Courtesy City of Fillmore Fire Department

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Fillmore residents are preparing to celebrate with BBQs and family get-togethers. Unfortunately, these celebrations can quickly turn disastrous, especially when children and teenagers are injured while discharging fireworks. Common sense and wise judgment are paramount to a safe holiday celebration.

The City of Fillmore Fire Department wants to ensure that Fillmore citizens enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday. Residents are reminded that California State Fire Marshal approved “safe and sane” fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal in Fillmore only June 28 12:00pm – July 5 12:00pm.

The use of any type of non-approved firework is illegal and will result in criminal charges and fines in excess of $1,000. If you witness any illegal activity in the Fillmore area, please report it! Please call 805-524-2233 with any information you can provide. Callers may remain anonymous.

Below are several safety tips to insure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day celebration.

Fire Safety
If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.

Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in California. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal.
Kids should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces with plenty of active supervision for every child present.

Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water ready in case of fire.

Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — “stop, drop and roll” — and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

Rigo Landeros, Fillmore Fire Chief

Courtesy City of Fillmore Fire Department

As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, Fillmore residents are preparing to celebrate with BBQs and family get-togethers. Unfortunately, these celebrations can quickly turn disastrous, especially when children and teenagers are injured while discharging fireworks. Common sense and wise judgment are paramount to a safe holiday celebration.

The City of Fillmore Fire Department wants to ensure that Fillmore citizens enjoy a safe Fourth of July holiday. Residents are reminded that California State Fire Marshal approved “safe and sane” fireworks sold in Fillmore are legal in Fillmore only June 28 12:00pm – July 5 12:00pm.

The use of any type of non-approved firework is illegal and will result in criminal charges and fines in excess of $1,000. If you witness any illegal activity in the Fillmore area, please report it! Please call 805-524-2233 with any information you can provide. Callers may remain anonymous.

Below are several safety tips to insure you and your family enjoy a safe Independence Day celebration.

Fire Safety
If you witness a crime or fire in progress involving illegal fireworks, call your local authorities by dialing 9-1-1.

Only Safe and Sane fireworks bearing the seal of the State Fire Marshal are legal in California. All other fireworks, including altered Safe and Sane fireworks and those that explode or leave the ground are illegal.
Kids should not play with fireworks. Fireworks are intended for use by adults in open spaces with plenty of active supervision for every child present.

Always have a bucket of water on hand to dispose of fireworks and a hose connected to water ready in case of fire.

Fireworks, including sparklers and flares, can cause serious burns as well as blast injuries that can permanently impair vision and hearing. Teach your children what to do if their clothing catches on fire — “stop, drop and roll” — and how to call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

If you've been reading the paper you'll see that School Plans have been in the news. School Plans or SPSA (Single Plan for Student Achievement) are created and approved and overseen by each sites School Site Council (SSC) This is a body bound by state law to decide how best to use categorical monies (money that must be spent on specific programs, populations, goals). SSC always include the principal, staff members and parents. They can also include community members. It is important to note that according the SSC handbook issued by the State Department of Education the principal may not override a decision made by the SSC. Funds must be spent as designated by the SSC.

Here are links to the SPSA's that were approved in June of 2010 at each FUSD campus. They are plans for this school year (2011-2012). Current School Site Councils should be nearly finished with drawing up the plan for next year (2011-2012) and preparing to approve it. SSC's do generall edit, revise and refine the plan over the year based on needs, changes in goals and anticipated budgets and needs for the next school year. These documents are public and should be made easily available to the public. As soon as they are approved I will request them and get up and online here. Hopefully the District will beat me to it.

Fillmore High School:

FHSSchoolPlan.pdf

Fillmore Middles School:

FMSSchoolPlan.pdf

Mountain Vista:

MtnVistaSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

Piru Elementary School:

PiruSchoolSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

San Cayetano:

SanCayetanoSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

Sespe School:

SespeSchoolSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

SierraSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

So who was at the Rally? How did it go? How many were there?
Have you seen & read Mr. Hood's letter to the editor? Here's an excerpt:
"California Teachers Association campaigns for the law makers who will support union salaries and state worker’s pensions. The unions got the budgets and pensions they wanted, but because members have been so mis-educated by the totalitarian left, the inevitable realities of hating our own American capitalist system, and therefore being ignorant of profit and loss, are coming home to roost. Now that we have helped bankrupt the state, we evidently feel it is ethical to shakedown the taxpayers, as the world evidently owes us a living. But should we hold our breath and stomp our feet if we don’t get a raise in our allowance?"
Read the rest of his letter here: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/letters

And check out this piece that was sent to me by a Fillmore area resident, it examines this same issue, presents some suggestions for teachers Unions
"Debt the Teachers’ Unions Cause Us
The California Teachers Association is a major contributor to the Golden State’s fiscal woes."
By Larry Sand, May 10, 2011

"California’s chronic fiscal crisis should prompt a substantive debate about the limits of government and the folly of an expansive welfare state. Instead, leaders of the 325,000-member California Teachers Association are using the struggle to close the Golden State’s $15.4 billion budget deficit as an opportunity for some political street theater. The powerful National Education Association state affiliate is spending this week highlighting California’s “state of emergency,” with large rallies planned in Sacramento and around the state Friday to agitate for billions of dollars in higher taxes. "

Read the rest and then come back and comment : http://city-journal.org/2011/cjc0510ls.html

What are you up to this weekend? I am honored to have been invited to attend the Fillmore High School Prom tonight, I hope to get some great photos and will post a "review" here. Happy Weekend.

