|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 26th, 2021
Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges’ students honored
(CAMARILLO, Calif.) May 21, 2021–Not even a pandemic could stop this year’s graduates of Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges from pursuing—and achieving—their educational goals. In recognition of what these resilient students have accomplished, the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) leadership collaborated with its three colleges to celebrate the 5,370 students in the class of 2021 who have earned their degrees or certificates. Festive Drive-Thru Graduations were held on May 20 at each college’s campus and Ventura College East Campus in Santa Paula. “We are always proud of our graduates and all that they accomplish, but this year’s graduates hold a special honor for their persistence in completing their education when most of their classes were remote,” said Chancellor Greg Gillespie. “As these students become VCCCD alumni, they are well-prepared for their next steps of a career or transferring to a four-year college or university.” “The board of trustees recognizes the successes of the class of 2021 graduates,” said Chair Joshua Chancer. “Despite the pandemic, students worked on their academics and important causes, such as diversity, equity and inclusion for all students and the community. As part of the celebration activities, graduating students are being highlighted in a virtual yearbook on Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura colleges’ graduation webpages. Like traditional bound yearbooks, the online version includes photos of participating graduates along with their information and photos of campus life. The 2020 virtual yearbooks took gold in the statewide 2021 Pro Awards by the Community College Public Relations Organization (CCPRO). The community is invited to visit each college’s webpage to watch graduation speeches by District and college leadership and student leaders. The Ventura College Chorus also performs the “Star-Spangled Banner” via video. Inspired by the graduates’ achievements, the college presidents offered these heartfelt words: “Congratulations to Moorpark College graduates who have been resilient in the face of a global pandemic and reckoning with social justice; they have also committed to academic and career success,” said Moorpark College President Julius Sokenu. “We are proud that the class of 2021 has earned 3,209 degrees and 1,535 certificates. They will transfer to top research universities as well as obtain careers in high-demand, high-wage industries. Moorpark College degrees and certificates offer graduates pathways to economic prosperity. Some will earn the promotion that motivated them to return to college. They are the future of our county, region, state and nation.” “This past year has been devastating for higher education. Yet, in the face of a global pandemic, a concomitant economic abyss that shuttered thousands of businesses, a toxic political environment which spawned an unimaginable insurrection at the nation’s Capitol, and a wave of racist violence that brought our dream of unity and fellowship to its knees, a uniquely resilient cohort of students persisted with their education, most of which was online, and earned the right to graduate this month. These graduates are the very promise of America, and their grit keeps us hopeful that all of the calamities of the past year—and the many other challenges our nation faces—are not insurmountable,” said Oxnard College President Luis Sanchez. “At Ventura College, our students and their families recognize that graduation is an important milestone in their lives and careers,” said Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans. “Ventura College celebrated its 95th year of providing high-quality, affordable instruction and services to help our students succeed. I personally want to commend and recognize our students for navigating rigorous coursework to accomplish their academic goals. As our graduates chart their future education or career voyages, I hope they apply what they learned at VC to their future endeavors and fondly remember our college.” About Ventura County Community College District |
|
By Anonymous — Friday, March 5th, 2021
|
|
By Anonymous — Friday, February 5th, 2021
The Ventura College Art Department received a $50,000 endowment from Carnegie Art Cornerstones. The donation was coordinated by the Ventura College Foundation. The money will be used to establish a fund to provide support to the college's visual arts gallery/exhibition program and to help foster the education and artistic growth of up and coming student artists. "Providing a gallery exhibition experience for our students gives them the opportunity to be recognized for their talent and to build their artistic resume," says Jesse Groves, Ventura College's gallery director and curator. "Right now, there are minimal platforms for students to show their work. These exhibits also serve as a way to bring culture to the community." Student artists at Ventura College work in a variety of visual art forms including ceramics, sculpture, photography, painting and digital media. The endowment agreement allows the college the flexibility to decide how the exhibits will be organized and how students will be selected to participate. "We might have group shows, solo exhibits or both," says Groves. "The endowment will enable the school to include more students and their work." Ventura College typically holds six to eight exhibits a year in the college's main gallery space. "Young artists have the heart and energy but lack funds to express themselves artistically. A portion of the donation will go towards art supplies so students have what they need to create," says Groves. "Funds