Mr. Francisco Garcia
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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.

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.
A number of students were recognized for their significant academic achievements and for their community service:
o Three graduates were named as “Graduates with Distinction” for their contributions to the School of Nursing, to the community or their employers, and to their fellow students: Analisa Balestrero, Phyllis Franco, and Melanie Reece.
o A Red Cross Award for volunteer work in the community, often at flu shot clinics and other health facilities, went to Elizabeth Gollner, who contributed more than 20 hours.
o Community Service Recognition went to four students who contributed at least 20 hours of community service work, although not necessarily with Red Cross activities: Besi Duarte, Phyllis Franco, Lynda Schoppe, and Melanie Reece.
o Eleven received Peer Tutor Awards for their work assisting other students with the challenging academic nursing curriculum: Anthony Van Leeuwen, Vanessa Worthington, Jennifer Kreil, Rosie Diaz, Melanie Reece, Erin Froebe, Nicole Radoumis, Patti Aung, Lynda Schoppe, Maryam Atashbarand Analisa Balestrero
The School of Nursing and Allied Health prepares students to care for individuals in hospitals, homes, and other health care settings. Graduates practice the art and science of nursing by combining knowledge from many different disciplines to promote the restoration and maintenance of health in their clients. The School administers the Associate Degree Nursing, Certified Nurse Assistant, and Continuing Education for Registered Nurses programs.
For additional information, contact Joan Beem, Director, Ventura College School of Nursing, (805) 654-6400 ext. 3125 or jbeem@vcccd.edu.

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.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2008

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.
1. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION
• School District Pupils (Education Code 35146)
o Expulsion Case Number 08-09-04 CONTINUED »

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.
Shervina has made many friends since coming to the United States and is enjoying her time here. She has learned many things about America since her arrival in August, 2008, as part of the Youth Exchange and Study Program of AFS, and those around her have enjoyed learning about the Philippines. She is attending Fillmore High School and is enrolled as a senior. Her host parents are Greg and Priscilla Anderson. She will be in Fillmore until June 28, 2009.

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.
The name of the camp is Rancho Alegre. How fitting… that our children are going to break out of traditional boundaries and expand their learning in the beauty and comfort of the Santa Ynez Mountains.
We need your help. You can imagine the expenses involved in busing an entire 5th grade student body to the mountains for a week? This portion of their education is not covered by the school district. The teachers have been organizing fund-raisers throughout the entire year. Of course, the current economic crisis has limited the ability of some traditional benefactors to help out.
Your neighborhood students have had bake sales, barbeques, and raffles. Each student has been responsible for earning money to attend the trip.
Time is approaching and we are in a difficult position. We have rallied the Fillmore and Piru community to fund the needed expenses that go above and beyond what the students have contributed.
Our dilemma: There are ten 5th grade students who desperately need your sponsorship for the camp. The direct cost is $250 per student. Please, we don’t want to leave them behind, and are asking everyone in Fillmore and Piru to help. Think about a camp experience that you had or wished for? Now is your chance, we have families without students even splitting sponsorships with other families, church or service groups.
On Friday December, 5th, Fillmore Police Chief Tim Hagel attended Piru Elementary School. He presented the school with two sponsorship checks totaling $500. Captain Hagel explained that the Sheriff Deputies serving Piru, heard of the school’s plight, and overnight the Deputies collected $250 out of their pockets.
In addition, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Cops Running For Charity held a special meeting on Thursday, December 4th, and approved a check for another $250 sponsorship. We need ten more donations of $250.
After the check presentation, Captain Hagel told Friends of Piru and Principal Duborow that the Rancho Alegre Outdoor Leadership Camp is the element needed to help raise great young leaders. He explained that number one is the guidance by the family, number two the school and community and number three is the friendship and mentoring by police.
Hagel said, “It is so important that we (police) support this cause that Piru School has championed for. We need to get to these children by 3rd grade and stay committed to them, mentoring them and befriending them throughout their journey of those uncertain years growing up. CONTINUED »

Natalie Garnica
Student, Fillmore High School

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.

