California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, Calif. Sept. 1 – California State University Channel Islands will present on Sept. 9 the results of the Camarillo Certified Farmers Market Patron Survey, developed through a University-community partnership between Camarillo Hospice and students and faculty in the sociology program at CSU-CI.

Students and faculty in the sociology program will formally present the results of the research study to representatives of Camarillo Hospice. The report will be presented by Dr. Dennis Downey, Associate Professor of Sociology, and by student Sara Griffin. The public event, which is co-sponsored by the University’s Center for Community Engagement, will be held on campus at 12 noon in the Martin V. Smith Center for Integrative Decision-Making.

Camarillo Hospice created the farmers market for the benefit of the community and local farmers and to provide additional revenue for the hospice operation.

This joint project was designed to give sociology students actual research survey experience and provide Camarillo Hospice with community-oriented data that CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:15 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Conference with Legal Council – Existing Litigation (Government Code 54956.9)
Case 56-2008-0033-4613-ca-po-vta Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Government Code 54956.8)
707 First Street CONTINUED »

Nine hundred ten students have been named to the Ventura College Dean’s List for the Spring 2009 semester, according to Dr. Robin Calote, college president. To earn this honor, a student must have achieved a 3.5 or higher grade point average (GPA) while carrying 12 or more units. Thirty are from Fillmore and Piru.

Those students so honored are:

Fillmore: Omar Camacho, Shannon Carpenter, Jennifer Chavez, Curtis Cole, Allison Conroy, Eddie Enriquez, Aaron Galvan, Jessica Gonzalez, Bud Gurkweitz, Brenda Hernandez, Bibiana Herrera, Marco Hurtado, Denise Magana, Brian McKeown, Justin Murray, Shihori Nakayama, Michael Pankey, Tania Perez, Amanda Ramirez, Gisela Ramirez, Erika Reyes, Rebecca Reyes, Allison Stuthers-Sanchez, Amy Von Rader,

Piru: Maria Cisneros, Maria Cisneros, Sara Lara, Luis Lechuga, Maria Robles, Leticia Viveros.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, Calif., Aug. 20, 2009 – California State University Channel Islands will introduce a new course in microfinance beginning fall 2009 available to both the community and CSUCI students. The new course will explore the theory and practice of microfinance; the history, those involved, the impact, and next stages of microfinance around the world. Guest speakers from the most prominent microfinance organizations in the country will be leading each class.

Microfinance started out as small loans that helped the poor start a business, earn income, build assets and move from mere survival to planning for their future. It has expanded to savings, mortgages and many other products. Deutsche Bank estimates that over 100 million poor people have benefited from microfinance. However, $250 billion is needed to enable the billion people who live on less than $1 a day to work their way out of poverty.

The course will be held every other Thursday from CONTINUED »

Fillmore High School’s Back to School Night will be on Thursday, August 27, 2009 from 6:30 – 8:15. All parents and community members are invited to meet the FHS teachers and staff. Meet in the Quad at 6:30. The Cross Country and Girls Basketball teams will host a Fundraiser BBQ Dinner from 4:30 – 6:30 that includes shredded beef, rice, beans and salad. Tickets are $8.00 and can be purchased at the high school or from any Cross County or Girls Basketball team member.

Camarillo, CA - California State University Channel Islands will unveil its new logos at the annual Welcome to CI event scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23 for incoming students and their families, faculty, and staff. The event will take place on the South Quad of the campus from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Rebranding of the University’s logos began a year ago with the idea of creating a formal logo for official University business and a CI logo for students, something with which they could have a life-long affinity.

“CSU Channel Islands has made significant strides the past seven years in building the campus and stellar academic programs. Branding that achievement was a priority for us this past year. However, in light of state budget challenges, we looked for cost-effective ways the University could re-brand itself as an innovative and forward thinking University and build upon our reputation of providing quality academic programs for our students,” said President Richard R. Rush. CONTINUED »

Superintendent Jack-O'Connell
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

LOS ANGELES/SAN DIEGO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today released the results of the 2009 Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) Program that show California students overall continue to make steady academic progress in English-language arts, math, science, and history-social science.

“I am pleased and encouraged to see that for the seventh year in a row, California public school students continue to improve,” O’Connell said. “Half of our students are now proficient in English-language arts. This is particularly impressive if you consider that seven years ago, only 35 percent of students met this bar. The improvement trend in mathematics is also impressive, with 46 percent of students now at the proficient or above level.

“California is known nationally for the rigor of our academic standards, and this level of student achievement on our California Standards Tests should be celebrated. It is the result of hard work by teachers, administrators, school support staff, students, and parents. CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2009
5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:15 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.
IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6) CONTINUED »

Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District

Dear Parents,
It is my pleasure to welcome everyone to the 2009-10 school year! The opening of a new school year is an exciting time of the year. It is a time of renewal, of fresh starts. The Fillmore Unified School District teachers, administrators and support staff look forward to meeting you and your student on Wednesday, August 19, as we begin to work together to maximize your student’s academic opportunities.

As always, the weeks of summer are full of activity. Our staff has been busy preparing classrooms, participating on interview panels, repairing and maintaining facilities, teaching summer school, attending workshops that will improve student performance, and all of the other countless activities that help to prepare for a smooth opening day. The efforts of our dedicated employees are evident in all areas of the District.