will also be used to prepare the exhibits themselves. A lot goes into transforming student art to the gallery wall." "Carnegie Art Cornerstones is delighted that the Ventura College endowment will benefit students directly as well as the community," says Amy Cherot, who is a board member for both the Ventura College Foundation and Carnegie Art Cornerstones. "We're grateful for the Carnegie Art Cornerstones' generous donation," says Kim Hoffmans, Ventura College president. "Art plays an important role in our culture and society. The endowment will help the next generation of local artists find their voice." In-person exhibits have had to be postponed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The endowment funds will be used once in-person gallery exhibits resume. Ventura College Foundation Carnegie Art Cornerstones |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 27th, 2021
Moorpark College Foundation has received a $50,000 grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation to help fund Raider Central, the college’s student essential needs center. According to a pre-COVID-19 study, 38% of Moorpark Students were food insecure in the previous 30 days, 49% experienced housing insecurity in the last year, and 16% identified as having been homeless. Despite its academic reputation, its beautiful campus, and commitment to social justice, Moorpark College Students face financial challenges that affect their ability to succeed, Julius Sokenu, Moorpark College Interim President, said. “We are at a pivotal point as a society and as a business community. The state of homelessness and food insecurity is at shocking proportions on college campuses throughout the country. We can step aside and do nothing, or we can lean in,” Sokenu said. The center, which opened on Sept. 4, provides meals, social and emotional support, and emergency financial assistance to students and their families. The center also provides a place for students to connect with other community resources for food, housing, or financial support. Since its opening in September, Raider Central has been hosting weekly food distributions and operating virtually by responding to student requests for resources and community referrals via email. “The $50,000 grant to Raider Central is so vital to support our most needy students. The additional funding will purchase more food, hygiene products and assist our homeless students with housing stipends. We are very grateful for the grant. This is a great example of community building that directly helps our students,” Johnny Conley, Director of Student Equity at Moorpark College, said. The Ventura County Community Foundation grant also will provide funding for the expansion of Raider Central’s physical space to provide a centralized space with shelving for clothing food and hygiene products. It will help with the purchase of refrigerators for perishable food items, operational start-up costs, and an emergency fund. “The work being done by Moorpark College Foundation and its leadership team is absolutely vital.Hungry students cannot focus on their futures, and Raider Central is critical to student success and achievement. Especially during this challenging time, where homelessness and food insecurity is so common, we need to do all we can to help,” Vanessa Bechtel, President and CEO of the Ventura County Community Foundation, said. About Moorpark College |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 27th, 2021
To help students overcome the challenge of paying for college, Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus are holding free Cash 4 College workshops via Zoom. A workshop will be held on Feb. 6 and Feb. 20, and students can drop in anytime during the session (details below). Bilingual financial aid staff will assist students in completing applications for the 2021-2022 school-year FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The workshops are free and open to the community; people may attend a workshop on either date. Advanced registration is preferred. For more information, visit vcccd.edu/cash4college Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College and Ventura College East Campus Please contact your college’s financial aid office with any questions. Oxnard College Financial Aid Office Phone: Ventura College Financial Aid Office Phone: Ventura College East Campus Financial Aid Office Phone: About Ventura County Community College District |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 27th, 2021
The Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund Scholarship program awarded a total of $23,500 to student recipients
The Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation (Cabrillo EDC) recently recognized 14 graduating high school seniors and college students for their academic achievements and pursuits with Rodney Fernandez Leadership Fund (RFLF) Scholarships. The RFLF was created in 2011 and honors the legacy of Rodney Fernandez, Cabrillo EDC’s founder and Executive Director for 30 years (1981–2011). The scholarship continues Fernandez’s legacy of community building by cultivating the leadership of residents to attain their goals and empower themselves to take action to improve the quality of life in their communities. “This scholarship opened up the doors for me to do what I love,” said Alexa Gruener, student recipient of the RFLF Scholarship. “As a freshman in college, this scholarship has helped me pay my tuition for both semesters, allowing me to take on fewer work hours and thus seek out research and internship opportunities. Currently, I am volunteering at Westminster Free Clinic and working for the Boston University Medical School's MANOS project, which does research on chronic kidney diseases in field workers from Central America.” The RFLF