(And their parents)

Picture a world with peace without limits, without wars and battles, where people are able to respect each other and live peacefully together in spite of all of our differences. Here is the opportunity to use your artistic ability to show what it might be like.

Are you 12, 13 or 14? If so, here is your chance to be awarded $5,000 if you win the Lion’s Club International Poster Competition. The theme this year is PEACE WITHOUT LIMITS. If you attend Fillmore Middle School, contact Ms. Gonzalez (the art teacher) for the deadlines and rules. If you attend other middle schools, contact Lynn Edmonds at (805)514-9719. The first step to be qualified for the international award is to participate in the Fillmore Lion’s Club contest. The winner goes to the district level and that winner advances to the international level. Here is your chance to show your skill and to speak up for peace around the world. Be sure to submit your work to Ms. Gonzalez or Lynn Edmonds before or on November 5. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your artist skill.

PARENTS: This is an opportunity for your youth to show her/his artistic ability to show our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limit. Please contact the people indicated above for more information!

(And their parents)

Picture a world with peace without limits, without wars and battles, where people are able to respect each other and live peacefully together in spite of all of our differences. Here is the opportunity to use your artistic ability to show what it might be like.

Are you 12, 13 or 14? If so, here is your chance to be awarded $5,000 if you win the Lion’s Club International Poster Competition. The theme this year is PEACE WITHOUT LIMITS. If you attend Fillmore Middle School, contact Ms. Gonzalez (the art teacher) for the deadlines and rules. If you attend other middle schools, contact Lynn Edmonds at (805)514-9719. The first step to be qualified for the international award is to participate in the Fillmore Lion’s Club contest. The winner goes to the district level and that winner advances to the international level. Here is your chance to show your skill and to speak up for peace around the world. Be sure to submit your work to Ms. Gonzalez or Lynn Edmonds before or on November 5. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your artist skill.

PARENTS: This is an opportunity for your youth to show her/his artistic ability to show our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limit. Please contact the people indicated above for more information!

Camarillo, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2024) — Educators from the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) gathered for a pivotal Community of Practice event at Ventura College on September 17. This collaborative meeting, entitled “Designing Equitable Dual Enrollment Pathways through Partnership,” brought together professionals from both systems to expand dual enrollment pathways in high schools.

With a focus on identifying courses that best meet the needs of local high school students and families, the event underscored the shared commitment to increasing access to higher education for all Ventura County’s students. These college courses, many of which can be embedded into the school schedule and held on the high school campus, provide an invaluable opportunity for students to earn credits while staying in their familiar school environment, at low to no cost.

“The Dual Enrollment Community of Practice has been an invaluable opportunity for collaboration,” said Melissa Johnson, VCCCD Director of Dual Enrollment. “By bringing together educators from both systems, we are not only strengthening our current programs but also identifying meaningful ways to expand access to college courses for high school students. We still have work to do, but the conversations today create a strong foundation for the future.”

Dual enrollment courses offered on high school campuses are a unique opportunity for students to take college-level classes at no cost, seamlessly integrated into their regular school day. These classes provide students with the chance to earn both high school and college credits without leaving campus or adjusting their schedules. Even better, the credits earned through these courses can transfer directly to programs at the Community Colleges of Ventura County, giving students a head start on their college education while still in high school.

“VCOE is excited to build on the success of year one of our Community of Practice, creating sustainable opportunities for meaningful engagement with our VCCCD educational partners,” said Lisa Salas Brown, VCOE Associate Superintendent. “Year two’s first convening brought together more than 100 participants, fostering collaboration, asking important questions, and expanding opportunities for our students to access college courses and dual enrollment programs across the county.”

For students and parents interested in learning more about dual enrollment opportunities, including how to enroll in college courses offered on their campus, contact your school counselor or visit www.vcccd.edu/dual-enrollment.

About Ventura County Community College District

The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 116-campus California Community College system and serves approximately 30,000 students annually. The District's three colleges—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, visit vcccd.edu.

