Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

Mountain Vista School is proud to give back to the community during the holiday season. A food drive was sponsored by ASB and all classes had the opportunity to participate. All food collected will be donated to a family at Mountain Vista. Pictured are ASB members: President, Mishell Beylik; Vice President, Jasmine Ortiz; Sectetary, Ariana Schieferle; and Treasurer, Natalie Couse.

Mountain Vista ASB sponsored a can food drive this November and December to support the Fillmore Food Share. The school of 570 students collected over 750 cans. The 3rd grade contributed more cans than any other grade. The students fell short of their school-wide goal of 2014 cans, but they are proud that they were able to raise the 750 plus cans. ASB President Emma Myers stated, "It feels great to be able to help families for Christmas." "It was a fun to plan and organize for the can food drive, and It was a big success!" The Mountain Vista ASB is planning other activities for the New Year such as a Pajama Day, Earth Day, and they will help with the Walk-a-thon to raise money for field trips.

Fillmore First 5 Neighborhood for Learning Preschool Program is currently enrolling for 20 afternoon spaces available. Priority to children entering Kindergarten in August 2014 within the Fillmore Unified School District Bounderies. For more information please see Irma Magana at Sespe School Room #2 on Fridays between 11am and 3pm.

The Stuart Foundation recently announced it has approved a $100,000 grant to Ventura County Community College District to support the persistence and college completion of over 700 foster youth enrolled at Moorpark College, Oxnard College, Ventura College, and California State University, Channel Islands. “This grant will have a significant, positive impact on our foster youth students by making it possible for this at-risk population to stay in college and succeed in higher education,” commented Dr. Jamillah Moore, Chancellor, Ventura County Community College District. Board Chair, Art Hernández, added, “We are grateful to the Stuart Foundation for partnering with the District to invest in the future of foster youth in our community. The Board looks forward to accepting the grant funds at its public meeting in January.”

The Stuart Foundation is dedicated to the protection, education, and development of children and youth. The Foundation works toward ensuring that all children grow up in caring families, learn in vibrant and effective schools, and have opportunities to become productive members of their communities.

The Fillmore Flashes are Regional Champions and headed to Nationals. On Saturday, December 7th the Fillmore High School Cheerleading Competition Squad competed at the 2014 JAMZ National Cheerleading Championships at Magic Mountain. The Flashes received First Place in Showcheer and First Place in Sideline Performance Cheer, qualifying them to compete on February 21st for a National Title in Las Vegas, NV. They will compete against other High Schools from across the Nation for the chance of becoming National Champions.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2013
5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AND 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. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code §§ 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code § 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION School District Pupils (Education Code §§ 35146 and 48918)
o Reconsideration and Amendment CONTINUED »

Camarillo, CA - A new grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) will help CSU Channel Islands (CI) students study the effects of wildfire on the area’s ecosystem. The grant funds a collaborative research partnership between CI, UC Santa Barbara and University of Colorado Denver to systematically examine the impacts of wildfire on chaparral and watersheds.

Linda O’Hirok, a lecturer in CI’s Environmental Science & Resource Management program, is leading six students in the project this semester. A main focus of their investigation is Big Sycamore Canyon, which burned during the May 2013 Springs Fire that scorched 24,000 acres and threatened the CI campus. They’re comparing the resilience of the recently-burned landscape with three similar sites in the region: a tributary of Matilija Creek that burned during the July 1985 Wheeler Fire, a tributary of Malibu Creek that burned in 1993, and an unburned tributary in Wildwood Canyon.

“The growing danger of wildfires has increased our need to understand the way watersheds respond,” said O’Hirok. “By studying and measuring the post-fire runoff and erosion at four different sites in four different stages of recovery, we can piece together a compelling story of the short- and long-term effects of wildfire in chaparral environments. This could help us better predict dangers from erosion and flooding after wildfire and guide emergency planning.”

