By Laura Garnica — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Fillmore high school has been very busy preparing for state testing and anticipating the annual prom this semester. Among the numerous other events that have taken place this month, we had the honor of hosting special guest speaker and comedian Ernie G. He has been featured on Comedy Central and is a renowned Hispanic performer. Ernie G gave a very uplifting and humorous presentation focusing on the importance of valuing the sacrifices parents make to give us the opportunity to be educated. He used personal anecdotes to relate to the kids, reaching out to "the little ghetto in all of us". Students left feeling positive about the upcoming state test, and with a sense of appreciation for our families. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, April 24th, 2013
Now a days cowboys are harder to find, you just need to know where to look. Luckily, on Tuesday April 9th, the kids from Sonshine Preschool in Fillmore were able to spend the day, "A Cowboy Day", out on a farm and meet some cowboys and get up close with some farms animals such as Cows, Pigs and some Turkeys. They all gathered at the Fillmore School Farm to watch demonstrations from real life, award winning cowboys Dustin Noblitt and Val Ericson. Dustin and Val rode their horses, Cam and Moonshine and showed the kids how to rope a steer, how to tack up a horse and even did some rope tricks. Stormy, the miniature horse was also in attendance and was grateful for all the petting he received from the kids. Thanks to Joanna VanWhy, the site director for Sonshine Preschool for setting up an amazing day! |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, April 23rd, 2013
Ventura County Grand Jury Report Released
The report is available on the grand jury website: http://portal.countyofventura.org/portal/page/portal/Grand_Jury/Reports/... |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, April 9th, 2013
Commitment to forest management and conservation makes CI one of approximately 150 institutions nationwide to earn the designation; campus to be formally honored at April 22 Earth Extravaganza event
Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) has been named a “Tree Campus USA” for the first time by the Arbor Day Foundation. The award honors CI for its commitment to forest management and conservation and makes it one of approximately 150 institutions nationwide and the first in the 23-campus CSU system to earn the designation. Tree Campus USA is a national program created in 2008 to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and for engaging staff and students in conservation goals. CI achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s five standards, which include maintaining a tree advisory committee, a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures toward trees, an Arbor Day observance, and student service-learning projects. “We are so honored to receive recognition from the Tree Campus USA program,” said Dave Chakraborty, Associate Vice President for Operations, Planning & Construction. “This is an accomplishment that represents just how far our young campus has come. Our Urban Forest Management Plan places sustainability as a top priority. This is vital to our campus' ongoing success, as it provides an ideal environment for research, education, and recreation among the CI community.” CI’s 1,200-acre campus CONTINUED » |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, April 2nd, 2013
Campus earns national recognition for exemplary community work
Camarillo, CA - For the fourth consecutive year, CSU Channel Islands (CI) has earned a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. The recognition is the highest national honor a university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service-learning and civic engagement. The Honor Roll is compiled annually by the Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal government agency that encourages volunteerism and public service, in collaboration with the U.S. Departments of Education and Housing and Urban Development, Campus Compact, and the American Council on Education. CI was one of 690 institutions earning the Honor Roll distinction in 2013. “We’re pleased to have the community service efforts of our students, staff, faculty and administrators recognized in such a meaningful way,” said President Richard R. Rush. “One of the most important things we can do as a university is educate students to understand that the best leaders are those who serve others.” Honorees are chosen CONTINUED » |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 27th, 2013
