Written by Fillmore High School Staff

On November 12th, 2017 the WASC Visiting Committee, headed by Dr. Jeff Davis, started their two day examination of Fillmore High School. During their visit, the three member team spoke to students, parents, teachers, classified staff and district office staff with the sole intent to evaluate and confirm that Fillmore High School had met the Accrediting Commision for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges criteria for accreditation. A large part of their visit was to focus on relationships, technology, teaching practices and curriculum.

In speaking with Dr. Jeff Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District, he felt that from the Self-Study Report, everything lined up and looked great, including the focus on best teaching practices, curriculum, campus climate, test scores and other forms of data. He went on to say that everything pointed to the fact that Fillmore High School is on the right track and is a very good school.

Fillmore High School received the following commendation in the visiting committee report, "The Fillmore High School staff values collaboration and meaningful professional development. The staff is willing to implement new programs, try innovative approaches, identify needs and gaps, and pilot new programs in order to support achievement." The direction that we have taken at Fillmore High School, the past 4 years, is that we have experts within our ranks, it is alright to take chances, and the professionals at Fillmore High School are allowed to innovate and create cutting edge programs. The result has been a rise in test scores, data sets and learning, to go along with the empowerment of staff to collaborate both formally and informally.

Another commendation from the visiting committee was, "the increase in instructional technology and its integration into the curriculum is evident schoolwide." This has been primarily achieved, again, through a concerted effort by the Fillmore High School staff. There has been an emphasis on professional development with site funds supporting among other things, the acquisition and use of educational technology in the classroom. We have also had many staff led professional developments on educational technology. This has included the vetting by staff and the purchasing of educational software.

"Students demonstrate a positive attitude and were respectful to the adults and each other." Fillmore High School students are some of the very best in the county. Students are sent to Fillmore High School with a good upbringing but it is the school's responsibility to maintain that in the educational setting. This has been established through setting high expectations with consistent consequences, positive weekly acknowledgement, and a caring climate. There has been a major push towards being kind in all situations. One senior wrote that in the last four years students have been more respectful towards each other and the staff has in turn modeled the positive behavior. When asked by the visiting committee what was the best part of Fillmore High School, the student panel all agreed that it was the adults. The committee said that this has never been said at any of the other schools they have visited and it was outstanding to hear.

"FHS has increased their communication to families and students through their use of Parent Connect and Social Media." The use of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook has served many functions. It has allowed parents to see their children participate in school events, activities and athletics. The community has had an inside look at all of the great things happening at Fillmore High School. Finally, the students have gained recognition for a job well done. The Community and Parent Panel told the WASC Visiting Committee that they feel connected and involved in the school. They also went on to say that above all, with the social media posts, the most important thing is that school administration is at every school event and that means a lot to the community.

"The professional development plans that were developed by the departments...are impressive as they include a needs assessment, goals aligned to the implementation of subject-area standards, and a year-long timeline, and evidence to monitor their plans." This is evidence of the empowerment of staff at Fillmore High School. When staff feels supported and free to explore ideas, the synergistic affect far outweighs any other considerations. There are many more examples of staff led initiatives, too many to mention, but suffice it to say that the power of a hundred united staff members has a strong positive exponential affect.

"The ELD teachers have experienced some turnover in recent years, yet the students are continuing to learn English skills and integrate into the school population." This is the most telling of all WASC Visiting Committee comments. The implementation of best teaching practices and rigorous curriculum is so ingrained into Fillmore High School that the system of learning continues even with a change in teachers/staff. Coupling this comment with the data that clearly shows that EL students have been recently re-designated as proficient at record rates adds credence to the current state of academics at Fillmore High School.

At the closing meeting on November 14th, in front of the school and district staff, the WASC Visiting Committee gave a final report. The comments were very positive and encouraging but what made it more valuable was that two members of the committee, David Reese and Dr. Elise Simmons were also at the initial WASC visit in 2014. Their longitudinal perspective was very insightful. Dr. Simmons, Principal of La Cuesta and Alta Vista Alternative HS, Santa Barbara USD, spoke about how things at Fillmore High School have greatly changed for the better in the past 3 years. "When we were here in 2014 there was no sense of connection between staff, parents, students and community...now the connections are so deep that they are visceral." David Reese, Principal of Bakersfield High School, Kern HSD, went on to expound on how there have been so many things added to the school in the past three years and that the students have been the beneficiaries of it.

On February 8th, Fillmore High School received positive confirmation in a letter from the WASC President Fred Van Leuven, Ed.D., "Based on the ACS WASC mid-cycle review, it has been determined that Fillmore High School (9-12) meets the ACS WASC criteria for accreditation...Fillmore High School's accreditation is now reaffirmed through the end of the six-year cycle ending in June 2021."

