THOUSAND OAKS, CA. - The Fifth Annual Festival of Scholars at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks will showcase the work of students and faculty from Tuesday, April 26, through Monday, May 2.

Scholarly work by undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Education and School of Business will be featured in more than 40 free interactive presentations and performances open to the public.

More than 300 faculty-mentored student projects are featured. Topics range from the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, to the effect ginger intake has on exercise recovery time, to the impact of studying abroad on students’ cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence. One student will share her research on Facebook, which showed that people were less influenced by what people wrote about themselves than what others posted on their walls.

Several students will discuss what they found in recently declassified Central Intelligence Agency documents on the Reagan administration’s role in the Cold War. Collaborating with CIA historians, the students analyzed the correlation between data in CIA reports and the words and actions of President Ronald Reagan and his staff in the 1980s.

School of Education students will review the results of their efforts to develop empathy in students through 16 different service-learning projects at schools throughout Ventura, Los Angeles and Orange counties. Several School of Business students will present the marketing plans they developed to help businesses, ranging from custom painters looking to expand to a Lutheran camp organization facing declining participation. Graduate psychology students will present the latest research on sports concussions, Alzheimer’s disease and autism.

Students in the High Definition Digital Cinema class will screen shorts they filmed and multimedia majors will share stories and characters they created. KUSC radio host Alan Chapman, a composer/lyricist and well-known pre-concert lecturer, will comment on formal papers presented by music students. Recitals, an art and music walk, and a nature tour of the CLU campus are also slated.

Faculty will share their sabbatical projects and alumna Mary Neal Vieten will discuss her work developing a new model for treating military personnel and first responders suffering from stress-related psychological injuries.

CLU’s Office for Undergraduate Research is presenting the festival.

For a complete list of events and projects, go to http://www.callutheran.edu/fos. For more information, contact the Office for Undergraduate Research at or (805) 493-3795.

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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

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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

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On Monday, April 4, 2011, San Cayetano School recognized good citizenship and character at their Peacebuilder Assembly for the month of April. Ms. Ruth Ricards, Director of Child Nutrition Services for Fillmore Unified School District, came to speak to the students. Ms. Ricards spoke to the students about how being a good citizen and friend, not only at school, but at home would also help them to make a better life for themselves. She also spoke to the students about the importance of a healthy breakfast and nutrition during our schools STAR testing during April 26 to May 6 will help them do their best on the test! ASB President, Cali Wyand,and Vice President, Lizzie Castaneda assisted Ms.Ricards in handing out the Peacebuilder certificates. The Peacebuilders for April are: Oscar Arriola, Marlene Hernandez, Ashley Vieyra, Angelica Herrera, Donovan Estrada, Anthony Ownbey Seward, Camila Rivas, Matthew Munoz, Rey Laureano, Julieanna Linares, Enrique Felix, Eva Vieyra, David Rodriguiz, Gustavo Granados, Diego Magana, Robert Gonzalez, Arturo Garcia, Jorge Hernandez, and Karina Cisneros . At the upper grade assembly, Cali then announced to the students that John Paul Pet is sponsoring the San Cayetano Character Counts Award of a $100.00 savings bond. Sissy Valenica was chosen by the fifth grade teachers as a model of outstanding behavior, responsibility, and kindness to the other students. She was recognized with a certificate and the savings bond. To conclude the assemblies, Lizzie reminded the students to turn in their Perfect Attendance tickets. Each month all students who come to school, each day, on time, are given an orange raffle ticket. The students place their tickets in a box and one ticket is drawn. The student whose ticket is drawn is given a backpack full of supplies. Each month, the tickets will be put into a larger box that will be kept until the end of the year. In June, Mrs. Marholin, the principal, will draw from the tickets to give away two new bicycles. Angel Rivas, from, Mrs. Ferguson’s class, won the Perfect Attendance Award for April.

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.

***Take the School Matters Survey at : http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G3MZ3CL ****

Isabella sketching

The Museum of Ventura County’s Art Start program returns this summer and is now open for registration. The July 11-15, and July 18 – 22 sessions from 9:00 am to noon, are designed for students currently in 3rd to 5th grades, of all artistic abilities and interests. The Art Start program is designed to encourage students to discover and experiment with different art media and techniques. Local artists visit several days during each session to discuss their art and demonstrate, while the museum’s exhibitions and art collection provide inspiration.