Wow, as if we didn't have enough local news I received word this morning from several FUSD staff members and parents that this morning (Thursday, May 5, 2011) an email was sent out from Superintendent Jeff Sweeney announcing his retirement effective June 30, 2011. His email included the letter that he delivered to the school board presumably during closed session on Tuesday (May 3) night. Here is the text of his email to staff:
********************
Hi,

This is not a budget update, although there is some optimism coming from Sacramento. We will know better in two weeks after the May Revise. For now, we will wait and hope…

I wanted to share the following letter that I gave to the Board Tuesday night:

Dear FUSD Board of Education,

I wanted to thank you for the last five years of serving the Fillmore Unified School District. It has been a distinct pleasure working with you, the staff, the students, and the community.

I wanted to let you know that I plan on retiring effective June 30, 2011. I will carry with me lifelong memories of working with all of you.

Respectfully,

Jeff Sweeney

Superintendent

The brief note above does not begin to express the experience I have had working with you. I will share more in a future communiqué. Until then, I wish you enough…

Jeff

I Wish You Enough

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.

I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish you enough “Hello’s” to get you through the final “Goodbye.”

- – - written by Bob Perks
********************************

This announcement comes after a tough year of budget reductions including the noticing of many employees. Sweeney as the top administrator in the District has at times been the target of complaints. According to Mr. Sweeney's contract his employment agreement is renewed and approved annually, so in terms of any side meeting any contract requirements this will be an easy shift.
Now what? According to FUSD Board policy (online at www.gamutonline.net ; login: Fillmore; password: public) BP 4111 pertaining to Personnel:

The Board of Education desires to employ the most highly qualified and appropriate person available for each open position in order to improve student achievement and efficiency in district operations.

BP 2121 Superintendent Recruitment and Selection:
The Board of Education recognizes that it has a direct responsibility to select and employ the Superintendent. Whenever it becomes necessary for the Board to fill a vacancy in the position of Superintendent, the Board shall work diligently to employ a person whose management and leadership abilities are most closely aligned with district needs.
The Board shall establish and implement a search and selection process that includes consideration of:

1. The district's current and long-term needs, including a review of the district's vision and goals
2. The desired characteristics of a new Superintendent, including professional experience, educational qualifications, leadership characteristics, philosophy of education, and other management, technical, interpersonal and conceptual skills, as well as the priorities the Board wants to place on different abilities, traits and levels of knowledge

3. The scope of the search, including whether to promote from within the district or broaden the search to include both internal and external candidates and, if external candidates will be considered, whether to conduct a statewide or nationwide search

4. The salary range and benefits to be offered

5. Basic elements to be included in the Superintendent's contract

6. Whether to hire a professional adviser to facilitate the process

7. How and when to involve the community in certain phases of the selection process
(the section of Board policy that relates to Citizen Advisory Committees cf. 1212 was not available online, I have requested that the text of it be emailed to me, I will post as soon as I can)

8. The best methods for advertising the vacancy and recruiting qualified candidates

9. The process for screening applications and determining how the screener(s) will be selected

10. Interview questions, processes and participants

11. How and when candidates' qualifications will be verified through reference checks

12. Other actions necessary to ensure a fair selection process and a smooth transition to new leadership

Even if a professional adviser is used to facilitate the process, the Board shall retain the right and responsibility to oversee the process and to review all applications if desired.

The Board shall select candidates to be interviewed based on recommendations of the screener(s) and the Board's own assessment of how candidates meet the criteria established by the Board.

The Board shall interview preliminary and final candidates in closed session and determine the most likely match for the district. (Government Code 54957)

The selected candidate shall hold both a valid school administration certificate and a valid teacher's certificate. The Board may waive any credential requirement, but shall not employ a person whose credential has been revoked by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing pursuant to Education Code 44421-44427. (Education Code 35028, 35029, 35029.1)

Before offering the position to the selected candidate or making any announcements, Board members may visit that candidate's current district, as appropriate, to obtain verification of his/her qualifications.

The Board shall deliberate in closed session to affirm the selection of the candidate and shall report the selection in open session. (Government Code 54957)

The Board shall conduct these proceedings in accordance with legal and ethical obligations regarding confidentiality and equal opportunity.
As necessary, the Board may appoint an interim superintendent to manage the district during the selection process.

Regarding the Contract with the Superintendent:
In approving employment contracts with the Superintendent, the Board of Education wishes to encourage the Superintendent's long-term commitment to the district and community while carefully considering the financial and legal implications of the contract in order to protect the district from any potentially adverse obligations.

The Board shall designate a representative to negotiate with the Superintendent on its behalf and shall consult legal counsel to draft the contract document.

The Board shall deliberate in closed session about the terms of the contract.

Terms of the contract shall remain confidential until the ratification process commences.

The Board shall ratify the Superintendent's contract in an open meeting, which shall be reflected in the Board's minutes. Copies of the contract shall be available to the public upon request.