Written by Fillmore High School Staff

On November 12th, 2017 the WASC Visiting Committee, headed by Dr. Jeff Davis, started their two day examination of Fillmore High School. During their visit, the three member team spoke to students, parents, teachers, classified staff and district office staff with the sole intent to evaluate and confirm that Fillmore High School had met the Accrediting Commision for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges criteria for accreditation. A large part of their visit was to focus on relationships, technology, teaching practices and curriculum.

In speaking with Dr. Jeff Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District, he felt that from the Self-Study Report, everything lined up and looked great, including the focus on best teaching practices, curriculum, campus climate, test scores and other forms of data. He went on to say that everything pointed to the fact that Fillmore High School is on the right track and is a very good school.

Fillmore High School received the following commendation in the visiting committee report, "The Fillmore High School staff values collaboration and meaningful professional development. The staff is willing to implement new programs, try innovative approaches, identify needs and gaps, and pilot new programs in order to support achievement." The direction that we have taken at Fillmore High School, the past 4 years, is that we have experts within our ranks, it is alright to take chances, and the professionals at Fillmore High School are allowed to innovate and create cutting edge programs. The result has been a rise in test scores, data sets and learning, to go along with the empowerment of staff to collaborate both formally and informally.

Another commendation from the visiting committee was, "the increase in instructional technology and its integration into the curriculm is evident schoolwide." This has been primarily achieved, again, through a concerted effort by the Fillmore High School staff. There has been an emphasis on professional development with site funds supporting among other things, the acquisition and use of eduational technology in the classroom. We have also had many staff led professional developments on educational technology. This has included the vetting by staff and the purchasing of educational software.

"Students demonstrate a positive attitude and were respectful to the adults and each other." Fillmore High School students are some of the very best in the county. Students are sent to Fillmore High School with a good upbringing but it is the school's responsibilty to maintain that in the educational setting. This has been established through setting high expectations with consistent consequences, positive weekly acknowledgement, and a caring climate. There has been a major push towards being kind in all situations. One senior wrote that in the last four years students have been more respectful towards each other and the staff has in turn modeled the positive behavior. When asked by the visiting committee what was the best part of Fillmore High School, the student panel all agreed that it was the adults. The committee said that this has never been said at any of the other schools they have visited and it was outstanding to hear.

"FHS has increased their communication to families and students through their use of Parent Connect and Social Media." The use of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook has served many functions. It has allowed parents to see their children participate in school events, activities and athletics. The community has had an inside look at all of the great things happening at Fillmore High School. Finally, the students have gained recognition for a job well done. The Communty and Parent Panel told the WASC Visiting Committee that they feel connected and involved in the school. They also went on to say that above all, with the social media posts, the most important thing is that school administration is at every school event and that means a lot to the community.

"The professional development plans that were developed by the departments...are impressive as they include a needs assessment, goals aligned to the implementation of subject-area standards, and a year-long timeline, and evidence to monitor their plans." This is evidence of the empowerment of staff at Fillmore High School. When staff feels supported and free to explore ideas, the synergistic affect far outweighs any other considerations. There are many more examples of staff led initiatives, too many to mention, but suffice it to say that the power of a hundred united staff members has a strong positive exponential affect.

"The ELD teachers have experienced some turnover in recent years, yet the students are continuing to learn English skills and integrate into the school population." This is the most telling of all WASC Visting Commitee comments. The implementation of best teaching practices and rigorous curriculum is so ingrained into Fillmore High School that the system of learning continues even with a change in teachers/staff. Coupling this comment with the data that clearly shows that EL students have been recently redesignated as proficient at record rates adds credence to the current state of academics at Fillmore High School.

At the closing meeting on November 14th, in front of the school and district staff, the WASC Visiting Committee gave a final report. The comments were very positive and encouraging but what made it more valuable was that two members of the committee, David Reese and Dr. Elise Simmons were also at the initial WASC visit in 2014. Their longitudinal persepective was very insightful. Dr. Simmons, Principal of La Cuesta and Alta Vista Alternative HS, Santa Barbara USD, spoke about how things at Fillmore High School have greatly changed for the better in the past 3 years. "When we were here in 2014 there was no sense of connection between staff, parents, students and community...now the connections are so deep that they are visceral." David Reese, Principal of Bakersfield High School, Kern HSD, went on to expound on how there have been so many things added to the school in the past three years and that the students have been the beneficiaries of it.