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

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today offered his thanks to thousands of people statewide who help educate California’s students.
“The old African saying that ‘it takes a village’ to raise a child is absolutely true,” said O’Connell. “In our case, it takes hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life to help educate California’s 6.3 million children. As we approach Thanksgiving, I hope everyone takes a moment to recognize the wonderful contributions of every teacher, volunteer, parent, and administrator for all they do for children in our schools. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication.”
As examples of selfless service to California’s school children, O’Connell recognized contributions from teachers, community volunteers, parents, paraeducators, and school administrators. “So many people work tirelessly, and often without recognition, to help our students and schools succeed,” he said. ”I wish I could publicly thank each person by name, but let me recognize some of these individuals on behalf of the thousands of others who give willingly of their time, money, and talents.”
• Bob Bastian of Rio Linda (Sacramento County) is a board member in several government, business, and charitable organizations. His life is a model for students to emulate. He started off as a maintenance worker, worked his way through college to become a special education teacher and counselor. Now retired, he recently was elected as a board member for the Twin Rivers Unified School District.

• 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 »

Richard Durborow
Principal, Piru Elementary School

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.
Our primary goal is not only to promote scholarship, but to give each student the kind of life-learning experiences that will forever shape their world view. After all, these students represent our future!
Literacy Coach Makes a Difference
The last two years we set school-wide goals that included working with a literacy coach. That’s right. We have a coach who goes into all our classrooms and helps model best instructional practices for our teaching staff. She focuses attention on the reading needs of all our students and then helps build a program that ensures student success. And guess what? Her expertise and hard work is paying off in big ways. Student learning has improved. Test scores are up. Because literacy coaches are a powerful way to improve student learning they are now being used throughout Ventura County. Thank you Susan Jolley for being our literacy coach and for all you do for us!
Lesson One Teaches Self-Control and More
Clearly, many of today’s young people are feeling isolated, out-of-control, and full of rage. Instead of doing well in school they drop out. These students need to feel connected and learn skills so their anger doesn’t lead to destruction of self and others.
Last year the staff at Piru Elementary recognized this problem and adopted a program designed to help students cope with stress and take control of their actions. This year we continue using the innovative, violence prevention program called Lesson One-The ABC’s of Life. Students at Piru start each day reading the Pledge for Success and talking about self-control and respect for diversity. As students internalize self-control our teachers spend more time teaching and students spend more time learning. Later this year our staff and students will be trained on new Lesson One skills including self-confidence and responsibility. Thanks Jon Oliver for teaching us how to improve our lives!
Aerobic Exercise Improves Student Learning
Piru students begin each morning experiencing the joy of running and making the powerful connection between aerobic exercise and the increased capacity of the brain to learn. Recent brain-activation studies show that children who are aerobically fit allocate more cognitive resources to a task and do so for longer periods of time. In other words, aerobic exercise improves student learning. In fact, aerobic exercise supercharges your mental circuits and sharpens your overall thinking, lifts your mood, and boosts your memory.
Want to boost your mental abilities? Just put on your running shoes and join us Friday mornings for a run around the school. It may just be the healthiest thing you do all week!
Happy Holidays from Piru Elementary School.

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.

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.

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2008

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
• School District Pupils (Education Code 35146)
o Expulsion Case Number 08-09-03 CONTINUED »

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

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
Fiscal Year 2008-09

County
Agency
Amount

Santa Clara
Region 1 - Santa Clara County Office of Education
$272,696

Butte
Region 2 - Butte County Office of Education
720,800 CONTINUED »

Alberto Cantero Jr., Fillmore Middle School student.
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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:
Alberto Cantero, Jr.
357 Market Street
Fillmore, CA 93015

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.

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2008

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.
1. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION
• Personnel Matters CONTINUED »

FHS Career Day.
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FHS Career Day.
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FHS Career Day.
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FHS Career Day.
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FHS Career Day.
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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
Wells Fargo Recruitment
Cal Lutheran University
A.I.A. Lauterbach & Associates
The C.R.E.W.
Carpentry Apprenticeship- Mr. Arreola
Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
County of Ventura Personnel Department
FIDM
City of Fillmore Fire Department
Flight/ Camarillo Air Traffic Control Tower
Lu Ross Academy
Marines
Moorpark College
College of the Canyons
Oxnard College
Real Estate-Century 21- Mrs. Robledo
Regional Occupational Program
Santa Clara Valley Job & Career Center
Santa Barbara Business College
U.S. Army National Guard
UCSB-Early Academic Outreach
Ventura College
Child Development Center
Ventura County Probation
School Psychologist
CCS Community Health Outreach
Dental Externship Coordination
East County Children & Family Service Office
Massage Therapist
CSUCI
Wm L. Morris Chevrolet
Chef- Mr. Anderson
Navy
Skillin Carroll Mortuary
Vons Market
UCLA
Nurse- Mrs. Romero, Mrs. Dewey
Caltrans
The Art Institute
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Fugro West, Inc.
Teacher- Mr. Bedau
Chiropractor- Dr. Rebino
Job Corp
Moorpark C.H.P.
SWAT
Doctor- Christine Johnston
District Attorney
Ventura County Sheriff’s Department
U.S. Forest Service
Ventura County Fire Department