The contract shall include, but not be limited to, provisions for salary and benefits, annual evaluations, term of the contract, and conditions for termination of the contract. The contract should also include general responsibilities and duties of the Superintendent.

The term of the contract shall be for no more than four years. (Education Code 35031)

During the term of the contract, the Board may reemploy the Superintendent on those terms and conditions mutually agreed upon by the Board and Superintendent. (Education Code 35031)

The Superintendent's contract shall be extended only by Board action and subsequent to a satisfactory evaluation of the Superintendent's performance.

In the event that the Board determines not to reemploy the Superintendent, the Board shall provide written notice to the Superintendent at least 45 days in advance of the expiration of the term of the contract. (Education Code 35031)

The Superintendent's contract shall include a provision specifying the maximum cash settlement that the Superintendent may receive upon termination of the contract. However, if the unexpired term of the contract is greater than 18 months, the maximum cash settlement shall be no more than the Superintendent's monthly salary multiplied by 18. The cash settlement shall not include any noncash items other than health benefits, which may be continued for the unexpired term of the contract up to 18 months or until the Superintendent finds other employment, whichever occurs first. (Government Code 53260, 53261)

(cf. 4117.5/4217.5/4317.5 - Termination Agreements)

If the Board terminates the Superintendent's contract upon its belief and subsequent confirmation pursuant to an independent audit that the Superintendent has engaged in fraud, misappropriation of funds, or other illegal practices, the maximum settlement shall be within the limits prescribed by law, as determined by an administrative law judge. (Government Code 53260)
*************************
Next I'll post the stated duties of the Superintendent.

What kind of skills do you think the new superintendent should have?
Bilingual? experience with low income community? success in turning around low performing schools?
What is important to you in your superintendent?
Remember every resident within FUSD has a stake in this. Schools are the foundation of the community and create lifelong links within that community. The quality of schools also affects property values, what companies come to town, job availability, and so on.

Do you think the School Board should form a Community Advisory Committee to assist in the selection process of a new superintendent? I have read about other Districts actually having open town hall interview sessions with final candidates, where the community can meet the final two or three, ask them questions and chat.

here is a link to a PDF report from a district in Pittsburgh, I thought this was very interesting... the questions asked are insightful. http://www.aplusschools.org/SuperReport.pdf

Keep an eye out for full article about Mr. Sweeney's retirement in next weeks Gazette.

Attend the Rally for Education in front of FUSD offices on sespe street next wednesday, here's a link for more info: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/community/fillmorepiru-rally-education

At the April 26, 2011 Board meeting Superintendent Jeff Sweeney provided on paper the Mission, Vision and Goals for the District. It should be noted that all of this information is laid out in Board policies that are available to every member of the public at any time through the Districts website. Keep in mind that many of the policies have been updated recently and you would need to confirm with the District that the policy online is the most up to date version.

The Vision is what the District “looks like” when the Mission has been successful. A Vision is the ultimate goal that all actions are working towards. When the District is exactly the way described in the Vision, it means the Mission has been wholly successful.

VISION:
Rooted in tradition and committed to excellence, FUSD works collaboratively with parents and the community to empower students to succeed in an ever-changing world.

The Mission of an organization, company or school district is the underlying intention for all actions it takes as it works towards its Vision.

MISSION:
To ensure that each students will develop the skills and attitudes essential for success in school and in a diverse society, we are committed to:

-All students learning
-A competent and caring staff participating in decision-making
-Parents as partners
-Effective management of resources
-A safe, healthy and inviting environment
-Excellence in all we do

GOALS for 2010-2011 as laid out by the Board:

To improve the achievement of all students it the goal of all staff, parents, community members and board members within FUSD.
-Special focus will increase the academic achievement of English language learners.

In order to do this we will:
-Provide the highest quality staff for the students in the school district

-Special emphasis will be placed on the salary parity, positive, collaborative workplace environments, retaining quality staff, hiring highly qualified teachers and helping all staff improve and grow professionally through performance evaluation.

-Review and improve District and school discipline plans and procedures to increase the attendance of all students.

-Increase parent outreach, parent involvement, and parent education opportunities.

-Improve communication within the school district and with parents and community partners.

-Maintain clean, orderly and safe facilities for students and staff.

-Evaluate all facets of the instructional program, including the use of technology as an instructional tool, to ensure all curriculum is research-based and effectively implemented.

Do you think the District has met any of its goals? Which ones? Which ones has it failed to meet?

Assistant Superintendent, Director of Business Services Michael Bush, presented the following list to the Board and those in attendance. It is based on recommendations from the Superintendent.
All positions related to the items on this list have been noticed. See notes below the list regarding direction given by the Board that resulted in a few items being moved on the list and which should result in notices being rescinded.

Group A: Superintendent recommends cutting even if no reductions in budget required.
Group B: Superintendent recommends cutting if State reduction is $349 per pupil
Group C: Superintendent recommends cutting if State reduction is $620 per pupil
Group D: Superintendent recommends these items are “untouchable”. *I added the Group D designation for ease of reporting, this list was presented but with no Group designation.