We are pleased to announce that the Fillmore USD Governing Board approved the roofing contract for the FMS Gymnasium to Craig’s Roofing Inc. at its March 19, 2013 Board Meeting. The project is scheduled to begin next Monday, April 1, 2013, and be completed by May 31, 2013. As with any construction project, there will be a certain amount of noise with the project and we ask for the community’s patience and understanding that it is a short-term project scheduled to be completed by the end of May. We selected April 1st as the starting date since it is Spring Break week and therefore all schools are closed – we want to accomplish as much of the tear-off of the old roof as possible during the first week to minimize the impact of the dust and noise. Although the Fillmore USD building projects are under the jurisdiction of the State of California and not the City of Fillmore, we work in close partnership with the City of Fillmore and will observe all guidelines of the local building ordinances regarding construction activity such as daily start and end times, noise level and dust mitigation, etc. Although we were able to consolidate various Capital Funds to cover the costs of the Gymnasium roofing project, these are one time funds. The State of California has drastically reduced capital funding to school districts and by consolidating the majority of our capital funds for a single large project this leaves us at risk of having to use the District’s General Fund should we experience other capital needs in the future. In fact, as stated previously, the District is pursuing borrowing Capital Funds to re-roof all the other buildings at FMS, which we are planning to do this summer. Although we will repay that loan through Capital Funds if they are available, the General Fund may need to be used in the repayment of the capital borrowing as well as any emergency projects if there are not sufficient Capital Funds available. We sincerely appreciate the FMS faculty, staff, administration, students and parents as they have worked cooperatively to make the best of a difficult situation. We are pleased that we are able to move forward with the Gymnasium roof replacement and plan for the roof replacement of the other buildings at FMS this summer. If there are any questions or concerns regarding this project please contact C. Earl Davis, Assistant Superintendent, Business Services at 805-524-6018 or at edavis@fillmore.k12.ca.us. |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 26th, 2013
“Organizing for Sustainable Change” gathers educators, students and the public
Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will host the Fifth Annual Conference for Social Justice in Education, Saturday, April 20, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Grand Salon. The annual event brings together Ventura County teachers and learners for a day of discussion, sharing, planning and action to promote equal opportunities for learning in our schools. The conference is free and open to the public. Teachers, students, parents, administrators, counselors, youth advocates, activists, paraprofessionals, and anyone in Ventura County who is concerned about issues of equity, access and accountability in public education are encouraged to attend. Free lunch is included. Participants should register in advance at http://education.csuci.edu/justice-conference/registration.htm. This year’s theme, “Organizing for Sustainable Change,” highlights the essential process of building a common agenda and creating opportunities for collaborative impact that are sustainable over time. The conference features keynote speaker Dr. Marcos Vargas, founding Executive Director of the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE) and nationally recognized expert on social justice, community activism and social learning. Afternoon sessions will focus on critical issues such as anti-bullying, special education, childcare, and creating sustainable change in classrooms, schools, and the community. During lunch, participants will hear from a panel of community leaders who have facilitated change in the county, in areas from housing to advocacy for indigenous people. “Organizing for Sustainable Change” is sponsored by CI’s School of Education, Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, the Provost’s Office, Extended University, Arts & Sciences, Center for Integrative Studies, and Instructionally Related Activities fund, along with the Ventura Unified School District and the Ventura County Social Justice Fund. Free on-campus parking is available. Once on campus, follow the directional signs to the designated parking lot. Free parking is also 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 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org. For more information, visit http://education.csuci.edu/justice-conference or contact Tina Torres at 805-437-8573 or tina.torres@csuci.edu. About California State University Channel Islands Together, we are solving the problems of today, preparing the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and contributing to the vitality of higher education. CSU Channel Islands – A Decade of Distinction |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 26th, 2013
Group funds bee habitat, suicide research, film fests
THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University faculty members have received $16,000 in grants for projects that include establishing a bee habitat, launching an international film festival and researching suicide treatment. The CLU Community Leaders Association awarded a total of eight grants to support faculty projects. Bryan Rasmussen, an assistant professor of English, received $2,000 to build a small-creatures sanctuary in the CLU SEEd (Sustainable Edible Education) Project Garden. Faculty and students will construct habitats and bring in bees to pollinate, worms to compost and ladybugs to control pests in the garden. Sheridan Wigginton, chair of department of languages and cultures, received $2,500 to hold the first CLU International Film Festival in 2013-2014. Inspired by the six-year success of the university’s French Film Festival, Wigginton will replace the annual event with one that also features Spanish, Chinese and German films. Jamie Bedics, director CONTINUED » |
