Ventura County Fair

Ventura, CA - Hermanos Herrera will be appearing on Sunday, August 3rd as part of the Ventura County Fair’s Dia de la Familia entertainment. The group consists of 5 Herrera brothers and their younger sister—all from Ventura County.

Hermanos Herrera brings energy and passion to traditional Mexican musical genres: son huasteco, son jarocho, norteño, and others. Hermanos Herrera injects these traditional styles with youth and vitality while remaining authentic. The group has appeared on many national television programs and with many well known performers. Hermanos Herrera will be opening for Los Tigres del Norte at the Fair.

The brothers all attend UCLA while their sister Rebeca Isabel is a student at Fillmore High School. With 5 CDs, including their newest release Siempre Unidos, and two new CDs forthcoming, this young group already has a long list of recordings. They are sure to entertain you and your family at the Ventura County Fair.

For information, please call (805)648-3376 or visit www.venturacountyfair.org

As a parent, have you ever wondered how your child can prepare themselves for college? Are you aware of what your child must do in order to gain acceptance into a university? This is one of the ways that the Fillmore High School UC Summer Academy can assist the students that attend in addition to providing valuable information for the parents. The Fillmore High School UC Summer Academy is a program designed for both parent and student involvement.
Upon entering high school, students have the opportunity to choose one of three pathways that will take them through high school and lead them into the next stage of life. The first pathway, which all parents’ desire, is to graduate from high school along with an acceptance into a four year college or university. The second pathway is to receive a high school diploma and enter a trade school, go straight into the workforce, or enlist in the military. The third and final pathway is to drop out of high school, which is something that all parents fear for their children. Although many other combinations still exist, these tend to be the most common pathways that students can take.
According to the latest Fillmore High School Accountability Report Card, our dropout rate from the 2005-2006 school year was 2.8% which is below the state average of 4%. This would equate to about 30 students from our high school. This does not include students who were expelled, transferred to our continuation school, or Gateway.
The main goal of the Fillmore High School UC Summer Academy (SA) is to encourage all of our students to strive for a higher education. We hold college readiness seminars once a week with an academic service provider from the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). The academic service provider, in coordination with the UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program, assists the student in developing a four year academic plan for high school and a ten year academic plan that will take them through college. The students also participate in two college campus tours. This year we went to UCSB and UCLA and the students were able to view two of our closest UC’s. In addition, the students have had the opportunity to participate in several MESA projects provided by UCSB.
The parents have been given the opportunity to be actively involved in the planning process for their child’s education. It is mandatory that they attend meetings in the evening so that they become familiar with high school requirements, the A-G college requirements, financial aid and information on scholarships.
The Fillmore High School UC Summer Academy is in its third year of preparing a group of students through the high-school-to-college pathway. Fillmore’s UC Summer Academy is the direct result of collaboration between the Fillmore Unified School District and the University of California, Office of the President and UCSB’s Early Academic Outreach Program and MESA. In the 2005-2006 school year, the administration and counselors at Fillmore High worked with a UCSB administrative team to develop a program aimed at their shared goal of increasing the number of college-going students from FHS. We have continued on with this endeavor and each year we continue to add to it making it a wonderful experience. We continue to allow the UC Summer Academy “graduates” to return in their sophomore year and take speech and additional math and science classes.
The UC Summer Academy freshmen are preparing for success in building academic plans that will increase their computer skills and literacy in addition to taking them through their required coursework. Through their participation in the Science and Math courses, they are learning problem-solving skills, practicing teamwork, and developing leadership skills that will take them through high school and into their chosen professions. Students learn to work in teams as they complete the tasks set forth by the UC Summer Academy Instructors. This will provide them with an introduction into the Fillmore High School work ethic and they will have gained 10 high school credits.
We hosted an “End of the Program Celebration” dinner on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at the Fillmore Middle School Pavilion. The students received Certificates of Completion for their successful conclusion of the UC Summer Academy by the SA Director, and UCSB Program Directors from MESA and EAOP.
The Fillmore High School UC Summer Academy would like to thank Chuy from El Pescador and The Romero Family from Carniceria La Plaza for their generous donations towards the dinner celebration.
For more information about the Fillmore Summer Academy, contact Jose Luis Lomeli at (805) 524-6100, or jlomeli@fillmore.k12.ca.us or Olivia Palacio, College Site Coordinator, EAOP, UCSB at palacio-o@sa.ucsb.edu

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

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced 44 grantees will share $20 million in English Language Learner Acquisition and Development Pilot Project grants. The list of grantees is attached.

