On Tuesday, October 31st, Mountain Vista Elementary School had its annual Halloween parade. Students from Kindergarten through 5th grade dressed up in their favorite costumes and walked three laps around the field to show their costumes to friends and families!
On Tuesday, October 31st, Mountain Vista Elementary School had its annual Halloween parade. Students from Kindergarten through 5th grade dressed up in their favorite costumes and walked three laps around the field to show their costumes to friends and families!
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Celebrated throughout Fillmore Unified School District, Unity Day is an annual event recognizing National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. With one in five school-aged children report being bullied at school, Unity Day is an opportunity for individuals, schools, businesses, and communities to wear or share orange to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in order to prevent students from being bullied.
Celebrated throughout Fillmore Unified School District, Unity Day is an annual event recognizing National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month. With one in five school-aged children report being bullied at school, Unity Day is an opportunity for individuals, schools, businesses, and communities to wear or share orange to unite for kindness, acceptance, and inclusion in order to prevent students from being bullied.
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Last week was a busy Homecoming week for Fillmore High School as they prepared for their Annual Homecoming Parade, a longstanding Fillmore High tradition. Students meet up and take over the Fillmore USD bus garages to build their Homecoming floats to get the town pumped up for the game. Students worked hard cutting, painting, and gluing as they got their floats ready to showcase in Thursday night’s parade. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
Last week was a busy Homecoming week for Fillmore High School as they prepared for their Annual Homecoming Parade, a longstanding Fillmore High tradition. Students meet up and take over the Fillmore USD bus garages to build their Homecoming floats to get the town pumped up for the game. Students worked hard cutting, painting, and gluing as they got their floats ready to showcase in Thursday night’s parade. Photo credit Angel Esquivel-AE News.
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On October 6th, Piru Elementary School first-grade students took their first field trip of the year! Students’ visited the local Ventura County Fire Department and got a tour of the station and the trucks. Pictured are the 1st graders wearing hats as they smile for a photo. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=104469179983 6661&set=a.753458432293334.
On October 6th, Piru Elementary School first-grade students took their first field trip of the year! Students’ visited the local Ventura County Fire Department and got a tour of the station and the trucks. Pictured are the 1st graders wearing hats as they smile for a photo. Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=104469179983 6661&set=a.753458432293334.
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On Wednesday, October 4th, Fillmore Library held a Card Sign-Up Night, and it was a success! Preschool through high school students
and their families registered for library cards and attendees enjoyed an evening of fun with coloring sheets, a Halloween cornhole toss,
and were able to take tours of the new library facilities. Fillmore Unified School District and the Fillmore Library are happy to be working together to promote literacy in Fillmore. Photos courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-schooldistrict-blog/2023/10/6/library-card-sign-up-night.
On Wednesday, October 4th, Fillmore Library held a Card Sign-Up Night, and it was a success! Preschool through high school students and their families registered for library cards and attendees enjoyed an evening of fun with coloring sheets, a Halloween cornhole toss, and were able to take tours of the new library facilities. Fillmore Unified School District and the Fillmore Library are happy to be working together to promote literacy in Fillmore. Photos courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-schooldistrict-blog/2023/10/6/library-card-sign-up-night.
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Pictured right is Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Chrissy Schieferle and Santa Paula Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weinstein at the Fillmore/Santa Paula rivalry game on Friday, September 29th, 2023. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “Congratulations Flashes! Your 37-35 victory over Santa Paula was one of the most exciting games in the 113 year history of the Fillmore/Santa Paula rivalry. The Leather Helmet trophy stays in Fillmore! 3 years in a row! Go Flashes!”
Pictured right is Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Chrissy Schieferle and Santa Paula Unified School District Superintendent Jeff Weinstein at the Fillmore/Santa Paula rivalry game on Friday, September 29th, 2023. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “Congratulations Flashes! Your 37-35 victory over Santa Paula was one of the most exciting games in the 113 year history of the Fillmore/Santa Paula rivalry. The Leather Helmet trophy stays in Fillmore! 3 years in a row! Go Flashes!”
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Last week Family Science Night took place at Piru Elementary in partnership with the Discovery Center and what a success! Students experienced hands-on science centers led by Fillmore High School students. Thank you, students and families, for attending this great evening event. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2023/9/13/family-science-night-at-piru-elementary. See more photos online at www.FillmoreGazette.com.
Last week Family Science Night took place at Piru Elementary in partnership with the Discovery Center and what a success! Students experienced hands-on science centers led by Fillmore High School students. Thank you, students and families, for attending this great evening event. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2023/9/13/family-science-night-at-piru-elementary. See more photos online at www.FillmoreGazette.com.
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Our FMS families had the opportunity to attend class with their students on September 8th for Back to School Night. They started with Club Academy and ended with the 6th period. They experienced our bell system and hurried to their next class during the 5-minute passing period, just like their students do on a regular school day. Once inside class, teachers presented to families the four questions that we are working on as a school community: What does the teacher want the students to know and be able to do? How does the teacher and student know if they learned it? How does the teacher respond if the student hasn’t learned it? How does the teacher respond if the student has already mastered it? We thank our FMS families for coming “back” to school to learn about this topic and we look forward to the great year that we will have! Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/2023/9/8/back-to-school-night.
Our FMS families had the opportunity to attend class with their students on September 8th for Back to School Night. They started with Club Academy and ended with the 6th period. They experienced our bell system and hurried to their next class during the 5-minute passing period, just like their students do on a regular school day. Once inside class, teachers presented to families the four questions that we are working on as a school community: What does the teacher want the students to know and be able to do? How does the teacher and student know if they learned it? How does the teacher respond if the student hasn’t learned it? How does the teacher respond if the student has already mastered it? We thank our FMS families for coming “back” to school to learn about this topic and we look forward to the great year that we will have! Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/2023/9/8/back-to-school-night.
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On August 16, 2023, Fillmore students started the 2023 school year. Pictured above are Rio Vista students who had a great first day of school. It was wonderful having the Roadrunners back on campus! Photos courtesy https://www.facebook.com/484802076990777/posts/723360493134933. 

