THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – Nov. 14, 2012) The public is invited to watch fourth- through eighth-graders compete at a FIRST LEGO League Robotics Qualifying Tournament from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2, at California Lutheran University.

Twenty-eight teams from local schools will bring the robots they designed to the CLU-sponsored event to compete for a spot at the regional competition, which will be held later in December.

FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring young people’s interest in science and technology. Its LEGO League program challenges 9- to 14-year-old students to build LEGO-based robots tocomplete specific tasks.

“Senior Solutions” is the theme for this year’s event in which students build robots to aid senior citizens. Teams will give presentations on the topic as part of the competition.

Volunteers are needed to assist with registration, setup, coordination, judging and refereeing. Robotics experience is not necessary.

The free event will be held in the Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is on the north side of Olsen Road near Campus Drive in Thousand Oaks.

For more information, contact Bob Rumer at rrumer@callutheran.edu or 805-377-8369. For more information on FIRST, visit http://www.usfirst.org.

This past Saturday, November 10th, the Fillmore High School Band participated in the 30th Annual Field Competition at Granada Hills Charter High School. Our students received 2nd place in our Division and 4th place overall! Congratulations students – you did an awesome job! In case you’d like to see how great our band is, their last competition of the season will take place at the ‘Battle of the Bands’ at Moorpark High School this Saturday, November 17th. Our Bands’ performance time is 12:30pm and admission is $10 adults/$7 seniors and children under 2 free.

Camarillo, CA - With the passage of Proposition 30 Tuesday, eligible students at CSU Channel Islands (CI) can expect to receive refunds of the 9 percent tuition fee increase previously enacted by the CSU Board of Trustees for the 2012-2013 academic year. The refunds, ranging up to $249 per semester for full-time undergraduates, will be processed by Wednesday, Nov. 28, using students’ original form of payment. The exact amount and eligibility for student refunds will be calculated by the Financial Aid office, taking into account waivers, grants, financial aid packages and balances due on student accounts.

Voter approval of the tax measure means that the CSU will avoid a $250-million mid-year budget cut. Annual tuition rates for full-time undergraduate students will revert to $5,472 – the same as in 2011-2012. The CSU’s budget will essentially remain flat for the remainder of the fiscal year, but state funding is still approximately $1 billion – or 33 percent – less than it was four years ago.

“With the passage CONTINUED »

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will host the 2012 Southern California Conference for Undergraduate Research on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the John Spoor Broome Library. The annual event showcasing the best in undergraduate research, scholarship and creative activity is expected to bring more than 900 students and their faculty mentors to the CI campus from as near as Camarillo and as far as Nigeria. It is the first time CI has hosted the 20-year-old conference.

This year’s conference, themed "Channels of Research, Islands of Discovery,” will feature more than 300 oral presentations and 260 poster presentations by students in disciplines spanning the arts and humanities, as well as social, natural and applied sciences. Students will present original research in such diverse topics as biomarkers in breast cancer cells, iPad integration in the classroom, tax evasion, and Chicano poetry. CI Professor and historian Rainer Buschmann will give the keynote address, “Myths and the Science of Oceanic Exploration,” derived from his teaching and research into the human dimensions of the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans. CI’s Performing Arts students also plan an original, not-to-be missed performance.

The Southern California CONTINUED »

High School Seniors! Are you interested in applying for the Bill and Melinda Gates Scholarship? Do you want help to do it? Come to the One Step Center (corner of 2nd and Saratoga) on Monday November 5th at 6:45 to find out more! Questions? call Lynn at 805-907-6576.

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This year seemed to take off at a running pace with our first home football game the Friday after school started, and it seems like we’ve been going ever since! The Fillmore High School Band (with a handful of Middle School students participating) played at all 5 home games. And, before football season even started, they attended Band Camp the first part of August and marched in the Ventura County Fair Parade. Additionally, they played at the Fillmore Middle School Back to School Night, and participated in UCLA Band Day. The High School Band and ColorGuard just participated, and did an awesome job, in their first Field Show Competition of the Season at Simi Valley High School on October 27th (with 2 more to go – November 10 in Granada Hills and November 17 in Moorpark). And, this year one very positive change that has occurred with our High School Band Program is that the band meets during 6th period rather than after school. This change will definitely make a difference with our band, and I think we’ve already seen that!