About Ventura County Office of Education

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is committed to expanding access to quality education for all. VCOE provides fiscal, training, and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities. VCOE offers an extensive calendar of professional development and educational courses and seminars at a state-of-the-art conference center in Camarillo. They also operate schools that serve educationally disadvantaged students, provide career education programs, and coordinate countywide academic competitions.

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Pictured right are Ms. Anabelle and Ms. Hope. Photo and article credit Brandy Hollis.
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I have said it once and I will say it again, San Cayetano is a special place. Not only is Mrs. Rocha, the reigning principal, absolutely fabulous but so is her support staff. This year Ms. Anabelle is teaming up with Ms. Hope to support the front office. This team makes a dynamic duo! Remember to thank them for always going the extra mile for our kids! I know we appreciate their hard work! It takes a village! Thank you, Ms. Anabelle and Ms. Hope!

What a fantastic first day back to school! San Cayetano classrooms were filled with smiles, excitement, and a lot of learning. We’re thrilled to see our students and staff kicking off the year with such positive energy. Looking forward to an amazing school year ahead! Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0RW-nGmMTkqyDBNpKNk5wovdBi1vH7LmREUy3FAFXv3fj9adsyoEM56VLiCWEwzzjzl&id=100038071162263.
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Rio Vista had a great two days of school! Our Roadrunners are eager to learn and we are so happy to start the year! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbi-d0fxy9nq425m3GYuTdckLqL84tHV7uUW5mMq9hzBATjGL2GrEtx5uhceTTQSrP8Zejl&id=100063829652014.
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Mountain Vista Elementary had a GREAT first day of the 2024-2025 school year! Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid026ZoGhT2RPkGwLbjDhYo-iDqhBEs7LHKvwMNALqvpz6LABko5PYqdhdwHG2wwv6jiZl&id=100063493185283.
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Welcome back, Piru students! We had an amazing first day back, full of energy, smiles, and excitement for the year ahead. Let’s make this year one of growth, learning, and success together. Here’s to all the great things we’ll achieve! Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02aqG6o8kDv5xgapcbWVmmb64KrKpo8pGhxcKLTGGyvcc55-FaoBFjBixmaFcib7TFal&id=100028875537193.
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On Wednesday, August 14, students from Fillmore and Piru began their 2024-2025 school year. Pictured below are students and staff from Fillmore’s San Cayetano, Mountain Vista, Rio Vista, and Piru Elementary enjoying their first day of school.

On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Fillmore Middle School announced Christopher Vasquez and Megan Hernandez as the new Assistant Principals for the 2024-2025 school year.
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Fillmore Middle School recently named Christopher Vasquez and Megan Hernandez as Assistant Principals for the 2024-2025 school year. Read both bios below:

August 8, 2024, Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/20...

Mr. Christopher Vasquez is pleased to join the Fillmore Middle School administrative team as an assistant principal commencing this 2024-25 school year. At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, Mr. Vasquez, an experienced educator and leader in the field of secondary education, began his time as an English Teacher and coach at Fillmore High School. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Mr. Vasquez has consistently demonstrated a commitment to student success as he quickly embraced the community of Fillmore.

Prior to his career in education, Mr. Vasquez spent thirteen years working as an emergency medical technician within the hospital setting. Mr. Vasquez brings a diverse skill set to his educational roles, stemming from his background as an Emergency Room Technician at Los Robles Hospital and UCLA Medical Center. His experience in emergency medicine has equipped him with invaluable skills in de-escalation, trauma management, and prioritization, which he seamlessly integrates into his educational practice.