The 2008-09 school year ended with staff working together to achieve many successes and in some instances, creating opportunities for growth. The following are a few of our accomplishments:

San Cayetano Elementary School participated in a robotics competition and had two student teams finish first and fourth overall. CONTINUED »

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - California State University Channel Islands will present a lecture series in Entertainment Industry available to both the community and CSUCI students. The series of eight lectures will feature successful and prominent professionals in the areas of film, music, animation, video gaming, and television. Some of the guest speakers will include:

Mark Hartley – Music Manager, Fitzgerald Hartley Co. (clients include Brad Paisley and LeAnn Rimes)
Budd Carr – Film Music Supervisor, Picture Tunes Music Co. (known for his Oliver Stone films)
Neil Portnow – President and CEO, The Recording Academy (The Grammys)
Steve Schnur – Music and Marketing President, Electronic Arts
Don Passman – Attorney: Gang, Tyre, Ramer, and Brown Inc. (clients include Janet Jackson and R.E.M)
Kevin Jones – Former Senior Vice President, Columbia Pictures
**Orly Adelson – President, Dick Clark Productions

The lectures will be held every other Wednesday from 8 to 9:50 p.m. beginning Aug. 26 at CSU Channel Islands, Aliso Hall. Dates of subsequent lectures are scheduled for: Sept. 2, 16 and 30; Oct. 14 and 28; Nov. 18, and Dec. 2. Cost for the lecture series is $150 and tickets may be purchased on-line at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/77494 or by calling 800-838-3006. Proceeds from the lecture series will support the University’s Entertainment Studies.

For additional information about the lecture series contact Nichole Ipach, Director of University Development at CSU Channel Islands at 805-437-8893 or nichole.ipach@csuci.edu.

Last week's story about the FUSD School Board contained some misleading information. The five Special Education Instructional Assistants' increases in work time were for 2009 summer school, not the regular 2009-2010 school year.

Superintendent Jack-O'Connell
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced that California received a $71.6 million federal grant from the Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) State Program as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

“Teachers who effectively use technology to enhance learning are needed to help prepare students for success in the hypercompetitive global economy,” said O’Connell. “I appreciate President Barack Obama’s and Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s support for education technology and thank the U.S. Department of Education for granting California this award. This will certainly help improve the educational experience for California students during these economically challenging times.”

EETT’s primary goal is to improve student achievement through the use of instructional technologies in elementary and secondary schools. Other goals include helping all students become technologically literate by the end of the eighth grade and to integrate technology with teacher training and curriculum development to establish research-based instructional methods that can be widely implemented. CONTINUED »

FUSD is making plans for the 2009-10 school year. Our new school year begins on Wednesday, August 19.
For the first time, we are asking our elementary students to pre-register at their school. All incoming elementary parents and students enrolled at Mountain Vista, San Cayetano, and Sespe should plan on going to your school site on Wednesday, August 12, between 12:00 and 8:00 p.m. These elementary sites will be open to bring in necessary paperwork and receive classroom assignments for the 2009-10 school year.

All incoming elementary school students will receive a summer mailing that will contain the following:
• Enrollment Card (must be returned on August 12)
• Parent Rights Brochure/Sign off (must be returned on August 12)
• Student Residency Questionnaire (optional to be returned on August 12)
• Volunteer Application Form (optional to be returned on August 12)
• Lunch applications (to be returned if qualified)
• Student Injuries and Insurance (informational)
• NCLB Parent Letter (informational)

We hope you have enjoyed this summer with your family, enjoying quality time and resting. We look forward to greeting you on August 19.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2009

BOARD MEMBER PRADO WILL ATTEND THIS MEETING VIA TELEPHONE FROM
CAMP CURRY IN YOSEMITE VALLEY
SITE 500
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, CA 95383

6:00 P.M. – SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
6:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the school board. State law prohibits the board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.
IV. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS
V. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet at 6:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b)(3)(A) of Government Code Section 54956.9 (one potential case) Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release
VI. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION Any Action From Closed Session
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
August 4 5:15 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
August 18 5:15 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
VIII. BOARD CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING
IX. ADJOURNMENT
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Superintendent's Office at (805) 524-6038. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the district to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [In accordance with Government Code 54961 and Board Bylaw 9320(a).]

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2009

5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING

627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
The public may review or request a copy of support materials provided to the Board Members where the word materials appears.
5:15 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.
IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Jeff Sweeney, Evalene Townend, Mike Bush) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration. Personnel Matters
o Superintendents’ Evaluation
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Superintendent's Office at (805) 524-6038. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the district to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. [In accordance with Government Code 54961 and Board Bylaw 9320(a).] CONTINUED »

3rd grade student Jake Saviers and Custodian Jorge Negrette.
Enlarge Photo

Mountain Vista Elementary School would like to thank Moon Valley Nurseries of Piru for their shade tree donation and our custodian for coordinating the contribution. We are so grateful for the shade and beauty the trees have brought to our school. The students are enjoying the birds that the trees have brought and watching the trees leafs change with the seasons.