(A note on the formatting, I am unable to make nice columns on the blog, so the top line tells you the 4 bits of info for each item, Expense, Savings, Group and # of Students impacted. The info you see for each "expense" is in that order following the item, sorry it is a bit confusing)

Expense Savings Group # of students impacted
Two FHS Teachers $ 155,374 A 988
(- Due to declining enrollment)
Director of Special Projects 70,330 A NA
FHS Asst. Principal 44,781 A 988
(Becomes part-time Dean)
FHS Health Clerk 31,334 A 988
5 Additional Furlough Days 550,000 B 0
Mechanic 77,145 B NA
Align Funding of Facility Mngment 64,548 B NA
Adjusted Site Budgets 31,000 B 3764
One Cabinet Position 150,000 C NA
Raise grades 4-5 by two 117,200 C NA
Raise secondary class size by one 117,000 C 1787
One Educational Services Coord. 100,000 C 3764
General Fund Support of Libraries* 86,653 C 3764
Elementary Music Teacher* 85,782 C 200
Counselor 83,796 C 799
One Cabinet Secretary 80,000 C NA
One Groundsman 64,216 C NA
One Custodian 60,000 C NA
Grade 4-5 Class Size Relief 46,880 C NA
Athletic Director/Clerk 45,487 C NA
Site Administration 807,396 D 3764
Class Size Reduction 580,890 D 1207
2 Vice Principals 235,133 D 1787
Raise Secondary Class Size by 2** 117,200 D 1787
Special Ed Coordinator 114,568 D 3764
Zangle Support 80,923 D NA
Data Specialist 79,059 D NA

Total District Reductions: $4,076,696

*Denotes item moved to Group D by Board on April 26th. Presumably positions affected that have been noticed will be reinstated.
**Denotes item moved from Group D to Group C
Note: Board agreed with all Group D, so all notices attached to those cuts will presumably be rescinded. Mr. Sweeney indicated this on April 26.
***************************************

Here is a blurb about the school where the video was written/performed etc. Link to video on youtube is below.

DreamYard Teaching Artist - Renée Watson
Video - David Flores

www.dreamyard.com
www.dyprep.org
www.reneewatson.net
www.dflo.net

The DREAMYARD PREPARATORY SCHOOL cultivates Scholarship, Artistry and Character within its students to develop successful individuals and responsible citizens.

DY Prep provides a rigorous arts integrated curriculum that emphasizes problem solving and critical thinking while deepening students' understanding of all subject areas. All of our classes empower students with skills to engage the world creatively and pursue professional careers. Community, creativity and leadership inform a school culture that nurtures the growth of articulate and thoughtful adults. DY Prep is committed to providing the support and guidance that will allow each student to graduate with a Regents diploma, acceptance to a college or university, and a clear path toward a fulfilling and meaningful career.

DreamYard transforms Bronx public schools and communities through the power of project-based arts learning. As the largest arts education provider in the Bronx, DreamYard impacts the social and intellectual growth of thousands of Bronx students through safe, positive and creatively challenging programs.

DreamYard's professional artists partner with classroom teachers and community educators to help students learn in new ways and develop literacy and communication skills. Through year-long programs offered during the school day, after-school, on weekends and during the summer, DreamYard supports youth development, enhances life-long learning skills and promotes creative thinking and expression

Link to "PUBLIC EDUCATION" http://youtu.be/cp6u21F6Wiw

Today, the following comment was submitted via email to all School Board Members, and to the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) and the Fillmore chapter of California School Employees Association (CSEA),

FUSD Board Members, FUTA and CSEA Presidents,

I wanted to make this statement at tonight’s board meeting but business is taking me out of town. It’s regarding a proposal for the budget cuts that I believe all parties should seriously consider. I’m hoping one or more board members will ask Mike Bush to run a few scenarios with actual numbers to see what it looks like. Even if you don’t fully agree with or see challenges to the proposal, I believe it’s necessary to consider all options.

Thank you and here is the statement:

April 19th, 2011

My name is Scott Duckett.

I’m speaking tonight as a private citizen concerned about the budget cuts. At a recent board meeting, both board members and cabinet members requested that any ideas regarding budget cuts be brought forward. In response to that, I’d like to make a proposal. The proposal has been heard by at least one board member; however I want to make sure it’s heard by all board members and union leadership, and has an opportunity to be publically vetted. Before I tell you what the proposal is, I’d like to first tell you the top three reasons why this proposal should be considered.

The first reason to adopt this proposal is NOT ONE SERVICE TO ONE STUDENT WILL BE LOST. Not one athletic program, not one classroom, not one thing students enjoy now will be lost. The repeated goal of board members to keep the cuts as far as away from the students as possible will be realized.

The second reason to adopt this proposal is NOT A SINGLE DISTRICT EMPLOYEE WILL LOSE THEIR JOB. Nobody. Not one person. All layoff notices would be rescinded.

And the third reason to adopt this proposal is IT’S FAIR TO ALL DISTRICT EMPLOYEES. No one individual or group caused the budget cuts, and under this proposal, no one individual or group will be forced to take more cuts or lose their job. In other words, all cuts are equal across the entire district.

Here’s the proposal. Every district employee, from the Superintendent on down, takes an equal percentage salary cut. The exact percentage everyone takes depends on the size of the budget gap. I didn’t have actual numbers to work with, so I made some estimates. If salaries and benefits make up roughly 90% of the district’s $30 million dollar budget, that’s approximately $27 million in salaries and benefits. If everyone district wide took a 3% salary cut, the district would save $810,000. If everyone took a 5% cut, the district would save 1.3 Million. If everyone took a 7% cut, the district would save nearly $2 million dollars, and so on.