By Anonymous — Monday, March 25th, 2013
THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The following local residents have graduated from California Lutheran University: Cristal Carrillo of Fillmore graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology in August. Diana Flores of Fillmore graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in August. CLU is a selective university located in Thousand Oaks, Calif., with centers in Oxnard, Woodland Hills and Santa Maria for graduate courses and its Adult Degree Evening Program. With an enrollment of 4,200 students, CLU offers undergraduate and graduate programs within the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Management and Graduate School of Education. Doctoral degrees in educational leadership, higher education leadership and clinical psychology are also offered. Members of the CLU student body come from across the nation and around the world and represent a diversity of faiths and cultures. For more information, visit callutheran.edu. |
By Anonymous — Monday, March 25th, 2013
Multicultural festival to feature concerts, games, rides, face painting, food trucks, dancing, and fun for students and families
Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites the public to Dolphinpalooza, a multicultural, family-friendly festival organized by CI students to unite the campus and community in a celebration of diversity. The event will take place Saturday, April 27, from 3 to 10 p.m. on the South Quad of the CI campus. Admission is free for CI students, staff, faculty and children under 5 and $10 for members of the public. Tickets can be purchased at the event or in advance online at http://spb.csuci.edu/dolphinpalooza. Dolphinpalooza is an annual festival organized by students for students and the community. This year, in honor of CI’s 10th anniversary, the Student Programming Board teamed up with the Instructionally Related Activities fund and the Provost’s office to create the biggest Dolphinpalooza yet, with a strong multicultural flair. The event will feature bands, DJs, dancing, games, rides, food trucks, face painting, balloon artists, character portraits, sumo wrestling, bungee jumping, chalk murals, an art gallery show, and much more. The lineup of live performers includes the Celtic rock band the Young Dubliners; the popular 1980s pop music tribute band the Spazmatics; Indie rockers the Bad Suns; DJ Relyt from Q104.7FM; CI’s new 11-piece ensemble, the University Orchestra; the Channel Islands All-Stars, an electric jazz group; the Rio Brasil Samba dancers and drummers; and the Ballet Folklorico de CI. Complimentary event parking is limited and only available in the designated “A” parking lots. Upon arriving at the campus, follow the directional signage to the event parking. Free parking is also available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot with bus service to and from the campus. In order to waive bus fares, riders should present their event registration confirmation when boarding the CI Vista bus; otherwise the cash-only bus fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org. Individuals needing disability accommodations for the event, should contact the Disability Resource Program at accommodations@csuci.edu or 805-437-3331, at least 14 days in advance. For more information, visit http://spb.csuci.edu/dolphinpalooza or contact Merissa Stith, Events Coordinator, at 805-437-8548 or merissa.stith@csuci.edu. About California State University Channel Islands Together, we are solving the problems of today, preparing the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and contributing to the vitality of higher education. CSU Channel Islands – A Decade of Distinction |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 19th, 2013
Event unites noted children’s author, aspiring young writers, children, teachers and families in a fun celebration of reading
Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) invites children and their families to the 8th Annual Children's Reading Celebration and 36th Annual Young Authors' Fair on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the John Spoor Broome Library on the CI campus. The free annual event brings together a celebrated children’s author with Ventura County children and their families for stories, writing workshops, music, crafts, and other fun activities that celebrate reading and writing. The program is sponsored by CI’s Broome Library, English Program and Mortar Board in conjunction with the Ventura County Reading Association (VCRA), the Target Foundation, and the Ventura County Office of Education. Headlining the event is Tina Nichols Coury, the Oxnard-based author of Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose: Growing Up on Mt. Rushmore. In her debut picture book, Coury brings to life the story of Lincoln Borglum, the boy who helped build Mt. Rushmore. Coury is an author, award-winning multi-media artist, blogger, vlogger, producer of book trailers, and all-around Renaissance woman. In character as "the Rushmore Kid," Coury visits