Collaborative, creative, and caring are just a few words that one would use to describe Mr. Vasquez’ approach to working with diverse student populations. He began his career in the Moorpark Unified School District, where he worked as a seventh grade ELA and ELD teacher at Chaparral Middle School. After his time in Moorpark, Mr. Vasquez sought to expand his experience with the new challenges in working at the high school level. Mr. Vasquez took a position at Architecture Construction and Engineering Charter High School in 2015-16, where he honed his craft as one of two English Teachers on the campus. Having such a small department allowed Mr. Vasquez the opportunity to teach various courses; and over the course of six years, Mr. Vasquez helped to establish the International

Baccalaureate program where he taught: Language and Literature and coordinated the Service-Learning Projects IB career pathway students. Post the Covid pandemic, his professional journey took him to North Valley Military Institute, where, as an English/Social Studies Teacher and Dean of Students, he laid the foundation for Professional Learning Community (PLC) within the English Department and implemented restorative justice practices amongst high-risk students.

Educationally, Mr. Vasquez holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University, where he also earned his teaching credential in English. Throughout his career, Mr. Christopher Vasquez has exemplified a passion for student learning, a collaborative approach to team building, and a commitment to educational excellence. His multifaceted background in healthcare and education uniquely positions him to inspire and empower students and educators alike, and that is what he seeks to do as he begins a new chapter as an Assistant Principal at Fillmore Middle School.

***
Megan Hernandez

August 8, 2024, https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/20...

I am very excited to have the opportunity to return to Fillmore Unified School District for the 2024-2025 school year. My name is Megan Hernandez and I have been given the privilege of joining the Fillmore Middle School team as an Assistant Principal. I am a lifelong Ventura County resident and currently reside in Fillmore with my husband Eli and our two children Brynn (11) and Brock (6).

My husband and I are proud alumnus of Fillmore High where we met and attending school together. Our family loves to attend Fillmore Flashes football games during the fall season. Our family is also active in community activities. Brynn is a dedicated dancer at a local dance studio and Brock is beginning his athletic career by participating in Fillmore Little League.

I started my career in education as an Early Childhood Educator before becoming an Elementary Educator teaching grades 1st, 3rd,5th and 6th. I went on to become a Teacher on Special Assignment where I lead teachers of grades PK-3rd grade to develop and implement thematic units of study with as a part of the Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) model.

I have served as a Consulting Teacher overseeing the Induction program and have enjoyed on-boarding our next generation of educators. As a Special Populations Coordinator, I supported district level coordination of Multilingual Learner programs and services including identification, monitoring and reclassification. My most recent position was Elementary Assistant Principal where I supported two elementary sites within Oxnard School District. This opportunity provided me with a chance to return to a school site setting and directly support students and teachers.

I am looking forward to serving in my new role of Assistant Principal at Fillmore Middle School and rejoining the Fillmore Unified family. As an experienced educator, I am passionate about fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for our students. As a part of the Fillmore Middle School team, I am eager to work with students, staff and families to ensure that the upcoming school year is a great one. Go bulldogs!

Jenny Plugge, New Principal of Fillmore Middle School

https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/20...

On Tuesday, June 18, the FUSD Governing Board appointed Jenny Plugge as the Principal of Fillmore Middle School. Mrs. Plugge comes to Fillmore having served as a leader in a variety of diverse educational settings. Mrs. Plugge’s professional background includes experience in the business sector where she worked as a CPA for Deloitte & Touche in the Los Angeles office. She served as a manager for the firm where she gained extensive experience in staffing, recruiting, training, career development and human resources during her tenure with the firm. Through a non-profit educational opportunity Mrs. Plugge found her passion for education and began her career as a math teacher twenty years ago. Mrs. Plugge earned her Single Subject Math Credential and taught mathematics at both the Junior High and High School levels. After earning her Administrative Credential Mrs. Plugge has served in a variety of leadership positions including Dean of Students, Dean of Instruction, Assistant Principal, Business Director and Principal. Her responsibilities have spanned a depth of areas including oversight of all school operations, Title I compliance monitoring, master scheduling, staffing, site budgets, teacher evaluations, community relations, professional development, accreditation, supervision of personnel and oversight of alternative programs.