Scholarship awarded a total of $23,500 to its recipients, with $10,000 provided by Edison International (Southern California Edison), $10,000 provided by MUFG Union Bank, and $3,000 from individual donations. The Edison International funds are divided among students with STEM majors, while Union Bank and individual donations are divided among students of any major. “This award has helped me financially to continue my undergrad education at UCSB,” said RFLF Scholarship recipient Denise Castro. “My goal is to become an international teacher and contribute to educational reform so that every student has a chance to receive a quality education and a mentor who believes in their potential to succeed. I am immensely grateful for the financial support because now I am one step closer to achieving my career goals.” “I am continuously in awe of each of our scholarship recipients’ passion, commitment, and determination for learning and higher education, said Margarita H. de Escontrias, Chief Executive Officer at Cabrillo EDC. “With Cabrillo EDC’s community-building mission, we are always delighted to help make an impact and support the goals of our youth, and we look forward to seeing all that they will accomplish. “ Applications for 2021 recipients are now open for Ventura County low-income student residents, with Cabrillo EDC residents given priority. To apply, visit https://bit.ly/3oLj9Gc To learn more or to donate to the RFLF Scholarship fund, please visit https://bit.ly/35E52Lq |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 27th, 2021
Ventura College’s new degree program in advanced manufacturing is training the future manufacturing workers of Ventura County. Prompted by student interest, employer demand and Ventura County’s strength as a manufacturing sector, Ventura College’s new manufacturing training program will offer the latest information and technology in both lecture and laboratory settings. Ventura College’s advanced manufacturing degree program offers an associate degree, certificates of achievement, pre-apprenticeships and a Journeyman Machinist program. It’s a good time for students to get jobs in manufacturing, as the country looks to bring jobs back to the U.S. While learning on the job may have been sufficient in the past, local employers value the streamlined hiring and training process of having entry-level employees who can jump right in. This is particularly important in Ventura County, where manufacturing has been identified by the Economic Development Collaborative as one of six key industries. “One of the reasons this program is so advantageous is because it trains our local residents to work in an industry where there are high paying jobs in Ventura County,” said John Clark, instructor in the manufacturing technology program. “Our graduates will be able to live here, work here and support their families.” The advanced manufacturing program aims to prepare students to be career-ready by training them on full-size, industry-worthy CNC machines, which mirror the machines used in the workplace. Students already in the industry can take classes to expand or update their skills for career advancement. Students may also choose to pursue the AS in Advanced Manufacturing to launch their career in industry or transfer to a university to obtain a bachelor’s degree in management, engineering, industrial technology, agricultural engineering or mechanical engineering. The advanced manufacturing program offers a pre-apprenticeship option to give students real-world experience while providing employers an opportunity to find skilled workers. The goal of the pre-apprenticeship program is to take a student with no knowledge of manufacturing and train them to be capable CNC machine operators in just one semester. After taking two classes, MT V02 and MT V05, students are eligible to participate in VC’s apprenticeship program and earn approximately $18 an hour. In contrast, the state’s minimum wage is $13-$14 per hour, depending on company size. For two and a half years, the student will work full-time in local industry to receive on-the-job training while taking at least one class per semester at Ventura College. In just three years, a student will earn a Journeyman Machinist Card from the U.S. Department of Labor, which can transfer anywhere in the U.S. Following program completion, the student may earn $25-$30 per hour. Ventura College plans to offer two certificates of achievement in manufacturing technology, including CNC Machine Operation and CNC Machinist. The two stackable certificates are pending state approval. The first can be completed in one semester. To learn more, visit: https://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/academic/manufacturing-techno... About Ventura College |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 4th, 2020
The November 10, 2020 Ventura County Community College District Board Meeting agenda has been released and is available as follows: Agenda: BoardDocs: http://go.boarddocs.com/ca/vcccd/Board.nsf/goto?open&id=BUET9E76436C Please note: The Board Meeting will be livestreamed. Please follow this link to view: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXd5o60QwjR0JtRZpvYTWig Public comments should be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on November 9, 2020 to the Clerk of the Board at boardoftrusteesclerk@vcccd.edu. In the subject line, please indicate the Agenda Item Number or note "General Comments" if you are not speaking about a specific item. Your comments will be read by the Board of Trustees Chair for the record. Every effort will be made to read your comments, no more than 250 words, into the record; however, some comments may not be read due to time limitations. You may provide public comments in person, via Zoom. Please email Clerk of the Board at boardoftrusteesclerk@vcccd.edu for meeting instructions. Pursuant to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need any special accommodation or assistance to attend or participate in the meeting, please direct your written request, as far in advance of the meeting as possible, to the Office of Chancellor, VCCCD, 761 East Daily Drive, Suite 200, Camarillo, CA 93010. |