I understand this proposal is unique, and will come with its own unique set of challenges. But I believe going through another round of “budget cuts business as usual” will only result in the painful process where seeing now and that we’ve all witnessed over the past few years. It’s a process that results in cuts that are often unfair to individuals and groups within the district, it results in valued district employees losing their jobs, and ends with cuts being made that directly affect students.

Thank you.

Tonight FUSD School Board will meet and is slated to vote on graduation requirements. That is how they have listed the item on their agenda that has the potential to cut programs, reduce class requirements for graduation and combine programs. FUSD is grappling with the same budget issues as other districts although I think that FUSD has one large hurdle that it still has to overcome, a general lack of accountability and transparency. Over the past year the School Board has heard from several parents bringing issues ranging from concerns over special services, to the lack of parent involvement. School Board members have attended school site council meetings regarding issues of accountability and lack of clarity. If the District wants the community to understand the situation, they need to work harder and better at creating a welcoming environment for community members to be involved (you need not have a child in the District to be a stakeholder or to get involved) and for demonstrating accountability when mistakes are made.

Here is an editorial in the Ventura county Star written by a Santa Paula Elementary School Board member, it is brief, and doesn't go into much detail, but at least it is a school board member working at communicating with the Board and attempting to communicate with the public and Kolbeck openly encourages the public to volunteer and donate to schools. Districts must reach out, and the public is going to need to see a shift at FUSD to a system that is more welcoming and ready to work with the community.

An excerpt:

"At a recent elementary school board meeting it became apparent that the "state of the state" has finally come to roost in Santa Paula.

Even though the Santa Paula Elementary School District board had pink-slipped a quarter of the teacher staff in March (approximately 50 out of 200), the public had yet to feel the effects of the state of the California budget. This is because nothing really changed as their child still went to the same school, had the same teacher, had the same classmates, etc.

However, during the time allotted for public comments, the SPESD board listened to students, parents, community members and staff about their concerns for programs that may no longer be available to them next year.

Read more: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/apr/18/kolbeck-your-childs-education-and...
- vcstar.com

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

First, the Fillmore High School art show is on Tuesday, April 12 6:30-8:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Building. The show is titled "Drawn into the Arts". Who are you going to bring?

Second, I've come across this interesting looking book "Rethinking Popular Culture and Media" Edited by Elizabeth Marshall and Oslem Sensoy. Just reading the summary is thought provoking.

Summary

Rethinking Popular Culture and Media is a provocative collection of articles that begins with the idea that the “popular” in classrooms and in the everyday lives of teachers and students is fundamentally political.

This anthology includes outstanding articles by elementary and secondary public school teachers, scholars, and activists who examine how and what popular toys, books, films, music, and other media “teach.” These thoughtful essays offer strong conceptual critiques and practical pedagogical strategies for educators at every level to engage with the popular.

Rethinking Popular Culture and Media features over 45 articles, divided into 6 sections:

1. Study the Relationship Between Corporations and Schooling
2. Critique How Popular Culture and Media Frame the Parameters of Historical Events and Actors
3. Examine the Connections Between Race, Class, Gender, Sexuality and Social Histories in Popular Culture and Media
4. View and Analyze Representations of Teachers, Students and Schools
5. Take Action for a Just Society
6. Use Popular Culture and Media to Transgress.

Writers include Wayne Au, Bill Bigelow, Linda Christensen, Barbara Ehrenreich, Ellen Goodman, Herb Kohl, Gregory Michie, Bob Peterson, and Renée Watson.

Praise for the book:

“Rethinking Popular Culture and Media is essential reading for all educators. Its gripping essays are written by teachers courageously helping students of all ages grapple with our media-saturated, commercially driven society. Their passion and experiences provide fodder, hope, and roadmaps for anyone committed to using the classroom to help children think critically and live creatively.”

—Susan Linn, Harvard Medical School, Co-founder and Director of the Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood, author of Consuming Kids: the Hostile Takeover of Childhood (New Press).

“This superb collection is based on the editors' belief that popular culture is a place where young people’s identities are both expressed and shaped by forces beyond their control. The starting point of any defense and reaction to this environment is critical reflection. The essays collected here will provide teachers and educators with an invaluable resource to think creatively about their own pedagogical activities in the classroom. Should be required reading for anyone dealing with issues of young people, media and popular culture.”

—Sut Jhally, Professor of Communication, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Founder and Executive Director, Media Education Foundation

Here is a link to more information: http://rethinkingschools.org/ProdDetails.asp?ID=9780942961485

****
And I just had to share this great NYTimes Article about Construction class for kids.

Here is an excerpt:
"After reviewing the plans with the workers, Ms. Winsor, 50, supervised them as they laid out two-by-fours for the front and back walls and then hammered the studs and plates together with three-inch nails. Next, she watched as some of them raised the walls and sheathed them in plywood while others used an electric jigsaw to cut bases for the portico columns. Finally, one of the carpenters used a screw gun to attach a flagpole to the roof and secure the pediment to the freshly painted facade.