San Cayetano students were welcomed back and were excited to kick-off a new school year, embracing new challenges, meeting new friends, and making amazing memories! Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/761635201782178/posts/1053025859309776.
On August 16, 2023, Fillmore students started the 2023 school year. Pictured above are Rio Vista students who had a great first day of school. It was wonderful having the Roadrunners back on campus! Photos courtesy https://www.facebook.com/484802076990777/posts/723360493134933. San Cayetano students were welcomed back and were excited to kick-off a new school year, embracing new challenges, meeting new friends, and making amazing memories! Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/761635201782178/posts/1053025859309776.
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On August 8th, 2023, 6th grade students and parents started their registration and orientation at Fillmore Middle School! Above are the new 6th graders who will be joining Fillmore Middle School this fall. Sixth grade parents met late at 5pm for the parent meeting. Photos courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=7 83220143 805469&set =pcb.783 221797138637.
On August 8th, 2023, 6th grade students and parents started their registration and orientation at Fillmore Middle School! Above are the new 6th graders who will be joining Fillmore Middle School this fall. Sixth grade parents met late at 5pm for the parent meeting. Photos courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=7 83220143 805469&set =pcb.783 221797138637.
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Sierra High held their Back-to-School Orientation for both parents and students. Principal Amber Henry said, "Thank you to the overwhelming number of families showing support of their child at our Back-to-School Orientation last night! We had the most participation ever. It shows us that this school year will be our best one yet! We will be planning FUN family events this year and we are so grateful to the families that have offered to help!" Photo & Info courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=759635049500059&set=a.496083222521911.
Sierra High held their Back-to-School Orientation for both parents and students. Principal Amber Henry said, "Thank you to the overwhelming number of families showing support of their child at our Back-to-School Orientation last night! We had the most participation ever. It shows us that this school year will be our best one yet! We will be planning FUN family events this year and we are so grateful to the families that have offered to help!" Photo & Info courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=759635049500059&set=a.496083222521911.
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Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=759635049500059&set=a.4960832225219....

Thank you to the overwhelming number of families showing support of their child at our Back-to-School Orientation! We had the most participation ever. It shows us that this school year will be our best one yet!