|
By Anonymous — Thursday, October 29th, 2020
 Beatriz Zizumbo Written By Lauren Rosenthal Beatriz Zizumbo has come a long way from her days as a sewing machine operator in Santa Paula. Just 18 years old at the time, she was a new mom who didn’t speak English and had recently relocated from Michoacán, Mexico. Today, Zizumbo is an academic counselor at Ventura College East Campus (VCEC), where she helps students find their career paths and provides them with tools and resources for academic success. “My counseling position provides me the opportunity to know the students at a different level. I learn about their families, their dreams and their challenges, and they allow me to be part of their lives to guide them and provide resources to help them accomplish their goals. I see my job as an opportunity to help others achieve a dream job just the way I was helped,” said Zizumbo, who is a first-generation college student. The path to where Zizumbo is today started with the idea that while she didn’t know what career she wanted, she was certain her future did not lie in sewing. After two years at the sewing factory, she was ready for her next challenge: higher education. She enrolled at Ventura College East Campus and graduated in 2001 with an associate degree in accounting. But Zizumbo wasn’t done. It turns out that she loved school. She continued on to California State University, Channel Islands, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with minors in Chicano studies and business. After 19 years of pursuing her academic goals, she received her master’s degree in counseling and guidance from California Lutheran University. Though it wasn’t easy juggling the demands of school, work and her family, her persistence and determination to reach her fullest potential paid off. “After every degree I felt that was the end of the road for me, but there were always people along the way who supported, encouraged and challenged me to continue my education. That is the reason I feel passionate about my job, because I want others to have that support and encouragement to continue their education,” said Zizumbo, who has worked for the Ventura County Community College District for almost 23 years, starting as a student worker. While she could’ve pursued any career path she wanted, Zizumbo chose a career where she could give back to the community that once encouraged her to pursue her dreams. Zizumbo is living out her dream, she said. After years of hard work and dedication, she has a job that satisfies her desire to give back and that allows her to focus on her family. Aside from her work at VCEC, her main hobby is to “watch my boys and husband play soccer and to live a simple life.” If you would like more information about the academic counseling at VCEC, visit venturacollege.edu/departments/student-services/counseling or call (805) 525-7136 or (805) 289-6448. Lauren Rosenthal, a Moorpark College student and student worker with the Ventura County Community College District. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2020
Program will provide a fast pathway for students to obtain in-demand and high-paying jobs
Oxnard College has established a new Cybersecurity Program that provides graduates with a certificate approved by the California Community Colleges’ State Chancellor’s Office. Starting with the spring 2021 semester, the program will train students to help protect computer networks from internal and external attacks and properly respond to security breaches that inevitably occur, paving the way to lucrative and in-demand career options. Eligible full-time students can attend the program tuition-free by utilizing the Oxnard College Promise Program. “Oxnard College is proud to launch our new Cybersecurity Program,” shared Luis Sanchez, president of Oxnard College. “This program will train students for high-paying jobs that are available now. There is a shortage of cybersecurity professionals not only in our region but all over the globe, and this training will help our graduates build secure and comfortable lives for themselves and their families.” The salary range for a cybersecurity analyst is $57,810 to $158,860 with a median annual wage of $99,730, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² stated that in order to meet the needs of America’s fast-growing businesses, the cybersecurity workforce will need to increase by 62 percent, meaning the job market for this field will continue to expand with workers being in high demand ((ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2019). The program’s curriculum was developed in partnership with an advisory council of networking and cybersecurity professionals who were intent on providing students with hands-on training and interdisciplinary expertise. “Now more than ever, organizations and businesses need help protecting their infrastructure and digital assets,” said Alex Lynch, professor of computer networking/IT at Oxnard College. “We at Oxnard College want to equip cybersecurity trainees with the certifications we know are valued in the industry and which will help fill the increasing need companies have to protect their networks and data. This program is streamlined to help students train for cybersecurity careers in a reasonably short timeframe while learning the essential skills of the cybersecurity industry.” The new certificate program consists of a foundation-level course