At quitting time, the workers removed their protective headphones, put their tools back in their holsters and cleaned up their work stations. Then they gathered up the wooden toys they had made during break and ran to the door to greet their parents.

“Good job today,” Ms. Winsor hollered cheerfully at Oscar Markowitz, a 5-year-old boy with orange hair, flushed cheeks and a big grin, one of a dozen children (including the reporter’s son) participating in a weeklong camp she was holding at Construction Kids, her workshop on Flatbush Avenue. "

Here is a link to the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/31/garden/31kids.html?_r=1

I don't always have space or time to get every item in the articles that are published in the paper, so here are a few items that are of interest that were brought up.

According to FUSD Educational Services Director Katy Hadley FUSD is preparing for the "testing window" which starts next week. This is a block of days based on when the school year begins and ends, usually about 85% of the way into the school year. This is laid out by the State Department of Education. Here is information on the tests and dates: http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/1011testdates.asp
Hadley indicated that they expect several schools to make "safe harbor" this year, but there is also a 67% proficiency benchmark that schools will feel pressure to reach.

This can be a stressful time for students and families (and school staff) as the schools are assessed based on the scores. Some things that families can do to support students in being well prepared for the tests:

1. Review the letter that will be sent home. It will list dates and information about testing at that school.
2. Talk to students about the importance of the tests, both for themselves and for their school. This is the time to show what they know.
3. Answer any questions students have about testing. For first time test takers, (second grade) it can be a bit scary and they don't want to mess up. Making sure they know what happens during the test can help them be calm and focused. Talk to your teacher and/or principal if you have questions.
4. Have student get to bed early the night before.
5. Wake up in time to have a good breakfast and to not feel rushed.
6. All tests should take place before lunch, so don't schedule any doctors appointments or make other appointments for student on testing mornings (or afternoons for that matter, so they can focus)
7. Encourage students to do their best but find a balance. We don't want students to get so stressed about doing well that they are nervous and distracted.
8. Make sure the child wears comfortable clothing on test day.
9. Keep the family schedule simple around testing time. Maybe less on the daily calendar on test days, so the student can relax before and after testing.

What does your family do to prepare for testing?
Remember (good or bad) part of the score is test taking skills, teachers will cover this in the days leading up to the tests, but students will encounter many different kinds of tests during their educational career (and life for that matter) remind them that one day they'll probably take a drivers test, maybe the SATs to get into college, or law or medical school entrance exams. Developing good test taking skills, and finding what works for them can be helpful. Things like breathing exercises can help to relax some students.

At the School Board meeting last night (April 5) the importance of the testing environment was brought up. John Garnica suggested that the District notify all staff of testing days to ensure that no leaf blowers are being used within earshot of classrooms during testing times (I would hope that it's normal district practice to not use leaf blowers during any classroom instruction... I wonder what the cost of gas for leaf blowers is for the district? Oh dear going off on a tangent again) Mr. Garnica also spoke about covering cheating and being clear with staff that everything is "on the up and up". He referred to a recent article in USA Today (below) regarding irregularities in Washington DC.
Here is a link to the complete article: http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2011-03-28-1Aschooltesting28_CV_N...

Here is an excerpt:
Standardized test scores improved dramatically. In 2006, only 10% of Noyes' students scored "proficient" or "advanced" in math on the standardized tests required by the federal No Child Left Behind law. Two years later, 58% achieved that level. The school showed similar gains in reading.

Because of the remarkable turnaround, the U.S. Department of Education named the school in northeast Washington a National Blue Ribbon School. Noyes was one of 264 public schools nationwide given that award in 2009.

Michelle Rhee, then chancellor of D.C. schools, took a special interest in Noyes. She touted the school, which now serves preschoolers through eighth-graders, as an example of how the sweeping changes she championed could transform even the lowest-performing Washington schools. Twice in three years, she rewarded Noyes' staff for boosting scores: In 2008 and again in 2010, each teacher won an $8,000 bonus, and the principal won $10,000.

A closer look at Noyes, however, raises questions about its test scores from 2006 to 2010. Its proficiency rates rose at a much faster rate than the average for D.C. schools. Then, in 2010, when scores dipped for most of the district's elementary schools, Noyes' proficiency rates fell further than average.

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Hello All,
Hope you are enjoying the decent weather. I wanted to share a few helpful things I've recently learned about. First I wanted to make sure folks know that the FUSD School Board has a meeting tonight, April 5 at 6:30 at the District Office on Sespe. You can view the agenda here: http://www.fillmore.k12.ca.us/Archive.aspx?AMID=30

First bit of info:
Last week at the Bullying Prevention forum hosted by FUSD (see this weeks Gazette for my article on this important forum and issue) a woman from Interface Children and Family Services spoke about bullying and a parenting program they have that families can be referred to through their school. Interface is based in Camarillo, but has an office in Santa Paula and operates within FUSD as well. This looks like a wonderful organization creating programs for families who may in a serious situation, or just needing a bit of support and guidance. See their website for more info or contact your local school principal for a referral to "Triple P" (Positive Parenting Program) They even help parents learn to motivate their kids to do homework. Check it out: http://www.icfs.org/