On February 8th, Fillmore High School received positive confirmation in a letter from the WASC President Fred Van Leuven, Ed.D., "Based on the ACS WASC mid-cycle review, it has been determined that Fillmore High School (9-12) meets the ACS WASC criteria for accreditation...Fillmore High School's accreditation is now reaffirmed through the end of the six-year cycle ending in June 2021."

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Written by William Chavez

Sierra High School’s Street Law class attended a field trip to the Ventura County Government Center on March 13, 2018. During their visit the class was able to enter several courtrooms and observe several matters. One case involved an attempted murder trial. The prosecutor was taking direct examination of a forensic ballistics expert. Another case involved a breach of contract issue between a bank and an individual. In that matter the parties were settling the case before the judge.

Thereafter, the class conducted a mock trial in Courtroom 22. Students role-played the prosecuting attorney, defense counsel, judge, defendant, bailiff, witnesses, and the jury. Prior to the mock trial, the Honorable Frederick Bysshe visited with the students and discussed his career in the justice system and responded to questions from the students.

“Street Law” is a curriculum from Georgetown University’s Law Center. In this class, students explore a wide range of legal principles necessary for adult life in the United States, and to understand their practical application. Our students have studied Criminal Law and Procedure, Torts, Contracts and Constitutional Law. The field trip to the Government Center and Courts was a great opportunity for our students to see the practical side on how the court system functions and speak with individuals who work within the system. Counselor Kimberly McMullen and teacher William Chavez accompanied the class.

Applications are now available for the FILLMORE WOMEN'S SERVICE CLUB Educational Scholarships.

Any graduating High School Senior going to a Public or Private School, who RESIDES within the Fillmore Unified School District and is continuing on to a College or University can apply. Applications are available at Fillmore High School in the Career Center at the school, or you can call Susan Banks at 805-524-2020.

DEADLINE IS MONDAY APRIL 9TH., 2018

TRADE AND ARTS SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are now available for the FILLMORE WOMEN'S SERVICE CLUB Trade and Art Scholarships.

Any graduating High School Senior going to a Public or Private School, who RESIDES within the Fillmore Unified School District and is continuing on to a Trade School or a Community College to pursue a career. GRADES are not a factor. Applications are available at Fillmore High School Career Center or you can call Susan Banks at 805-524-2020.

DEADLINE IS MONDAY APRIL 9TH., 2018

DIANA ROJO EDUCATIONAL MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

REQUIREMENTS: A desire to continue education General Self Esteem, Interests & Activities Scholastic Record and Motivation Toward Goals.

Any graduating High School Senior going to a Public or Private School, who RESIDES within the Fillmore Unified School District and is continuing on to a College or University can apply. Applications are available for Fillmore High School in the Career Center at the school, or you can call Susan Banks at 805-524-2020.

DEADLINE IS MONDAY APRIL 9TH., 2018

FILLMORE ADULT WOMEN'S SCHOLARSHIP

Applications are now available for Adult Women, 25 years or older, planning to return to college or Trade school or are currently attending such a school. Applications are available from Susan Banks, 805-524-2020 The DEADLINE is Monday April 9th, 2018.

This Scholarship is for the educational improvement of women in the work force who reside within the Fillmore Unified School District to better the lives of their families and our community.

WE ARE ON THE WEB AT: WWW.FILLMOREWOMENSSERVICECLUB.COM

Family, friends, and the community are invited to attend as the first graduates from Ventura County Library’s Career Online High School receive their diplomas. During the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, March 20, at 7pm, in the Topping Room of the E.P. Foster Library in Ventura, six graduates in cap and gown will share their stories and their plans for the future.

Career Online High School (COHS) is offered by the Ventura County Library’s READ Adult Literacy Program in partnership with Gale, a Cengage company. COHS provides adults the opportunity to earn an accredited high school diploma and career certificate by utilizing the flexibility of the Internet to accommodate busy adult schedules.

Career Online High School is one of several programs offered through the Ventura County Library READ Adult Literacy Program, and is an ongoing program accepting signups throughout the year. To learn more about the READ Adult Literacy programs and ways you can help, call (805) 677-7160.

The EP Foster Library is located at 651 E. Main Street in Ventura, and free parking is available in the parking lot located behind the library. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library Director at (805) 256-8535

Fillmore Unified School District

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE
February 27, 2018

The Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) met with representatives from the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 to negotiate. Negotiations were held at the District Office (627 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, California) beginning at 9:20 AM.