“This pilot project will identify the best practices around the state to help us close California's pernicious achievement gap between higher-achieving students and English learners,” said O’Connell.

The Pilot Project was established in 2006 by Assembly Bill 2117. Subsequently, California Education Code Section 420 authorized the Pilot Project to be conducted over a three-year period and provided funding to identify existing best practices regarding topics such as curriculum, instruction and staff development for teaching English language learners, and promoting English language and academic English acquisition and development.

Of the total 1,761 schools eligible to apply, 44 were selected based on a number of criteria. The applicants were required to have a sufficient number of English learners for accountability purposes and at least 10 percent of their student population were English learners. They also had to meet other accountability targets that demonstrated the success of the promising practice, including a description of how the practice met the needs of English learners, evidence of effectiveness, and replicability of the practice.

The grantees were allotted $200 per English learner and have to match that amount during the three-year pilot project period. As a condition of receiving funding, the grantee must agree to being evaluated by an independent evaluator, collect data, and report their results back to the California Department of Education for submission in a final report to the Governor and the Legislature.

For more information about the English Language Learners Acquisition and Development Pilot Project, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/r12/ellpp07result.asp.

English Language Learners Acquisition and Development Pilot Project

Funding Results for Fiscal Year 2007-08

(Recipients and funding amounts are subject to budget and administrative adjustments)

County
Local Educational Agency
Grant Amount

Alameda
New Haven Unified School District
$153,600

Alameda
San Leandro Unified School District
105,600

Contra Costa
Brentwood Union Elementary School District
100,200

Fresno
Sanger Unified School District
393,000

Imperial
Imperial County Office of Education
1,210,800

Kern
Bakersfield City Elementary School District
150,600

Kern
Sierra Sands Unified School District
94,200

Los Angeles
ABC Unified School District
231,600

Los Angeles
Whittier City Elementary School District
54,000

Los Angeles
El Monte City Elementary School District
1,137,000

Los Angeles
Garvey Elementary School District
142,800

Los Angeles
Glendale Unified School District
1,800,000

Los Angeles
Lennox Elementary School District
397,200

Los Angeles
Newhall Elementary School District
643,200

Los Angeles
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District
115,200

