By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
Fillmore Middle School Band held their spectacular Winter Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, directed by Mr. Greg Godfrey. The first performance was by the 21 Beginning Band students who played short selections from their “Standard of Excellence” book. Next, the Intermediate Band members played four rousing marches. These 45 band members are all second and third year musicians. Finally, the 84 members of Advanced Band performed six complex pieces including The Star Spangled Banner , Night on Bald Mountain, and Halo 3. For the grand finale, members of all three groups (shown in attached picture) joined to play Deck the Halls, which they also performed in the Lion’s Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6th. Thanks to the musicians and Director Greg Godfrey for a fantastic performance! Enlarge Photo |
By Ellen Green — Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
Fillmore High School has implemented the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model for improving teaching and learning. Collaboration is a vehicle for realizing and understanding student needs, fostering the desire to meet those needs, and places value on teacher expertise. It is highly effective when it is focused on what works for students. FHS staff meets in collaborative teams each Wednesday before students arrive. To begin the school year, FHS staff broke down the elements of the job that would be immediately valuable for students and teachers. For our teachers that included: Creating a comprehensive syllabus; Attendance procedures; School-wide discipline expectations; Lesson planning and assessment: benchmarks as evidence of student success; Grading and report cards; Communication with parents; Good teaching; Learning environments: effective vs. ineffective; Curriculum: meeting state standards; Facilities: maintenance and repairs; Forms; Textbooks, schedule changes, lockers, etc…State testing and the High School Exit Exam; ASVAB, PSAT, and SAT for juniors and seniors; Accreditation: progress and needs. Having addressed these items as a collaborative group ensured unity among FHS staff and set a positive tone for the school year. FHS staff members prepared a self-study document as part of the WASC accreditation process, completed in November 2008. This work was our opportunity to examine practices and programs in place, and to determine their relevance and effectiveness for our students. The culminating task of WASC was to develop an Action Plan, in which we outlined major academic goals for the next three years. The emphasis of the Action Plan is on improving student academic achievement in math, reading and writing. FHS staff also identified English Language Learners and Special Education as populations needing more support. Further, as a collaborative team, FHS staff is committed to the continued use of data (from multiple sources) in making decisions. One final note, in order for the PLC model to reach its full potential at FHS, there needs to be buy-in from all stakeholders. The district office and school board has been very supportive of the work we are doing at FHS. And, under the leadership of Principal Wilber, we expect many positive outcomes in terms of student academic growth and achievement. |
Francisco Garcia from CSUCI spoke to San Cayetano students on December 9th about how to be a good citizen. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
On Tuesday, December 9, 2008, San Cayetano School recognized good citizenship and character at their Peacebuilder Assembly for the month of December. Mr. Francisco Garcia, from CSUCI, came to speak to the students about how to be a good citizen. Each teacher chose a student from his or her class whom showed excellent character and peace-building skills. Roman Tarango and Ian Overton, the San Cayetano ASB President and Vice-President assisted Mr. Garcia in handing out the Peacebuilder Awards. The Peacebuilders for December are: Cesar Magana, Natalia Zamora, Noelani Sanchez, David Anchando, David Rodriguez, Christopher Perez, Hailey Cummings, Karen Trujillo Villanueva, James Chandler, Andrea Magana-Murillo, Ricardo Valenzuela, James Cadena, Raul Mejia, Zachary Tipton, Ashley Montano, Ernie Rangle, Ryan Nunez, John Chavez, Aliai Cantero, Jorge Iniguez, Kirah Collins, and Rubi Torres. Roman then announced to the students that the Rainbow Foundation is sponsoring the San Cayetano Character Counts Award of a $100.00 savings bond. Mr. Garcia presented the Character Counts Award to a deserving fifth-grade student. Joseph Sanchez was chosen by the fifth grade teachers as a model of outstanding behavior and responsibility to the other students. To conclude the assembly, students were reminded 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 NASA backpack with Max Goes to the Moon in it. 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. Leslie Zamora, a fifth grader from Mr.Maus’s class, won the Perfect Attendance Award for December. |
