Six buses, three destinations, 300 permission slips and lots of phone calls later, Piru students all attended college on Monday, March 30th. The visit was part of Piru’s Reaching Higher in ’09 Academic Achievement Focus.
Kindergarten and first grade students went to Moorpark College and thanks to support group Friends of Piru, were able to add an Exotic Animal Show to their College Tour.

Second and third grade students journeyed further to Cal State Channel Islands where they were guided by former student Jim Schaper around one of the newest California campuses!

Fourth and fifth graders were awed by the highpoints of the University of California at Santa Barbara, including: lecture halls, the dorms, the recreation center, the Thunderdome, and of course, the lagoon and beach. All students agreed college looks like lots of fun!

Many thanks from Piru are sent to Fillmore High School Mentors, Elizabeth Fernandez and Samuel Cruz; UCSB Outreach Coordinator, Olivia Palacio; UCSB Guides, Robert Barrera and Stan Levine; Miss Breanna Christie from Cal State Channel Islands; and Mr. Khutug from Moopark College. Special thanks are offered to Mrs. Lynn Edmonds, former principal of Piru Elementary, who wrote the CDBG grant which paid for the buses, and Police Chief Tim Hagel who is constantly looking for ways to support students and facilitate life changing experiences for kids.

Piru students are back in elementary classes today, but with a different outlook and level of motivation. Piru students are going to college!

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GEE! HAW!! WHOA!!! What does that mean? Well, students at San Cayetano can sure tell you! They have been studying the 1,150 mile Iditarod Dog Sled Race, and they can tell you not only the meaning of those commands but all about Alaska, the individual mushers, and the history and rules of the race. Students and teachers each chose the musher they thought was going to win this year and “became” that musher for the entire race, getting to know the musher’s life history and charting progress made at each checkpoint. By using the website www.Iditarod.com, students were able to get up-to-the-minute details of the entire race, including video footage of what was happening each day on the trial. The campus was filled with anticipation, excitement, and a sense of friendly competition as students and staff cheered for their chosen mushers. To further enhance their study, San Cayetano was recently visited by Wrightwood musher Robert Stradley and his two sons, Trent and Talon, who shared their knowledge of the race and their personal racing adventures. Students rotated through a series of stations which included: exploring equipment used by mushers, grooming nine of Stradley’s sled dogs, creating musher t-shirts, making their own lead dogs from socks filled with rice, learning the positions of a dog team and practicing the commands while pulling a dog sled. So although Alaska is miles away from Fillmore, the students of San Cayetano felt like they were right in the heart of the race, enjoying every minute of their Iditarod experience!

For more information about Robert Stradley and his programs, you can visit his website www.adventurequestinstitute.org.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
JOINT MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE NORTH FILLMORE NEIGHBORHOOD COMMITTEE
FOLLOWED BY SPECIAL BUDGET STUDY SESSION

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2009
6:00 P.M. – JOINT MEETING
7:00 P.M. SPECIAL BUDGET STUDY SESSION
FILLMORE UNIFIED BOARD ROOM
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.

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 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. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
a. School District Update
• Programs CONTINUED »

Natalie Garnica
Student, Fillmore High School

The fourth quarter has just started, and FHS is getting ready for state testing. The California High School Exit Exam was last week, and it went well. Teachers will begin reviewing for the state tests soon, our goal is to have an API of at least 700. We met our goal last year, and to get students pumped up for this year’s tests we will have rewards for students who improve their test scores.

The Battle of the Sexes week is this week, and included dress-up days, and a week long game of “The Bachelor” – Perry West was the school Bachelor, and 16 lovely ladies began competing on Monday for a ticket to the Sadie Hawkins dance and a gift card to Olive Garden. There will be a rally on Friday, followed by the Powder Puff football game at 7:00. The dance is on Saturday at 8:00pm at the Boys and Girls Club.

Softball had a game on Tuesday against Oak Park, Baseball has games on Wednesday and Friday against Saint Bonnie. Swimming has a meet on Wednesday against Santa Clara, and Track has a meet on Thursday against La Reina and Saint Bonnie.

For more information, call the student store at 524-8491

The Ventura County Contractors Association’s (VCCA) Construction Education Fund created the Ray Prueter Scholarship designed to aid students in the local community who seek to continue an education towards a career in the construction field. The scholarship fund is financed through the VCCA’s 2008 Summer Golf Tourney and contributions from more than 700 VCCA members.