Los Angeles
Pasadena Unified School District
400,200

Marin
Novato Unified School District
81,600

Merced
Atwater Elementary School District
96,600

Merced
Livingston Union Elementary School District
604,800

Monterey
Monterey Peninsula Unified School District
36,200

Orange
Santa Ana Unified School District
1,800,000

Orange
Irvine Unified School District
450,600

Riverside
Desert Sands Unified School District
427,200

Riverside
Coachella Valley Unified School District
712,800

San Diego
San Diego County Office of Education
905,400

San Diego
Chula Vista Elementary School District
95,400

San Diego
Escondido Union Elementary School District
339,600

San Diego
Mountain Empire Unified School District
79,800

San Diego
Vista Unified School District
190,200

San Diego
KIPP Adelante Preparatory Academy
90,600

Santa Clara
Evergreen Elementary
1,364,400

Santa Clara
Luther Burbank School District
211,800

Santa Clara
Oak Grove Elementary School District
1,044,000

Santa Clara
San Jose Unified School District
732,600

Sonoma
Sonoma County Office of Education
681,600

Sonoma
Petaluma Joint Union High School District
271,800

Stanislaus
Stanislaus County Office of Education
187,800

Stanislaus
Ceres Unified School District
396,600

Stanislaus
Salida Union Elementary School District
95,400

Tulare
Alpaugh Unified School District
35,400

Ventura
Oxnard Union High School District
286,800

Ventura
Ventura Unified School District
622,200

Yolo
Woodland Joint Unified School District
875,400

Yuba
Marysville Joint Unified School District
154,200

Total:
$20,000,000

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

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced economically disadvantaged children may receive free meals during the traditional summer recess at more than 3,200 locations throughout California.
“I am deeply saddened to see so many families suffering through these tough economic times,” O’Connell said. “The home foreclosure crisis and skyrocketing costs for food and gasoline are increasing the number of families who need assistance making ends meet. I am pleased that we can help these families stretch their food dollars with two of our summer feeding programs that provide nutritious meals for economically disadvantaged kids and some adults.”
Children 18 years and younger in low-income areas and persons over 18 who participate in a public or nonprofit private school program for the mentally or physically disabled may receive free meals through the Summer Food Service and the Seamless Summer Feeding Option programs. Both are federally funded programs administered through the California Department of Education’s Nutrition Services Division. The programs operate when school is not in session for 15 days or more.
Normally during the school year, economically disadvantaged children are eligible to receive at least one nutritious meal a day while at school. But when school is out during the long summer recess, children can miss out on these well-balanced and nutritious meals that are important to their growth and development. When children do not receive proper nutrition, they are more likely to become ill and are not able to concentrate or perform well when they are in school. Providing children with nutritious meals when school is not is session helps them to return to school ready to learn and succeed.
To help parents more easily find a summer meal site, the California Department of Education has created a new interactive Web page with a map of California. Visitors may click any location on the map to reveal a list of Summer Food Service programs near them. Parents may take their children to four different kinds of summer meal sites.
In open sites, all children eat free in communities where at least 50 percent of the children are eligible for free or reduced-price school meals. Restricted open sites also serve children in low-income areas, but are restricted for safety, control, or security reasons. In closed enrolled sites, the community serves an enrolled group of low-income children. Other feeding locations include migrant education sites that serve children of migrant families and residential or non-residential camps. Parents may also have their children participate in the Seamless Summer Feeding Option. This program provides nutritious meals for children as well as fun, safe, supervised activities that are coupled with learning opportunities.
The summer meal sites include public and private schools; Indian tribal governments; units of local, municipal, or county governments; and other public or private nonprofit agencies. These sites are reimbursed from the federal government through the California Department of Education. The sites must serve meals that follow a plan that includes milk, fruits, vegetables or juice; grain products; and meat or meat alternates. The program allows sites to serve each day: two meals; a meal and a snack; or if at a camp, three meals a day.
The interactive Web page with list of summer meal sites contains contact names and telephone numbers where parents may get more information. The list will be updated throughout the summer. To access the Web page, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ds/sh/sn/summersites08.asp. Also, schools may soon download free parental notifications in several languages about the summer meal sites and the new interactive map from the California Department of Education’s Clearinghouse for Multilingual Documents at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/pf/cm/.

Enlarge Photo

The Gazette received some secondhand information concerning the removal of the new turf at FHS and passed it along to FUSD for verification. This was the prompt response we received, and we thank them.
“Thank you for taking the time for checking the facts of the turf removal. It appears your source had second hand information and consequently was a little off the mark. The main issue for the removal of the turf was not because of tearing but rather the binding of the individual turf strands to the backing.
To insure the highest quality synthetic turf possible, the Architects wrote specifications requiring a “Turf Bind” of 8 pounds. (Turf Bind is measured by a “Pull Test” measuring the amount of pull (in pounds of force) needed to separate the blades of turf from the primary and secondary backing materials). This value indicates the relative ability of the fiber to remain in place during use, and throughout the life of the product. The industry minimum recommended by the Synthetic Turf Council is 6.0 lbs. The test results received after the turf was installed indicate Turf Bind values between 3.80 and 4.40 lbs. The concern with the low test results relates to the regular and ongoing use of the field as well as the safety of the users. Therefore, we requested the turf be removed and installed per the Contract Specifications.
The turf is being installed to industry norms. The gravel base is part of the drainage design for this type of turf. The gravel allows for the permeability required to keep water from building up on the turf surface and flow into a system of subterranean drainage pipes. The sand and rubber granules are blown onto the surface between the fibers during the final phase of the installation.
It is truly unfortunate the turf did not come into the specifications and Astro-Turf has accepted responsibility to replace the turf at no additional cost to the District.
Thank you again for checking with the District for the facts, feel free to contact me or Michael Bush regarding any of the facilities at the district.
Bob Sube
Director Facilities and Construction
Fillmore Unified School District”

