The Fillmore Unified School (FUSD) Board met on Tuesday to a standing room only capacity. In attendance were members of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) to receive an award along with a representative of the local 4H Clubs and the head of the migrant program who gave a presentation on student improvement during the summer.

Last week the FFA members attended the Buyers Banquet and on Tuesday the FUSD Board presented them with an award for their outstanding achievement at the 2012 Ventura County Fair. In attendance was Salvador Lopez, Ricardo Aparicio, Hailee Smith, Chris Berrington, Brooke Aguirre, advisor Joe Ricards and receiving the award on behalf of the members was Alexus Galassi.

In all, 35 FFA Fillmore students participated this year receiving 31 awards and recognitions, winning first place in every category entered, with the exception of sheep. FFA Member Brooke Aguirre read the names of the other award winners and their categories; Novice Swine: 1st Jaylene Ortiz, 2nd Alexis Rodriquez; Advance Swine: 1st Marc Zavala, 2nd Felicity Zavala, 3rd Ryan Calderon, 4th Yasmine Luna, 5th Andrew Perez, 6th Kaileigh Carpenter, 7th Tina Wheeler, 8th Sierra Blankenship. Replacement Heifers; 1st Sam Wokal, 2nd Macie Wokal.

Steer Showmanship; 1st Riley Wright, 2nd Candace Stines, 5th Alexus Galassi, 6th Jeffery McGuirre, 7th Breanna Berrington. Open Breeding; 1st Brooke Aguirre. Advance Sheep; 2nd Austin Monzano, 5th Tabitha Tucker. Round Robin Advanced; 1st Marc Zavala, 3rd Riley Wright, 4th Brooke Aguirre, 5th Macie Wokal. Novice Round Robin; 3rd Jaylene Ortiz. Reserve Grand Champion Steer; Breanna Berrington. FFA Champion Heifer; Macie Wokal. FFA Reserve Champion Heifer; Samantha Wokal. FFA Champion Market Hog; Alexis Rodriquez. FFA Reserve Champion Market Hog; Hailee Smith.

Scott Beylik representing the Bardsdale 4-H, Sespe 4-H and Piru 4-H informed the Board that between the 4-H and FAA they entered 330 swine, 30 goats,120 lamb and 52 cows and had a total of 532 exhibits. Beylik asked the Board and staff to consider coordinating the start of the fall semester with the students who participate in the fair activities. There are presently 93 members of the three 4-H Clubs plus Grange and 35 FFA members totaling 128 students. The students are dedicated to this activity and if FUSD classes begin before the fair has ended the students miss the beginning classes.

Jennifer Weir, Elementary/Middle Summer School Principal for the Migrant Program gave a presentation on the activities and achievements of the students who attended this summer’s classes. The focus was on academic vocabulary, social studies, science and English language development and an online math program. Activities also included trips to the Ronald Reagan Library, LA Science Museum, IMAX and puppet shows.

One hundred seventy-two participated in the program which included High School PASS Students; Fillmore High, 22; Sierra High, 3; Middle School, 27; Elementary school students, 75; student volunteers/workers, 14; and Continuous Learning Packet, 31.

Weir stated the elementary students’ academic vocabulary in social studies terms increased by 35% and science terms increased by 40%. The Middle School students’ history academic vocabulary terms increased by 17% and the students’ science terms increased by 16%.

Mary Ortiz, Student Board Representative, announces a successful Homecoming completed within seven days. The scores were; Seniors 1st Place, Freshmen 2nd Place, Juniors 3rd Place and Sophomores came in 4th Place. Ortiz also announced that Santa Paula Week is next week along with noontime activities, Dress Up Days, and a rally on Thursday. Food day will be on Friday. Coming up on September 11th at 6pm will be Renaissance Awards Night and the following night, also at 6pm, will be Back to School Night. Junior Varsity Football plays Bosco Tech High on Thursday September 6th and Varsity on Friday September 7.

During public comments Joan Archer requested that the track fitness training be put on the next board meeting agenda. She wants to address the hours individual citizens may access the Fillmore High School track for personal fitness. The item will be on the September 18, 2012 agenda starting at 6:30 pm.