T-shirt, snacks and all art materials are included in the registration fee, which is $85 for the general public, $70 for museum members. Scholarships are available. Registration forms may be downloaded under education resources at www.venturamuseum.org, or picked up in the Museum of Ventura County lobby, 100 East Main Street in Ventura, from 11 a.m. to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. For further information contact education@venturamuseum.org or call (805) 653-0323 ext. 300.

The Museum of Ventura County is now accepting registration for Chumash Youth 2011. The two sessions are June 20-24, and June 27-July 1, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, and open to students currently in 3rd or 4th grade. Sessions are limited to 15 students.

This junior anthropology program helps children learn about the traditional culture of the Chumash Indians, Ventura County’s indigenous Native Americans, through Chumash songs, stories, and games, as well as hands-on activities. Children make their own arrowhead, learn to make plant fiber string, a clapper stick instrument and other projects using traditional methods. During each session, Chumash elder Julie Tumamait-Stenslie visits to share legends and stories of her people.

T-shirt, snacks and all materials are included in the registration fee, which is $50 for the general public, $40 for museum members. Scholarships are available. Registration forms may be downloaded under education resources at www.venturamuseum.org, or picked up in the lobby of the Museum of Ventura County, 100 East Main Street in Ventura, from 11 a.m. to 5 pm, Tuesday through Sunday. For further information contact education@venturamuseum.org or call (805) 653-0323 ext. 300.

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/

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 2011
5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA
AGENDA
The public may review or request a copy of support materials provided to the Board Members where the word materials appears.
5:30 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
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.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:30 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 10-11-10 Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Jeff Sweeney, Mike Bush, 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 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 CONTINUED »

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?

Camarillo, CA. - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will host the 6th Annual Children’s Reading Celebration and the 35th Annual Young Authors’ Fair on Saturday, April 9, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at CI’s John Spoor Broome Library. The program is sponsored by the Library, the English Program, Ventura County Reading Association (VCRA), Target Foundation, and the Ventura County Office of Education.

The featured author this year is Kristine O’Connell George, author of the multi-award winning children’s book Old Elm Speaks. George is not only a writer and poet, she is a tadpole rancher who lives in the Santa Monica Mountains with her family. Children and their families will be able to meet the author and receive a free autographed book. This gift is funded by an early childhood literacy grant from the Target Foundation.

The day will feature hands-on participation in crafts and various activities. CI students in the English Program, as part of their service learning component, will be reading aloud to children. Children will also have a chance to read dozens of books written and illustrated for the Young Authors’ Fair by K-12 students in Ventura County. If a child’s school participates in the Ventura County Reading Association’s Young Authors’ Fair, then that child is eligible to write a book and have his or her teacher enter it to be displayed and read at the Celebration on April 9.

Kristin Storey, VCRA President, said, “Honoring all students’ voices is critical and the earlier the better! Words are power and events like the Young Authors’ Fair empower all of our children to share their stories, to speak out for a better world and to be inspired by the other young authors in their schools and communities.”

The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available on campus in specific lots. Once on campus, follow the directional signs to the designated parking lot. For additional information about VCRA’s Young Authors’ Fair please visit http://www.vcrareading.org/YA.shtml. For more information or to RSVP to the Celebration, visit http://library.csuci.edu/reading/index.php.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.

A showcase of healthy and environmentally green fundraising ideas, activities and vendors is scheduled for Thursday, April 14, 2011 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, at the Ventura County Office of Education Conference Center at 5100 Adolfo Road in Camarillo. This inaugural event is co-sponsored by the Advocates for a Lifestyle of Exercise and Nutrition in Ventura County (A LEAN VC) and the Ventura Unified School District Healthy Schools Project. Parent, teachers, students, administrators, coaches and the community at large are invited and welcome to attend this free event.

This showcase will model and demonstrate a variety of vendor products that are not only healthy and/or environmentally green, but are also popular products that will sell well and bring in much needed funds for parent groups, booster clubs and other youth-serving organizations. Many of our youth serving organizations are not only facing reduced revenues from fundraising, but also an increased focus on providing our youth with healthy and environmentally appropriate activities and products. Also highlighted will be examples of successful fundraiser activities that don’t involve selling a product that have been implemented by teachers, parent groups and coaches throughout Ventura County.