Present for the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association:
Jennifer Beal Fillmore Middle School
Tammy Ferguson San Cayetano Elementary School
Donna Wojciechowski Heritage Valley Independent Study
Marisa Martinez Fillmore Middle School
Kelley Hess Fillmore Middle School
Kassie Chambers Rio Vista Elementary School
Heather Milam Mountain Vista Elementary School District
Kristin Dewey San Cayetano Elementary School

Present for the Fillmore Unified School District:
Andrea McNeill, Chief Business Officer
Stefan Cvijanovich, Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources and Pupil Support
Todd Schieferle, Director of Human Resources
Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, Superintendent

Articles discussed today were as follows:
 Article 5: Salaries
o FUSD provided FUTA with a counterproposal
o FUTA provided FUSD with a counterproposal
 Article 6: Hours of Employment
o FUSD provided FUTA with a counterproposal
 Article 8: Extra Pay Positions
o FUSD provided FUTA with a counterproposal
o FUTA provided FUSD with a counterproposal
 Article 11: Evaluation Procedures
o FUSD and FUTA agreed to and signed a Memorandum of Understanding on February 7, 2018 to create a joint evaluation committee including a timeline for implementation
 Article 19: Class Size
o FUTA provided information on their decision to remain status quo with Article 19 (except Article 19.1.5)

Today’s negotiations session ended at 3:22 PM. FUSD and FUTA have held three negotiation sessions during the 2017-2018 school year.

Negotiations Sessions
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
Tuesday, February 27, 2018

The next negotiations session for FUTA and FUSD is Tuesday, March 13, 2018.

Trees have always helped define the CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) campus, which has just been recognized as a 2017 Tree Campus USA university.

“The canopies of trees throughout the campus add to the serenity of our campus,” said Director of Facility Support Raudel Banuelos. “I feel that the trees play a very important part of what attracts students to our campus along with the outstanding curriculum, faculty and staff.”

This is the sixth year CSUCI has won a Tree Campus designation, which means CSUCI meets the five core standards for effective campus forest management: a tree advisory committee; a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual funding for the campus tree program; an Arbor Day observance and a student service-learning program.

The environmental honor comes from the Arbor Day Foundation program, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.

“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.”

During the 2017 Earth Day celebration on April 21, CSUCI students worked with CSUCI’s grounds crew to plant five new strawberry trees and 10 Western Redbuds in the Central Mall. The students learned how to properly transplant a tree and all trees took root and are growing.

CSUCI tree advisory committee members have a five-year tree maintenance plan for fiscal year 2018/19 to safeguard against tree limb fall hazards in high-traffic areas.

CSUCI continues to practice good stewardship toward the environment by planting native trees such as coast live oak, valley oak, toyon shrubs and western sycamore. In addition, the campus continues to observe water conservation practices and reduces the use of pesticide.

CSUCI is among 344 campuses across the United States that have earned this recognition.

The Arbor Day Foundation has helped campuses throughout the U.S. plant thousands of trees and Tree Campus USA colleges and universities have invested more than $48 million in campus forest management last year. More information on the program is available at: https://www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 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. CSUCI’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. CSUCI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CSUCI’s Social Media.

Jose Alamillo – Stanislaus State
Melissa Assphor – Cal State Channel Islands
Lindsey Brown – Northern Arizona, Boise State, Washington State,
University of Weber
Elizabeth Castandeda – University of Colorado Denver, Arizona State
University
Kasey Crawford – Dixie State
Alexia Rangel – Cal Lutheran University
Allison Recancoj – Vanguard University
Jairo Rios – Saint Mary’s College
Michael Sanchez – Humboldt State
Cali Wyand – Montana State University, University of Montana, Fairleigh Dickinson
Adrian Escobar – Cal State Channel Islands
Maria Fernandez – Cal State San Bernardino, Cal State Channel Islands
Veronica Garcia – Western Washington University, Washington State, Cal State Channel Islands
Marian Gonzalez Padilla – Northern Arizona University, Hawaii Pacific University, University of Providence, Mount Saint Mary’s University, Concordia University
Sydnee Isom – Northwestern College
Efrain Perez – Cal Lutheran University
Maria Padilla – Mount Saint Mary’s University
Rosalina Ortega – Cal State Channel Islands
Ian Morris – San Diego State, Humboldt State, University of Oregon
Ashley Montano – Cal State Channel Islands

Fillmore Unified School District

The Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) met with representatives from the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 to negotiate. Negotiations were held at the District Office (627 Sespe Avenue, Fillmore, California) beginning at 9:50 AM.

