Superintendent Jack-O'Connell
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and California Highway Patrol Valley Division Chief Stan Perez held a joint news conference today at McClatchy High School to remind teenagers about the new wireless device laws that go into effect next month.
“Technology rules kids’ lives, but it should never take their lives,” said O’Connell. “I want to remind young drivers under 18 years old that starting on July 1 they are forbidden from using their cell phones and other electronic devices while driving. This is not a frivolous law. It is a law that will save limbs and lives because cell phone use is the number one cause of distracted driving accidents in California.”
"New drivers especially need to concentrate solely on driving the vehicle. It is not the time to be dividing your attention with a phone call," said CHP Chief Stan Perez.
Senate Bill 33 (Simitian) was signed into law last year banning the use of wireless telephones, pagers, laptops, or any other electronic communication, or mobile service devices to speak or text while driving in any manner by drivers under the age of 18 in California. This ban includes even the use of hands-free devices. A companion measure, Senate Bill 1613 (Simitian), was signed into law in 2006, making it illegal for adult drivers to talk on a hand-held cell phone while driving a car in California unless they use a hands-free device. There are exceptions to these laws in emergency situations. Initial fines are $20 and $50 thereafter. New legislation is being proposed to ban adult drivers from text messaging while driving.
“All it takes is one mistake to change a young life forever,” added O’Connell. “I cannot stress enough how important this new law is, to help students stay safe and healthy, so they will be ready to learn when they go back to school.”

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25, 2008

5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION

6:00 P.M. - SPECIAL MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA

The public may review or request a copy of support materials provided to the Board Members where the word materials appears.

5:30 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

II. ROLL CALL

III. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

IV. PUBLIC COMMENT ON 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.

V. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:00 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.
1. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION
• Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Jeff Sweeney, Evalene Townend, Mike Bush) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration.
• Personnel Matters
• Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent (The Board and Superintendent meet periodically to provide feedback to one another concerning the achievement of goals.)

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).]

6:00 p.m.

VI. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
1. Any Action From Closed Session

VII. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

VIII. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT ON 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.

X. ACTION - CONSENT AGENDA (Materials: Corresponding to number a)
Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by a single motion. None of the items will be discussed unless a Board Member or member of the audience requests discussion.
a. Approve Personnel Order 07-08-21

XI. ACTION ITEMS
b. Approval of Adopted Budget for 2008-09 School Year (Materials)

c. Approval of Textbooks (Materials)
• Chemistry (Sixth Edition) – Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Company
• Biology (California Edition) – Publisher: Prentice Hall

d. Approval of Consolidated Application Part II (Materials)

e. Approval of Collaboration Day Plans (Materials previously provided)

f. Approval of Adoption of Resolution Number 08-09-01 for Assignments of Teachers Who Are Teaching Outside of Their Credential Authorization or on an Emergency Permit (Materials)

g. Approval of Adoption of Resolution Number 08-08-02 for Student Teaching Agreement For The 2008/09 School Year Between Fillmore Unified And California State University, Channel Islands (Materials)

h. Approval of Tentative Agreement Between the Fillmore Unified School District and the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA) (Materials)

i. Approval of Tentative Agreement Between the Fillmore Unified School District and the California Schools Employee Association #421 (CSEA) (Materials)

j. Approval of Certificated Salary Schedule for 2008-09 (Materials)

k. Approval of Management Salary Schedule for 2008-09 (Materials)

7:00 p.m.

XII. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
l. 10 minutes Military Banners

m. 10 minutes Public Use of Facilities

7:20p.m.

XIII. FUTURE MEETINGS
July 1 6:30 p.m. Joint Board/City Council Meeting – City Hall
August 5 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
August 19 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room

XIV. CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING

7:30 p.m.

XV. ADJOURNMENT

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).]

We invite you to visit Piru Elementary, a small country school where tradition and technology meet.
Currently accepting new students for the 2008-09 school year. Call (805) 5211-1709 for details. We offer charming rural atmosphere, highly qualified and caring staff, computer labs/environmental science, school farm and butterfly garden, 5th grad camping trip; also offering lesson one curriculum on self-control and respect for diversity, art, band, and after-school program. Supporting student learning through long term relationships.
Come check us out!