So, who supports our Fillmore Unified Band Program? The Fillmore Band Boosters supports all aspects of our Band Programs – Elementary, Middle and High School. With funding at an all time low in education, our music programs could not continue without the support of Band Boosters. We cover many expenses from copy machine repairs to purchasing tshirts, binders, ColorGuard uniforms, band uniforms (jackets, hats, plumes, shoes and pants), uniform cleaning, purchasing new instruments (and repairing old ones), and all Competition related expenses (field show music, fees, and transportation). As of this year, we completed our High School Uniforms with our final purchase of bibbers (pants) for all students!

So, you might ask, how do the Boosters support our Band Program? One way is by selling Krispy Kreme donuts (and spirit halos) at football games - 225 dozen donuts this season to be exact! That isn’t the only fundraiser we’ve participated in – we also did an online fundraiser through eteamsponsor.org – that was a super easy one and didn’t require selling anything at all (and it was all done online)! We are now in the middle of our Annual Pierpont Jam Fundraiser and so far our High School and Middle School students have sold 710 jars! Our Elementary Schools are in the middle of selling their jam (if you’d like to buy some yummy Pierpont jam contact Lisa at 524-1697 or 831 801 2276 or email hismile64@gmail.com).

Last but not least, I want to thank a few local groups and businesses who have contributed to our band program - the Lion’s Club, El Pescador, Yanni’s, Maher Insurance Agency and NV Sports. And, we couldn’t do what we do without our parent help – thank you, parents, who have contributed your valuable time - we couldn’t do it without you! With our many helpers this year we know from first hand experience that ‘many hands make small work’! And, remember, our monthly meetings are held on the first Monday of the month at 6:30pm in the Band Room, our next meeting is Monday, November 5th. All are welcome to attend!

Camarillo, CA - Sandy Birmingham, a STEM Pipeline and Outreach Coordinator for Project ACCESO at California State University Channel Islands (CI), has been named a “Leading Woman in STEM” for her work to advance science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.

Birmingham was one of 12 California women honored at the 2012 California STEM Summit held in San Diego Oct. 16. The award, presented by the nonprofit California STEM Learning Network (CSLNet), recognizes “achievements in advancing innovative and effective STEM education initiatives across the state and serving as exemplary role models for California women and girls.”

The organization honored Birmingham for her work creating high-quality, hands-on afterschool STEM programs. As Pipeline and Outreach Coordinator at CI’s Project ACCESO, she works with area K-12 schools, community colleges, CI faculty and undergraduates, and employers on programs and partnerships to excite students about STEM learning and careers.

“It’s not just CONTINUED »

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will provide free hands-on training for using art, dance, drama and music to teach a variety of subjects on Saturday, Nov. 3, at Rio Vista Middle School in Oxnard.

The Third Annual Arts and Learning Symposium: Creating Collaborative Partnerships, which is co-sponsored by the Rio School District, will be held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Jatila van der Veen, an educator for NASA and the University of California, Santa Barbara, will give the keynote address on “Art as a Path to Understanding Physics.” She is researching the use of interdisciplinary strategies and media-arts technology in physics and astronomy education.

Van der Veen and others will lead interactive breakout sessions for educators. Michael Berns, a television producer earning a teaching credential at CLU, will demonstrate how to transform everyday lessons into unforgettable group performances with teachers and students collaborating as writers, directors, actors and audience. Carla Walter, an associate professor of marketing at CLU, will share her research into dance in advertising and its effect on consumption, and discuss the implications for incorporating dance performance into teaching. Nan Young, the executive director of ArtTrek Inc. will explore mathematics and the body, shapes and biology and the modern mind. John Zeretzke, the founder and director of Flutes Across the World and recipient of the 2009 Medal of Honor from the United Nations for peacekeeping, will lead educators through a science and music activity.

