An overflow crowd filled the Fillmore School Board meeting Tuesday night October 5, 2009. Before the regular session began at 6:oo pm, more chairs were set up to accommodate all waiting community members as they streamed into the room. Fillmore Middle School Principal Todd Schieferle introduced his team of staff members responsible for the new Response to Intervention Model program for student success to board members David Dollar, Virginia De La Piedra, Liz Wilde, and meeting leader Tony Prado. Board President John Garnica was absent. Schieferle stated that he explored advisory programs at De Anza Middle School in Ventura, and Pioneer Middle School in Orange County. Assistant Principal Tricia Godfrey, Anna Morielli, and Scott Carroll and he attended a Response to Intervention workshop.

As a team, each member discussed the strategies for student success by implementing the three level-tiered program structure.

Ms. Morielli explained that Level 3 is the Intensive Core. The focus is directed in grades 6-8 history and Language Arts. For students with math deficiencies, An Intense Math Program is provided. This program also includes ELD level newcomers. Intensive Reading Instruction involves comprehension and decoding. There are also classes for Intense Responsibility Support. Evaluation of student progress with common assessment is every three weeks.

Morielli went on to say that homework is tied to the California State Standards. The Supplemental Support Program, Level 2, includes mandatory tutorials in math, Language Arts and history, and leveled reading for grades 6-8. It also includes one-on-one mentoring with teacher change. Evaluation of student progress is every three weeks with common assessments and teacher recommendation for level 2.

Support for All Students, Level 1, involves student exploration opportunities in art/art appreciation; music/music appreciation; technology and homework center with a 6th grade-8th grade mentor program.

RTI team member Scott Carroll spoke of the success of the program since school began in August. “I’ve heard stories from teachers that the results are good, Carroll stated. ”Parents feedback has been supportive.” “ Students are requesting more help.” “ This is the first year and we’re only 8 weeks into the program,” Carroll continued.

Assistant Principal Godfrey pointed out that the program is designed to help all students enrolled in grades 6 through 8. “ I invite the community to come anytime during the day to see the targeted and focused teachers and students.’

Superintendent Jeff Sweeney shared,” I had the opportunity to visit the middle school last week. Every classroom had a focus with every teacher interacting with students.” “The RTI program is truly making a difference, he added.

Power of One
Board Member Tony Prado presented certificates of appreciation to Danny Alcozar, with the district since 1974, has helped Migrant Education students in the homework center for 12 years; Maria Gonzales a Migrant Education clerk who has helped students and their parents since 1973; Scott Carroll a veteran teacher involved with AVID and building the Fillmore Middle School RTI program; and Anna Morielli, teacher, and Fillmore Middle School RTI program team builder.

Award
The Santa Clara Valley For Learning has awarded Fillmore Unified School District the contract for Nil’s Administrative partner.

As the Administrative Partner, the District will serve as the employer of record, and provide human resources management and fiscal services. The Grant totals $244,574.00.

Superintendent of Schools Jeff Sweeney commented that this opportunity “Will generate more money for the district, and will bring more resources for our district students.”

One Step A La Vest Program
Lynn Edmonds, program manager, informed the Board Members that the One Step A La Vez Program is connected to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County.

“One Step A La Vez is a site based mentoring program outside of school for youth in Fillmore and Piru, “she stated.

Students act as mentors before and after school and during lunch at Sespe, Mountain Vista, Fillmore Middle School and the Boys and Girls Club. She stated that 240 youths are involved. Amelia Aparicio, Mario Rodriguez, Alicia Rodriguez and Norma Magana make up the site based team.

The Fillmore High School Big Brothers/Sisters meet once a week with younger youths. They meet weekly for classes and attend field trips with their assigned “littles.”

Community based mentors are matched with middle school and high school youth weekly and participate in planned activities. Brandy Lengning and Mario Rodriguez run this part of the program.

One Step A La Vez has a Teen Board of Directors of 15 youth, and a drop in center at Trinity Episcopal Church in Fillmore. The drop in center offers homework help, computer access and a safe environment. Some classes offered are in family living, exercise, and teen issues.

Outreaching to the entire community supports social justice and behavioral health issues.

Several youths joined Edmonds in giving the Board Members their comments on the program.

Phillipe Cortez, an eighth grader, said,” I wanted a mentor so that I don’t get into trouble.” Others commented that the homework help was great. Mike Ramirez said,” I like to hang out with others, play games on the computers, do things together and not get in trouble.”

Flu Vaccine
School Nurses reported that since school began in August students have been sent home with fever and other flu symptoms. Late October or November usually is the beginning of the flu season.

Ellen Dewey R.N. and Martha E. Romero R.N. informed the Board Members that teachers have been asked to provide hand sanitizer in classrooms where there is no sink with soap and running water. This will help to combat the spread of the flu virus.

The nurses went on to say that the Ventura County Health Department is working with the Fillmore Unified School District to make H1N1 flu vaccine available to all who need it. They are hopeful that Ventura College will help with distribution.

Other Issues
The Board of Trustees adapted the Resolution for the Gann Limit 09-10-07.

In 1979 the Article established a maximum appropriation for public agencies including school districts.

The Board declares that the appropriations in the Budget for the 2008-2009 fiscal years do not exceed the limitations imposed by Proposition 4.

The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, 2009, in the Board Room with a closed session at 5:15 pm, nag regular session at 6:00pm.

A special meeting will be Wednesday, October 21,2009, at Piru Elementary School.

The Migrant Education Program will send a bus to Rancho Sespe.