that covers essential computer networking/IT skills, such as learning Cisco CCNA or CompTIA Network+, followed by courses mapped to specific cybersecurity certifications such as CompTIA Security+ and CompTIA PenTest+. In these courses, students will learn how to guard computer networking systems against internal and external threats while gaining hands-on experience configuring firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems and virtual private networks (VPNs). In the program’s PenTest+ course, students will learn how to identify and exploit vulnerabilities so they can be patched before a hacker has the opportunity to cause a security breach. This specific skillset is called “white hat” or “ethical hacking,” and it prepares students for a job as a cybersecurity penetration tester. For more information regarding cybersecurity careers and salaries, visit: 1. https://www.comptia.org/blog/your-next-move-security-analyst 2. https://www.cyberseek.org/heatmap.html 3. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/information-... Open registration for the spring semester at Oxnard College starts Nov. 19, and classes begin Jan. 11, 2021. For information regarding Oxnard College’s new Cybersecurity Program and courses offered, visit the program’s website or contact Professor Alex Lynch at alynch@vcccd.edu or (805) 678-5061. About Oxnard College |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, October 21st, 2020
To commemorate Ventura College's 95th anniversary this year, the Ventura College Foundation has created a new web page where alumni, employees, and friends of the community can share their college years' stories and photos. The collected memories will then be used as part of Ventura College's 100th celebration in 2025. Ventura College began in 1925 and was the first institution of higher learning in the county. Since its inception, Ventura College has been driven to provide high-quality and affordable instruction and services to community members. Today, it serves over 13,000 students each semester. To ensure the health and safety of the public, and to allow opportunities for greater community participation, in-person celebrations for Ventura College’s 95th anniversary have pivoted to online platforms this year due to COVID-19. In addition to the virtual event arrangements, the college decided to jumpstart plans for the 2025 centennial commemoration. “We are excited to hear how Ventura College has impacted, influenced or changed your life or the life of someone you know,” says Ventura College President Kim Hoffmans. “If you started your athletic career at VC, for example, or if you have several generations of Ventura College students in your family, we can’t wait to hear your stories and see your photos.” The Ventura College Foundation's web page, Ventura College 100th (https://venturacollegefoundation.org/venturacollege100th) is where the community can upload Ventura College memories and images, and make donations that will go toward the college's centennial celebration. The collected remembrances may be added to the college's historical archives, used for videos, website, social media or other marketing materials for Ventura College. About Ventura College About Ventura College Foundation |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 30th, 2020
Estefania Olivares was named to Biola University's Dean's List for academic excellence. Olivares from Fillmore CA was one of approximately 1,500 students who were named to the dean's list in spring 2020. Biola students are placed on the dean's list to honor those with a GPA of 3.6 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits and whose cumulative GPA is at least 3.2. "Inclusion in Biola University's Dean's List is reserved for students who demonstrate exceptional performance in their academic studies. This honor signifies hard work, engagement, and investment in scholarship," said Tamara Anderson, Associate Provost of Academic Effectiveness and Administration. "These attributes are the building blocks of continued success, not only in the classroom, but in the workplace and in the student's personal lives. We celebrate these students and their achievement, looking forward to their future accomplishments." Biola University is a nationally ranked Christian university in the heart of Southern California. It was recently recognized as one of America's best colleges, earning a spot in the top tier of the "best national universities" category of U.S. News and World Report's Best Colleges 2021 rankings. Founded in 1908, Biola is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service - equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 6,000 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, Biola's nine schools offer more than 150 academic programs at the bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. For more information, visit biola.edu or call (562) 777-4061. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, September 2nd, 2020
 Fillmore Unified School District student Tina Chea, a 2nd grader at Rio Vista Elementary, learning from home in Mrs. Harbert's distance learning class. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, August 26th, 2020
Job Ready Alumni Forum Series to Highlight CTE Programs