Participants will develop action plans during roundtable discussions and leave with a variety of tools and ideas that they can use in their classrooms. The program will also feature lunch, a continental breakfast and a performance by the Rio Mesa High School Dance Team.

The event is part of the Susan Greiser Price Arts Integration Program, which was funded by a $150,000 gift to CLU’s Graduate School of Education. Through the program, CLU trains educators to use drama, music, art and dance as teaching strategies in all subject areas. It expands on Project ACT (Active, Collaborative, Transformative), a program run by CLU and the Moorpark Unified School District and funded by a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Rio Vista Middle School is located at 3050 Thames River Dr.

Space is limited. To register, go to http://www.callutheran.edu/artslearning or contact Christina Houston at chouston@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3423. For more information, contactMaureen Lorimer at mlorimer@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3836.

Local education firm Upper Hand to College will host a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) conference for girls in grades 6-12. The conference will offer a fun, inspiring and motivational day, geared toward increasing the number of women in the STEM fields. Girls attending the conference will: engage in hands-on activities and seminars, become aware of the wide variety of career opportunities in technology, science and engineering, gain a new enthusiasm for STEM, meet and connect with awesome female role models, learn the importance of taking classes in science, math and technology in middle school and high school, and leave with the knowledge and understanding that women have the capability to be successful in the professions of science, technology and engineering. Each student will attend two workshops of their choice. Workshops include (descriptions available on registration form): Make Your Own Lip Balm; Build a Water Filter; Fun with Polymers; Create a Prosthetic Hand Model; Create Your Own Hand Sanitizer; Challenge Your Design Skills; Hair Dryer Dissection; Design a Hot Air Balloon; Aquarium Visit; and Campus Tour of UCSB. A description of each workshop is available on the conference registration form.

Date: Saturday, November 17, 2012
Time: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Location: UCSB Campus
Cost: Students: $20; Parents, Teachers, Counselors: $25

To register for the conference, visit http://conta.cc/QeTezE or call 805-984-2656. For more information on Upper Hand to College, visit www.upperhandtocollege.org.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2012
5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AND NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION School District Pupils (Education Code 35146)
o Expulsion Case Number CONTINUED »

Fillmore and Santa Paula High School are partnering with UCSB’s Early Academic Outreach Program to bring the Higher Education Week program to Fillmore High School seniors on October 19, 2012. The event will provide college and career training options for the high school seniors during their 5th and 6th periods. In addition, an evening college fair event will take place at Santa Paula High School Auditorium, 404 N. 6th St., Santa Paula, CA for all Fillmore and Santa Paula High School students from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Parents are invited to attend!

Marichal

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - A California Lutheran University political science professor will discuss the effect Facebook has on people as citizens at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, in the Lundring Events Center.

José Marichal will present “Does Facebook Make Us Better Citizens?” as part of the Center for Equality and Justice (CEJ) Lecture Series.

Marichal draws on an ethnographic analysis of 250 Facebook political groups to examine the impact of the Facebook revolution on politics and, in particular, democratic processes. In his newbook, “Facebook Democracy: The Architecture of Disclosure and the Threat to Public Life,” he explores how Facebook’s emphasis on social connection impacts key dimensions of political participation including mobilization, deliberation and attitude formation.

The Thousand Oaks resident CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2012
5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AND NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION School District Pupils (Education Code 35146)
o Expulsion Case Number 11-12-02
o Expulsion Case Number 11-12-03
o Expulsion Case Number CONTINUED »

Fillmore, CA – Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation’s largest children’s literacy organization selected Fillmore Unified School District’s RIF program to receive a $5,000 literacy grant to host a Family Reading Celebration event for local families. RIF awarded 19 programs – including Fillmore’s RIF program– family reading grants totaling $77,500. The grants will promote family engagement at RIF sites serving 50,000 children in 16 states across the country.