Mrs. Plugge served as a principal in the Bakersfield City School District where she led a school that was designated as a focus school with the objective to increase academic outcomes and positively impact the culture of the campus. She is most proud of the collaborative work done with the staff and community to break down cultural and socioeconomic barriers at a school that had been labeled as underperforming. Mrs. Plugge believes the collaboration amongst teachers, staff, parents and school leaders will lead to increased student outcomes and a positive school community.

Since June of 2022 Mrs. Plugge has been serving as an assistant principal after the need to relocate to Southern California following a promotion for her husband. She and her husband have been married for 24 years and have two college aged children. Mrs. Plugge’s daughter currently attends Sacramento State University where she plays collegiate volleyball and is a biology/pre-med major. Mrs. Plugge’s son currently attends the University of San Diego where he plays collegiate football and is an engineering major.

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Plugge to the district and know the versatility she has demonstrated throughout her career in diverse leadership positions will be an asset to Fillmore Middle School.

Viviana Magaña-Laureano, New Piru Elementary School Principal

https://www.blog.fillmo reusd.org/piru-elementary-condors-blog/2024/6/20/viviana-magaa-laureano-appointed-principal-of-piru-school

On Tuesday, June 18, the FUSD Governing Board appointed Viviana Magaña-Laureano as Principal of Piru School. Viviana is excited to return to her home district, and is grateful for the opportunity to lead an amazing team that will prepare our students for a lifetime of success! Mrs. Laureano grew up in Fillmore and is a proud graduate of Fillmore High School. Her parents instilled in her the values of education, hard work, and perseverance. Mrs. Laureano and her husband have three children, two of whom have also graduated from Fillmore High School and are currently continuing their education.

After graduating from Fillmore High School, she earned an Associate of Arts followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, and a Master of Education in Organizational Leadership. While pursuing an administrative credential, she earned a second Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership Specialization. Currently, Mrs. Laureano is a doctoral candidate pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership K-12.

She began her teaching career in the Fillmore Unified School District and then transitioned to the Santa Paula Unified School District. Mrs. Laureano has extensive teaching experience, which includes elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Her leadership journey began as Distance Learning and Saturday School Administrator for the Migrant Education Program with the Ventura County Office of Education. She then served as Assistant Principal for two years at the middle school level. Most recently, she was Assistant Principal at an elementary school where she co-directed the dual language immersion program.

Mrs. Laureano is committed to serving FUSD and supporting the students, families, teachers, staff, and community of Piru Elementary—a community that values a culture of developing high-performing students who are engaged and productive members of society.

Keith Derrick, Fillmore High Principal

Dear Fillmore High School Families and Community,

As we reflect on this past school year, Jim Collins’ words resonate: “Greatness is not a function of circumstance. Greatness, it turns out, is largely a matter of conscious choice, and discipline.” We want to thank our students for their discipline and making the choice to be great. This conscious choice has led to an incredible achievement for our school in being recognized as a California Distinguished School, the first school in our district’s history to receive this prestigious honor.

We also want to express our gratitude to you, our dedicated families and school community, for your support and encouragement throughout this journey. Your partnership has been invaluable in creating an environment where our students can thrive.

We want to thank our seniors for all their accomplishments:

$354,587 awarded at FHS Senior Scholarship Awards Night
California Scholarship Federation (CSF) – 36 students
State Seal of Biliteracy – 53 students
Golden State Seal Merit Diploma – 42 students
Valedictorians – 19 students
A-G Completion – 106 students (45% of graduating class)
Admitted to UCs – 27 students

Admitted to over 35 different Universities and Colleges
We want to thank our Guiding Coalition of teacher leaders for leading FHS in developing, refining, and implementing Flash Forward, as well as an array of initiatives and to our staff for embracing change. Their commitment to excellence has played a crucial role in our school’s success.

At the beginning of the school year, we encouraged our students to fully engage in all aspects of FHS life. We are grateful for their dedication and hard work as they pursued excellence in Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Activities, both inside and outside the classroom.

We look forward to sharing the coming school year with everyone and continue to help our students achieve their goals. As a California Distinguished School, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of education and providing our students with the tools they need to succeed.
Go Flashes!