The research is funded CONTINUED »

Fillmore High School is now accepting orders for the 2013-2014 Yearbook. Yearbooks make great holiday gifts. You may purchase a yearbook for only $80 in the Student Store or online at www.jostensyearbook.com. Price will increase to $85 on January 7. Seniors, this is your chance to purchase a lifetime of memories. Don’t miss out -- order now.

Fillmore High School esta aceptado ordenes para libros anuales ‘Copa de Oro” para el ano escolar 2013-2014. Los libros anuales serian un buen regalo. Pueden comprar el libro por $80 en la tienda estudiantil or por el internet el www.jostensyearbook.com. El precio subira a $85 el 7 de enero. Alumno que van a graduar es su oportunidad de comprar recuerdos de toda la vida. No pierdan esta oportunidad.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2013
3:45 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
4:00 P.M. – SPECIAL MEETING – BOARD ROOM
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
3:45 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AND 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. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 3:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for closed session in accordance with Government Code §§ 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code § 35146. If the Board does not complete closed session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to closed session at the end of this special meeting.
E. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Superintendent Transition Labor/Negotiations (Government Code § 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Dr. Alan Nishino, Michael Johnson, Todd Schieferle, Margaret Chidester) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration Personnel Matters (Government Code § 54957)
o Hiring, Evaluating, Discipline, Dismissal, Release, Reassignment, Transfers
4:00 p.m.
F. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION Any Action From Closed Session
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)].
G. PRESENTATION OF PROPOSALS FOR SUPERINTENDENT TRANSITION
Members of the Board will receive presentation proposals for superintendent transition
from the following:
4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Cosca Group
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Dave Long & Associates
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Leadership Associates
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Ventura County Office of Education
NOTE: Times are subject to change and may vary based upon length of each presentation.
8:00 p.m.
H. FUTURE MEETINGS
December 17, 2013 5:00 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
January 7, 2014 5:00 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
January 21, 2014 5:00 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
I. BOARD CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING
8:15 p.m.
J. ADJOURNMENT

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2013
5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AND 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. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code §§ 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code § 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.
E. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION School District Pupils (Education Code § 35146)
1. Expulsion Case Number 13-14-04 Superintendent’s Transition Labor/Negotiations (Government Code § 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Dr. Alan Nishino, Michael Johnson, Todd Schieferle, Margaret Chidester) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration Personnel Matters (Government Code § 54957)
o Hiring, Evaluating, Discipline, Dismissal, Release, Reassignment, Transfers
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)].
Fillmore Unified School District Board Meeting
12.03.13 AGENDA
pg. 2
6:30 p.m.
F. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION Any Action From Closed Session
G. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
H. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS AND 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. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
I. PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION ON INITIAL PROPOSAL FOR BARGAINING OF FUSD and CSEA CHAPTER #421
1. Public Hearing on CONTINUED »

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the community to “Women in STEM: Broadening Perspectives and Breaking Barriers,” Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the John Spoor Broome Library, Room 1320, on the CI campus.

The free event features prominent female scientists, engineers and CI faculty in a two-panel discussion about working in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). The first hour-long panel will focus on career paths for STEM majors. The second will explore the unique barriers women face in STEM careers and ways to overcome them. The panelists include women from Amgen, Patagonia, the U.S. Navy, Skyworks Solutions, and the Society of Women Engineers. Speakers will share their experiences working in the STEM field, describe how they overcame challenges, and answer questions from the audience. The first panel is targeted to middle- and high-school girls; the second is intended for college students.

“Women in STEM” is sponsored by Project ASCENSIÓN, CI’s Sociology and Mathematics programs, and the School of Arts & Sciences. Refreshments will be served beginning at 3:45.

The focal point of Project ASCENCIÓN is a collaborative, fully productive and articulated program from K-12 through Oxnard College to a Baccalaureate degree to promote student interest and success in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and entry in STEM programs and careers. This project is aggressive, inter-segmental, multi-layered and comprehensive.

Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CI Vista Bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For more information, contact Jorge Garcia, Associate Professor of Mathematics, at 805-437-2769 or jorge.garcia@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) 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. CI’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. CI 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 about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

Camarillo, Calif., Nov. 26, 2013 – Four art students from CSU Channel Islands (CI) earned top awards for their interactive media and video work at the statewide CSU Media Arts Festival this month. The annual festival, held Nov. 9 at Cal State Fullerton, recognizes the best in film, video and interactive media work by students from all 23 CSU campuses. The CI student victories continue an impressive 11-year winning streak for the youngest campus in the CSU system.

CI students dominated the Interactive Media category – earning all three top spots. Eamon Stewart took home first place and a $500 Rosebud Award for his personal website, http://www.eamonstewart.com, which showcases his portfolio of work in film, animation and motion graphics. The Ventura native graduated last spring from the Art Program. He works at a branding company, is completing an animated short film, and is co-creator of “Waffle Party,” a weekly Web comic that he produces with friend, collaborator and fellow CI alumnus Erik Scoggan, at http://www.wafflepartycomic.com.

“Being an art major CONTINUED »

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) announced a $100,000 sponsorship by Union Bank representing a significant corporate sponsorship to the University. The contribution will be allocated to support student scholarships and to advance some of CI’s most urgent priorities.

“We are thankful to Union Bank for its generous support,” said CI President Richard R. Rush. “This sponsorship comes at a critical time for our campus and it will help us immeasurably in serving our students.”

Over the last four years, state funding for the CSU system has decreased by 33 percent. As a result, private and public partnerships and individual and corporate donations are essential in meeting the needs of CI’s growing student population. Union Bank’s contribution will be recognized throughout the year at various University events and initiatives.

“We are committed to CONTINUED »

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will observe World AIDS Day 2013 with a panel discussion and candlelight vigil on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

CLU’s Center for Equality and Justice will host an HIV-positive speakers panel from 2:15 to 3:55 p.m. in Room 101 of the Swenson Center for the Social and Behavioral Sciences. A candlelight vigil will be held from 4:15 to 4:45 p.m. on the Swenson Center patio.

World AIDS Day, which officially falls on Dec. 1, was first observed in 1988. It started with a call by health ministers from around the world for social tolerance and greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale.

The theme for this year’s observance is “Getting to zero ¬– HIV and adolescents.” To highlight the fact that people 10 to 24 years old continue to be vulnerable to HIV infection, the World Health Organization is launching new guidelines and a policy brief on HIV testing, counseling, treatment and care for adolescents living with HIV.

The Swenson Center is located at 141 Faculty St. on the Thousand Oaks campus.

CLU’s Center for Equality and Justice (CEJ), Wellness Programs and Office of Campus Ministry and the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County are sponsoring the free public events. For more information, contact the CEJ at 805-493-3694 or cej@callutheran.edu.

The Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Library at Ventura College will host a free scholar-led reading and discussion of the book, In the Country of Men, by Hisham Matar on November 13, 2013, at 5:30 p.m., as part of the “Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys” series. Throughout the series, participants will explore the histories, faith, and cultures of Muslims around the world and within the United States through informed conversations facilitated by a local scholar. The November 13 discussion is open to the community and will be led by Dr. Kathleen M. Moore, Chair of the Religious Studies Department, University of California Santa Barbara. The reading and discussion will take place in The Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Library, Learning Resources Center Building, Second Floor, Reading Room, Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, 93003.

“Let’s Talk About It: Muslim Journeys” is a project of National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) conducted in cooperation with the American Library Association (ALA), with support from the Carnegie Corporation of New York. Additional support for the arts and media components was provided by the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Arts. The Evelyn and Howard Boroughs Library at Ventura College is one of 125 libraries and state humanities councils nationwide to receive funding to host this five-part series that seeks to engage readers in some new and diverse perspectives on Muslim lives and cultures through selected texts and dynamic discussion. For additional information, please visit http://www.venturacollege.edu/departments/student_services/library or contact Ayanna Gaines, Associate Librarian, Ventura College, at tel. 805.289-6188 or by email at againes@vcccd.edu.