“This grant will help us get books to the children in our community who need them most,” said Jennifer Weir, Fillmore’s RIF Coordinator. “The books we’re providing kids may be the only books they have. The path to success starts with literacy and our celebration will help these children and their families truly discover the joy of reading.”

The local literacy reading celebration is scheduled for Tuesday, October 23 from 5-7pm at Fillmore Middle School. All 3rd grade students and their immediate families are invited to attend this special event where they will receive book packs and free books as well as dinner. Our special guest and author for the evening is Paula Phillips, author, recording artist and founder of Right Road Kids. Pre-registration at each school site is highly encouraged to ensure that all students will receive all of the reading surprises on the day of the event. Flyers will be sent home with all third grade students on Oct. 3 and expected to return on Oct. 5. Dr. Alan Nishino, Fillmore’s Superintendent shared, “As most of us know, reading is an essential skill to become successful in school and in the future. We are pleased that we have entered into a program where we can have the motto of “Student Success Whatever it Takes”.

“Through the generous support of Macy’s, we’re excited to be able to provide Fillmore’s RIF program with a Family Reading Celebration grant,” said Carol H. Rasco, president and CEO of RIF. “There is only one book for every 300 children living in poverty in this country. The books RIF provides to kids can truly have a life-changing affect for children, for their families and for America.”

"Macy's has been committed to RIF's mission of educating and empowering children through literacy since 2004. We are especially proud to support RIF's creative programs across the country that are designed to empower children and their families to becoming lifelong readers," said Martine Reardon, chief marketing officer for Macy's, Inc. “With RIF, America's children are learning that reading is not only fundamental, but also fun and key for future success." She added, "The power of literacy helps shape a more competitive and innovative America.”

To date, through a multi-year partnership with Macy’s, RIF has distributed $250,000 in Family Reading Celebration grant funds to more than 70 programs. Since 2004, Macy’s has been a proud supporter of RIF, raising more than $21 million for RIF.

About Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF)
Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF), founded in 1966, motivates children to read by working with them, their parents, and community members to make reading a fun and beneficial part of everyday life. RIF’s highest priority is reaching underserved children from birth to age 8. Through community volunteers in every state and U.S. territory, RIF provided 4 million children with 15 million new, free books and literacy resources last year. For more information and to access reading resources, visit RIF’s website at www.rif.org.

For more information regarding Fillmore’s Family Literacy Event on October 23, 2012, contact:
Jennifer Weir
Fillmore Unified School District
805-524-8036
jweir@fillmore.k12.ca.us

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - Thirty-eight of the top undergraduate students at California Lutheran University will present their research findings to the public at the Ninth Annual Student Research Symposium on Saturday, Oct. 20, in Ahmanson Science Center.

With guidance from faculty mentors, the students took on challenges that ranged from human rights, religious minorities and democratic duty to the effect of different clotting factors on the structure of fibrin networks. Disciplinesinclude art, biology, bioengineering and applied physics, biochemistry, chemistry, computer science, economics, English, exercise science, global studies, mathematics, psychology and religion.

Six students will give brief oral presentations from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Richter Hall. Jamie Morriss, a senior psychology major from San Diego minoring in religion, will discuss her work interviewing members of interfaith organizations in Los Angeles and Ventura counties and reviewing literature to determine the best methods for bring diverse people together for a common purpose. Aaron Waters, a junior psychology major from San Anselmo, will present his research involving people in recovery programs to combat alcoholism andaddiction. He found that spirituality was a stronger predictor of resilience than social support and gratitude and an effective treatment for those in recovery.

Visitors can talk CONTINUED »

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) is pleased to offer admission for the fall 2013 semester to first-time freshmen, transfer students and graduate students. Applications will be accepted from Monday, Oct. 1, through Friday, Nov. 30. Undergraduate students may apply online at www.csumentor.edu.

CI has a current enrollment of more than 4,900 students – an increase of nearly 700 from the previous fall. Enrollment capacity will depend on the outcomes of the California general election on Nov. 6.

