|
By Anonymous — Monday, January 23rd, 2012
 Buenaventura Art Association announces their 5th annual scholarship competition titled “The Buenaventura Art Association Emerging Artist Cup.” This competition is open to students attending college or university in Ventura County. Over $3,500 in scholarships will be awarded as well as 10 non-cash awards. All winners will also receive a free one year membership in the Buenaventura Art Association with exhibit opportunities throughout the year. The competition runs from March 7 – April 2 with an opening reception/awards ceremony on Friday, March 9 from 5 – 8 pm at The Harbor Village Gallery in the Ventura Harbor Village. Students are requested to bring their work to the Harbor Village Gallery on Sunday, March 4 from 3 – 6 pm; Monday, March 5; or Tuesday March 6 from 11 am to 2 pm. Entry forms are available at either the Buenaventura Gallery, The Harbor Village Gallery or online at www.HarborVillageGallery.com. The juror for the competition is Bob Privitt, Professor Emeritus from Pepperdine University. Privitt was a Professor of Fine Arts at Pepperdine University from 1979 to 2002 and director of the Pepperdine University Art Gallery. He’s in public collections at the University of Tulsa, Indiana University, Oklahoma Art Center, Pepperdine University and more. He’s won numerous awards in national competitions and has been a scholar-in-residence for the Borchard Foundation in Brittany, France. He’s featured in The California Art Review and Sculpture: Technique, Form, Content. The funds for the competition were a direct result of Buenaventura Art Association’s scholarship fundraising efforts. The Harbor Village Gallery is located at 1591 Spinnaker Dr , Suite 117C, Ventura, California, Phone: (805) 644 – 2750. Hours: 12 – 5, closed Tuesday. For more information: www.HarborVillageGallery.com. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 18th, 2012
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Conjunto Zacamandu (music from Veracruz- son jarocho) and Rey Fresco (rock, reggae, soul, world, and Latin music) in concert this Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Fillmore Middle School Gym. The Rico and Mambo Morning Show will make a special appearance. The doors will open at 12:30 pm. Tickets are only $12 per person, and can be purchased from the high school band students, at the door, or by calling Jennie at 524-5632 or 415-2119 or Lisa at 524-1697. The Fillmore Band Boosters are grateful that these fine musicians and radio hosts are donating their time to raise funds for the band students in the entire district! Thank you to the community for your continued support. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, January 16th, 2012
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AGENDA 6:30 p.m. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, January 16th, 2012
Dr. Cindy Wyels earns the Mathematical Association of America's highest teaching honor
Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) Professor Dr. Cynthia Wyels has earned one of the nation’s top honors for a math professor. Wyels recently accepted the Mathematical Association of America’s Deborah and Franklin Tepper Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching of Mathematics while in Boston. The award is given each year to three college or university teachers who have been widely recognized as extraordinarily successful and whose teaching effectiveness has had influence beyond their own institutions. Winners receive $1,000 and a certificate of recognition from the MAA. “I’m stunned and honored,” Wyels said. “It’s provided a wonderful opportunity to look back on my career and recognize how fortunate I’ve been to work with the people I’ve worked with and have had the students I’ve had.” Wyels, a CI faculty member since 2005, is director of the graduate mathematics program and an avid promoter of undergraduate research opportunities for underrepresented students. Through her summer undergraduate research programs, she has mentored and encouraged 67 students – more than half of them minorities – to pursue higher education and careers in mathematics. Wyels has also earned a reputation for transforming unsuspecting students into mathematicians. Michael Nava, a first-generation college student, planned to become a high school teacher before he met Wyels in 2007. Today, he is a Ph.D. candidate in UCSB’s Applied Probability and Statistics department. “Dr. Wyels changed my career outlook and opened the door of opportunity for me,” Nava said. “She made CI a home for me which was at first a strange and foreign place for a first-generation college student. Her guidance gave me the confidence and abilities to apply and compete in graduate school.” Wyels developed her appreciation for math as an undergraduate at Pomona College, after realizing that “the challenge of mathematics made the payoff greater.” She then embraced the challenge of getting others to love – or at least not fear – math. After earning her Ph.D. from UCSB, she held positions at the United States Military Academy and Weber State University before spending nine years at California Lutheran University. Her interest in broadening access to higher education led her to CSU Channel Islands in 2005. Over the years, she has focused increased efforts on supporting students from low-income, first-generation and historically underrepresented groups. Wyels was asked to speak at the MAA awards ceremony about the importance of undergraduate research opportunities. She told the group that more educators need to focus additional research efforts on the “overlooked” students. “My message is give the other kids the opportunity – the kids who are in the back of the class, who may be first-generation college students, non-native English speakers or community college transfers,” Wyels said. “If you look beyond the ones you traditionally invite to do research, you’ll find students with a lot of potential. You’ll provide them with life-changing opportunities they wouldn’t have dreamed of, but that they’re definitely capable of.” For more information on the MAA’s Haimo Award, visit http://maa.org/news/jmm2012awards/haimo.html#Wyels. For additional information contact Dr. Wyels at 805-437-3260 or cynthia.wyels@csuci.edu. About California State University Channel Islands |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, January 9th, 2012