schools across the U.S. to present her popular "Why I Love America" program, which promotes an understanding and appreciation of the essential qualities that make America great. Hanging Off Jefferson's Nose: Growing Up on Mt. Rushmore was named the California Eureka Silver Medal Honor Winner for 2012. Children will be able to meet the author and receive one free autographed book per family, while supplies last. This gift is funded by an early childhood literacy grant from the Target Foundation. The day also will feature hands-on participation in crafts and various activities. CI students in the English Program, as part of their service-learning component, will be reading aloud to children. Students in the CI Mortar Board National Honor Society will be hosting a story writing area and an open-mic session where children can share their creativity. Children will have the chance to read dozens of books written and illustrated for the Young Authors' Fair by K-12 students in Ventura County. If a child's school participates in the Ventura County Reading Association's Young Authors' Fair, then that child is eligible to write a book and have his or her teacher enter it to be displayed and read at the Celebration on April 13. New this year is a series of VCRA professional development workshops and activities for teachers, from 9 a.m. to noon. Teachers wishing to attend should RSVP to http://go.csuci.edu/vcra-teachers. The event is free and open to the public. Complimentary parking will be available on campus in specific lots. Once on campus, follow the directional signs to the designated parking lot. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Books will be limited to one per family while supplies last. To RSVP and for more information, visit http://library.csuci.edu/about/news/crc.htm, or contact Janet Pinkley at janet.pinkley@csuci.edu. For additional information about VCRA’s Young Authors’ Fair, visit http://www.vcrareading.org/young-authors-fair.htm. About California State University Channel Islands Together, we are solving the problems of today, preparing the leaders and innovators of tomorrow, and contributing to the vitality of higher education. CSU Channel Islands – A Decade of Distinction |
By Anonymous — Monday, March 18th, 2013
Week three of Totally Rad 2: Camp Bigfoot and going strong! Cast and crew are working hard to make this show fantastic. We have been working with director Josh Overton, assistant director Lisa Munoz and our dance instructor Hannah Faith. This show is going to be Totally Rad! So you should not miss out. Opening night is April 26, 2013. Other dates: April 27th, April 28th, May 3rd, May 5th, May 10th and May 11th. Hope to see you there! -Sincerely Kellyn Waterman of FHS Drama Pictures by: Marilyn Quintana |
By Anonymous — Monday, March 18th, 2013
AZUSA, CA - Fillmore, CA resident and Azusa Pacific University student Jacob A. Zellmer made the academic Deans' List at APU. Zellmer is honored for a fall semester 2012 academic standing of a 3.5 or better grade-point average. Zellmer is A Biblical Studies Major, who is joined by 1,698 other students receiving the same honor. Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical, Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles. With 52 undergraduate majors, 28 master's degree programs, 14 certificates, 10 credentials, and 9 doctoral programs, the university offers its nearly 10,000 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California. www.apu.edu On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Fillmore-Resident-Jacob-Zellmer-Makes-t.... |
(l-r) (back row) Laura Bartels, Attorney Coach; Viridiana Quintana, Defense Attorney, Pretrial Motion; Maria Ibarra, Dallas Decamp; Melissa Nunes, Toni De Luca; Justin Beach, Adrian Vega; Jacqueline Tovar, Defense Attorney; Catherine Alonso, Prosecution Attorney and Taylor Berard; Citlali Erazo, Prosecution Attorney; Maggie Carrillo, Clerk; Jessie Ponce, Bailiff; Nicholas Bartels Prosecution Attorney, Pretrial Motion; Jennifer Fitzpatrick, Teacher Coach; (front row) Hai Tran, Defense Attorney; Mario Gaspar, Defense Attorney; Misael Ponce, Aubrey Fox; Austin Manzano, Quinn Liu; Matthew Hammond, Officer Kelly Wright; Wesley Brecheen, Cameron Douglas; Jovanny Bravo, Prosecution Attorney; (not pictured) William Bartels Consulting Coach; Sara Beylik, Journalist; Haven Hernandez, Photographer; Michael Ford Attorney Coach; Nicholas Johnson, Courtroom Artist. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Monday, March 18th, 2013
Fillmore High School Mock Trial Team took the County teams by surprise. The new team consists of one senior, five juniors, seven sophomores and five freshmen. At the awards ceremony, junior Melissa Nunes won First Place for Witness Toni De Luca, senior Maggie Carrillo won Second Place as Court Clerk, and freshman Nico Bartels won the team’s Most Valuable Player award. Vickie Brown, the Ventura County Office of Education County Mock Trial coordinator, ended the ceremony with a special recognition of the team, which has not competed since 2007, with a hearty “Welcome Back, Fillmore!” The competition was trial by fire for the rookie Fillmore team. Three of the four teams Fillmore competed against went on to the finals: #2 finishers Trinity Pacific (Delta), #3 Newbury Park (Gold), and #7 Agoura. Fillmore held its own and improved its scores significantly from the beginning of the competition to the end, at which point the team’s scores matched those of other veteran teams. The Mock Trial program, sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation, is designed to introduce students to our legal system. Students prepare both the prosecution and defense sides of a fictional case. This year’s case, People v. Vega, involves felony hit-and-run. From research to role-playing, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the pertinent legal and factual issues. The students portrayed CONTINUED » |