Next bit of info:
DonorsChoose.org "An online charity connecting you to classrooms in need"
This is a fabulous idea that all teachers and schools should know about. A teacher or school can post a "need". This may be for anything the school or a classroom needs. For example, I happen to know that a teacher at Fillmore Middle School has "fetal pigs" on her wish list. This teacher could add this item on DonorsChoose and explain the lesson and why it's important. The site has a way to indicate if the school has a large population of low income, or English learner students. Then the public can search on the site for projects and causes that they want to donate to. I searched on it, and right now there are many schools and projects listed throughout Ventura County, but none from FUSD. This could be another tool for teachers, principals and even PTO's to get projects and events funded. ** Teachers, let me know when you've posted something there and I can direct folks to it... it takes a village
http://www.donorschoose.org/

March was recently named Bullying Prevention Month by a resolution passed by California state lawmakers. Nickelodeon has launched a anti bullying campaign. I hope that our communities can use all the tools we have to build every childs self esteem so that no child feels the need to bully and no child feels victimized when others behave badly.

I'm posting two "video" responses to bullying. At least that is my interpretation of these videos. The first is from the TV show "Glee" and the second is a music video by Pink. Pink's video has some strong images (and a strong word in the Title), but in my opinion it presents ideas that communities, schools, parents and kids need to talk about. When was the last time you told a child (boy or girl) that they were perfect to you?

"The Wahhabi presence in the United States is a foreboding one that has potententially harmful and far-reaching consequences for our nation's mosques, schools, prisons and even our military. My fear is, if we don't wake up and take action now, those influenced by Wahabbism's extremist ideology will harm us in as of yet unimaginable ways." -U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY)

The Wahhabi sect of Islam is the purest and most violent form of Sunni Islam beliefs. It derives its name from the 18th Century Muslim scholar, Muhammad bin Abd al Wahhab. He taught that true Muslims had to swear loyalty to their religious leader and to follow his teachings in all ways. It also requires that those who wanted to be considered true Muslims must join in jihad (holy war). The objective of this jihad is to convert or kill all non-Muslims, and those who leave Islam. Osama bin Laden is a follower of Wahhabi Islam and founded the terrorist group al Qaeda on Wahhabi beliefs.

A University of South Florida professor and six others have were charged with aiding the terrorist group Islamic Jihad. A Dallas, Texas grand jury in a 42 count indictment, arrested leaders of the 'Holy Land Foundation for Relief and Development,' charging its officals with raising more than $12 million dollars to funnel to the terrorist group Hamas. In New York, two Muslim clerics were arrested for alleged connections to al Qaeda and for attempting to purchase a shoulder-fired grenade launcher.

These and many other incidents show how deeply Radical Islam has become imbedded in the U.S. Among the primary suspects under investigation are groups financed by Saudi Arabian interests known to be making huge financial investments in the spread of the extremist Wahhabi Muslim doctrine in America.
Non-Wahhabi Muslim leaders in the United States say that approximately 80 percent of all U.S. mosques are under the control of Wahhabi imams and subsidized by Saudi Arabia. The Saudis have been pouring millions of dollars into creating a system of schools in the U.S., called Madrassas, teaching violent Wahhabi doctrines. The Saudis have also poured millions of dollars into Ivy League and other colleges for the construction of new buildings on their campus' in return for classes and text books that teach the radicalized doctrines of Wahhabi Islam. This method of spreading Radical Islam's goal in the U.S. is called 'Soft Jihad.'

'The Muslim Student Association,' with solid Wahhabi commitments, operates chapters on virtually every major campus in America. It has been in the forefront of organizing and executing anti- Isreal and anti-Western hate campaigns on campuses. A recent high profile example of this was the "The Muslim Student Association' gatering on the campus of UCLA.

The Wahabi's brand of religious militancy is not just a matter of being of its anti-American values, it is a menace to other Muslims who do not wish to embrace the violent methods of Wahhabism. This has been demonstrated by Muslim on Muslim war in Darfur, Sudan,where Wahhabi Muslims glady attack and kill other Muslims whom they deem are not violent enough for their ideology.

With the current Muslim on Muslim violence through out the Middle East, and the fact two American born citizens hold high level positions in al Qaeda and al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, recruitment of 'Homegrown Jihadists' in the U.S. is rampant, and our biggest danger of attack is from within the U.S.

Sespe Elementary is hosting a Parent Involvement Night on "Bullying & Cyber Bullying" on Wed. March 30

FUSD seems to have an ongoing struggle to open it's arms to parents and the community at large. When parents come forward with concerns, or even with specific requests that the district do a better job at involving the community both the Board and District display little interest and effort in making any changes.
To be fair, individual schools seem to be making an effort by having parent involvement nights (Sespe), creating Parent and volunteer centers (Piru), and by sending in articles to the local paper about various events (San Cayetano), but this District needs improvement from the top and across all sites, a real change in the culture.
So what specifically would help? What does the public want the District to do in this regard?

Well I have been seeing what other Districts in our area are doing, here are just a few examples, none of these Districts operate in a perfect way, but these small efforts would be a great step for FUSD:

-Ojai Unified: Holds District office organized Parent Forum nights every month with posted topics including "bullying", homework, etc. The topics were picked based on what parents wanted. These forums are free and open to the public.

