Joy, Connection, and Community: A Carnival to Remember in Tulelake
On a warm August evening in Tulelake, the sound of laughter and live music drifted across the fields surrounding Tulelake Basin Elementary School. Families lined up for free hot dog dinners, kids darted between colorful booths, and the smell of popcorn and summer air made it feel like the whole town had come out to celebrate.
And in many ways, they had.
On August 14, the Tulelake Basin Joint Unified School District (TBJUSD), in partnership with the Modoc County Office of Education, hosted a Community Carnival that brought together over 300 attendees and more than 25 local agencies and businesses. For a rural town with fewer than 900 residents, that turnout was a powerful reflection of what community connection looks like in action.
Everything about the evening was free! There were games, prizes, dinner, and smiles. But more than that, it was intentional. The event coincided with Tulelake Basin Elementary’s Back to School Night and the grand opening of the school’s new playground, blending celebration, connection, and service into one shared experience.
“We wanted to create something wholesome for families; we wanted something they could do together,” shared one event organizer. “At the same time, we wanted to show them what supports exist for their children and for them as parents.”
In Tulelake, where nearly three-quarters of residents identify as Hispanic and where many families face economic challenges, this kind of event carries extra meaning. According to census data, the median household income hovers around $43,000, and over one in four residents live below the poverty line. For many families, opportunities for entertainment, social connection, and access to local services are few and far between.
Booths were hosted by a blend of community agencies, small businesses, and partner organizations, each offering something hands-on for children. There were games, art, or small take-home items—along with valuable information for families about local resources. A photo booth captured bright smiles. Live music and shared food reminded everyone that, even in a small town, joy is something that grows best when it’s shared.
This event embodied the community schools approach in every sense: schools as the heart of their communities, building relationships and aligning resources to support the whole child and the whole family. It wasn’t just about starting a new school year, it was about strengthening the sense of belonging that makes learning possible.
For many who attended, it was a chance to reconnect with neighbors, celebrate their school, and see the ways their community continues to invest in children and families. For others, it was their first real introduction to what a “community school” looks like in action: partnership, purpose, and people coming together to make life a little brighter.
As the evening wound down and the sun set, the new playground was filled with laughter. Children were climbing, parents were chatting, and teachers were waving goodbye. It was more than a carnival; it was a reminder that in rural Northern California, connection is the foundation of community schools.
- By Sarah Stockwell, Modoc County Community School Lead
October 2025