U.S. News & World Report has ranked CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) 21st in their Top Public Schools Regional Universities West division.

U.S. News & World Report is a digital news and information company that ranks the nation’s colleges and universities each year in their 2019 Best Colleges report, using data from more than 1,800 schools across the country.

With an eye on academic excellence, the Best Colleges rankings evaluate schools on hundreds of data points using up to 16 measures of academic quality. This year U.S. News updated the Best Colleges methodology to further emphasize student outcomes, which hold the most weight at 35 percent – up from 30 percent last year.

With this update, U.S. News is measuring how well schools support low-income students through graduation, which is a priority on the CSUCI campus.

“Along with the academic excellence we’ve achieved at CSU Channel Islands, I’m pleased that U.S. News & World Report is now capturing social mobility,” said CSUCI President Erika D. Beck, Ph.D. “We are very proud of the fact that we transform lives and entire families with our academic programs and the wealth of support resources we have here on campus, especially for those students who may be the first in their family to attend college. This kind of national recognition is a great reminder of the value we carry for Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.”

U.S. News analyzed how well schools succeed at enrolling and graduating students from low income families by measuring 1) graduation rates of students who receive federal Pell Grants, and 2) the differences in graduation rates of Pell Grant students versus non-Pell Grant recipients.

Some of the other 16 factors measured included first-year student retention, graduation rates and the strength of the faculty.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channels Islands is reimagining higher education for a new generation and era. We are an innovative higher education institution that enables students to succeed and thrive, serves as an engine for social and economic vitality and provides the intellectual resources necessary for a thriving democracy. With more than 7,000 students, 1,200 employees and 16,000 alumni, CSUCI is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Our strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Connect with and learn more by visiting CSUCI’s Social Media.

Submitted by Sierra High School Interim Principal Katrina Tafoya.

Arnulfo Garibay Barragan, a senior at Sierra High School. He plans to return to FHS in January to graduate with his class. Arnulfo hopes to participate in a sport second semester while attending Fillmore High. After graduation, he would like to attend Ventura College and find a job. When asked what he will miss most about Sierra High he stated, “I will miss my classmates”. Arnulfo’s favor ite thing about Sierra High School is the teachers. He said he is thankful for the way they treat him and care about his success.

Ventura College Student Services Departments to inform students and parents on resources available for AB 540 students

Ventura College will host Dreamers Set Your Course, a series of free and safe events for the community to learn about resources available for undocumented students. These events will take place at Santa Paula High School on Sept. 13, Ventura High School on Sept. 20 and Fillmore High School on Sept. 26. Topics to be discussed include the Ventura College admissions process, financial aid information, support services for students, and community resources available for undocumented students. The events are free and open to the public.

Ventura College continues to stand with the Chancellor’s Office in aiming to reassure students that our campuses will remain safe, welcoming places for students of all backgrounds to learn and we are happy to provide this forum educating Dreamers on Ventura College resources.

The events will be hosted at local high schools to encourage students from K-12 to attend college. It is important to remind the community that higher education is possible and of the valuable resources available to make the dream of higher education a reality.

Thursday, September 13, 2018 - Santa Paula High School Cafeteria - 6:00—8:00pm
Thursday, September 20, 2018 - Ventura High School Cafeteria - 6:30—8:30pm
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 - Fillmore High School Library - 6:00—8:00pm

ALL ARE WELCOME. For more information please visit: venturacollege.edu/dreamers or if you have any questions, please contact Wendolyne Lopez, Financial Aid Specialist/ AB540 Liaison at Wendolyne_lopez1@vcccd.edu or (805) 289-6574 or Joseph Cordero, Student Outreach Specialist at Joseph_cordero2@vcccd.edu or 805 289-6584.

A program designed to provide real-world work experience to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students has received a total of $104,900 worth of grants from four different organizations.

The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) received $62,500 from Southern California Gas; $22,400 from the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet); $10,000 from the Gene Haas Foundation; and $10,000 from the Bank of America.