Moorpark, Calif. (August 21, 2020) – The Moorpark College Foundation is pleased to announce its first Job Ready Alumni Forum at 6 p.m., on Sept, 2. This first hour-long panel discussion with questions and answers will focus on the Moorpark College Nursing program. The Moorpark College Foundation Job Ready Alumni Forum is an open discussion on how alumni found their way to Moorpark College and how the college positioned them for transfer to a four-year university and/or workforce preparation. It explores the relationships that exist between Moorpark College and local industries and how these relationships help students transition into the workforce. The intended audience is current students, returning adult-learners in career transition or members of the community. The forum will be hosted by Moorpark College Nursing Coordinator, Christina Lee, and will be delivered via Zoom webinar. Panelist for this first Job Ready Alumni Forum will be: Kathy Trigueiro, Los Robles Hospital, Market Director of Clinical Professional Development. Gabriel Guillen, RN Coordinator, Palliative Care at Dignity Health - Gabriel graduated from the nursing program at Moorpark College in 2009 with his RN degree and later transferred to CSU Channel Islands for his Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing (BSN) Alisha Taylor RN, BS – Alisha graduated from Moorpark College School of Nursing in 2004 and has worked through different clinical experiences at many of the local hospitals in the Intensive Care Unit and the Emergency Room in Ventura County. “We’re excited to offer this first Job Ready Alumni Forum in Nursing,” said John Loprieno, Interim Director of Institutional Advancement, Public Relations, and Marketing. “The Nursing students at Moorpark College have a 95% pass rate on the National Nursing Exam and so many of our alumni are on the front line right now in our community with the Covid-19 crisis. This forum will both inform our students and community about the job placement process within our Nursing program as well as celebrate the work that Moorpark College alumni are doing in healthcare in our community." Future Forums will feature discussions on one of the 23 other Career Education programs available at Moorpark College. The Moorpark College Foundation is proud to sponsor this first event of our Job Ready Alumni Forum series. Registration for the free Moorpark College Job Ready Alumni Forum can be found at If you would like more information on the Alumni Forum on Nursing event or the Moorpark College Foundation please call (805) 378-1469 or by emailing mcinfo@vcccd.edu About Moorpark College The Moorpark College Foundation is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation that accepts and solicits gifts, donations, trusts, and bequests for college-related use. It provides taxdeductible advantages to the donor. It also provides a method for the college to interact with businesses, government, and other nonprofit agencies in the broader Southern California community and provides hundreds of students with the financial assistance, recognition and encouragement needed to realize their academic goals. This spring alone, more than $160,000 was awarded to 245 students. To learn more, visit MoorparkCollege.edu or follow @MoorparkCollege on social media. |
|
By Mark Ortega — Friday, May 29th, 2020
We take pride in our community pulling together in support of our graduating students. We would like to thank our Alumni and community members of Fillmore who contributed to the billboards entering the East and West sides of town. Donations by Todd & Chrissy Schieferle, Judy Martin Towner, Sherri & Dave Wright, Dena & J.T. Wyand, Keith & Sandy Gurrola, Lori & Bobby McLain, Lucy Rangel, Tracie & Jerry Davis, John & Julia Wilbur, David & Susan Dollar, Fillmore High Athletic Boosters, The Fillmore High Alumni Association, and Bob & Trisha Gradias. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, May 13th, 2020
VCCCD is going to make our over 5,000 students who are graduating next week feel special and hope that you’ll help us celebrate them. On Saturday, Ventura College East Campus will hold a “Grad Drive Thru” event for students to pick up a congratulatory lawn sign (pictured above) and 2020 commemorative tassel. The details for VCEC are below. Moorpark College Oxnard College Ventura College Ventura College East Campus Quantities are limited, as we purchased the same number of signs/tassels as the number of graduates we usually see participate in our annual on-ground ceremony. Items will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis. NOTE: This is a drive thru event. We ask that students remain in their cars as we practice safe, social distancing. About Ventura County Community College District |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 29th, 2020
 Fillmore Unified School District Resolution 19-20-15 Staff Appreciation Week Approve Bid for E-Rate Year 23 (FY 7/01/2020 - 6/30/2021), Category 2 for Network Equipment Approve School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSA) Approve Change Orders #1-2 for Fillmore High School Existing CTE Building Demolition and CTE New Adoption of Resolution 19-20-16 for Approval of Award of Contract to Scott & Sons Electric for Certain Approve Amendment No. 3 to Employment Agreement with Dr. Adrian Palazuelos Personnel Recommendations Temporary Procedures for Virtual Public Participation in School Board Meetings Approve the 2020-2021 School Calendar |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 29th, 2020