Ages 12-25 invited to submit videos about the making a difference and creating positive community change
VENTURA, CA - Youth advocacy group Straight Up Ventura County has announced its 2012 video contest, open to young people 12-25, around the topics of making a difference among peers, educators and parents. "We're looking for young people to explore topics such as how to create 'positive' peer pressure. what activities can bring awareness to destructive decisions, or people that have been an inspiration for making positive decisions around alcohol or drugs," says Katherine Kasmir, Program Director of Straight Up. "We look to the youth in our community to help make social change." Straight Up focuses on prevention surrounding underage and binge drinking, over-the-counter/prescription drug abuse, marijuana use, and impaired driving. Last year's contest, "The Power of Speaking Up," garnered submissions from all over Ventura County. They can be seen at straightupvc.org/contest_2011. Short videos (30-90 seconds) are preferred, but longer videos are welcome as well. The subject matter and tone can be serious or humorous, as longs as the video deals with the powering of speaking up. A grand prize of $500 will be awarded. The deadline is March 9, 2012 and winners notified by April 20. Downloadable rules and guidelines can be found at www.straightupvc.org/contest. Resources are available to youth and to educators in the form of educational workshops and equipment lending. Interested parties can find out more information by contacting contest@straightupvc.org or (805) 647-4622. About Straight Up Ventura County Straight Up is made possible through funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health Department Prevention Services, Alcohol and Drug Programs. www.straightupvc.org |
|
By Dick Diaz — Monday, December 19th, 2011
It is that time of year when many productions of The Nutcracker Ballet are presented throughout the world both professionally and in schools by aspiring dancers. What is seen on stage today is different in detail from the original story, however, the basic plot remains the same. The Nutcracker Ballet is based on the story “The Nutcracker and the King of Mice” written by E.T.A. Hoffman. The story is of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker Prince and a fierce battle against a Mouse King with seven heads. I must say I have many fond memories of my daughter Julia performing in Nutcracker Ballet productions during the ten, or so years, she was a student of Jill Johnson at her Jill Johnson's Dance Studio in Santa Paula. I even played Drosselmeyer, the clock and toy maker, in one production at the urging of Julia! So when my wife Carolyn called me today and excitedly told me that Fillmore's own Chantee (Campos) Santiago, another student of Jill Johnson, had produced The Nutcracker Ballet at Mountain Vista Elementary School in Fillmore, and that there would be a 10:30 am performance (in about 20 minutes), and could I come and not only watch it but write an article for the Fillmore Gazette I could hardly resist the offer! Chantee (Campos) Santiago is the Program Director for “Bridges” an after school program offered at no cost to approximately one hundred Kinder-5th Grade students of Mountain Vista Elementary School. Mrs. Santiago told me that the program provides instruction in physical education, art and dancing to these students in the after school program. Well of course dance! Chantee was a serious dancer herself for about ten years with Jill Johnson's Dance Studio and participated in many of The Nutcracker Ballet productions. Mrs. Santiago said that for approximately three and one half months thirty-five of the Bridges students have been working hard on this production of The Nutcracker Ballet. She also told me that all Mountain Vista students, while in the First Grade, see The Nutcracker Ballet performed in Oxnard at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center and all are familiar with the story line. Assisting Mrs. Santiago were her staff Nicole Acosta, Brittany Holmes, Thalia Alcaraz, Kayla Costa and Kianna Tarango. Sheila Campos, Chantee's mother, made all the set props and costumes worn by the performers. In the back of the audience I saw a smiling familiar face, Joe Campos, Chantee's father. In a conversation I had with with him we both said we become emotional when we think back to all the performances of The Nutcracker Ballet we attended for our daughters over the years. Watching this production of The Nutcracker Ballet also made me think how important exposing young children to the arts are for their futures as adults. Watching Chantee guide these young minds through dancing just brought it full circle for me! Great job Chantee for your leadership and to all of your staff and the young performers who truly did The Nutcracker Ballet proud! |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, December 19th, 2011
Michael A. DiRaimondo Foundation offers $10,000 to aspiring paramedics