“We’re pleased to be able to offer new students the opportunity to pursue their educational goals in this climate of state budget uncertainty,” said Provost Dawn Neuman. “Though we’re growing more slowly than we had hoped, we’re proud of the many milestones we have achieved as a campus as we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year.”

For further information on deadlines and admissions requirements, visit www.csumentor.edu or www.csuci.edu/admissions/, or contact Ginger Reyes, Interim Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Enrollment Services, at 805-437-8521 or ginger.reyes@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is celebrating 10 years of education, innovation, growth and community enrichment during the 2012/2013 academic year. We salute our faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters, and partners who continue the CI mission of a student-centered education emphasizing international and multicultural perspectives with interdisciplinary and experiential service-oriented learning.

Together, we are solving the problems of today, preparing the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and contributing to the vitality of higher education.

CSU Channel Islands – A Decade of Distinction.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - The Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics at CSU Channel Islands (CI) will kick off its fall 2012 Speaker Series on Friday, Sept. 28, with Rick Cole, former City Manager of Ventura. The 2012 series offers the public the chance to learn about important issues and decisions facing three influential figures in local government, business and technology, and entertainment. All three on-campus programs are free, include lunch, and are open to the public by reservation.

Rick Cole, Former City Manager of Ventura
Friday, Sept. 28, at noon in Malibu 100
Cole’s 30-year career in local government includes roles as City Manager of Ventura, City Manager of Azusa, and Mayor of Pasadena. He's widely cited as an expert on local government and was recognized by Governing Magazine as one of its “2006 Public Officials of the Year” – the only City Manager in the nation to earn that distinction.

Kris Kelkar, President/CEO & Co-Founder of Xirgo Technologies
Friday, Oct. 12, at noon in Malibu 100
President/CEO and CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2012
5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AND NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Dr. Alan Nishino, Michael Johnson, C. Earl Davis, Todd Schieferle, Margaret Chidester) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration. Personnel Matters (Government Code 54957)
o Hiring, Evaluating, Discipline, Dismissal, Release, Reassignment, Transfers Superintendent’s Contract Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent (The Board and
Superintendent meet periodically to provide feedback to one another concerning
the achievement of goals.)
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Superintendent's Office at (805) 524-6038. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the district to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting [in accordance with Government Code 54961 and Board Bylaw 9320(a)].

6:30 p.m.
E. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Any Action From Closed Session
F. CALL TO ORDER AND CONTINUED »

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University jumped four spots to its highest-ever ranking on the U.S. News & World Report list of top regional universities in the West.

CLU is ranked 14th among regional universities in 15 Western states. The rankings were released today in U.S. News’ 2013 Best Colleges report.

The university’s overall score increased by several points as its scores improved in most categories. CLU showed gains in its average freshman retention rate and graduation rate as a result of several new initiatives. These include small learning communities for first-year students, a retention alert program and a four-year graduation guarantee.

CLU also showed !--break-->gains in categories measuring faculty-student interaction. The percentage of classes with fewer than 20 students increased to 63 percent while the student/faculty ratio decreased to 15:1.

The score reflecting the assessment of CLU’s academic programs by other university leaders and the average alumni giving rate also increased.

Selectivity continues to increase, with CLU’s acceptance rate dropping to 44 percent. But the university also made the list of A-Plus Schools for B Students for the third year, showing that admissions policies are flexible enough that some students who aren’t at the top of their classes can have a shot at getting in and then can go on to thrive during their undergraduate years.

CLU has ranked among the top tier of regional universities in the West for the past 18 years.

With an enrollment of 4,200 students, CLU offers undergraduate and graduate programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management and Graduate School of Education. In addition to its main campus in Thousand Oaks, it has centers for graduate and accelerated bachelor degree programs in Oxnard, Woodland Hills and Santa Maria.

The latest rankings were posted today at usnews.com and will be featured in the “2013 Best Colleges” guidebook that will be available in stores and online on Sept. 18.