Stephanie Cone is a 2004 graduate of Fillmore High School, and she received an alumni scholarship and three alumni Continuation Grants while attending UCLA.
Dear Members of the Fillmore High School Alumni Association,
As I prepare for graduation, I wanted to take a moment and thank you for your contribution to my education. I really appreciated it during my four years at UCLA.
The time seems to have flown by. It is probably because it has been packed with fun activities, learning experiences, memories to last a lifetime and educational and career opportunities galore. I would like to take this time to share with you some of the experiences attending UCLA has afforded me. Over the past four years I have had the joy of being a part of Campus Crusade for Christ, a Christian fellowship on the UCLA campus. Most recently, I served as a bible study leader for sophomore girls. I have also been an active sister in Alpha Detla Chi sorority since my freshman year, and served for a year as President. In addition to those extracurricular activities, I have interned for three years with the UCLA Athletics Marketing Department. I had the privilege in that time to work with the women's gymnastics, softball and water polo teams as well as football and our men's basketball team. I honestly think it is the best job on campus.
I have also had great experiences inside the classroom. I am graduating UCLA with Phi Beta Kappa, college and Latin honors with a degree in business economics and accounting. Most memorably, I had two great chances to study outside of California. Last winter, I interned and did research in Washington, D.C. for three months and this past summer I took international tax and business classes
through UCLA in Paris, France. I believe that the education I have received at UCLA is unparalleled and I thank you for allowing me that opportunity. I could not have done any of these things without the help of people and organizations like you. Thank you.
Upon graduation, I will be traveling to Johannesburg, South Africa with Campus Crusade for Christ for a six week mission trip. Our primary goal is to support the current college ministry leaders in the country who are in large need of man power. Upon my return to the United States, I will be living in Los Angeles and working for PricewaterhouseCoopers as an accountant. I will be working in their tax division and more specifically with private and charitable foundations. I am extremely excited for the opportunity to be working with such a great firm while staying in Southern California.
Thank you for your generosity. I could not have expanded my mind in the ways I have at UCLA without you.

Fillmore Unified School District

Two positions on the Fillmore Unified School District Board of Education will be on the November 4, 2008 ballot. The terms of office for Board Member Virginia de la Piedra and Board Member John Garnica will end December 1, 2008. The new terms of office will run until December 2012. The current Board Members have the option of running again.

Candidates interested in running for the School Board should pick up filing materials from the County Clerk Elections Division or the Fillmore Unified School Districts Office Beginning July 14, 2008 and must deliver the completed materials to the Ventura County Elections Office by 4:00 p.m. on normal business days, no later than Friday August 8, 2008.

If a candidate wishes to publish a statement in the sample ballot pamphlet, it will be the candidate’s responsibility to pay for the statement fee. However, once a candidate has properly filed a Declaration of Candidacy with Ventura County Elections Office and qualifies for the election, the Fillmore Unified School District will provide space in a local newspaper for candidates to publish a statement at no charge to the candidates. Statements published in the local newspaper will have to comply with the same rules that would apply had the candidate filed a statement with Ventura County Elections.

Questions may be addressed to the County Elections Division at 654-2664 or the District Superintendent’s Office at 524-6038. Anyone wishing to pick up materials from the School District Office at 627 Sespe Avenue should call first to be sure that either Cynthia Padilla or Susan Leon will be available to provide you with the filing materials and instructions.

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

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and California Highway Patrol Valley Division Chief Stan Perez held a joint news conference today at McClatchy High School to remind teenagers about the new wireless device laws that go into effect next month.
“Technology rules kids’ lives, but it should never take their lives,” said O’Connell. “I want to remind young drivers under 18 years old that starting on July 1 they are forbidden from using their cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. This is not a frivolous law. It is a law that will save limbs and lives because cell phone use is the number one cause of distracted driving accidents in California.”
"New drivers especially need to concentrate solely on driving the vehicle. It is not the time to be dividing your attention with a phone call," said CHP Chief Stan Perez.
Senate Bill 33 (Simitian) was signed into law last year banning the use of wireless telephones, pagers, laptops, or any other electronic communication, or mobile service devices to speak or text while driving in any manner by drivers under the age of 18 in California. This ban includes even the use of hands-free devices. A companion measure, Senate Bill 1613 (Simitian), was signed into law in 2006, making it illegal for adult drivers to talk on a hand-held cell phone while driving a car in California unless they use a hands-free device. There are exceptions to these laws in emergency situations. Initial fines are $20 and $50 thereafter. New legislation is being proposed to ban adult drivers from text messaging while driving.
“All it takes is one mistake to change a young life forever,” added O’Connell. “I cannot stress enough how important this new law is, to help students stay safe and healthy, so they will be ready to learn when they go back to school.”