Present for the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association:
Jennifer Beal Fillmore Middle School
Mary Jordan CTA Regional UniServ Staff
Tammy Ferguson San Cayetano Elementary School
Donna Wojciechowski Heritage Valley Independent Study
Marisa Martinez Fillmore Middle School
Kelley Hess Fillmore Middle School
Kassie Chambers Rio Vista Elementary School
Heather Milam Mountain Vista Elementary School District
Kristin Dewey San Cayetano Elementary School

Present for the Fillmore Unified School District:
Andrea McNeill, Chief Business Officer
Stefan Cvijanovich, Asst. Superintendent, Human Resources and Pupil Support
Todd Schieferle, Director of Human Resources
Dr. Adrian Palazuelos, Superintendent

Articles discussed today were as follows:
Article 5: Salaries
o FUSD provided FUTA with proposals
o FUTA provided FUSD with a counterproposal
Article 6: Hours of Employment
o FUSD provided FUTA with a counterproposal
o FUTA provided FUSD with a counterproposal
Article 8: Extra Pay Positions
o FUSD provided FUTA with a counterproposal
o FUTA provided FUSD with a counterproposal
Article 11: Evaluation Procedures
o FUSD and FUTA agreed to and signed a Memorandum of Understanding to
create a joint evaluation committee including a timeline for implementation
Article 19: Class Size
o FUTA remaining status quo with the exception of Article 19.1.5
Article 17: Leaves
o FUTA expressed an interest to sunshine Article 17

Today’s negotiations session ended at 3:07 PM. FUSD and FUTA have held two negotiation
sessions during the 2017-2018 school year.

Negotiations Sessions
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Wednesday, February 7, 2018

The next negotiations session for FUTA and FUSD is Tuesday, February 27, 2018.

Three additional local high schools will join the winner of the Ventura County Academic Decathlon in the statewide competition to be held in March in Sacramento. Calabasas High School was guaranteed a spot in the state competition after winning at the county level. And now, La Reina, Oxnard and Westlake High Schools have been invited to participate as “at-large” competitors. At-large teams are selected to fill open spots in the state contest based on how well they scored in their county competitions.

“Having four high schools represent Ventura County in the California Academic Decathlon is a great honor,” said Ventura County Superintendent of Schools Stan Mantooth. “It’s a testament to the hard work and countless hours of preparation students and coaches dedicate to the competition.”

The California Academic Decathlon will be held on March 23 and 24 in Sacramento. The winner of the state competition heads to the United States Academic Decathlon. Ventura County teams have made it to the nationals six times, placing second in 2000 and 2002, and taking first place in 1999, 2003, 2008 and 2009. A list of past winners is available here.
More About the Academic Decathlon

The Ventura County Academic Decathlon, coordinated by the Ventura County Office of Education, is an opportunity for local high school students to compete against like teams of students countywide. Students compete in ten academic events: essay writing, speech, interview, art, economics, language and literature, mathematics, music, science and social science. This year’s competition was held on January 27 and February 3.

High schools fielding teams this year were: Adolfo Camarillo High School, Buena High School, Calabasas High School, Channel Islands High School, Fillmore High School, Hueneme High School, La Reina High School, Moorpark High School, Newbury Park High School, Oak Park High School, Oxnard High School, Pacifica High School, Rancho Campana High School, Rio Mesa High School, Royal High School, Santa Susana High School, Simi Valley High School, Thousand Oaks High School, Ventura High School and Westlake High School.

A unique aspect of the competition is that it’s designed to include students from all academic backgrounds. A team consists of nine full-time students from the 9th through 12th grades at the same high school. Each team is comprised of three students whose grade point average falls into the “A” category, three students in the “B” category and three students in the “C” category. More information about the Ventura County Academic Decathlon is available here.

About the Ventura County Office of Education
The Ventura County Office of Education provides a broad array of fiscal, training and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities for children, educators and community members. VCOE also operates schools that serve students with severe disabilities and behavioral issues, provides career education courses, and coordinates countywide academic competitions including Mock Trial and the Ventura County Science Fair. Learn more at: www.vcoe.org.

Fillmore Unified School District

Comprehensive School Safety Plan
Information presented by Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Pupil Support, Stefan Cvijanovich

Approve Single Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)
Board approved the Single Plans for Student Achievement for all district schools.

Notice of Completion for Roof Restoration
The Board approved a Notice of Completion for roof restoration projects completed by Midstate Sheet Metal, Inc.

Extension of Contract for Dr. Adrian Palazuelos
The Board announced the recent positive evaluation of the Superintendent and unanimously approved a contract extension for Dr. Adrian Palazuelos to continue as Fillmore USD Superintendent through June 30, 2021.

Personnel Recommendations
The Board approved all personnel recommendations including new hires, promotions, resignations, and leaves.