Several guest speakers will also present information at the Healthy & Green Fundraiser Showcase, including local Ventura County pro-surfer, Mary Osborne. There will be a balance of emphasis on both health and wellness and healthy environments – how to make money for your organization while helping the community stay healthy and clean! “The committee has worked hard to bring in local vendors and products to this event as we recognize the importance of local involvement in nutrition, wellness and the environment” said Anne Thille, Project Director of the Ventura Unified School District Healthy Schools Project.

“Visitors are welcome to come by anytime between 4:00 and 7:00 to visit vendor booths, hear our distinguished guest speakers and gather information about many of the available healthy and green fundraisers” said Nancy Maxson, the event coordinator. The first 100 visitors will receive a reusable bag to gather materials and information. In addition, each person will receive a ticket for a series of drawings that will be held throughout the event with prizes donated by participating vendors.

There is no charge to attend and everyone is welcome. For more information or to become a vendor, please contact Nancy Maxson at (805) 641-5000 ext. 1135. For more information on A LEAN VC, please contact www.healthyventuracounty.org

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.

*** Take the School Matters Survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G3MZ3CL ***

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.....

*** Take the School Matters Survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/G3MZ3CL ****

THOUSAND OAKS, CA. - A Title IX forum at California Lutheran University will feature a panel discussion and the presentation of research on Conejo Valley high schools’ compliance with the law.

Know the Score: Title IX Community Forum will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, in Overton Hall on the Thousand Oaks campus.

Olympic softball medalist Jessica Mendoza, who attended Camarillo High School, and UCLA/Wimbledon tennis great Barbara Gerken Kuhl are two of the panelists who will discuss the 1972 federal law prohibiting sex discrimination in educational institutions. CLU volleyball standout Casy McWhirk, Thousand Oaks High School Assistant Principal and Athletic Director Mary Ziegler and Newbury Park High School Varsity Basketball Coach Darren Burge will also participate.

Attorney Elizabeth Kristen, who specializes in Title IX compliance issues for California high school athletes, will moderate the discussion on the impact of Title IX on education and in providing opportunities for students. Kristen is director of the Gender Equity Program and the Title IX K-12 Equality Project at the Legal Aid Society - Employment Law Center in San Francisco. An active member of the Hayward-Castro Valley branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), she has been working with the organization to implement Know the Score, a program to improve Title IX compliance in communities.

The Thousand Oaks branch of AAUW will present its findings from a six-month Title IX compliance study of the three CVUSD high schools at the forum.

The forum is open to the public, and students in seventh grade through college and their parents are encouraged to attend. Door prizes will be awarded.

CLU’s Center for Equality and Justice and the Thousand Oaks branch of AAUW are sponsoring the free forum.

Overton Hall is located south of Memorial Parkway near Regent Avenue.

For more information, contact Greg Freeland at freeland@callutheran.edu or Sally Hibbitts at sjhibbitts@aol.com or (805) 750-3119.

A free seminar called Independent Travel Study for Educators at CLU (California Lutheran University) on five Mondays from April 4, from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. The seminar addresses how educators can obtain professional development or salary advancement units through independent travel study by taking actual or virtual trips using the computer.

Discussions include Education Code requirements and tax deductions under the current law H.R. 3838. Presented by Dr. Lynnette Shifman, a teacher with over 40 years in the field of education.

Those not able to attend the seminar can obtain seminar information by emailing Dr. Lynnette Shifman: teacher_continue_ed@yahoo.com

For additional information, contact the CLU web site: http://www.callutheran.edu/education/programs/cpe or email: tiki@callutheran.edu

San Cayetano Family Science Night returns once again with an outstanding free program for all elementary students and their parents in Fillmore and Piru. This annual event is the brainchild of San Cayetano’s NASA Explorer School Team as San Cayetano’s outreach into the local community. This fun packed hands-on evening will feature many outstanding local agencies such as the Ojai Raptor Center, Mobile Marine Lab, Santa Barbara Natural History Museum, Two Trees Alpacas, Associates Insectary, Channel islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary, Robotics and much, much more. Pizza will be available for purchase. Come join the fun! It is free!!!!