“They’re all donors who have been engaged from the beginning, so they have seen the value of this program,” said Director of Career Development & Alumni Engagement Amanda Carpenter, Ed.D.

The program was started in 2003 by a longtime friend of the University and national labor icon, Henry “Hank” Lacayo, who passed away in 2017. Lacayo was advisor to U.S. Presidents and other government officials, always with a keen interest in advancing education and work experience for students.

In 2012, the HLI merged with the Career Development Services to streamline the process of connecting students with internships.

HLI pairs student interests and skills with businesses and nonprofit organizations in the area, crafting the internship so that it addresses the goals of the employer, and gives the intern a rich learning experience.

Since HLI began, 350 students have been placed in more than 200 organizations throughout the area, with 74 percent of the alumni interns reporting employment within their field of study after graduation. Many reported converting from intern to full-time hire.

For alumni like Ramon Chavez, the HLI not only helped him with his career, it helped transform him from a young man making poor choices into a CSUCI graduate preparing to accept his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in spring of 2019.

“The career center really helped me with my resume and the career process and how to carry myself in a professional setting,” he said. “I was so used to one lifestyle.”

Chavez, now 38, admits making poor choices while growing up in Fillmore.

“I’m actually a product of my environment, which had gangs and drugs,” Chavez said. “I would see the same people on the same block in the same neighborhood doing the same thing. I didn’t want to get trapped.”

Drugs and gang activity eventually landed Chavez in prison for a year, when he had a lot of time to think about his life, and how he needed to turn it around. After he was released, Chavez studied at Ventura College, then transferred to CSUCI in 2013 with a major in Sociology. His goal was to help other low income, at-risk youth with issues of substance abuse and gang activity. He had lived it and wanted to prevent others from experiencing what he did.

Chavez applied for HLI and was able to get employment inside his discipline, Sociology, and no longer have to work full-time for minimum wage outside of his career path.

HLI paired Chavez with Straight Up Ventura County, a youth development project designed to prevent underage drinking, drug and marijuana use, and other destructive behaviors.

Chavez loved it, and with the confidence and knowledge he gained from his HLI experience, he went on to apply for the Master of Social Work program at the University of Southern California, where he is set to graduate in spring of 2019.

“At first I thought ‘“Wow! USC. Is it possible for me to be a Trojan?’” Chavez said.

The grants the HLI received will go directly to fund student stipends, Carpenter said.

“A lot of our nonprofits in the region don’t have the funds to provide stipends for interns but have an increasing amount of work that needs to be accomplished,” Carpenter said. “This provides the nonprofits an opportunity to get our student talent without having the financial investment piece.”

Carpenter was happy to report that the HLI welcomes 35 juniors and seniors this fall, its largest cohort ever.

“The future of HLI relies on partnerships between private industry and public education. A contribution will make a difference in a student’s life and the quality of our local workforce,” Carpenter said.

To learn more visit: go.csuci.edu/hli. Tax deductible gifts can be made at: www.csuci.edu/impact.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channels Islands is reimagining higher education for a new generation and era. We are an innovative higher education institution that enables students to succeed and thrive, serves as an engine for social and economic vitality and provides the intellectual resources necessary for a thriving democracy. With more than 7,000 students, 1,200 employees and 16,000 alumni, CSUCI is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Our strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Connect with and learn more by visiting CSUCI’s Social Media.

Submitted by FHS Staff

The following inductees will be recognized at the 2018 Fillmore High School Back to School Night in August as the second induction class of the Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame. We are currently accepting nominations for the next class of inductees.

1. Andy Barker – Class of 1979, Senior Vice President of Albertson, Von’s, Pavillons, Southern Cal Special Olympics 2018 Rafer Johnson Award.

2. Kevin Gross – Class of 1979, Pitched 14 years in the Major Leagues, Pitched a no hitter.

3. Janice Schieferle – Class of 1966, BA CSUN, MA California Lutheran University, 31 years at FHS, Volunteered 45 years in FUSD.