In 2008, VCCA teamed with the local chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) to award $17,000 in scholarships to students pursuing a career in the construction industry.

“The goal of the VCCA Construction Education Scholarship Committee is to ensure that vocationally oriented students have the opportunity and support to begin a career in the construction area,” said Laurie Bennett, VCCA Construction Education Scholarship Committee chair.

“We feel it is important help local students with the funds necessary to pursue an education in the construction field, so that they can come back to our community and contribute to this exciting industry,” said Tommy Tatangelo, president of VCCA.

Candidates must qualify according to set criteria: CONTINUED »

Where: San Cayetano Elementary School 514 Mountain View St. Fillmore, CA. Phone: (805) 524-6040
When: Tuesday March 24th 6-7:30PM
Who: All elementary students in Fillmore and Piru. Hosted by San Cayetano’s NASA Team.

Experience being captured as a human bubble, explore sea specimens with the hands-on mobile marine lab, be part of live video-conferencing with Steve at Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena-ask him about the Mars Rover , make a balloon rocket, NASA will have some robotics and all of the listed agencies will have hands-on science activities for the students…

Ventura County Astronomical Society, Dept. of Water Resources, California Oil Museum, UCSB Physics Circus, SBVC Dental Care Foundation, United Water Conservation District, California Condor Recovery Program, Channel Islands National Park..

San Cayetano’s Science Fair Projects will be on exhibit.

Kay Faulconer Boger

VENTURA: Dr. Kay Faulconer Boger, Dean of Economic Development and Off-Campus Programs, was named the winner of the California Community College Association for Occupational Education (CCCAOE) 2009 Excellence in Leadership Award. The Award Luncheon will be held in San Francisco in March.
Dr. Faulconer Boger joined the Ventura College team in 1981. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from CSU Northridge, her M.B.A. and Master’s degrees from Pepperdine University and her Ed.D. from the University of Southern California.
The CCCAOE provides leadership for occupational education and economic development professionals involved in workplace development and the enhancement of California’s position within a global economy.
For more information, contact Dr. Faulconer-Boger at 805-654-6368.

VENTURA: The Ventura College Psychology Club is hosting an interactive event designed to encourage students and the community to think carefully about the short and long term effects of alcohol and substance abuse, right in time for the extended party-time known as Spring Break. The Project will be hosted by the Club on March 27 (Friday) from 8:30 a.m. — 1:30 p.m. on the lawn between the LRC and the Science Building. Beer Cups are provided and the public is invited to participate by creating a tribute cup to those lost or injured to substance/alcohol abuse, visiting the resource booths and hearing the speakers.
Speakers (all in Room UV-2 – times/speakers subject to change):
• Mike, former addict and current counselor, 8:30 a.m.
• Special Guest, info on DUIs and their aftermath 10:30 a.m.
• Steve, 11:30 a.m.
• David and EMT, 12:30 p.m.
• Steve and David are both recovering addicts and the EMT will be providing information

Resource Booths Available:
• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Khepper House
• Salvation Army
• Oxnard College
• Alanon
• VC Health Center
• Alternative Action Program
• Prototypes Women’s Center
• Participate in a beer goggle obstacle course

For additional information, please contact Professor Lucy Capuano Brewer at 654-6400 ext. 1395 or Public Information Officer Alisa Moore at 654-6462.

VENTURA: In celebration of National Week of the Young Child, the staff and students at the Ventura College Child Development Center are pleased to invite the public to their “Family Fun Day” to be held at the Center on the Ventura College Campus, Sunday, March 22, from 12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is planned and presented by the students of the Ventura College Child Development instructional program.

The Child Development Center is located on the corner of Telegraph Road and West Campus Way, in Ventura. Free parking is available in the lots next to and across the street from the Center.

The event is for children 18 months old through eight years old and their families. The fees are $4.00 per child, 18 months and older, and $2.00 per adult. Tickets are available at the door. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Food and cold drinks will be available for purchase.

Proceeds will go toward new playground equipment and materials for the children’s center. A great afternoon for children 18 months thru 8 years and their families… Come ready for lots of hands-on play including art, science, woodworking, bubble play, pretend play, and so much more!