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008

5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION

6:00 P.M. - SPECIAL 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.

5:30 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

II. ROLL CALL

III. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

IV. 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.

V. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 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
• 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
• Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent (The Board and Superintendent meet periodically to provide feedback to one another concerning the achievement of goals.)

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).]

6:00 p.m.

VI. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
1. Any Action From Closed Session

VII. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

VIII. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

IX. 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.

X. ACTION - CONSENT AGENDA (Materials: Corresponding to number a)
Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by a single motion. None of the items will be discussed unless a Board Member or member of the audience requests discussion.
a. Approve Personnel Order 07-08-21

XI. ACTION ITEMS
b. Approval of Adopted Budget for 2008-09 School Year (Materials)

c. Approval of Textbooks (Materials)
• Chemistry (Sixth Edition) – Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
• Biology (California Edition) – Publisher: Prentice Hall

d. Approval of Consolidated Application Part II (Materials)

e. Approval of Collaboration Day Plans (Materials previously provided)

f. Approval of Adoption of Resolution Number 08-09-01 for Assignments of Teachers Who Are Teaching Outside of Their Credential Authorization or on an Emergency Permit (Materials)

g. Approval of Adoption of Resolution Number 08-08-02 for Student Teaching Agreement For The 2008/09 School Year Between Fillmore Unified And California State University, Channel Islands (Materials)

h. Approval of Tentative Agreement Between the Fillmore Unified School District and the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) (Materials)

i. Approval of Tentative Agreement Between the Fillmore Unified School District and the California Schools Employee Association #421 (CSEA) (Materials)

j. Approval of Certificated Salary Schedule for 2008-09 (Materials)

k. Approval of Management Salary Schedule for 2008-09 (Materials)

7:00 p.m.

XII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
l. 10 minutes Military Banners

m. 10 minutes Public Use of Facilities

7:20p.m.

XIII. FUTURE MEETINGS
July 1 6:30 p.m. Joint Board/City Council Meeting – City Hall
August 5 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
August 19 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room

XIV. CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING

7:30 p.m.

XV. 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).]

We invite you to visit Piru Elementary, a small country school where tradition and technology meet.
Currently accepting new students for the 2008-09 school year. Call (805) 5211-1709 for details. We offer charming rural atmosphere, highly qualified and caring staff, computer labs/environmental science, school farm and butterfly garden, 5th grad camping trip; also offering lesson one curriculum on self-control and respect for diversity, art, band, and after-school program. Supporting student learning through long term relationships.
Come check us out!

Fillmore Unified School District

Fillmore Unified School District is participating in the Summer Feeding Program. FREE MEALS will be provided to all children and youth 18 years and under. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. For more information call (805) 524-6026 or email at rricards@fillmore.k12.ca.us.

Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

Mountain Vista Elem. School, 915 5th Street, Fillmore, CA 93015 June 17 – July 3, 2008
Breakfast 7:30 am – 8:00 am
Lunch 12:00 noon – 12:30 pm

Rancho Sespe Housing Dev., 2950 E Telegraph Road, Fillmore, CA 93015 June 17 – August 8, 2008
Lunch 12:00 noon – 12:30 pm

Sespe Elementary School, 425 Orchard Street, Fillmore, CA 93015 July 7 – August 8, 2008
Lunch 12:00 noon – 12:30 pm

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

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today offered his Top 10 suggestions to help parents keep their children active and productive during summer vacation.
“This is a tough year for families because rising costs are forcing many of us to stay close to home and look for free or inexpensive things to do,” said O’Connell. “But, it’s a perfect time to take a step back from our daily routines, bond with our kids, and explore new activities that will keep children active and engaged in learning during the summer months.”

Research shows the learning gap widens between middle- and low-income students during the summer and has a cumulative effect over the elementary school grades. So many of these students who are already struggling in school begin each academic year even further behind their peers.

"These summer learning tips are part of my continuing effort to narrow the achievement gap,” added O’Connell. “Every little thing we can do to reverse this trend is vital to ultimately preparing children for success in the high-tech global economy. And whether students ultimately go on to college or into a career right after high school, the reality that everyone needs critical thinking skills developed thought a habit of lifelong learning.”

