poster (elementary grade only). They analyze and interpret their findings, draw conclusions about the significance of their topics in history, and create final projects to present their work. These projects can be used at the school site for rich project-based learning experiences and/or entered into a series of competitions from the local to the national level, where they are evaluated by professional historians and educators.

Visit the History Day website

The Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools is hosting the annual Cesar Chavez essay contest. Beginning in January, we welcome students to compose essays to honor the life and vision of Cesar Chavez. Our event culminates around the time of Cesar Chavez Day when the top student entries will be honored for their hard work. 

Learn more about the contest

Wednesday, May 6, 2026 
4:00pm

The FCSS Young Authors’ Faire is open to all K-12 students in Fresno County. The event aims to celebrate student work and showcase original books by local young authors/illustrators. All submitted books or poems/narratives will be displayed at the Fresno County Young Authors' Faire and will receive a gold embossed seal to recognize achievement and participation. 

Visit the website