4. Homero Magana – Class of 1999, BA UC Berkeley, MA CSU San Diego, MA CSUN, Recognized by Michelle Obama at the 2014 College Opportunity Day of Action, spoke at the White House.

5. Bill Wilson– Class of 1960, BA Stanford, MBA UCLA, President of Bank of America (Canada), Created Bill Wilson Charitable Foundation.

6. Mary Lou Dunlop – Class of 1955, BA St. Mary’s College, Deputy Chief Warden for Department of Corrections, 2003 Distinguished Service Award from the Secretary of State.

Fillmore High School is currently accepting nominations for the Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame (FHSACHOF). To nominate an individual, please email the following information to Barbara Lemons at blemons@fillmoreusd.org.

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Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Mission: The Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame is to recognize those who have demonstrated significant accomplishments based upon academic excellence & achievement, career accomplishments, community service, personal excellence & dedication to lifelong learning.

Nominees will be recognized for a high level of achievement in a combination of: academic endeavors, career excellence & service to community.

The nominee should also exemplify personal commitment to: good character, scholarship, leadership, service within his/her field of expertise.

Nominees must have graduated from Fillmore High School, be at least 30 years of age and in good standing with the Fillmore Unified School District.

Submitted by:
Name:
Phone:
Email:
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Nominee Name:
Phone:
Email:
Fillmore High School Graduation Year:
List Accomplishments (Awards, Honors, Extracurricular Activities) Educational Accomplishments (College, Graduation Year, Degree, Awards, Extracurricular):
Employment History & Accomplishments (Awards & Honors) Professional Awards, Honors & Achievements, Community Service / Philanthropy/ Military Service (Years of Active Duty, Awards):
Nomination deadline is November 28th, 2018
Hall of Fame Inductees will be recognized at Back to School Night in 2019
Nominators Signature:
Date:

Send the completed form to: Barbara Lemons at Fillmore High School, 555 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015

Submitted by Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal

Advance Placement Exams
# Students Tested - 2014 (144); 2017 (254)
# Exams Taken - 2014 (247); 2017 (416)
Drop Out Rate - 2014 (8%); 2017 (0.5%)
Graduation Rate - 2014 (86%); 2017 (99.95%)
Enrollment - 2015 (940); 2017 (1080)
CELDT - 2014 (157); 2017 (70)
Suspension - 2014 (161); 2017 (35)
A-G - 2014 (15%); 2017 (46.6%); 2018 (+50%) estimated
Seal of Biliteracy - 2013 (13); 2018 (34)
Golden State Merit Diploma - 2013 (38); 2018 (51)
Valedictorians - 2013 (12); 2018 (19)

The above data shows the dramatic positive changes that have occurred over the recent years at Fillmore High School.
A big change has been in the numbers of students that have been suspended each year. With the lower number of suspensions comes a positive school climate where students feel free to learn in a safe environment. Students also rush to class, eager to learn each period and tardies are virtually non-existent. There has also been a noticeable rise in kindness and respect among staff and students.

Academic achievement data has, in many cases, increased three-fold. More students are challenging themselves in preparation for college. There has been an astronomical increase in students taking Advance Placement courses to the point where Fillmore High School ranks in the top 7% of schools in the nation. Another noteworthy statistic is the A-G rate (students eligible to attend a UC/CSU) which has tripled in a very short time. Fillmore High School is one of the leading schools in Ventura County in the A-G rate. Other areas that indicate an extreme swing of the proverbial pendulum are the number of students earning a Seal of Biliteracy, Golden State Merit Diploma and Valedictorians honors.

The final data sets are indicators that Fillmore High School believes in education for all and not just the elite students. The number of English Language Learner testing on the CELDT Exam has dropped each year meaning that students are becoming proficient in English at a very rapid rate. Almost all the students at Fillmore High School are graduating and very few are dropping out compared to five years ago. With the one of the highest graduation rates in the state, the message is clear that every student matters.