Camarillo, CA. — Spc. Michael DiRaimondo of Simi Valley enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2001, at age 19, to serve his country and receive the training he would need to achieve his goal of becoming a firefighter paramedic once his commitment ended. That dream ended on Jan. 8, 2004, when the medic helicopter he was riding in was shot out of the sky above Falloujah, Iraq, killing DiRaimondo and eight other U.S. troops. To honor their son, his parents, Tony and Carol DiRaimondo, established an annual $10,000 scholarship at the Ventura County Community Foundation to help others achieve their goal of becoming paramedics. "We conceived the idea within a day of his death. I said to the family, 'Let's have donations for the Michael DiRaimondo Fund,'" said Tony DiRaimondo, Michael's father. "We thought to establish a scholarship so a passion he loved would continue his legacy. We simply wanted to give to someone who held Michael's passion." The DiRaimondo Family raised $250,000 for the Michael A. DiRaimondo Foundation Scholarship. The DiRaimondos wanted the award to be large enough to assist an aspiring paramedic to the completion of training. The awards started in 2004, but last year and thus far in the 2012-2013 scholarship application period, no applicants have emerged. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for paramedics will increase in the next five to 10 years. With this growing need, the DiRaimondos hope to continue to give financial assistance to those pursuing the paramedic profession. "You don't have to be the top of your class by any means," Tony DiRaimondo said. "Just let us know who you are and why you want to be a paramedic. We're looking for someone who embodies Michael's passion for helping others as a paramedic." Applicants must show financial need, hold an EMT Certificate with plans to become a paramedic and currently live in Ventura, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange or San Diego counties — with preference given to Ventura County residents. To apply to the Michael A. DiRaimondo Foundation Scholarship, visit www.vccf.org/scholarship to read guidelines, register and apply. The scholarship application requires letters of recommendation so students are strongly urged to plan ahead. Online registration must be completed by 5 p.m. Jan. 4. Applicants have until 5 p.m. Jan. 6 to deliver their hard-copy application packets to VCCF offices, 1317 Del Norte Road, Suite 150, Camarillo, CA 93010. For more information, contact LaToya Ford, program associate and grants manager, (805) 988-0196, Ext. 126, or email LFord@vccf.org. ABOUT VCCF |
|
By Anonymous — Thursday, December 15th, 2011
|
|
By Anonymous — Monday, December 12th, 2011
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA 6:30 p.m. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, December 12th, 2011
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AGENDA |
|
By Laura Garnica — Wednesday, December 7th, 2011
When ASB isn’t working on an event of some sort, the organization is working on internal improvement- what better way to enrich the FHS campus then to improve those responsible for its enrichment? On December 1st, ASB hosted its own convention, inviting Santa Paula’s high school ASB to come and share ideas, and grow from the teachings of a special leadership speaker, Richard Parkhouse. The first part of the convention kicked off with a fantastic lecture from aforementioned Mr. Parkhouse himself, and his message proved effective as students left with inspiration and the desire to make their school better not only for themselves, but for the entire student body. Parkhouse emphasized just how many students don’t feel welcome at their own school, a pressing issue manifesting across the country with the growing trend of heartrending suicides and shootings such as the Columbine High massacre. An alarming 50% of students don’t feel like a part of their school according to a country-wide study, and Mr. Parkhouse made us realize how this is a problem that has gone unaddressed for far too long. Overall, his message of understanding and putting oneself in other people’s shoes was a success, and hopefully made a great enough impression on the students present that they will want to “change lives and impact futures” as much as Richard Parkhouse. The rest of the convention was a rotating system of sharing ideas and practices used in Fillmore and Santa Paula ASB’s. When a song was played on the speakers, groups of students from both schools would move from table to table, each table headed by 1-2 Fillmore ASB members who were in charge of a specific job or activity. They would present Fillmore’s way of going about the activity, then listen to the other students from Santa Paula share how they did the same activity differently at their school. The exchange of techniques turned out to be a great way to bring the schools together and learn countless new ways to improve FHS into the campus we know it can be, not just in an aesthetic sense, but to make Fillmore a school kids can really feel like they’re a part of. |
|
By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Rising number of students with hearing loss is focus
