Lori Mclain was the first to speak about problems with the AR Program.

Fillmore, CA - Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) is facing some tremendous hurdles from potential State budget cuts to bringing the districts students test scores up to acceptable levels. The December 6, 2011 Fillmore School Board meeting had a number of parents bring their concerns over the Accelerated Reading Program to the Board. Also, hard financial cuts may be on the horizon with questions of meeting financial obligations as Dr Michael Bush presented a grim financial outlook if California’s revenue doesn’t improve. A change called Transitional Kindergarten that starts next school year was discussed, along with a new approach to how grades are reported.

Those that came to discuss the Accelerated Reading Program (ARP) included Lori Mclain, Cathy Liu, Ana Alamillo, Erika Huerta, Jennie Andrade, along with others. ARP requires students read specific books at their tested reading level, but the reading material used is not at the student’s textbook grade level.

If students read at or above grade level reading, they are assigned a maximum of their grade level points, nothing higher. If reading at grade level reading, their AR points will count toward 10% of their English grade.
If reading below their grade level reading, students are assigned points based on their reading level, but if in an Honors class a minimum of 6th grade level points, their ARP points will count toward 20% of their English grade.

As a result of this grading system a 9th grader reading at a 9th grade level or higher would only be assigned the 9th grade points and it would be 10% of his grade. But a 9th grader reading below his 9th grade level would be assigned points based on his level (unless in an Honors course) and it would be 20% of his grade.

Parents reported that last Friday, which is two weeks before the mid-term, students were told that if they fell in the 10% category, they would only be required to get half their points for this semester, and if the student was in the 20% category they would have to get all of their points and it counts double toward their grade.

Ana Alamillo told the Board the program has been an issue at FUSD for over 10 years. She went on to state that parents have been begging the program be more user friendly, particularly at the high school level where grades have been affected and impacted many students’ opportunity to enter college. Alamillo said that as a parent she was not given an actual test to review or see what it is that her child is graded on, yet it continues to be either 10% or 20% of a student’s grade which counts for more than tests or quizzes and does not teach reading, comprehension or vocabulary usage.

Jennie Andrade, parent of three students in FUSD, asked “How can any student jump from the 20 required points in middle school to 100 in one semester? The school is taking the fun out of reading for the children… make ARP a reasonable amount of required points so they could get encouraged not discouraged.”

Erika Huerta, mother of four, brought her concerns to the Board on the impact the ARP has had on her family stating, “It’s hard to understand how ARP is taking over English classes at Fillmore High School (FHS). Reading is a skill. ARP does not teach skill or strategies in becoming a better reader. It’s a computer base system that only checks student’s learning level and identifies weaknesses. ARP should not replace instructional time. High school students need academic reading and vocabulary development. For example they need to learn academic English which includes vocabulary, syntax, grammar that is explicit and systematically taught not computer taught. Students need to be exposed in classrooms where the elements of literature are being taught, interesting lesson questions are being generated and innovation to talk and become a confident and competent communicator that gives students the skills they need in order to be successful students. The ARP program does not improve reading but it gets students to read more, instead FHS is punishing students by making ARP 20% of the English grade if they do not read at grade level. Making ARP 20% of their grade, students are faced with tough choices…spending more time reading than spent concentrating on other academic subjects. If students are required to meet State Standards at their grade level, how does ARP help them when a computer generates their reading level? All academic text books are at grade level. Should high school textbooks be modified to the student’s reading level to assure understanding and success? Instead we should have student read at grade level, support the comprehension with strategies that gives them the opportunity to apply their knowledge.”

In an email sent to the Gazette, a parent explained it this way: “It is insane! It is hard to understand the concept of all of this without actually living it. The ARP points are very excessive and difficult to get. Basically it comes down to forcing your child to read daily, meaning seven days a week to meet their predetermined point value. We all support reading, but not in the manner it is being crammed down our kids throats and making good students fail. ARP has no teacher interaction. The kids check out the book, read the book, take a computerized test, the computer grades the test and tracks it all.