For additional information, call Robin Douglas, Child Development Center Supervisor at (805) 648-8930.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2009

5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION

6:00 p.m. – SPECIAL MEETING
BUDGET STUDY SESSION

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 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. CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

The unique country atmosphere of Piru Elementary has been upset this past week with the demotion of popular principal Richard Durborow, to a teaching position.

The Fillmore Unified School Board took action this past week, in closed session, with 5-0 voting to end Mr. Durborow’s role as principal at Piru and move him to a classroom position.

A petition, with 118 parent signatures, has been signed in support of Durborow, and upset parents filled the board room at the March 10th meeting, protesting the demotion.

Parents are questioning the timing of this action in connection with Durborow’s support of converting Piru Elementary into a charter school. Durborow has made no secret of his support for the charter school system, stating in the Ventura County Star [March 12, 2009], “We’ve been open about the desire to go charter.” And in his support of teachers who “want to go charter,” Durborow stated, “I’m absolutely dedicated to that effort.”
Durborow released a statement to the Gazette on Wednesday, March 18, “I am very disappointed in the decision making of the Fillmore Unified School District. It is appropriate for schools to consider becoming a charter school. Piru Elementary will continue to reach higher and put children first.” CONTINUED »

VENTURA: Santa Paula High School and Ventura College are teaming up to present Junior Parent College Night on Wednesday, March 25 from 6:15 to 8:30 p.m. in the Santa Paula High School auditorium. Parents of high school juniors, especially, are encouraged to attend to receive essential information regarding financial aid, counseling, choosing a college and major, and requirements for getting into college. Sophomore and freshmen parents and students are also welcome.

The program will begin in the high school auditorium at 6:15 p.m. Parents and their students will then break into smaller groups to attend workshops (in either English or Spanish) on financial aid and college choices and requirements. These informative sessions will be presented by Ventura College counselors and financial aid specialists and there will be time set aside for questions. Childcare will be available in the Career Center and light refreshments will be served.
Please make time to get the information that you and your students will need to make informed decisions about their future.

For more information or questions, please contact Glenda Learn, Career Center Director, at 525-4406 ext. 2030.

San Cayetano is pleased and proud to announce that one of their robotics teams "Team Blue" won 1st place today for Southern California in the elementary division at the JPL Robotics Competition today. There were twenty one teams entered from elementary school to high school and San Cayetano had the second highest score in the whole competition . . . Go San Cayetano!!!

San Cayetano students show off their Personal Success Award certificates.
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Miranda Vasquez won the Perfect Attendance Award for March.
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On Tuesday, March 10, 2009, San Cayetano School recognized good citizenship and character at their Peacebuilder Assembly for the month of March. Mr. Todd Schieferle, principle of Fillmore Middle School, came to speak to the students about what a good citizen is and how being a good citizen can help not only the students, but others around them in their community. Roman Torango and Ian Overton, the San Cayetano ASB President and Vice-President assisted Mr.Schieferle in handing out the Peacebuilder certificates. The Peacebuilders for March are: Bailey Dietz, Soraya Negrete, Ray Thompson, Emma Ocegueda, Matthew Henschel, Jennifer Martinez, Mariah Garcia, Eva Vieyra Saldana, Trevor Scott, Shyleen Chavez, Alex Venegas, Jorge Hernandez, Joel Garza, Stephanie Magana, Arturo Garcia, Anabel Herrera,Tyler Stump, Sandra Gonzalez, Abby Sanchez, and Angelica Mercado. At the upper grade assembly, Roman then announced to the students that the Rainbow Foundation is sponsoring the San Cayetano Character Counts Award of a $100.00 savings bond. Sara Uridel, was chosen by the fourth grade teachers as a model of outstanding behavior, responsibility, and kindness to the other students. She was recognized with a certificate and the savings bond. To conclude the assembly, Ian reminded the students to turn in their Perfect Attendance tickets. Each month all students who come to school, each day, on time, are given an orange raffle ticket. The students place their tickets in a box and one ticket is drawn. The student whose ticket is drawn is given a backpack full of supplies. Each month, the tickets will be put into a larger box that will be kept until the end of the year. In June, Mrs. Marholin, the principal, will draw from the tickets to give away two new bicycles. Miranda Vasquez won the Perfect Attendance Award for March.