THOUSAND OAKS, CA - The U.S. Department of Education has awarded California Lutheran University a $1.2 million grant to prepare teachers of students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Beginning in January, the grant will enable CLU’s Graduate School of Education to prepare 48 new credentialed teachers for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in California public schools over the next five years. This high-need student population is increasing dramatically, with a 26 percent jump in the state’s number of students with hearing loss between 2005 and 2011, and there is a shortage of teachers prepared to work with them. CLU launched its program at the Woodland Hills Center in 2007. Candidates earn a preliminary education specialist credential and master’s degree in education of the deaf and hard of hearing. One of the new project’s goals is to reduce the large achievement gap between hearing students and those with hearing loss, especially those from Latino families. Nearly 55 percent of deaf and hard-of-hearing students in California are from Latino homes. In Los Angeles County, where the CLU program is based, 78 percent of hearing-impaired students are from homes where Spanish is spoken. Educators are finding that deaf and hard-of-hearing children from Spanish-speaking homes need greater help in learning English language and reading. As part of CLU’s program, teacher candidates provide free one-on-one spoken language instruction to children at No Limits for Deaf Children, a Culver City-based nonprofit organization that serves a large number of Latino students. Another goal of the project is to prepare teachers to work with the growing number of children with cochlear implants and digital hearing aids whose families request spoken-language programs in general education settings. Several California school districts, including those in Ventura and Los Angeles counties, are starting new programs for students with cochlear implants and are struggling to find qualified teachers. CLU’s program specializes in using evidence-based best practices in this area and is the only one in California that prepares teachers to work with students older than age 6. Most of the grant money will be used to help pay for tuition and books for the teacher candidates. Recruiting highly qualified bilingual and bicultural scholars to help meet the needs of Latino students will be a priority. Upon completion, aid recipients will be required to complete four years of service in the field. For more information, contact graduate admissions counselor Andrea Kendrick at kendrick@callutheran.edu. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, December 5th, 2011
 Fillmore Unified School District FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AGENDA 6:30 p.m. |
|
By Anonymous — Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) has partnered with The GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles to offer a one-of-a-kind course called The Music Museum. The upper-level general education class gives students the opportunity to learn first-hand how a music museum is run and curated. Developed and led by economics professor Dennis Muraoka and music professor Ted Lucas, The Music Museum is one of several classes, such as The Zoo, The National Park, The Library and The University, where CI has partnered with a social institution to offer students a unique, hands-on learning experience. “It not only exposes the students to different types of careers in music and the museum, but also completely alters the way they experience any type of museum,” Muraoka said. “They previously knew these organizations only as visitors. Now they’re critics and they see them in a different light.” Students meet weekly at The GRAMMY Museum to learn from museum experts about subjects ranging from management, operations and exhibit design to membership, public relations and marketing. Papers and projects for the course focus on analyzing and developing exhibits and events. The students also have attended performances and interviews of music industry luminaries during evening programs at the museum. “This course provided us with an amazing experience that isn’t offered anywhere else,” said Dinora Lopez, a senior business major. “Because we got to talk to every department first-hand, we learned how everything comes together to run a successful business. I can see what we have learned to be applicable to any of our future business experiences.” The partnership has yielded more than learning opportunities. In October, The GRAMMY Museum installed an exhibit on the Latin GRAMMYs in CI’s John Spoor Broome Library. Muraoka and William P. Cordeiro, Associate Vice President and Director of the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, also are assisting the museum in its strategic planning. “We are committed to our educational mission and The Music Museum course embodies that mission to the highest degree,” said Rita George, Director of Facilities and Operations at The GRAMMY Museum. “Working with CSU Channel Islands has been a great experience for our staff, and we hope that the students are able to put what they’ve learned to use in their future careers.” The students’ final project focuses on jazz legend and GRAMMY Award winner Charlie Parker, who was once a resident at Camarillo State Hospital. Parker’s six months at the mental institution inspired the song “Relaxin’ At Camarillo” in 1947. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the students will present proposals for a Parker exhibit at The GRAMMY Museum or the Broome Library to museum staff and professors. For additional information, contact Professor Dennis Muraoka at 805-437-8861 or dennis.muraoka@csuci.edu. For additional information on The GRAMMY Museum, visit www.grammymuseum.org or contact Andie Cox at 213-763-2133 or acox@grammymuseum.org. About California State University Channel Islands |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
 Fillmore High School thanks Otto & Sons for their generous donation of an Oak tree. The Ag Biology class recently planted the tree in the middle of the quad at Fillmore High School. From left to right are Timmy Klittich, Justin Coert, Donovan Mitchell, Mr. Richter, Kassandra Quintero, Anthony Alamillo, Andres Montejano, Esneyder Gaytan, Khristian Felix, and John Reilley. Enlarge Photo |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