O’Connell’s Top 10 tips for summer learning:

Turn off the television and computer and play outside: Encourage your children to join a city league to play team sports like baseball or swimming. Physical activity helps prevent the silent epidemic of childhood obesity. Teamwork teaches children about the values of helping, sharing, listening, respecting, and participating. Contact your local parks and recreation department for team sports and summer activities.

Get puzzled: Play Sudoku or Scrabble with your children. These types of activities encourage children to think and solve problems. Find Sudoku puzzles or Scrabble on the Web or in bookstores, and game stores.

Collect stamps, coins, or other historical items: Encourage your children to start a collection that may spur their interest to research facts about their hobby. Start at the post office for stamps. Search through antique stores or your attic for collectibles.

Start a journal, diary, or scrapbook: These types of activities encourage children to write, organize their thoughts, and spur creativity. You can start simply with a notebook and pencil. Or for more elaborate journals, craft stores often have a selection of scrapbook materials.

Make plans: Let your children help you schedule your day, plan a meal, or assign chores. This helps children structure their activities and learn to meet deadlines.

Take them grocery shopping: Adding up the grocery bill helps your kids practice their math skills. Let them choose the fruits and vegetables to teach them how to make healthy choices.

Plan dinner: Learning to cook will teach your kids to be self-sufficient and independent. Preparing meals requires math and reading skills. You never know -- your child could be the next great chef.

Set aside time each day to read: Read the morning newspaper with your children or find them a good book at the library. Reading keeps their minds active and engaged and ready to learn when they go back to school. Search the California Department of Education’s Recommended Literature database that will help you find age-appropriate materials at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/rl/ll/ap/litsearch.asp.

Encourage children to create their own job: Children can get training to be babysitters. Or they can pet sit, house sit, or take care of your neighbors’ plants while they are on vacation. These activities help children learn about responsibility and financial literacy. The American Red Cross offers training for babysitters.

Volunteer: Encourage your children to help some elderly neighbors or a charitable organization. These activities help children learn about sacrifice and good citizenship. Find volunteer opportunities at http://www.californiavolunteers.org/families.asp.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2008

5:00 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.

5:00 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. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 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 07-08-14
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-15
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-16
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-17
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-18

• Personnel Matters

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).]

6:00 p.m.

V. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
1. Any Action From Closed Session

VI. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

VII. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

VIII. MAKING A DIFFERENCE

IX. 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.

X. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
• Ventura County Office Education notice of compliance with the requirements of the Valenzuela Settlement as they relate to the CAHSEE Intensive instruction and Services Program
6:15 p.m.

XI. STANDING REPORTS
• 10 minutes Board Member’s Reports
• 20 minutes Superintendent’s Report
o Reconfiguration Committee Update
6:45 p.m.

XII. ACTION - CONSENT AGENDA (Materials: Corresponding to numbers a-f)
Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by a single motion. None of the items will be discussed unless a Board Member or member of the audience requests discussion.
a. Approve Minutes: Regular Meeting Held June 3, 2008
b. Approve Personnel Order 07-08-19
c. Ratify Accounts Payable Month of May 2008 (ReqPay12a)
d. Ratify Purchase Orders Month of May 2008 (ReqPay11a)
e. Ratify 5/1/08 through 5/31/08 Certificated and Classified Payroll in the Amount of
$1,797,955.17.
f. Accept Gifts

XIII. ACTION ITEMS
g. Approve Community School Name Change, Motto And Mascot

h. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Among The State Superintendent of
Public Instruction, And The Fillmore Unified School District, And The Ventura
County Office of Education For Fillmore High School SAIT (Materials)

i. Approve Certification of Signatures (Materials)

j. Approve 2008-2009 Designation of CIF Representatives to League (Materials)

k. Approve Proposed 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 Meal Price Increase for Child
Nutrition (Materials)

l. Approve The Use Of Piggy-Backable Bid –In Lieu Of Bidding, Fillmore Unified Will Use The Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) And Computer Equipment

m. Approval of Textbooks (Materials)
• Algebra Readiness – Publisher: McDougall Littell

n. Approve School Plans (Materials previously provided)

o. Approve 2008-09 Goals (Materials)

7:15 p.m.

XIV. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
p. 10 minutes DELAC Presentation (Materials)
q. 5 minutes Piper Jaffray 2008/2009 Cash Reserve Program (Materials)
r. 10 minutes Collaboration Day Proposals (Materials)
s. 15 minutes Update on 2007-08 Goals
t. 10 minutes Military Service Banners
u. 30 minutes Budget Update
v. 10 minutes Facilities Update (Stadium, Mountain Vista, Rio Vista)
w. 10 minutes Old Business

8:55p.m.