AND....if you read the book and don't pass the test you get zero points for the book you just read. A board member even said she read a book with a fellow teacher, took the test and they did not pass the test. The tests often test details, such as what color someone's sweater was when they got off the bus at the farm. Not always the detail kids pay attention to, especially when you are forcing them to read books off a predetermined list. People want to read what interests them. I can't pick what you like to read, you should be able to read what interests you….. Would be interesting to get a statement from the district on what they plan on doing about this. We had a huge meeting in May with the Board on the same subject”

FUSD Superintendent Dr. Alan Nishino brought up something being implemented state-wide the next school year called Transitional Kindergarten (TK). As it is today, a child can enroll in kindergarten as long as they are five years old by December 2nd which mixes younger children with those who are older and more emotionally and socially advanced. Transitional Kindergarten is a program with optional enrollment that will address these gaps and offer an additional year of school to support the youngest children, those born between September and December. This coming year, only students turning five from November 2 - December 2 may enroll in TK, the following year will cover October 2- December 2 and so on until 2014, when all students turning five between September 2 and December 2 can enroll in TK.

Jan Marholin, Principal at San Cayetano Elementary School, presented the Board with what will be replacing the Districts old standard report cards. Marholin is head of the Report Card Task Force and has come up with a reporting format that is more comprehensive than the old reporting of grades A, B, C, D & F. Replacing them will be three levels of achievement: [1] Below Basic-Minimal Progress, [2] Progressing Toward Standard(s), [3] Proficient or Above-Met Standard(s).

It was also announced that Marholin will be leaving FUSD at the end of the month and taking a position as CEO of the Santa Clara Boys and Girls Club.

Dr. Michael Bush, Assistant Superintendent Business Services, presented the Board with 2011-2012 School Budget and possible problems of FUSD meeting its financial obligations. The financial problems may arise if the State does not meet the revenue projected when the State last presented a budget. There was a “trigger” placed in that budget to be enacted if State revenues fall between $1 billion ($87.5 billion) and $2 billion ($86.5 billion) lower. If this happens a series of additional cuts are triggered, including a $23 million across-the-board cut to child care and $30 million reduction to community colleges, accompanied by a $10 increase to student enrollment fees (this is on top of the $10 increase included in the first Budget Bill).

If the revenues fall more than $2 billion ($86.5 billion or less), then the State will impose additional cuts to public education of up to $1.9 billion: a 4% reduction to revenue limits; a $248 million cut to school transportation; and a $73 million reduction to community colleges.

In addition, the revenue limit reductions would be proportional to the amount of the revenue shortfall. For example, if the shortfall is $3 billion, then the revenue limit reduction would be 2% rather than the 4% that would apply if revenues fall $4 billion or more below estimates (budget trigger amounts courtesy of School Services of California).

Also attending the Board meeting was Richard Townend who had attended the last Board meeting with concerns of the District providing medical insurance to unqualified participants. Townend said that he and Michael Johnson, Assistant Superintendent Educational Services, had a six hour meeting to resolve the issue of medical insurance being provided by FUSD (from August through November of this year) for his sons through an FUSD employee claiming both boys as dependents. Johnson addressed the matter and gave Townend part of the resolve he had been asking for; coverage has been canceled. Townend is pleased but also feels an investigation into the matter is called for and that the public deserves to know who originally approved the coverage and in the future would like to see the District require documentation such as birth certificates, marriage certificates and tax returns before approving the District-paid medical insurance.