We will be planning FUN family events this year and we are so grateful to the families that have offered to help! The saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is very true and we are encouraged by how much bigger this village is getting! We cannot wait to see all of our students’ smiling faces tomorrow at 8:25! Students will need to bring their laptops so that we can make sure they are all working by the end of the day. School releases at 1:25.

For the very few of you that missed our orientation we will be sending home the information you missed. It explains all of our school policies and procedures. Please reach out if you have questions, 805-524-8202.

 
Fillmore students entered the first annual Binational Summer Program hosted at Somis School, where visiting teachers from Mexico taught classes in math, English, computer coding and more to the students. On Wednesday, July 26, a Parent Engagement event took place for students to showcase their work. Photos courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2023/8/7/binational-summer-program-serves-fillmore-students.
Fillmore students entered the first annual Binational Summer Program hosted at Somis School, where visiting teachers from Mexico taught classes in math, English, computer coding and more to the students. On Wednesday, July 26, a Parent Engagement event took place for students to showcase their work. Photos courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2023/8/7/binational-summer-program-serves-fillmore-students.
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Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...

Fillmore Unified School District students participated in the first annual Binational Summer Program hosted at Somis School. Two visiting teachers from Mexico taught classes in math, English and computer coding. Lessons incorporated cultural enrichment to help students learn about their heritage and help them better connect to the material being taught.

The summer program provides a comfortable, welcoming environment that helps students build their confidence. Dr. Jesus Vaca, the Superintendent of the Somis Union School District, says migrant kids often need extra support to help them succeed in school. “They’re coming to a completely different country with a new language and a new culture. We need to help them get to where they need to be so they can be contributing members of our society.”

A Parent Engagement Event took place at FUSD on Wednesday, July 26 6:00pm – 7:30pm at Fillmore Middle School’s Staff Lounge. The two teachers from Mexico facilitated the event for migrant families with an art/writing activity and showcased the work students have been doing. Cynthia Frutos, Fillmore Unified School District’s Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services said, “We are honored that our district was selected to send students to the first annual Migrant Binational Summer School program and we look forward to participating in the program on an annual basis.”

The Ventura County Office of Education’s Migrant Education Program (MEP) was instrumental in bringing this summer opportunity to Somis. Dr. César Morales, Ventura County Superintendent of Schools, says the MEP has a long track record of helping migrant students overcome the obstacles they face. “Ventura County is home to many migrant students who have gone on to become leaders in our community,” he says. “They have built careers in fields like medicine, business and education thanks in part to the support they received from the migrant program.”

Ventura County is one of only three regions in the state to be participating in the Mexico-United States Binational Migrant Education Program this summer. The Somis program is a joint effort of the California Department of Education, the Mexican Secretariat of Public Education, the Ventura County Office of Education, and the Somis Union School District.

 
Rayleen Meza will receive $24,000 toward completing a nursing degree
Rayleen Meza will receive $24,000 toward completing a nursing degree
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VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. (July 26, 2023) — Ventura County Credit Union is proud to announce it has awarded its inaugural First in Family Scholarship to Rayleen Meza, a Santa Paula High School senior who will be attending California State University Channel Islands as a nursing major in the fall, making her the first person in her family to pursue a college education. The scholarship, which is worth $24,000 distributed over four years, will help cover the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies and other expenses.

Rayleen graduated high school with a 4.8 grade point average, having completed 14 dual-enrollment courses, which allowed her to simultaneously earn credits at the high school and college level. She attended Santa Paula High School’s Human Services Academy, enabling her to explore career options in the fields of health, education and human services. Rayleen also completed more than 40 hours of community involvement and four internships in the medical field, including through the Health Occupations Pipeline Education (HOPE) administered by the Ventura County Health Care Agency. Her internship experience at Santa Paula Medical Clinic helped her discover a passion for pediatric nursing, which she intends to pursue as a career after college. Due to her participation in the Regional Occupational Program in high school, Rayleen became a certified medical assistant in June.

As a first-generation college student, Rayleen said her parents had little to no information regarding the cost of higher education and this scholarship removes an immense weight from their shoulders as she works toward a degree to enter the medical field.

