Camarillo, CA - More than 30 high school students will show off newly acquired engineering skills in a Spaghetti Bridge Testing and Celebration, Wednesday, July 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the CSU Channel Islands (CI) campus.

The event is the culmination of a three-week summer academy that exposes Hueneme High School seniors to an intensive, pre-college engineering program on the CI campus. The academy, part of the Engineering Design Career Pathways (EDCP) program, is a collaborative effort of Hueneme High School, the Ventura County Regional P-16 Council, Ventura County Office of Education, Oxnard College and CSU Channel Islands. It is free to students and funded by grants.

The program aims to strengthen students’ skills in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and prepare them for higher education and careers in engineering, where demand and potential are high. Participants in the summer academy study a college-level physics curriculum, conduct vector and torque lab experiments, present results, build and test bridges, and take field trips to museums, universities and science-related sites. The activities help them gain critical engineering, problem-solving and communication skills they can apply in future studies and careers.

“I’d rather spend my summer here CONTINUED »

We have registration on August 1st & 2nd. We would love to have some parent volunteers to help out! We need help collecting paperwork, helping with photos and helping in the Student Store, Please let me know if and when you are interested in helping. You do not need to be able to stay the entire day. Just a couple of hours will help.

The high school office is closed until July 23rd, but if you are able to help, please email me at blemons@fillmore.k12.ca.us or call 524-6103 after the 23rd.

School starts on Thursday, August 15th!

Ventura College invites all middle school students (6-8th grade) to attend its Summer Career Camp from 9 a.m. to noon on July 22-25, 2013. The free camp offers five programs in the areas of Robotics; Drafting and Architecture; Environmental Science & Exploration; Criminal Justice; and Business Entrepreneurship. Learn about new technology in 2D and 3D drafting, design and build a robot, or learn to start your own business. Students can join a team of science explorers to sample soil, water, and plants, or study the criminal justice system. Nearly all programs offered will be taught on campus by Ventura College faculty. Supplies and food are included for registered students. To sign up, contact Celine Park, Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road, Ventura, CA, at tel. (805) 289-6058 or by email at vocedstudent@vcccd.edu.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 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 Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION School District Pupils (Education Code 35146)
o Consideration of Recommendation for Readmission of Students Who Have Completed Term of Expulsion Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Dr. Alan Nishino, Michael Johnson, C. Earl Davis, Todd Schieferle, Margaret Chidester) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration. Conference With Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation
o Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Subdivision (b)(1) and (b)(3)(E) of Government Code Section 54956.9: One Potential Case
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)].
Personnel Matters (Government Code 54957)
o Hiring, Evaluating, Discipline, Dismissal, Release, Reassignment, Transfers Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent (The Board and
Superintendent meet periodically to provide feedback to one another concerning
the achievement of goals.)

6:30 p.m.
E. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Any Action From Closed Session
F. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
G. COMMUNICATIONS
Superintendent’s Report
H. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONTINUED »

On Thursday, June 6, 2013 our Fillmore Middle School sixth, seventh and eighth grade students were recognized at the Academic Awards Night. One hundred and thirty-two Fillmore Middle School students received elegant gold Honor Roll certificates recognizing their dedication, commitment and responsible behavior toward their education. With all chairs filled in the middle school gym and resounding celebratory applause, Principal Gary Mayeda, Assistant Principal Bobbi Roderick and Guidance Counselor Norma Pérez-Sandford presented the awards and recognized each student in front of their proud parents, grandparents, siblings and family friends.

The Fillmore Middle School staff congratulates these very deserving Honor Roll students for their commitment and we celebrate their being at the top of their respective classes by finishing this school year with a 3.5 GPA and above for Quarters 1, 2 and 3 of this 2012-2013 school year. Many of these students were also recognized for being repeat Honor Roll students for three years in a row! A delicious dessert was shared by all at the end of the event.

Failure has a thousand excuses; success requires no explanation. Our FMS Honor Roll students are well on their way to a successful future as they continue with their high school and college careers. Congratulations, FMS students. There are no limits to where your hard work and commitment to learning can take you.