The Moorpark College Theatre Arts Department announces auditions for its upcoming spring 2014 production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Pirates of Penzance.” Preliminary dance auditions will be held on Monday, November 25, 2013, from 6-10 p.m. and preliminary musical auditions on November 26, from 6-10 p.m., with callbacks on November 27 from 6-10 p.m. Auditions will be held on the Moorpark College campus on the main stage of the Performing Arts Center. Anyone interested in auditioning should wear comfortable clothing, bring 32 bars of sheet music or a karaoke CD to sing, and be prepared to read from script. An accompanist will be present for the audition.

A favorite among both opera and Broadway lovers, “The Pirates of Penzance” (Pirates) is one of the best known and loved of the prolific repertory by Gilbert and Sullivan. Last seen on Broadway in 1981, Pirates ran for 787 performances and won both the Tony Award for Best Revival and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical. The reverence for "character," "duty," and "will" appealed to all, and the tongue-twisting "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" is suited to the quick oral delivery of the General, who attempts to display a refinement of manners and morals suited to his day.

“I love working with the Music and Dance programs for our big spring musicals,” said John Loprieno, Director and Theatre Arts Department Chair. “Our Choreographer, Beth Megill, and our Musical Director, Marilyn Anderson, are both accomplished professionals in their own right,” said Loprieno. “The students at Moorpark College are really in for a treat this spring!” Individuals who are cast in this play must register for the three-unit Theatre Production: Performance class.

“The Pirates of Penzance” will run March 13-30, 2014, with performances Thursdays–Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. in the main stage of Moorpark College located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark, CA 93021. Tickets may be purchased through the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center Box Office at (805) 378-1485 or online at www.moorparkcollege.edu/pac. For additional information regarding Moorpark College Theatre Arts Music and Dance programs, please contact John Loprieno at (805) 553-4692 or at jloprieno@vcccd.edu.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to “Together We Can Help Our Students,” a free presentation offered as part of the University’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Diversity Series. The presentation, which examines ways educators, parents, students and communities can promote STEM success among English language learners and underrepresented groups, will take place Thursday, Nov. 14, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Malibu Hall 100 on the CI campus. Please visit http://go.csuci.edu/stem to register. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

The event’s featured speaker is Catherine Martinez Berryhill, Ph.D., a native northern New Mexican educator with 32 years of experience teaching and managing all educational levels from preschool to doctoral studies. Berryhill has a lifelong interest in the math and science success of English language learners and students who are often underrepresented in post-secondary institutions. She has influenced math and science education across the region by working with college instructors, pre-K-12 teachers, and Los Alamos National Laboratory. Berryhill earned a B.S. in Secondary Education from New Mexico State University, an M.A. in Integrating Technology into Schools from University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction/Technology from New Mexico State University.

In addition to the public presentation on the 14th, the STEM Diversity Series also includes workshops for CI faculty and students – both aimed at fostering diversity and student achievement in the STEM disciplines. The series is sponsored by Project ACCESO, a Department of Education Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM (HSI-STEM) grant that seeks to increase CI’s ability to support students enrolled in STEM majors. The grant provides funding for tutoring, peer mentoring, and other student success services; summer and academic year paid research experiences for students; research and instructional infrastructure; and STEM outreach to the community. It also seeks to facilitate the transfer of STEM students from each of CI's regional community college partners. For more information, visit www.csuci.edu/projectacceso/.