-Santa Paula Elementary District: They are looking for a new superintendent, and they held a Public Forum early in the process to hear what the community wanted in it's new superintendent, they posted this information online here: http://www.spesd.org/apps/news/show_news.jsp?REC_ID=175165&id=0
Here is what their request for input says: "The Santa Paula Elementary Board of Trustees is seeking your thoughts on the personal qualities, professional skills, knowledge and experience desired of the new superintendent of schools for our district. The board would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to reduce your thoughts to writing. The board will consider this information when making its decision on whom to employ. Please see attachment below. "
They even post the recruitment brochure online for all to see and learn about the process involved in hiring for this position.

-Santa Paula Elementary District: Board member profiles online. During the recent campaign for FUSD school board I was surprised that many people 1. did not know that they voted for their local school board members and 2. They did not know who was on the Board or that you didn't need to be a teacher (in fact some folks don't think that teachers make good school board members because they are too "entrenched" in the current status quo but that's another story). At the link below, SPED posts profiles and photos of each Board member, this is a small step in reaching out to the public, letting them know who their elected trustees are, and making a small connection: http://www.spesd.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?userGroupREC_ID=30461&uREC_ID=...

-Santa Paula High District: Superintendent background, profile, goals etc. Posted online. This goes a long way to connect the public to the Superintendent. If the District wants the community to recognize that the schools are a vital part of the community then the person in the leadership role for the district needs to be "out in the community" a good way to start that is for the background information and specific goals of that person to be public. The public shouldn't have to search and search for this information. It should be easily accessible. An example: http://www.spuhsd.k12.ca.us/Default.aspx?tabid=135

-Providing Choices & Options: Ventura Unified School District: VUSD has many options for parents. They have homeschooling programs (K-8), open classrooms (K-8), dual immersion programs (K-12 avail), charter schools, magnet schools. Having options and choices shows a willingness from the top (school board) to serve the needs of ALL students within it's boundaries. Of course VUSD is a larger district, BUT FUSD is getting ready to build a new school, might it make sense to find out from the community what options/choices could be provided that are not currently available?

-Budget available online: Many area Districts have their most recent complete (usually from previous school year) budget posted online. Demonstrates a true desire to engage the public, provide transparency (as required by law) and just a general feeling of not wanting (or needing) to hide anything.

-Community Budget Forums: Several Districts have had community forums on this topic. While FUSD has held "Board Study Sessions" which is a good effort for the Board to get educated about the issues it is facing, the tone and structure of these sessions has done little to get the community in on the conversation. The subject of these study sessions is not even included in the public agenda. Other Districts are having "Community Forums". Events specifically designed for the community to take part in the discussion, to hear from all affected. Some Districts directly ask community members what ideas they have about ways to help. Here's a link to OUSD Budget page of their site, http://www.ojai.k12.ca.us/DistrictBudget.aspx it asks "How can you help?

There are a number of ways that community members can help in this situation. You can:

1. Write to your legislators and let them know your feelings regarding state funding for our schools.
2. Work with your local PTA/PTO or the Ojai Educational Foundation to help generate funding for the district.
3. Make a direct contribution to the OUSD.
4. Help generate additional ideas and solutions for the district’s financial problems.

***Did you know that Fillmore Middle School does NOT have a PTO? Community members can even form their own (separate from the district) organization to raise money and fund school needs (that is what the OJai Education Foundation does, a non profit org, not under the control of any school, it raises money and gives based on it's own mandates as determined by it's board.... is this something Fillmore area residents/parents are interested in? )

And those are just a few examples that I could find quickly online. What are some specific (remember we need low cost options) things that YOU think FUSD should do to reach out to the community/parents to get them more involved?
People are assets. IN this time of declining financial resources we MUST demand that our schools use all the resources available to them, people are a valuable resource, perhaps the MOST valuable.

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A story of a principal taking things into her own hands... or feet :) A smile for your friday:
Here's the link to the full story story at CBS: http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2011/03/24/local-principal-sells-shoe-col...

Local Principal Sells Shoe Collection To Save Jobs

March 24, 2011 5:09 PM

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Worried about possible layoffs, school principal Michele Miller spotted a potential solution in her own home.

The principal of Jackson Elementary in El Dorado Hills, a suburb east of Sacramento, decided to part with most of a shoe collection gathered over the past 15 years.....

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"I can teach you how to be a good teacher, but I can't teach you how to care" - Anthony Smith, Principal.

Just check out this article and watch the news segment. What a great example of leadership on site. This strong leader had 9 years to create this change. Consistent quality leadership.
"Failure is not an option"

I like the story of the partnership between local business and the school to motivate and hold student accountable. When they know folks are watching and paying attention they will rise to meet the expectations.

95% graduation rate with nearly 100% of graduates going to college.
If they can do it, so can we.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/PersonOfWeek/principal-turns-school-student-tim...

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So right now not only are we focused on the events in Japan, which I hope we can all find on a map, but the events in the middle east are pulling the world's attention as well.

Do you know where the country of Georgia is?
What about Israel?
Do you know where Turkmenistan is ?
What about Syria?

Here is a great little "game" to test your knowledge. What about your kids? Do they know where Iraq is? What is your score? (Mine was 65% although I think that they don't take away points for mistakes, because I made a bunch of them)

There is a great PDF for Teachers of the maps with question sheets as well.

http://www.ilike2learn.com/ilike2learn/MidEast.html

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