Norma Pérez-Sandford is a Guidance Counselor at Fillmore Middle School

Well, we made it, we managed to get through the last day of school and we have a whole two months off for summer (wait, didn’t that used to be three? Oh well, that’s another topic for another day …). So, we have a couple of months to relax, right? Um, no, not really. The kids have time off, and hopefully our hard working Band Director (Mr. Godfrey) and hard working Band Teacher (Mrs. Resor) have some time off, but as Band Boosters we are revving up for our next fundraiser, our biggest fundraiser (okay, so it’s EVERYONE’S biggest fundraiser too) – Fireworks! Yup, beginning in less than 2 weeks we will be selling thousands and thousands of dollars worth of fireworks. For an entire week. Yup, just us and 24 other service clubs and organizations in town will be out there trying to raise money – lots and lots of money – to fund our various endeavors (wouldn’t it be great if we just pooled all the money and divided it equally among all of the groups – you know, work together as a community to raise money? – again, a topic for anther day). Anyway, after fireworks, hopefully there will be some rest to be taken (for all of us). However, for a Band Booster (and I’m sure many other groups), we just step forward onto our next fundraising activity. We can choose from several – but the known ones are Pierpont Jam (and maybe salsa this year!) and Krispy Kreme donuts – yes, we shall be back with our Krispy Kremes at the football games this year!

Just to take step back, let CONTINUED »

Chuy Ortiz, the owner of El Pescador in Fillmore graciously donated not only his restaurant but also all the food and drinks for the Fillmore High TEAMS, (Training and Education for Adults with Moderate to Severe disabilities), inaugural class graduation. The TEAMS program is for students 18-22 with moderate to severe disabilities and is a community based program to help increase independence, life and social skills. With the start of the program 4 years ago this is the classes’ first year of graduates being, Leonardo Magana and Abel “Michael” Delgadillo. There is no formal graduation ceremony for the class and it was decided that they would have their ceremony at El Pescador, a constant supporter in the Fillmore community. With a total of 37 guests including the class, staff, and families of the graduates, Chuy was more than willing and excited to host this event. We would like to thank Chuy and the whole El Pescador team for their kindness, hospitality and continued support of the community and school. Without your support this event would not have been possible, Thank you. Karen Wiksell and the TEAMS program.

VENTURA, CA - In an effort to introduce students to the different facets of public works and nurture interest in civil engineering, Ventura County offers a student internship program with the ultimate goal of students transitioning into professional public works careers.

“For public works, we want to showcase to students what we do, types of jobs, skill set and educational requirements to interest them in pursuing careers such as civil engineering,” said Janice Turner, Director of Ventura County Public Works Agency’s (VCPWA) Central Services Department.

The County offers a paid student internship program, wherein VCPWA departments hire high school and college students who meet certain requirements and expose them to working in a professional environment. The goal is to place them into practical and meaningful project assignments where they can obtain real-world experience; different VCPWA departments will develop specific projects on which the students will work.

“We also outreach to high schools and CONTINUED »

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will hold its second Summer Climate Science Institute and Camp, which will bring together NASA scientists, climate science experts, local teachers and students for seven days of learning about climate change and the science behind it.

The Teacher Institute kicks off Monday, June 24. Eighteen science teachers from the Oxnard Union High School District, Ventura Unified School District, and Santa Paula High School will work with internationally renowned climate scientists and curriculum resource developers throughout the week to better understand climate change and how to incorporate NASA satellite data, research and curriculum in the classroom.

The Student Summer Camp will bring about 45 students to the CI campus Monday, July 1, and Tuesday, July 2, for climate science instruction and self-guided scientific inquiry.

The Summer Institute and CONTINUED »

On Thursday May 30, the FHS Concert Band participated in the Disney Youth Arts Recording Session Workshop. The students had the opportunity to record soundtrack music to various Disney movies and learned about the process of working in the studio setting as professional musicians. The conductor for the session was Sal Lozano, a well known studio musician and performer in the Los Angeles area. The band members only had a brief rehearsal before recording scenes from “The Emperor’s New Groove” and “Beauty and the Beast” as well as The Disney theme music. In the end, the band was provided with a DVD of the movie scenes with FHS providing the soundtrack. It was a great experience for the band members. The band has had a busy year with over fifteen performances at various events.

On Thursday, May 23, 2013, the first of the four FUSD elementary school science fairs was held at Sespe School. Students from kindergarten through fifth grade showed off their science knowledge in experiments, scientific models and displays. The students had to demonstrate their understanding of the scientific method and explain their project to the panel of judges including two teachers and the principal who questioned them during the judging. Said Cody Spore, first grade student, “My project was complicated, but it was also fun!” Each participant received a ribbon. In addition to individual student entries, there were a few class projects.