“I would do anything just to be a nurse,” Rayleen said in her application video. “Once I become a registered nurse, I plan to also go to school to become a nurse practitioner, and hopefully, one day open a clinic and be able to help all those around my community, to share my knowledge and be there for them because I know as a small community, everyone needs someone they can rely on and I would love to be that leader.”

Rayleen said the VCCU scholarship was “an honor.”

This is the first year VCCU has provided this scholarship opportunity, which was available to graduating high school seniors with acceptance into CSUCI. The scholarship was designed to help Ventura County students with modest means who would be the first in their family to attend a four-year university. This VCCU scholarship will be awarded on a bi-annual basis moving forward. The winner will receive $6,000 each year for four scholastic years.

“College affordability is often what prevents a deserving student from attending college,” said Linda Rossi, VCCU president/CEO. “We’re proud to help a student be the first in their family to attend our local Cal State University.”

For more information about VCCU and its services, visit http://www.vccuonline.net.

About Ventura County Credit Union
Ventura County Credit Union was chartered in 1950. It is the largest credit union headquartered in Ventura County, with eight offices, more than 80,000 members and more than $1 billion in total assets. VCCU offers a complete line of loans, federally insured savings, 24-hour electronic access services and more. Call 1-800-339-0496 or visit http://www.vccuonline.net for more information.

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The Fillmore Middle School administration team nominated incoming 7th grade student Ernesto Martinez as recipient of a new bike donated by the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department. Ernesto was nominated due to the social and academic growth that he exhibited throughout his 6th grade year at the middle school. Deputy Yolanda Avila presented Ernesto with the bike and had the following to say, “At times some students have a challenging time due to various factors. It is our responsibility and duty to work with students who have struggles and guide them through these rough patches. With support, compassion and empathy, students are able to understand that this is a safe space in which they are an individual for whom people care. Ernesto Martinez was such an individual. With the support and understanding he experienced this year, Ernesto thrived and rose to the challenge. Ernesto continues to do well academically and has made great strides in all other aspects of the challenges of middle school. Ernesto continues to persevere, and we are proud to see his personal growth and success this school year.” Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/2023/7/25/school-resource-officer-bike-donation.
The Fillmore Middle School administration team nominated incoming 7th grade student Ernesto Martinez as recipient of a new bike donated by the Fillmore Sheriff’s Department. Ernesto was nominated due to the social and academic growth that he exhibited throughout his 6th grade year at the middle school. Deputy Yolanda Avila presented Ernesto with the bike and had the following to say, “At times some students have a challenging time due to various factors. It is our responsibility and duty to work with students who have struggles and guide them through these rough patches. With support, compassion and empathy, students are able to understand that this is a safe space in which they are an individual for whom people care. Ernesto Martinez was such an individual. With the support and understanding he experienced this year, Ernesto thrived and rose to the challenge. Ernesto continues to do well academically and has made great strides in all other aspects of the challenges of middle school. Ernesto continues to persevere, and we are proud to see his personal growth and success this school year.” Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/2023/7/25/school-resource-officer-bike-donation.
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For years Fillmore and Piru Middle school students have taken a trip to Washington D.C. and this year is the 30th anniversary trip. Students can apply for the Washington DC/Philadelphia trip scholarship beginning August 20th. Any Fillmore/Piru area student, grades 7-11, during the fall 2023 school semester, are eligible. Above is a group photo of students who attended the trip back in 2015. Scan the QR Code to apply and a GoFundMe Page has been set-up for scholarship donations. There are more details in the article below.
For years Fillmore and Piru Middle school students have taken a trip to Washington D.C. and this year is the 30th anniversary trip. Students can apply for the Washington DC/Philadelphia trip scholarship beginning August 20th. Any Fillmore/Piru area student, grades 7-11, during the fall 2023 school semester, are eligible. Above is a group photo of students who attended the trip back in 2015. Scan the QR Code to apply and a GoFundMe Page has been set-up for scholarship donations. There are more details in the article below.
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This is not a school sponsored trip anymore and is it privately fundraised. Students can apply for scholarships using the information; and folks who would like to make a donation can do so by using the GoFundMe information mentioned below. So please help us get the word out!