These statistics together point to the most telling number- increased enrollment. Students are not leaving Fillmore for other high schools as in the past. We are retaining our students and that includes the best and brightest. These top students are the ones that have earned high honors in the classroom and on the field of competition. To that end, consider an A-G of +50% and four CIF Titles in 2 years.

Go Flashes!

Hannah Bartels being presented the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship by PEO Chapter GY Project Chair, Pat Morris.
Enlarge Photo

Submitted by Pat Morris.

The prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year was presented to Hannah Bartels, a senior at La Reina High School. Hannah is the daughter of Bill and Laura Bartels of Fillmore and she has been accepted and will attend Tulane University where she plans to study Architecture. Hannah was recommended for this scholarship by the local Fillmore P.E.O. Chapter GY. The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for future success. The program is open to young women who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or Canada and who are graduating high school seniors at the time of application. A student must be recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter. Over two thousand young women applied and approximately 700 were chosen.

In addition, Pat Morris of P.E.O. Chapter GY, presented Hannah with Chapter GY $1000 award. This is awarded yearly to a graduating senior in the Fillmore-Piru area.

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has 26 majors, 26 minors, a top-notch faculty, small class sizes…and great waves.

CSUCI was just ranked 6th among the Top 10 Colleges for Surfers across the nation by College Magazine, a national college guide and quarterly magazine edited by students. The recognition comes as the University’s Surf Club competes in the 2018 National Scholastic Surfing Association National Interscholastic Championships June 15-18.

Surf Club President Claire Loughlin said her hopes are high that the team will do well again this year as the University boasts one of the most successful National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) teams in the nation.

“It started with Austin (Finley) and Chase (Stavron),” Loughlin said. “Austin won the state championship in 2016 and in that same contest, Chase ended up placing fourth overall. This year, our longboarder, Tomas Germann, has placed in the finals every single contest.”

Both Class of 2016 graduates, Finley, an Art major, took the College Men's NSSA State Championship title and Stavron, a Communication major, got fourth place in the Longboard division. Finley and Stavron competed against 180 other surfers during the March 2016 competition in San Onofre, California.

“Hidden among the 7,000 students at CSU Channel Islands, you’ll find some amazingly talented surfers,” read the article in College Magazine. “In Camarillo, between Rincon and Malibu, CSU Channel Islands students catch some major waves.”

The coastline along Ventura and Santa Barbara County is unique among surf destinations because of the different types of waves you can get on any given day, Loughlin said.

“We have such a variety of different breaks,” Loughlin said. “We can get a point break at Rincon, a beach break at Pacific Coast Highway in Oxnard, and if I want a reef break, I can paddle out to Emma Wood (State Beach),” she said.

A “break” describes the obstruction or geographic feature where the waves break. A “point,” such as the Rincon surf area, is a geographic outcropping that can create a long wave.

Surf Club member and 2018 Business graduate Eddie Ellis said the great surfing was one of the reasons he chose CSUCI.

“I pretty much scheduled my classes around good times to surf,” he said. “I tried not to schedule class right before dark because that’s when the wind subsides and it’s a great time to get out there.”

The camaraderie among those in the CSUCI Surf Club is also a bonus for members and they’re always welcoming new surfers.

“We have about 26 to 30 members in the club and 16 on the team,” Loughlin said. “We’ve had it grow so much especially among females. Three of our guys are graduating so we’re hoping to get some other students to join.”

CSUCI President Erika D. Beck said the thumbs up from the national surf community is a nice complement to the University’s superb academic programs.

“As a surf enthusiast and beach lover myself, the location of the campus is one more reason it’s such a gem in the Ventura/Santa Barbara area,” Beck said. “Along with getting 21st century job skills, it’s nice to know students can also catch some awesome waves.”

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CSUCI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CSUCI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CSUCI’s Social Media.

Fillmore High School has once again qualified for the Washington Post America’s Most Challenging Schools. In 2017, Fillmore High School ranked in the top 8% of schools in the nation. Schools were selected based on the number of students taking advanced courses. The college going culture at Fillmore High School has continued to inspire students to aim high.