By Anonymous — Monday, March 18th, 2013
Santa Barbara, CA - The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara will hold its annual spring Higher Education Week, a four-day event beginning on March 19. Representatives from universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher education will visit high school campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to meet with high school juniors and discuss postsecondary education opportunities. The visits include presentations followed by college fairs and breakout sessions on financial aid and college admissions. The first event will take place at Lompoc, Cabrillo, and Righetti High Schools on Tuesday, March 19. The EAOP program will move to San Marcos, Santa Barbara, and Dos Pueblos High Schools on Wednesday, March 20, and to Rio Mesa, Fillmore, and Santa Paula High Schools on Thursday, March 21. The event will conclude with visits to Channel Islands, Hueneme, and Pacifica High Schools on Friday, March 22. In all, more than 4,000 high school juniors will meet with representatives from the UC, Cal State, and Community College systems. A host of other private and public colleges and universities will be represented, including the University of New Mexico; the University of Massachusetts Lowell; the University of Arkansas; the University of Arizona; Oregon State University; Biola University; and High Point University, among others. Additional event participants include the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation; the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP); Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA); Santa Barbara Pathways; UCSB's Summer Research Mentorship Program; and representatives from various career technical education programs at participating regional community colleges. "Higher Education Week is our largest annual college-going initiative of the year," said EAOP Director Britt Ortiz. "By collaborating with participating high schools and other pre-college programs, we are able to maximize college and financial aid awareness for the juniors as they get ready for their senior year. In many cases, this will be the first college fair that numerous first-generation college-bound students are attending. This is a unique opportunity for high schools to host so many college reps, at their school sites, on one day, for so many high school juniors." UCSB EAOP seeks to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps to increase the number of students who have the opportunity to attain a postsecondary education. EAOP focuses on four key strategies - academic advising, college knowledge, academic enrichment, and entrance exam preparation - to help students reach college eligibility and participate in higher education. A variety of pre-college programs offered on an annual basis give students the opportunity to visit UCSB, tour campus labs, meet with faculty members, and conduct research or participate in other academic enrichment activities. Among the programs and services are annual transcript evaluation, academic advisement, academic achiever's receptions, study skills and testing strategies, college readiness seminars, and UC Success Night and college readiness academies. |
By Anonymous — Monday, March 18th, 2013
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AGENDA 6:30 p.m. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 13th, 2013
Friendship, unity, and respect for people with intellectual disabilities is present on the Fillmore HIgh School campus. Enlarge Photo The Fillmore High School Project Unify Club held a pledge signing drive on March 6 to "Spread the Word To End the Word". The word retard(ed) hurts millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends. Over 300 Fillmore High School students and staff took the pledge, "I pledge to and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities." Make your pledge at www.r-word.org. |
By Anonymous — Wednesday, March 13th, 2013
The Fillmore High School Drama program is very happy to inform you that rehearsals of Totally Rad 2: Camp Big Foot have started! This musical is full of some fantastic music of the 80's and has some totally rockin' dance numbers. There will be singing, dancing, love and even a mystery! Don't you dare miss out on a totally rad sequel! Opening night is April 26th 2013. Other dates include; April 27th, April 28th, May 3rd, May 5th, May 10th and closing night is May 11th. Hope too see you there rocking along! -Sincerely Kellyn Waterman of FHS Drama Club. Pictures by: Marilyn Quintana |
By Anonymous — Tuesday, March 5th, 2013
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Come and find out what Fillmore Unified School District is doing to help kindergarten students succeed in school! |