The economic fallout of the COVID-19 crisis is impacting local nonprofit community organizations in unforeseen ways. One of those affected is the Ventura College Foundation. The foundation's operating expenses are funded almost entirely from proceeds generated by its Ventura College Weekend Marketplace on the Ventura College campus. With the Marketplace closed until large gathering restrictions are lifted, funds to keep the foundation running are drying up. To help cover operating expenses until the crisis is over and in conjunction with Giving Tuesday Now, a global day of giving and unity on May 5, the Ventura College Foundation is launching an urgent fundraising campaign, "Stronger Foundation, Stronger Future." Income from the Marketplace has paid the operating costs of the Ventura College Foundation for 35 years. "With the Marketplace shut down and little income coming in, we've had to drastically reduce our professional staff while still trying to keep our student support programs running," says Anne Paul King, executive director of the foundation. "We are in crisis mode." If the foundation offices were to close, there would be no staff to oversee the $24 million in endowment investments, the more than $650,000 in annual scholarship awards ($683,748 was distributed earlier this month, the most in foundation history) and numerous other student support programs. In 2019, nearly 6,000 students were served by the foundation including 248 scholarship recipients and nearly 4,500 students who checked out textbooks from the foundation's lending library. "About 70 percent of Ventura College students can't attend school full time so they don't qualify for the state-sponsored tuition-free schooling program, the VC Promise. They rely on foundation scholarships, financial aid and our textbook support programs so they can afford to stay in school," says King. King says the foundation is reaching out to Ventura College Foundation supporters, alumni and community members for donations. Foundation board members and staff have already pledged $30,000 through a leadership giving challenge. "Just like everyone, we want to see an end to this crisis as soon as it’s safely possible. We are working hard on fundraising to sustain the foundation until the Marketplace reopens," says Rob van Nieuwburg, Ventura College Foundation board chair. "Change isn't always easy. The board has approved a new policy where we are not relying primarily on Marketplace revenue to operate. A 10 percent operations sustainability gift will be applied to all future donations to ensure a stronger foundation for a stronger future of service to our students." For questions about "Stronger Foundation, Stronger Future" or to make a tax-deductible donation, contact King at 805-289-6503, aking@vcccd.edu. More information can be found at www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org. Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace; an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Julie Harvey at (805) 289-6502 or jharvey@vcccd.edu or visit www.VenturaCollegeFoundation.org |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 11th, 2020
 Congratulations to Timmy on his selection for our February Student of the Month. Timmy enjoys hiking and playing video games. He is very smart, has a strong mindset and is interested in Aerospace Engineering. Timmy’s five-year plan is to be an intern as an aerospace engineer. His ten-year plan is to be working for the government on new technology. Some of the things he likes about Sierra High School are the connections with teachers and he has gained confidence. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 19th, 2020
Halloween is coming—in March!
There will be plenty of “spooky science” at the 11th Annual CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Science Carnival set for Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Rio Vista Middle School at 3050 Thames River Drive in Oxnard. The Science Carnival was originally scheduled for Nov. 2, 2019, but the fires of late October required that it get rescheduled for March of 2020. Science Carnival organizer and founder Phil Hampton, Ph.D. wanted to recreate everything the kids would have experienced — including Halloween. “Science Carnival is usually a spooky science kind of event normally held around Halloween,” Hampton said. “There were so many people who came on the night of the Science Carnival in November of 2019 and kids who were disappointed to learn it had been cancelled, so we’re reinventing this well-loved event as Halloween in March.” Kids can come in costume and there will be plenty of creepy, gooey, deliciously gross exhibits to pique kids’ interest in science such as screaming Gummi bears; do-it-yourself glow-in-the-dark slime; and Moorpark College Chemistry will be running an activity where kids learn how a substance derived from algae can be used to make slimy worms. Also on display will be the always-popular air-powered marshmallow shooters, Flubber and Oobleck (the goop in the Dr. Seuss book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.”). The 120 exhibits are designed to delight and intrigue pre-K through 8th grade guests and their families, but at the heart of the carnival is the hope that kids develop an interest in some form of science, technology, engineering and math that makes them want to continue exploring the field. “My goal is to let kids experience the wonder and love of science in a fun environment where both the kids and parents can see the mystery, awe and wonder in science and be inspired,” Hampton said. “Hopefully they consider science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) as a potential future for their kids.” The exhibits are staffed by CSUCI volunteers as well as volunteers from other partner groups such as all three community colleges; the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Paula and Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme; all three commands from Naval Base Ventura County; Sunny Smiles Dentistry (with a toothbrush robot!); Pacifica High School Physics and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers who will show kids how to create their own simple motor. Families from Santa Barbara are also encouraged to attend. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation in Santa Barbara, will also set up displays. The event is free and open to the public and usually draws almost 3,000 kids and parents. Limited snacks will be provided for purchase and families are encouraged to bring a picnic or arrange to eat off-site. |