The Annual Toy Drive Sponsored by City of Fillmore Fire is underway! Unwrapped toy donations are currently being accepted at Fillmore Fire Station 91 located at 711 Sespe Place, Fillmore. All donors will receive a ticket for each toy donated, good for one BBQ Chicken Dinner. The BBQ will take place on Sunday, December 18th, 2011 between the hours of 4:00PM – 7:00PM. Dinner will be served at the Fire Station or you may take advantage of our drive-thru service. In addition to our chicken dinner, Fillmore Fire has teamed up with a few local merchants who offer incentives to those who donate to the toy drive. Toys will be distributed to Fillmore children on Tuesday, December 20th, 3:00PM at the North Fillmore Sheriffs Department Storefront Station located on Lemon Way in Fillmore. Each week hundreds of families in Fillmore struggle to put food on the table and pay rent, leaving many families without money for day to day luxuries. Many of these families are left disappointed when they are unable to provide their children with a new toy during the holidays. With your assistance you can help bring a smile to a child’s face this Holiday Season! Toy Drop-off Locations: Fillmore Fire Department, 711 Sespe Place, Fillmore, CA 93015, 805-524-0586. Fillmore Police Department, 524 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, CA, 93015, 805-524-2233.

Moorpark, Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru businesses will be able to access up to $242,821 in services for small business development through technical assistance/consulting services and business loans beginning Nov. 15, thanks to the County of Ventura and the Economic Development Collaboration-Ventura County.

In October, the County Board of Supervisors and EDC-VC’s board approved the recommendation to create the Moorpark and Santa Clara River Valley Business Assistance Program from the county’s and city of Moorpark’s share of the federal Community Development Block Grant funds.

Investment in our local businesses is essential for the overall economic health of Ventura County. Working with these communities will open doors to create jobs and strengthen businesses, which is something we can all be proud of,” said Supervisor Kathy Long.

In partnership with the county and cities of Moorpark, Santa Paula and Fillmore, EDC-VC's Small Business Development Center will provide free business consulting services and low-cost workshops to small- and medium-size companies in the region. It's expected that more than 40 companies will receive intensive business consulting services, resulting in at least 26 new jobs and saving four at-risk positions by the end of this fiscal year on June 30.

Business loans of up to $25,000 are available to businesses in Moorpark and the entire Santa Clara River Valley area. The loan program is aimed at helping business owners overcome some of the hurdles to successful entrepreneurship. It’s expected that nine loans will be funded through the program, resulting in at least nine new jobs this fiscal year.

“The city has been very strategic in its economic development and has been working toward creating a loan program for a few years,” said Janice Parvin, mayor of Moorpark. “Having the program come on line now is great news for the city and its businesses as well as those in the Santa Clara River Valley area.”

EDC-VC will provide credit analysis and underwriting services for the loan program, assisting firms in accessing to new capital to support business growth.

For more information, contact Kelly Noble at 805-384-1800 x 21, or kelly.noble@edcsbdc.org.

EDC-VC is a private, nonprofit organization that serves as a business-to-government liaison to assist businesses in Ventura County by offering programs that enhance the economic vitality of the region. For more information about the Small Business Development Center, loan programs, the Manufacturing Outreach Program, Global Entrepreneur Training in Trade (G.E.T. Trade) program, or other services available to small businesses through EDC-VC, contact Stenslie at 805-384-1800 ext. 21 or bruce.stenslie@edc-vc.com. Or visit www.edc-vc.com.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On November 26, 2011, at approximately 10:00 PM, a helicopter was requested for two hunters who were lost and stranded on a rock out cropping in Piru Creek near Hardluck Campground in the Los Padres National Forest. Initial information received from the hunters whom had limited cellular service stated they were unable to move off a sheer cliff about one and one half miles south of the Hardluck Campground.

Ventura County Sheriff Lockwood Valley Deputies were staged at the campground but were unsuccessful in locating the hunters due to the remote location and darkness. The Sheriff’s Department helicopter, piloted by Jim Dalton, responded with a rescue crew consisting of Crew Chief Don White and Crew Chief/Paramedic Jeff Golden. Upon arrival to the area, an aerial search was initiated with the assistance of night vision goggles worn by the aircrew.