Mr. Bill Raymond, the science teacher at the four Fillmore/Piru elementary schools, is in charge of all the science fairs. Said Raymond, “It is crucial to encourage interest and curiosity in science at an early age.” The enthusiasm for science was high among students and parents at the science fair. Mr. Scott Carroll, Sespe School principal said, “The science fair is part of the emphasis in STEMs (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) education for our students in Fillmore. I was pleased with the number of participants and the quality of the projects”

Mountain Vista (May 30), San Cayetano (May 31) and Piru (June 5) will hold a science fair soon. If you want to see our local scholars in action, stop by the schools and our bright Fillmore students will demonstrate their understanding of science. Fillmore Middle School science teachers, Emily DuBois and Amy McKewon, substitute for Ashley McClain, held a science fair in their classes on Wednesday, May 22, 2013.

Congratulations to all the science fair participants and their parents!

Fillmore High School needs your help! – If you are interested in serving on the FHS School Site Council, please call or email Barbara Lemons at blemons@fillmore.k12.ca.us or 524-6103. Three parent/community members are selected by the parents. Ballots will be sent to parents in the 2013-2014 Registration Packet. Please contact Mrs. Lemons by Monday, June 3, 2013.

Dr. Greg Gillespie has been named the new President of Ventura College effective summer 2013 pending final contract negotiations. With over 19 years’ experience in the community college system, Dr. Gillespie has served as a faculty member, Director, Dean, and Vice President at four different community colleges ranging from rural to urban with direct experience in instruction, administrative services, and student services. Dr. Gillespie is presently Vice President for Instruction and Student Services at Yavapai College in Prescott, Arizona. He will replace the current President of Ventura College, Dr. Robin Calote, who is retiring June 30, 2013.

“I am pleased Dr. Gillespie will be joining us at the District and leading Ventura College,” commented Dr. Jamillah Moore, Chancellor, Ventura County Community College District. “He is a visionary leader with broad experience and has a unique understanding of the challenges facing students and faculty in the community college system of California. I am confident he will serve Ventura College employees and students well with his collaborative and communicative style.”

Dr. Gillespie grew up near Yakima, Washington, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy (Crop Science) from Washington State University and Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in the same discipline from North Dakota State University.

Los Olivos, California – May 16, 2013 – California High School Rodeo Association (CHSRA) District 7 today announced qualifiers for the 2013 Junior High School State Finals and 2013 High School State Finals. These annual events provide an opportunity for top performers from each of the nine CHSRA districts to compete at the state level. Top-performing participants at the California state finals qualify to participate in the National High School Finals Rodeo and the National Junior High Finals Rodeo this summer.

“The district’s top five rodeo athletes in each event qualify for state finals, so it’s quite an accomplishment to make the state finals team,” said Ed Hamer, District 7 adult board president. “We’re proud of the hard work and the time these young people have put into their sport, and we know they will do an outstanding job of representing our district in the state competitions.”

CHSRA Junior High State CONTINUED »

AZUSA, CA - Fillmore resident Jacob Zellmer graduated from Azusa Pacific University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies on Sat., May 4, 2013, and joined approximately 1,450 graduates at the spring commencement ceremonies.

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical, Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education. With 57 bachelor's degrees, 40 master's degrees, 10 credentials, 9 doctoral programs, and 14 certificates, the university offers its more than 10,000 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California.

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

As the Santa Clara River flows 100 miles towards the ocean, it passes through the Fillmore Unified School District’s School Farm property. This year the School District began a program for students to visit the river and learn about this important habitat and resource in the community. The goals of the program are to provide students opportunities to visit and learn about the Santa Clara River, to restore portions of the habitat along the river, and to ultimately increase awareness about the Santa Clara River in the community.

The Santa Clara River Program is funded by a grant from the Santa Clara River Trustee Council in partnership with US Fish and Wildlife Service and California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

This year a total of six teachers and their classes participated in the program: Raymond Barrera, from Piru elementary; Kelly Myers, Tonya Gonzalez and Janet Bergamo from Mountain Vista; Kirk Richter Fillmore High School; and Laura Todis from Sierra High School. Each participating teacher received training at a teacher workshop prior to their trip, and brought their class out to the river for an all-day trip.

On each trip students rotated through about 8 stations set up through out the river bottom. The stations were adjusted to the grade-level standards of the students, and all gave students “hands-on” learning opportunities. For example, at one station students looked through magnifying glasses to identify organisms living in the water. At another station student were taught how to use binoculars and field guides to identify birds. Another station gave students the opportunity to be “citizen scientists” and collect data about plants that was actually submitted to a national database.

Ms. Myers was impressed by how much her 3rd grade students gained from the trip. “It honestly was an amazing trip! I cannot believe all that I learned, let alone what the kids learned.”

Students were enthusiastic about what they learned. A second grade student in Mr. Barrera’s class was impressed with how many native species he learned about. “I learned about native birds, bugs, fish, red-tailed hawks, black phoebes, ravens, and salamanders. I also learned about Arroyo toads, Western pond turtles and Western toads.”