Fillmore's Juan Carlos Lomeli and Ildiko Mate received their pins at the Ventura College ceremony on Dec. 12th. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
VENTURA: The Ventura College School of Nursing and Allied Health graduated 48 new nurses who receiving their pins at the Fall 2008 Nursing Pinning on December 12 at the Ventura High School auditorium. The traditional ceremony included the personal pinning of each graduate by the nurse or nursing instructor who mentored or inspired the student to enter the profession. LIST OF VENTURA COLLEGE FALL 2008 NURSING GRADUATES: Agoura Hills: Patti K. Aung Camarillo: Melanie Reece, Valerie Reveles, Mark J. Sarreal, Canoga Park: Lorena Soria Carpinteria: Jennifer Peterson Fillmore: Juan Carlos Lomeli, Ildiko Mate, Goleta: Noemi Buyco Moorpark: Rachel Rebello, Newbury Park: Randi Shano Ojai: Lauryn Fuller, Ken Smith Oxnard: Maryam Atashbar, Nasrin Atashbar, Analisa Balestrero, Mayda Garcia, Elizabeth Gollner, Sheryl Jularbal, Jennifer Kreil, Joan Vea, Vanessa Worthington, Mark Yumul Point Mugu: Evangeline Esquivel, Kalin Spencer Port Hueneme: Phyllis Franco, Santa Barbara: Josefa Valeriano Santa Paula: Raeanna Lyon, Lisa Reeder Ventura: Andrew Bozek, Don Braunsteiner, Rocio A. Diaz, Besi Duarte, Erin M. Froebe, Joel Hernandez, Michelle Hughes, Megan Kelley, Keshav Khadka, Jeremiah Kosten, Kimberly McCallion, Kimberly Noll, Melody Root, Lynda C. Schoppe, Teresa Sprinkle, Anthony Van Leevwen, Megan Wilson, West Hills: Carissa Cuzzoni Woodland Hills: Nicole Radoumis. |
By Anonymous — Friday, December 12th, 2008
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 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 IV. CLOSED SESSION |
Pictured with Mrs. Anderson’s 2nd/3rd graders at Mt. Vista Elementary is American Field Service Exchange student, Shervina Annie, who lives with Greg and Priscilla Anderson of Fillmore. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
Shervina Annie, American Field Service (AFS) exchange student from the Philippines, recently spent the morning at Mt. Vista Elementary School teaching the students about her country and its customs. The attentive students learned that the Philippines is composed of over 7000 islands and is divided into three regions. Shervina showed the students her country's flag and told them the symbolism behind it. Her Power Point Presentation included pictures of her school, friends, and family, as well as scenic spots in her country, the national costumes, transportation, and some typical foods. Shervina taught the students a few simple phrases in her national language, Tagalog. |
Pictured (l-r) are teacher Mrs. Delia Sliva and teacher Miss Claudia Cornejo and the 5th graders from Piru Elementary with a $500 check from the Ventura County Sheriffs for Friends of Fillmore Outdoor Education and Leadership Training. Ten more sponsors of $250 each are needed to send the entire class. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 10th, 2008
The “Friends of Piru” is a non-profit 501(c) organization focused on helping youth attending the Piru Elementary School. This year, Friends of Piru have committed to assist the school with sending their entire 5th grade student body for a week of resident outdoor education and leadership training in Santa Ynez (Santa Barbara County). The camp begins in mid-January. |
By Natalie Garnica — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
The month of November has been eventful at FHS. To start off the month we had a CSF Club sponsored mock election on the 4th for the seniors. Each senior cast their vote on a ballot that included the presidential candidates, Proposition 2, Proposition 4, and Proposition 8. Votes were counted by CSF club officials and the “results” were that Barack Obama won with a ratio of approximately 3:1, both Prop 2 and Prop 4 passed by a wide margin. The senior class did not pass Proposition 8, although it was a close race. The election also served to remind eligible seniors to cast their official ballots later that day. Fillmore High worked hard to put their best foot forward for the state Western Accreditation of Schools and Colleges, the organization that determines whether or not Fillmore High diplomas are legitimate. WASC review happens every six years or so for all schools, and provides a great opportunity to review our progress as a school. For three days committee members interviewed teachers, staff, and students, observed every classroom, and wrote a report that will determine our accreditation. A Renaissance Rally also took place during the week of the WASC review, and included skits from students and teachers, the presentation of awards for the top ten students of each