After about forty-five minutes into the search, the hunters regained cellular service and were able to contact Sheriff’s Dispatch. Utilizing a satellite telephone in the helicopter, a conference call was initiated between the helicopter, dispatch and hunters. The hunters were advised to hold the face of their cell phone in the direction of the helicopter, which they could hear but not see. With the assistance of night vision goggles the rescue crew observed the light from the cell phone face within several minutes after the request was made. The hunters were discovered clinging to a steep canyon wall south of the campground.

Due to the remote location and rugged terrain, the only option to contact and evaluate the hunters was through a hoist operation. Crew Chief Golden was lowered via hoist approximately one hundred feet into the canyon. Once on the ground, Golden determined both men were uninjured. The hunters were safely removed from the location via a hoist rescue and flown to awaiting deputies at the Hardluck Campground.

It was later learned that the hunters were prepared for their trip by having proper clothing, water, flashlights, GPS and a cell phone. However once it became dark, the hunters were disorientated and quickly lost track of the trail. Both then fell down the steep canyon and became separated from their flashlights, GPS and other equipment.

The Sheriff’s Aviation Unit would like to let others know that should they find themselves in a remote location after dark, the illumination of a cell phone face or other light source can greatly assist rescue crews in the search when night vision goggles are being utilized.

Report Number: 11-26936
Location: Piru Creek near Hardluck Campground, Los Padres National Forest
Date & Time: 11/26/2011 @ 10:00 PM
Unit Responsible: Sheriff’s Aviation Unit
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Leonard Unger
Juvenile - Male Los Angeles
Los Angeles 49
17
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Senior Deputy Don White
Media Release Date: 11/27/2011
Follow-Up Contact: Senior Deputy Don White
805-388-4212
Approved by: Capt. Ross Bonfiglio

Jillian Morris
Enlarge Photo

Jillian Morris
Enlarge Photo

Lexington, Kentucky - The United States Pony Clubs, Inc., (USPC) announces the recognition of the Kings Corner Training Stables, located in Fillmore, CA, as a USPC Riding Center. As a recognized Pony Club Riding Center membership to Pony Club is available to youth 25 and under who join the Kings Corner Pony Club Riding Center. For adults interested in the program, there is also a Horsemasters Program.

Members through a Pony Club Riding Center do not have to have their own horse and will have access to the full Pony Club program. This includes learning to ride on the flat, over jumps, and in the open. In addition, members will be able to “rate” their riding ability and horse management skills against an established standard of proficiency and be able to participate in center, regional, and national activities.

Each of the ten Pony Club ratings is more difficult than the preceding one, and requires Pony Club members to learn more about horses and their care and to become increasingly accomplished riders and teachers of riding and horse care to younger members. The top rating, ‘A,’ is reached by fewer than one in 300 and denotes throughout the international horse industry a highly competent and knowledgeable horseperson.

There are approximately 10,000 members of Pony Club in over 625 clubs and centers throughout the country. Along with an emphasis on helping its members learn to ride and care for horses, Pony Club promotes teamwork, a sense of responsibility, safety, good moral judgment and self-confidence.

The United States Pony Clubs, Inc. (USPC) was founded in 1954 as a nonprofit national youth organization to teach riding and horsemanship through a formal educational program. Many of the nation’s top equestrians, including most of our Olympic Equestrian team members, have Pony Club roots. Members range in age, from as young as 4 through age 25. Activities are English-riding based, with a new western riding curriculum being introduced this year. Members ride both horses and ponies, depending on the size of the rider and the discipline in which s/he is competing.

All Pony Club competition is team competition, much like the Olympic Games, where members learn the importance of cooperation and teamwork.

Taurie Banks of Fillmore is the Center Administrator and Instructor for Kings Corner Pony Club Riding Center. Taurie is a graduate Pony Club member and is certified as an Instructor by the United States Eventing Association. She is also certified in Equine Sports Psychology.

For more information on the Kings Corner Pony Club Riding Center, please contact Taurie Banks at (805) 727-3444 or by email at kingshorses@hotmail.com.