The English Language Advisory Council (ELAC) hosted their second parent workshop on November 17th. The theme of this workshop was “Self Esteem and Your Child.” The workshop was conducted by Linda Arroyo from Triple P. The workshop was the second offered to Sespe parents. The presenter discussed the importance of building self-esteem in children so that they feel confident and comfortable. She added that it is crucial that children feel like someone is listening to their concerns and needs. Ms. Arroyo discussed some of the causes of low self-esteem which include: When children are not frequently praised; when parents are critical of their child (academics, sports, etc.); When children are compared to their siblings or other children; When children see physical or emotional violence in the home. She then discussed a number of ways parents can help build self-esteem in their children. One way is to recognize that all children and individuals are different so it is important to recognize the individual strengths of each child. It is also important to tell your child that you care about them every day. It is crucial also to set aside a time everyday that is devoted to your child when all other distractions are removed, regardless of how busy the day is. It is also vital that parents help their children develop positive friendships and model this as well. Children should also be allowed to make their own decisions when appropriate (choosing outfits, meals, etc.) Finally, it is crucial to avoid solving all of your child’s problems, rather offer them support and tell them that everything will be ok. The next ELAC parent workshop will take place on Thursday, January 19th at 8:30 am in the Sespe Cafeteria. Parents from all school and community members are welcome to attend. |
|
By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 23rd, 2011
Thank You Gisela Gutierrez
 Sespe would like to thank Gisela Gutierrez for helping Sespe secure a $1000 grant from the Scripps Howard Foundation. Thank you Gisela for going out of your way to help Sespe School. We plan on using the grant to purchase much needed instructional supplies for classrooms and some new playground equipment for our students. Thanks again Gisela! |
|
By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, November 21st, 2011
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department After a three month investigation by the Camarillo Detective Bureau, Kathryn Rachel Gonzales was arrested for embezzling approximately $50,000 from the Pleasant Valley Cooperative Pre-School, located in Camarillo. The embezzlement was discovered when a new treasurer took over for Gonzales. The new treasurer noticed numerous discrepancies on the school financial records that were previously maintained by Gonzales. Gonzales volunteered as a treasurer from June 2007 through June 2011. During her term as treasurer, Gonzales began to surreptitiously withdraw money of various amounts from the school’s bank accounts. An internal audit by the school determined Gonzales embezzled approximately $50,000. On November 16, 2011, Gonzales turned herself in to the Camarillo Police Department. She was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail for grand theft by embezzlement. Her bail was set at $10,000. Nature of Incident: Grand Theft By Embezzlement Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). |
 San Cayetano School recognized good citizenship and character at their Peacebuilder Assembly for the month of November. Bill Herrera from State Farm Insurance, came to speak to the students about what a good citizen is and how respecting others is important. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
 Bill Herrera shared how we can be good citizens to help our school and community at the Character Counts assembly last week. Enlarge Photo On Monday, November 7, 2011, San Cayetano School recognized good citizenship and character at their Peacebuilder Assembly for the month of November. Bill Herrera from State Farm Insurance, came to speak to the students about what a good citizen is and how respecting others is important. He shared how we can be good citizens to help our school and community. Each teacher chose a student from his or her class whom showed excellent character and respect during the month. Hailey Avila and Bryan Arnett, the San Cayetano ASB President and Vice-President assisted Bill in handing out the Peacebuilder Awards. The Peacebuilders for November are: Aryanne Muñoz, Jorge Velasquez, Nick Tejeda, Jesus Salgado, Rosalyn Duran, Philip Valenzuela, Marlene Cruz, Austin Gunter, Diana Razo, Isabela Regalado, Taiz Razo, Zoe Avila, Emma Ocegueda, Adriana Almanza, Ethan Gomez, Angela Tejada, Ashley Alvarez, James Chandler, and Makaila Gojkavich. Bill Herrera then announced the San Cayetano Character Counts Award of a $100.00 savings bond sponsored by the John Paul Pet Foundation. Bill Herrera presented the Character Counts Award to a deserving third-grade student. Ruby Baez was chosen by the third-grade teachers as a model of kindness and respectfulness to the other students and school community. To conclude the assembly, students were reminded to turn in their Perfect Attendance tickets. Each month all students who come to school, each day, on time, are given a raffle ticket. The students place their tickets in a box and one ticket is drawn. The student whose ticket is drawn is given a NASA backpack with the book Max Goes to the Moon in it. Each month, the tickets will be put into a larger box that will be kept until the end of the year. In June, Mrs. Marholin, the principal, will draw from the tickets to give away two new bicycles. |
|
By Anonymous — Monday, November 14th, 2011
Fillmore Unified School District FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT AGENDA 5:00 p.m. 6:30 p.m. |