Hurry to order your Marie Callender Thanksgiving Pies from a senior at Fillmore High School or call Mrs Chaney 524-4909. The deadline is Monday the 17th of November. This fundraiser is our best one because it gives our Fillmore people the opportunity to get their pies and not have to travel to a Marie Callender restaurant and stand in line to purchase their pies. Grad Nite Live is a non-profit organization that has kept our senior classes safe and have a good time on a Harbor Cruise in Long Beach for 18 years. It is very important that we support Grad Nite Live in all their fundraisers for the 246 students of the Class of 2009 which will cost $26,000.00 this year. Thank you.

As many individuals, businesses, schools, and other organizations throughout Southern California get ready to “drop, cover, and hold” for the Great Southern California ShakeOut Drill on November 13 (www.shakeout.org), Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) will conduct its own emergency preparedness training at Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College, and the District Administrative Center to coincide with the ShakeOut event.

VCCCD has been working with West Coast Consulting for the past year to prepare and train employees at all three campuses and the District Administrative Center for emergency situations of all types, including earthquakes, floods, fires, an active shooter, or crimes in progress. “These trainings enable us to test our response to simulated emergency situations and provide valuable information we can use to evaluate how best to protect our students, employees, and members of the community in the event of an actual emergency,” said Dr. James Meznek, Chancellor. “While we hope these situations will never happen, it is essential we be prepared.”

Moorpark College and Oxnard College will hold training exercises on Thursday, November 13, while Ventura College and the District Administrative Center will hold training exercises on Friday, November 14. Designated employee emergency team members will be given emergency situation scenarios and expected to act based on prior training. Peter Wright, Director of Emergency Planning and Preparedness for the California Community Colleges System Office, will be visiting Moorpark College to observe emergency team members in action. CONTINUED »

Spring 2009 registration begins November 17 at the three community colleges of Ventura County Community College District. Spring semester begins January 12, 2009. Returning students may begin registering online by appointment on November 17. All students may register online beginning December 15, with no appointment required. High school special admission students can register in person at the Admissions and Records Offices starting December 16. Walk-in registration begins January 5, and students in grade 9 or below can register beginning January 12.

Students may register for full semester spring courses in person through January 23 and online through January 25. Additional late start and short-term courses are available that begin in January, February, and March. In addition to the full semester day and evening courses, the colleges offer weekend courses, short-term courses, one-day seminars, and online courses. Offering more than 3,000 courses in 100 majors and programs, the three colleges provide general education, transfer preparation, career programs, skills enhancement, and lifelong learning courses. The complete list of spring courses for each college is available online at www.oxnardcollege.edu, www.venturacollege.edu, www.moorparkcollege.edu, and www.vcccd.edu.

Moorpark College is offering new career courses in Health Information Management, Exercise Science (listed under Physical Education), and Insurance (listed under Business). The Business Department’s new Personal Insurance course is offered in conjunction with the California Insurance Careers Program (CA-ICP), a statewide initiative that promotes training students for insurance careers. BUS M45 Personal Insurance is a three-unit course, offered completely online and with no pre-requisites. In the future, Moorpark College will offer all five CA-ICP courses: Introduction to Insurance, Code and Ethics, Property/Liability Insurance Principles, and Commercial Insurance, as well as arrange for students to get college credit for paid internships. Professor Jim Allyn at jallyn@vcccd.edu is the contact for the program. More information is available at www.ca-icp.org.

Ventura College is offering a wide range of new courses including Anthropology of Women, Political Science: Service Learning (students concurrently enroll in Introduction to Political Science), Personal Insurance, Modularized Elementary Algebra, Criminal Justice Employment Orientation, Introduction to Forensic Science, Introduction to Methods of Biotechnology, Business Calculations-Online, English Composition for Healthcare Majors, Holistic Health and Disabilities, History of the Modern Middle East, Women in Literature I, and Survey of English Literature II. Many courses are transferable to colleges within the UC and CSU systems. CONTINUED »