Keith Derrick
Principal - Fillmore High School

Flor Rivas was a new student who transferred from a Las Vegas High School to live with her brother who suggested she move to Fillmore and finish high school at Fillmore High, where she was named Prom Queen, and will now attend UNLV to study nursing. She thanks Fillmore High for preparing her for the future.
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Posted at https://www.vcoe.org/news/Preview/true/ArticleID/10186
This story is part of a series of profiles the Ventura County Office of Education is presenting about graduating seniors in the Class of 2024.

It was her freshman year, and Flor Rivas was failing all of her classes at the large urban high school she attended in Las Vegas. The situation at home wasn’t good and she never imagined she’d earn her diploma. Then a lifeline came from her brother Elios, who suggested she come live with him and his family in the small Ventura County town of Fillmore.
“At first it was definitely scary. I went from a big school in Vegas to a small school where everyone knows each other,” she recalls. “But everyone was so welcoming and I loved it.” She said the faculty and staff at Fillmore High School made her feel right at home. “They’re very attentive and supportive. If you need help with anything, they go out of their way to reach out and I really needed that.”

With the school’s help and a lot of extra work that included summer school and online classes, Flor made up the missing credits she would need to graduate. “I honestly worked so hard. I was doing extra classes, coming in early and leaving later than everyone else. It was a struggle, but I’m good now, so it was worth it.”

Flor wasn’t surprised when Fillmore High School was named a California Distinguished School for the first time ever this year. She said, “It’s an amazing school with athletics, academics, and everything. They really deserve it.”
In addition to her remarkable academic turnaround, Flor threw herself into many of the other activities that the school had to offer. She became a cheerleader and signed up for drama class to explore her interest in theater. As a violin player, she wanted to continue developing her skills and realized that joining the school’s mariachi band was the perfect opportunity. “I always felt music was something I could escape reality with. When I would play my violin, I felt like no one was there, just me and my violin.” She capped off her high school experience in style after being selected as the queen of the senior prom.

This fall, Flor will become a first-generation college student as she heads to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas to study health and nursing. She’ll be pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse. “I’ve always loved helping people and feel it’s something beautiful. It’s perfect for me.”

As Flor prepares to head to college, she wants to thank her big brother and his wife for taking her in. “I know it was super hard raising a teenager and we would bump heads at times, but I’m very thankful for them. If it wasn’t for them, honestly, I wouldn’t be where I am right now.”

Elva Gonzalez Nares, Director Expanded Learning, Multilingual Learner & Quality Programs

Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-unified-school-district-blog/2...

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “Elva Gonzalez Nares is an experienced and dedicated educator with a career spanning 28 years. She will begin a new role as the Director of Expanded Learning, Multilingual Learners, and Quality Programs in the Fillmore Unified School District. Throughout her extensive career, Elva has demonstrated a deep commitment to enhancing educational experiences and outcomes for students.

Elva's career began in the classroom, where she spent 17 years teaching elementary school children in grades 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Her passion for education and student engagement led her to take on various roles beyond teaching. She has served as a principal, assistant principal, and English Language Development (ELD) teacher on special assignment. In these roles, she focused on maximizing student engagement and supporting English learners. Elva has also led professional development initiatives both at the district and site levels, emphasizing lesson modeling, data analysis, and identifying barriers to student achievement.

As a principal, Elva has been a champion of educational excellence, guiding her school towards academic success and fostering a positive, inclusive atmosphere for all students and staff. Her leadership has been instrumental in creating environments where students can thrive academically and personally.

Elva is a lifelong resident of Ventura County and is proud to be the parent of an adult son who is following in her footsteps to become a teacher. She is a first-generation college graduate and the first in her family to earn a master's degree, highlighting her dedication to education and personal growth.

Elva is honored to join the Fillmore Unified School District family and looks forward to impacting student outcomes positively in her new role. Her extensive experience and passion for education make her a valuable addition to the district's leadership team.”