Limited parking is available on campus with the purchase of a $6 daily permit; follow signs to the parking permit dispensers. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the CI Vista bus to the campus; the cash-only fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes, Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For more information, contact Dr. Lorna Profant, CI Biology Lecturer, at 805-437-8837 or lorna.profant@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) 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. CI’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. CI 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 about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

The Oxnard College Latino Thought Makers Series is pleased to present “An Evening With Alisa Valdes” on Saturday, November 16, 2013, at 7 p.m. in the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center Auditorium (OCPA) located at 4000 S. Rose Avenue in Oxnard, CA. Valdes, an author, film producer, and Emmy Award winning journalist, known for her bestselling novel, The Dirty Girls Social Club, will discuss her career and literary works with host Rick Najera, Director, Screenwriter, Actor, and Comedian. The evening begins with a reception in front of the OCPA at 5:30 p.m., followed by the main event at 7 p.m.

Sponsored by the Oxnard College Institute for Latino Performing Arts, this event will be the first in a series spotlighting influential Latinos in the fields of Performing Arts, Politics, and Social Issues. “Oxnard College is very excited about the premier event in the Latino Thought Makers Series and looks forward to bringing many more talented artists like Alisa Valdes to the Oxnard Community,” commented Ken Sherwood, Dean of Liberal Studies.

Admission is free for students, faculty, staff, and the community. Parking is $2.00. For more information, contact Connie Campos at tel. 805-986-5804 or by email at ccampos@vcccd.edu.

Fillmore Women’s Service Club made their presentation of their “Teacher Recognition Award” at the High School Faculty meeting Tuesday October 22, 2013 at Fillmore High School. This presentation was made by Jeanne Klittich, President; Mimi Burns, 1st Vice President; and Susan Banks, Youth Chairman, with pictures taken by member Sandy Butts. The presentation was made to all the high school teachers in recognition and appreciation for their outstanding dedication to education. With this award was a check to each of the teachers individually for $50. to be used for purchasing additional materials to enhance their curriculum.

This teacher recognition is only one of the many educational awards that the Fillmore Women’s Service Club does with the money they raise at their Fireworks Booth – Thanks to community support and the hard work of our members. This past year we were able to give 19 educational scholarships, plus 2 community scholarships for our graduating seniors, then an additional 3 adult scholarships for women returning to school.

The club meets at the Fillmore Senior Center on the second Wednesday of the month at 7pm. Please come join our fun group, or check out our web page or become a friend on Facebook.

Ido Kedar

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - A high school junior will share his experiences with severe nonverbal autism at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at California Lutheran University.

Ido Kedar, author of the 2012 book “Ido in Autismland: Climbing Out of Autism’s Silent Prison,” and Adrienne Johnson, an inclusion facilitator with Los Angeles Unified School District, will give a presentation on Kedar’s educational journey and his aspirations for higher education. The event will be held in Room 101 of the Swenson Center for the Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Kedar, who now communicates with an iPad speech-generating app, spent many years locked in silence and trapped in a remedial educational system because he couldn’t show the world how much he understood. First with a letter board and then with an iPad, he eventually found a way to communicate despite his impaired motor control. He is now an honors student in general education classes, a blogger and a frequent guest lecturer at universities and autism conferences.

In his book, Kedar chronicles his struggles to overcome his limitations and he challenges misconceptions that affect autism treatment. He advocates for the development of new theories and methods that will enable others with severe autism to show their true capacity for understanding and learning.

More people than ever before are being diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The Center for Disease Control estimates about one in 88 children has been identified with an ASD. It is unclear how much of the increase is due to a broader definition of ASD and better efforts in diagnosis.

People with autistic disorder, also called classic autism, usually have significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests.

Kedar’s book will be available for purchase and he will sign copies after the presentation.

The Swenson Center is located at 141 Faculty St. on the Thousand Oaks campus.

CLU and the Autism Society of Ventura County are sponsoring the free event. Limited care for children with disabilities and siblings will be available if requested in advance. RSVP by Nov. 15 to epena@callutheran.edu.