XV. FUTURE MEETINGS
 June 25 6:00 p.m. Special Meeting – Board Room
 August 5 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
 August 17 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting - Board Room

XVI. CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING

9:10 p.m.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District

It has been my pleasure to serve you this year, my second, as the Superintendent of the Fillmore Unified School District. I feel that this has been an exciting and productive year, and I sincerely hope that each of you feels the same. I trust you have seen the changes to each of our facilities. San Cayetano has been painted, had the playground resurfaced and had portables moved off of the middle of the playground; Mountain Vista has opened up its multi-purpose room; and FHS had the gym and cafeteria renovated and grass has returned to the quad. Also, the stadium has taken on a fresh look with new artificial turf and scoreboard.
There has been growth in other areas, too. The following highlights represent a few of our accomplishments over the course of this school year:

• San Cayetano Elementary School was one of 25 schools in the United States chosen as a NASA Explorer School.
• Piru added a literacy coach this year to provide support in key areas. Collaborative work among staff has created the vision of a new Piru.
• Fillmore Middle School, Sespe, and Fillmore High School met key academic targets during the 2006-2007 school year.
• A skateboard curriculum was added to the FMS P.E. program, teaching students skills and safe practices. Fillmore was the first District in the State to offer this creative and unique program.
• Fillmore High School has created several extra-curricular programs for our students. This year, our students took home several honors. Our Girls Basketball Team were league champions; the music program created a Drum Line for the first time and students representing our District participated in several competitions and won numerous first place finishes; and the Pep Squad won numerous competitions, too.
• Our free afterschool Bridges program doubled in growth. Over 450 K-8 students participated in the program District-wide this year.
• The District focused on our English Learner population this year, restructuring the program at the secondary levels. According to our State test scores, our English learner students are making progress!

The 2007-08 school year has ended successfully with much to celebrate. This week, over 200 seniors will receive their diplomas, ending their academic career in Fillmore, ready to move on to another stage of their lives. It is great to be part of a legacy and a history of such a fine school district and city. Our high school graduates are indicative of the quality. They will be leaving this community to enter into the work force, the military, two year colleges like Ventura and Moorpark, four year colleges like Cal State Northridge and Channel Islands and the UC’s, including Berkley, San Diego, and UCLA, in addition to private universities like Stanford and Cal Lutheran.
We believe that the quality of this District’s academic program can prepare all of our students to move onto the college or career they wish. The success of this program is due to an outstanding staff as well as the support of parents and families and community.
The new school year will begin on August 13. When students and staff return to school, many of our schools will take on a new look. Over the summer, we will busy improving our facilities District-wide with a number of other projects getting ready for the 2008-09 school year.
I would like to close by wishing you a restful, relaxing summer. This has been a very challenging and rewarding year for everyone, and I am sure we would all benefit from some time to reflect and to replenish our spirits. Again, thank you for your support and your resiliency and for everything you do every day on behalf of our children and our future. I wish you all a peaceful and restful summer break.
Sincerely,
Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent

What a wonderfully exciting time of year at Fillmore High School at Fillmore Community High School.
As a counselor at both high schools, this is my favorite part of the school year. Our graduates will be entering the world of adults. From here, they will be facing challenges, big and small, the rest of their adult lives. I find myself excited for them in what their future personal and professional life will be. I wonder where they will travel to and live, and hope that all find fulfillment and genuine happiness in their search.
I congratulate their effort in striving to give their best and meeting challenges head-on this year. Rest assured, parents and community members, dedicated and hard working school staff in all our schools have guided and educated these youths, from preschool to this week, to the best of their ability to help them reach their utmost potential.
For those students who have chosen to receive this guidance and education with open arms, these learned skills will help them tremendously in their future. It is with great joy that I have seen students turn their life completely around when they finally hit “bottom” and at the eleventh hour finally chose to turn things around for themselves.
I have also been heartbroken alongside with parents a hundred times over, when no amount of counseling or resources is going help a young man or woman, at that time. Personally, I push for what could be the potential in all kids and I do not give up hope on anyone – ever.
This is a very rewarding career and I always know that I am blessed to be part of their lives. For parents, going through difficult teen times, I say to them, never give up and believe in your child with all your might. Hope is such a wonderful gift for you and for your child to have. If they believe it, they WILL achieve it. With your love and support they will be successful. Believe it and remain positive, it’s contagious!
On Tuesday of this week, we celebrated Seniors who are graduating at Fillmore Community High School. Fillmore Police Chief Tim Hagel answered student questions regarding law enforcement issues in town as well as, invited them to look into this area as a future career. Students heartily laughed at various examples of law enforcement incidents he has encountered as well as, shared the more difficult aspects of a police officer’s daily duties. Chief Hagel’s charismatic and down- to-earth friendly approach with students was obvious as many students approach him after he finished speaking.
Ms. Lynda Miller, Founder of the Support for the Kids Foundation, was also present to celebrate the success of Fillmore Community High School Seniors who will be graduating on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. The last week ended with student reports, Power Point presentations and classroom speeches to their peers.
Ms. Miller was here to present each of our fourteen graduating Seniors with one-day complimentary passes to Six Flags Magic Mountain, a $10. gift certificate to Burger King, and a certificate to Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. The Support for the Kids Foundation, Westlake Village, has continually provided numerous academic and art fieldtrips to students and families, as well as, shoes, clothing, furniture, toys, computers, etc. to families in Fillmore and Piru for two years (through the Dr. Neil Schmidt Fillmore Family Resource Center which is located at the Fillmore High School campus).
Another incredible resource that our Fillmore youth have for them in our Piru and Fillmore communities is the Big Brother’s, Big Sister’s Mentor Program, also on the high school and middle school campus, which provides students with the personal support and the guidance of another caring, responsible adult in their lives.
A moment of silence was given for our sweet Danielle Barrett, a FCHS Senior, who recently passed away. She will always be remembered in our lives.
Today was an absolutely great day for me in my career life. With the powerful and engaging speaker, Chief Hagel, and with the generous gifts for our Fillmore Community High School graduates, I was able to see the spark in our student’s eyes. The spark of being challenged to reach out for more in life. The spark of “I can do this!” I hope this spark keeps burning all their lives!

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

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced that Simi Valley High School in Simi Valley is the winner of the California Department of Education’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Web Page Design Competition.
“I congratulate teacher Stephen Caswell and the students in his Web design class at Simi Valley High School,” O’Connell said. “These students have designed a wonderful example site for career technical education information in the state. This Web site will help us prepare all students for the more globally competitive jobs of the future, whether they go straight into the workforce after graduating from high school or to college.”
Simi Valley High School was selected among the nine entries for producing the best proposed Web design that met accessibility requirements, ease of use, the way it communicated information, and its visual appeal. The new pages are expected to provide valuable information about CTE opportunities, resources, and programs.
California Education Code Section 52499.66 requires the California Department of Education to select a CTE program to develop the Web site pages as part of a CTE course of study related to technology and Web site development. Simi Valley High School will work with the state agency’s CTE and technology services staffs that will provide guidance, content, and parameters for the Web pages that are expected to be housed on the Department’s Web site.
The proposed Web site is expected to enhance the Department’s existing CTE portal (http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/) by providing a one-stop shop for pupils, parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, administrators, business and industry, and professional and trade representatives seeking CTE information in California.
“This is a huge honor for us because it shows the expertise of our CTE teacher and the quality of work of our students in this career field,” said Simi Valley High School Principal Steve Pietrolungo upon receiving news of the winning selection. “Providing students with life and employability skills is just as important as providing academic skills.”
Simi Valley High School provides numerous career technical education opportunities for their students including auto technology, business education, computer sciences, industrial technology, and video production. Many of the courses are offered through a partnership with the Ventura County Office of Education’s Regional Occupational Program. The school also has an active career center, work experience program, and a strong partnership with California State University, Northridge for their metal technology program.
This is the latest development in efforts to enhance CTE in California. In October, O’Connell unveiled a new and comprehensive framework for CTE. In May, the University of California took action to clarify its policy regarding high school CTE courses that meet the University's "a-g" admission criteria. In March, the State Allocation Board approved for the first time, $198 million in Proposition 1D funds for the new construction or modernization of 174 CTE facilities projects throughout California.
For more information on the CTE Web Design Competition, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/gi/ab597lttr.asp.