grade, and some great speeches from Mr. Andersen and Coach Woods that rallied the students for the game against Desert High. Over sixty students donated blood that week, a record for the school. Another record was set by the senior class – they sold over 1500 pies, beating last years class by several hundred and they thank the community for being so supportive of Grad Nite Live. Our varsity football team beat Brentwood High on the Friday after Thanksgiving, and has moved on to the semi-finals of CIF. They will travel four hours on Saturday to play Twentynine Palms, and we wish them the best of luck! There will be a rooter bus and tickets are fifteen dollars – if you wish to buy a ticket contact Lynn at the student store. For more information, call the Student Store at 52. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008
SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today offered his thanks to thousands of people statewide who help educate California’s students. • Steve Berry of Riverside (Riverside County) is the chairman of the Riverside Educational Enrichment Foundation (REEF), and also is the acting City Manager of the City of Grand Terrace. As the volunteer chairman of REEF, Berry has helped raised tens of thousands of dollars for grants, science expeditions, equipment, and supplies that have benefitted teachers, students, and employees at Riverside Unified School District. • Sue Dean of Sacramento (Sacramento County) is a library media technician at D.W. Babcock Elementary School in the Twin Rivers Unified School District. Not only does she run the school library, she serves in several vital capacities with the PTA, and is a champion cookie-dough salesperson. Dean is retiring soon after 16 years at the school. CONTINUED » |
A couple of cute Pilgrims helped prepare a Thanksgiving feast on Tuesday, November 25, as San Cayetano’s third grade class put on a small scale reenactment of the Pilgrims’ life around the time of the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Some of the activities included in the day’s festivities were cooking, needlepoint, games, Indian writing and Old English writing. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
Timmy Klittich brought his show turkeys to the Thanksgiving fest at San Cayetano School last Tuesday. Above Mrs. Chavez and her class listen quitely to Klittich’s presentation. Enlarge Photo |
By Richard Durborow — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
Piru Elementary is an extraordinary school where children come to learn and grow, a place that challenges and nurtures young scholars, and a place that awakens a thirst for knowledge and understanding. Each student receives a high level of individual attention through classes taught by knowledgeable, experienced, and caring teachers. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
Sierra High School has had a great start to the school year. Our Associated Student Body has organized fund raisers and motivational BBQs for students with both being very successful. Our student daily attendance numbers are up and students appear eager to come to school and learn. This is evident in the high number of credit completion that is reflected in the student’s first quarter grades. Sierra High School students recently completed the California High School Exit Exam (CASHEE) with 100% participation. Finally, SHS will hold a School Site Council meeting on Monday, November 24 at 6:30 p.m. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
The Fillmore Lions Club has announced that this year's Student Speaker Contest will be held on Monday February 2, 2009. The topic will be "Water-Will California be Left High and Dry?". The topic is very timely and important to Fillmore High School students, their friends and family.This is a very appropriate topic in light of California's drought , California's growing population and need for water; and California's disputes with bordering states over a very limited natural resource. Chair Bill Edmonds states that the total prize money going to the overall winner will be $21,250 in college scholarships and cash. The local Fillmore winner will get $50 with the runner-ups receiving $25. The winner will go on to compete with the winners of other near-bye communities . All High School age youth who live within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries are eligible to compete. This include home taught students as well as Fillmore residents who attend other high schools as well. This also includes foreign exchange students. Students who wish to enter may contact Bill Edmonds (524-4839) or Josh Overton -the FHS drama teacher. Edmonds emphasized that this public speaking experience will be very worthwhile to the students and interesting to their parents and the community. Public speaking competition will also look very good on college applications and resumes. Students should get started early because it takes time to develop and practice a good speech. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA AGENDA |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced 22 awardees will share nearly $5.5 million in federal Migrant Education Even Start (MEES) grants. The list of grantees is attached. “The Migrant Education Even Start program helps both parents and children in migrant families and is an important tool to help us narrow the achievement gap,” said O’Connell. “Children of migrant workers may fall behind in their studies because their families move around so often for their livelihoods, and their parents may lack the literacy skills to help them succeed in school. The key is early literacy that gives these children a fighting chance of getting a good education, graduating from high school, and becoming fully prepared for college or career in this globally competitive economy.” A child is considered a migrant if his or her parent or guardian has moved during the past three years mostly to follow seasonal work in the agricultural, dairy, lumber, or fishing industries. MEES is a home-based and school-based family literacy education model. Migrant parents may receive services to enhance their literacy levels, expand parenting skills, and learn English as a second language. Their children may receive early childhood and preschool services up to 7 years of age. About 12,647 parents and 12,894 children across California were enrolled last year in MEES. MEES is a federal grant authorized under the No Child Left Behind Act and modeled after the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy program. That program was named in honor of its original Congressional sponsor and advocate, William F. Goodling. Projects are funded collaboratively by the California Department of Education’s Migrant, Indian, and International Education Office, the California First 5 Commission, and California Migrant Education regions. There are 23 Migrant Education Regions statewide, 22 of which implement MEES programs across 332 sites. In this round of grants, local educational agencies with established regional Migrant Education offices already funded through the California Department of Education were eligible to receive continued MEES funding. Allocations were based on the number of sites, parents, and children served, and the number of identified migrant children aged 3 to 7 years old. For more information on MEES, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r22/mees08result.asp. Migrant Education Even Start Grantees County Santa Clara Butte |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
Sespe School would like to extend a big thank you to the CHP, Sheriff and the Fire Department for participating in our First Red Ribbon Week Picture and Hero Day. Our students had a great time and were very excited to have the opportunity met the great heroes of our community! We appreciate all the time they took with our students. Students had a chance to sit in police cars and receive stickers from real life super heroes. We hope to continue this exciting part of Red Ribbon Week for the years to come! Enlarge Photo |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
Alberto Cantero Jr. has been nominated by Rhonda Reyes-Deutsch, of Fillmore Middle School to attend a People to People World Leadership Forum in Washington D.C.. Congratulations! The Forum helps prepare the most promising young people for the opportunities and responsibilities ahead. Alberto was nominated as an outstanding student with high academic standing and promising leadership potential. He will join other highly motivated and accomplished middle school scholars from around the globe. The costs of tuition are substantial and we are looking to community for support. By making a contribution, you will be helping Alberto gain an advantage in school, career and in this once in a lifetime opportunity. Union Bank of California has offered Alberto a free account and your tax-deductible donations can be made directly payable to: For questions or direct contributions please contact Rebecca Cantero at (805) 524-2407. Contributions should be received prior to Feb. 6th, 2009. Thank you so much for your support. |
By Anonymous — Monday, November 17th, 2008
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 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 IV. CLOSED SESSION |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 12th, 2008
Fillmore High School would like to thank our sponsors Fillmore Sunrise Rotary, Fillmore Noon-time Rotary, and El Pescador for their generous donations and support of our Career Day. Also, we’d like to thank all the following representatives who took time out of their busy day to speak with our students at the 2008-2009 Career Day. U.S. Army Recruiting Station |