Please complete the form (link/QR code) to apply for the Washington DC/Philadelphia trip scholarship. Any Fillmore/Piru area student grades 7-11 during the fall 2023 school semester may apply. All applications will be scored anonymously on a rubric to determine the scholarship recipient. The winning recipient will have their trip cost covered by our scholarship. Please check with your parents/guardians that you may attend the trip on the trip dates, October 6-10, 2023, before you apply.

Take a screenshot of your answers before you submit, so you have a copy as well. We are still accepting donations at our GoFundMe page to try and fundraise for another trip as well. If you’d like to donate, please go to our GoFundMe Page Fundraiser, submitted by Jennifer Beal: Fillmore-Piru Washington DC Trip Scholarship (gofundme.com). Any questions? Please email fillmorefreedomfliers@ gmail.com.

You must complete the application, save and
submit it by Sunday, August 20, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. for your application to be considered. Use the application link address or QR code to access the application. https://forms.office.com/r/WRemsqnrXV.

 
Pictured above are seven student workers who have been assisting the custodial staff at FHS this past summer as part of the Fillmore Unified School District’s Student Worker Program. More than 50 student workers are earning money and gaining work experience. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2023/7/18/fillmore-unified-school-district-summer-student-worker-program.
Pictured above are seven student workers who have been assisting the custodial staff at FHS this past summer as part of the Fillmore Unified School District’s Student Worker Program. More than 50 student workers are earning money and gaining work experience. Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2023/7/18/fillmore-unified-school-district-summer-student-worker-program.
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More than 50 students are earning money and gaining work experience this summer across multiple Fillmore Unified School District departments including Grounds, Maintenance, Technology, Food Services, Custodial, Clerical, and at the School Farm. The program pays students minimum wage while gaining real-world experience and the chance to develop essential skills that extend beyond the classroom. They are learning practical knowledge, time management, and interpersonal skills that enhance their employability and readiness for future careers. Additionally, working within the school district fosters a sense of responsibility and ownership in their educational environment, instilling a deeper appreciation for the value of education and community involvement.

 
Summer School is in session at Mountain Vista, pictured above and below are 1st graders having fun as they discuss counting strategies with Counting Collections during Summer School. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0EBYbTsgK3S4q8qrnwr rFZ19vdncmgMVd2SYfkeuP5s9pBDx8fATxg8 moaQmur7jMl&id=100063493185283.
Summer School is in session at Mountain Vista, pictured above and below are 1st graders having fun as they discuss counting strategies with Counting Collections during Summer School. Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0EBYbTsgK3S4q8qrnwr rFZ19vdncmgMVd2SYfkeuP5s9pBDx8fATxg8 moaQmur7jMl&id=100063493185283.
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HELP WANTED – House cleaning person for private home. Eight hours a week between M – F from 7:30am – 11:30am and/or 2:30pm – 6:30pm. Well paid. Call 805 – 524 – 9929. (7/13).

 
Mountain Vista Students from Mrs. Caballero’s 2nd grade summer school class studied stethoscopes. Students graphed their resting vs. Active heart rates. They analyzed how their heart rate changed after exercising. Photos courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink. php?story_fbid=pfbid02K GdEYg35qDCBXiB1tYi CYPRyKNwKAXKGCrZr436xaAyxo3E5Ez Hu9F5GorR7N8iEl&id=100063493185283.
Mountain Vista Students from Mrs. Caballero’s 2nd grade summer school class studied stethoscopes. Students graphed their resting vs. Active heart rates. They analyzed how their heart rate changed after exercising. Photos courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink. php?story_fbid=pfbid02K GdEYg35qDCBXiB1tYi CYPRyKNwKAXKGCrZr436xaAyxo3E5Ez Hu9F5GorR7N8iEl&id=100063493185283.
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Sespe Pre-school is replacing all of its playground features. The school's roofing and air conditioning will also be replaced. Work is expected to be finished within two weeks.
Sespe Pre-school is replacing all of its playground features. The school's roofing and air conditioning will also be replaced. Work is expected to be finished within two weeks.
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