A student in Ms. Gonzalez’s third grade class remarked, “I loved learning about plants that Native Americans use. It was cool because some are medicine if you get sick.” Another student in Ms. Gonzalez’s class summed up his experience: “I learned a lot. The insects were magnificent, the plants were extravagant, and the birds were absolutely extraordinary.”

Ms. Myers was specifically excited about how the trips have changed the way her students are able to talk about science. “Their academic language developed going on this trip. For example, they aren't just saying “the river,” they know it is the “Santa Clara River bottom.” The students are using specific vocabulary instead of general. That is exciting, especially for our English language learners.”

Ms. Todis also noticed that the trips have changed the way her students are engaging with science. “These trips have made science relevant to students. For example, instead of just reading about water quality in the classroom, students have been able to collect water samples from the river and actually conduct lab tests in the field to find out about the pH, nutrient content and organisms that live in the water. Students can see that their results contribute to an important picture about the health of the river in their community.”

Also, Ms. Todis is excited about how the trips introduce students to professional biologists. “Working with Fish and Wildlife has exposed students to career opportunities related to science. Some students have been inspired to pursue related careers.” Next year some high school students will work more closely with the biologists as they help run stations at the field trips for younger groups.

Ultimately, one of the goals for this program is for the students who participate to spread their knowledge about how special the Santa Clara River is. Ms. Myers explains, “The best part is that it is our local river. Because it is right here in the community, many of my students have said that they have gone back there and showed their parents/siblings what they learned.” Ms. Myers experienced this within her own family. “My daughter is in my class, and she thoroughly loved the trip and has educated both my husband and 8th grade son. So funny!”

Next year, the program will be expanding to include at least 9 teachers. Each teacher will participate in one workshop in the fall and will bring their class to the river twice (once in the fall and once in the spring). Next year the program will include a few exciting new elements. For example, students will have an opportunity to participate in restoration of native habitat along the river.

Ms. Todis, who helps coordinate the Santa Clara River Program, is excited about the future of this program. “This program continues to take shape and expand. Fillmore students are lucky to have this opportunity and I look forward to helping more teachers bring their students out to the river next year!”

The front of Fillmore High School has a new look thanks to the talents and efforts of some of its students. Under the guidance of woodshop teacher Mr. Henry Beltran, a team of FHS students embarked on crafting a large version of the Flashes logo. A task that required several months.

Hugo Alberta, one of the students who helped design the newly installed FHS logo, said that he could not wait for his three-month-old nephew to be in high school. "I wanted him to tell his friends that his uncle had something to do with it."

When the logo was complete, it required the District's facilities department to install the logo in front of the main entrance to the campus. Watching his students gingerly remove the panel from a forklift for final placement, Mr. Beltran said that he could see the pride in the his students' eyes.

Fillmore Unified School District

Cancelled and Rescheduled Board Meeting Dates

Cancelled: May 7, 2013 - 6:30 p.m.
Rescheduled: May 14, 2013 – 6:30 p.m.

Cancelled: May 21, 2013 – 6:30 p.m.
Rescheduled: May 28, 2013 – 6:30 p.m.

Cancelled: June 4, 2013 - 6:30 p.m.
Rescheduled: June 11, 2013 - 6:30 p.m.

Cancelled: June 18, 2013 – 6:30 p.m.
Rescheduled: June 25, 2013 – 6:30 p.m.

Fillmore Fire
The District would like to thank the City of Fillmore and Ventura County Fire and Sheriff’s Departments for not only their courageous efforts in fighting the April 8/9 fire but also for keeping us up-to-date throughout the night. The health and safety of our students and staff is of paramount importance to us - the ongoing communication with our Fire and Sheriffs professionals provided us the information we needed to know we could safely hold school on April 9th.

Fillmore Middle School Roofing Update
We are pleased that the FMS Gym Roofing Project is progressing on schedule. The tear-off of the old roof took place during spring break and the installation of the new roof began the week of April 8th with a projected completion date of May 31st. We are also moving forward with the design for the roof replacement that will take place this summer of all the remaining buildings at FMS.

Rio Vista Elementary School Opening
The Superintendent and Governing Board are pleased to announce the opening of Rio Vista Elementary School for the 2013-14 school year. The timing of the opening of Rio Vista ES is opportune in that the District will begin the process of modernizing Sespe ES beginning in the 2013-14 school year as well. District administration presented information about the timeline and proposed elementary boundary modifications to the Governing Board at their April 16th meeting. We will continue to update the community as plans move forward.