Fillmore Unified School District

Fillmore Unified School District is participating in the Summer Feeding Program. FREE MEALS will be provided to all children and youth 18 years and under. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability, and there will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. For more information call (805) 524-6026 or email at rricards@fillmore.k12.ca.us.

Meals will be provided at the sites and times as follows:

Mountain Vista Elem. School, 915 5th Street, Fillmore, CA 93015 June 17 – July 3, 2008
Breakfast 7:30 am – 8:00 am
Lunch 12:00 noon – 12:30 pm

Rancho Sespe Housing Dev., 2950 E Telegraph Road, Fillmore, CA 93015 June 17 – August 8, 2008
Lunch 12:00 noon – 12:30 pm

Sespe Elementary School, 425 Orchard Street, Fillmore, CA 93015 July 7 – August 8, 2008
Lunch 12:00 noon – 12:30 pm

Superintendent Jack-O'Connell
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today offered his Top 10 suggestions to help parents keep their children active and productive during summer vacation.
“This is a tough year for families because rising costs are forcing many of us to stay close to home and look for free or inexpensive things to do,” said O’Connell. “But, it’s a perfect time to take a step back from our daily routines, bond with our kids, and explore new activities that will keep children active and engaged in learning during the summer months.”

Research shows the learning gap widens between middle- and low-income students during the summer and has a cumulative effect over the elementary school grades. So many of these students who are already struggling in school begin each academic year even further behind their peers.

"These summer learning tips are part of my continuing effort to narrow the achievement gap,” added O’Connell. “Every little thing we can do to reverse this trend is vital to ultimately preparing children for success in the high-tech global economy. And whether students ultimately go on to college or into a career right after high school, the reality that everyone needs critical thinking skills developed thought a habit of lifelong learning.”

O’Connell’s Top 10 tips for summer learning:

Turn off the television and computer and play outside: Encourage your children to join a city league to play team sports like baseball or swimming. Physical activity helps prevent the silent epidemic of childhood obesity. Teamwork teaches children about the values of helping, sharing, listening, respecting, and participating. Contact your local parks and recreation department for team sports and summer activities.

Get puzzled: Play Sudoku or Scrabble with your children. These types of activities encourage children to think and solve problems. Find Sudoku puzzles or Scrabble on the Web or in bookstores, and game stores.

Collect stamps, coins, or other historical items: Encourage your children to start a collection that may spur their interest to research facts about their hobby. Start at the post office for stamps. Search through antique stores or your attic for collectibles.

Start a journal, diary, or scrapbook: These types of activities encourage children to write, organize their thoughts, and spur creativity. You can start simply with a notebook and pencil. Or for more elaborate journals, craft stores often have a selection of scrapbook materials.

Make plans: Let your children help you schedule your day, plan a meal, or assign chores. This helps children structure their activities and learn to meet deadlines.

Take them grocery shopping: Adding up the grocery bill helps your kids practice their math skills. Let them choose the fruits and vegetables to teach them how to make healthy choices.

Plan dinner: Learning to cook will teach your kids to be self-sufficient and independent. Preparing meals requires math and reading skills. You never know -- your child could be the next great chef.

Set aside time each day to read: Read the morning newspaper with your children or find them a good book at the library. Reading keeps their minds active and engaged and ready to learn when they go back to school. Search the California Department of Education’s Recommended Literature database that will help you find age-appropriate materials at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/rl/ll/ap/litsearch.asp.

Encourage children to create their own job: Children can get training to be babysitters. Or they can pet sit, house sit, or take care of your neighbors’ plants while they are on vacation. These activities help children learn about responsibility and financial literacy. The American Red Cross offers training for babysitters.

Volunteer: Encourage your children to help some elderly neighbors or a charitable organization. These activities help children learn about sacrifice and good citizenship. Find volunteer opportunities at http://www.californiavolunteers.org/families.asp.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2008

5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION

6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA

The public may review or request a copy of support materials provided to the Board Members where the word materials appears.

5:00 p.m.

I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

II. ROLL CALL

III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON 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.

IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:00 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.
1. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION
• School District Pupils (Education Code 35146)
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-14
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-15
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-16
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-17
o Expulsion Case Number 07-08-18

• Personnel Matters

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).]

6:00 p.m.

V. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION
1. Any Action From Closed Session

VI. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG

VII. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS

VIII. MAKING A DIFFERENCE

IX. PUBLIC COMMENT ON 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.

X. WRITTEN COMMUNICATION
• Ventura County Office Education notice of compliance with the requirements of the Valenzuela Settlement as they relate to the CAHSEE Intensive instruction and Services Program
6:15 p.m.

XI. STANDING REPORTS
• 10 minutes Board Member’s Reports
• 20 minutes Superintendent’s Report
o Reconfiguration Committee Update
6:45 p.m.

XII. ACTION - CONSENT AGENDA (Materials: Corresponding to numbers a-f)
Items on the Consent Agenda are considered routine and will be enacted by a single motion. None of the items will be discussed unless a Board Member or member of the audience requests discussion.
a. Approve Minutes: Regular Meeting Held June 3, 2008
b. Approve Personnel Order 07-08-19
c. Ratify Accounts Payable Month of May 2008 (ReqPay12a)
d. Ratify Purchase Orders Month of May 2008 (ReqPay11a)
e. Ratify 5/1/08 through 5/31/08 Certificated and Classified Payroll in the Amount of
$1,797,955.17.
f. Accept Gifts

XIII. ACTION ITEMS
g. Approve Community School Name Change, Motto And Mascot

h. Approval of Memorandum of Understanding Among The State Superintendent of
Public Instruction, And The Fillmore Unified School District, And The Ventura
County Office of Education For Fillmore High School SAIT (Materials)

i. Approve Certification of Signatures (Materials)

j. Approve 2008-2009 Designation of CIF Representatives to League (Materials)

k. Approve Proposed 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 Meal Price Increase for Child
Nutrition (Materials)

l. Approve The Use Of Piggy-Backable Bid –In Lieu Of Bidding, Fillmore Unified Will Use The Western States Contracting Alliance (WSCA) And Computer Equipment

m. Approval of Textbooks (Materials)
• Algebra Readiness – Publisher: McDougall Littell

n. Approve School Plans (Materials previously provided)

o. Approve 2008-09 Goals (Materials)

7:15 p.m.

XIV. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
p. 10 minutes DELAC Presentation (Materials)
q. 5 minutes Piper Jaffray 2008/2009 Cash Reserve Program (Materials)
r. 10 minutes Collaboration Day Proposals (Materials)
s. 15 minutes Update on 2007-08 Goals
t. 10 minutes Military Service Banners
u. 30 minutes Budget Update
v. 10 minutes Facilities Update (Stadium, Mountain Vista, Rio Vista)
w. 10 minutes Old Business

8:55p.m.

XV. FUTURE MEETINGS
 June 25 6:00 p.m. Special Meeting – Board Room
 August 5 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
 August 17 6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting - Board Room

XVI. CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING

9:10 p.m.

XVII. ADJOURNMENT

Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District

It has been my pleasure to serve you this year, my second, as the Superintendent of the Fillmore Unified School District. I feel that this has been an exciting and productive year, and I sincerely hope that each of you feels the same. I trust you have seen the changes to each of our facilities. San Cayetano has been painted, had the playground resurfaced and had portables moved off of the middle of the playground; Mountain Vista has opened up its multi-purpose room; and FHS had the gym and cafeteria renovated and grass has returned to the quad. Also, the stadium has taken on a fresh look with new artificial turf and scoreboard.
There has been growth in other areas, too. The following highlights represent a few of our accomplishments over the course of this school year:

• San Cayetano Elementary School was one of 25 schools in the United States chosen as a NASA Explorer School.
• Piru added a literacy coach this year to provide support in key areas. Collaborative work among staff has created the vision of a new Piru.
• Fillmore Middle School, Sespe, and Fillmore High School met key academic targets during the 2006-2007 school year.
• A skateboard curriculum was added to the FMS P.E. program, teaching students skills and safe practices. Fillmore was the first District in the State to offer this creative and unique program.
• Fillmore High School has created several extra-curricular programs for our students. This year, our students took home several honors. Our Girls Basketball Team were league champions; the music program created a Drum Line for the first time and students representing our District participated in several competitions and won numerous first place finishes; and the Pep Squad won numerous competitions, too.
• Our free afterschool Bridges program doubled in growth. Over 450 K-8 students participated in the program District-wide this year.
• The District focused on our English Learner population this year, restructuring the program at the secondary levels. According to our State test scores, our English learner students are making progress!

The 2007-08 school year has ended successfully with much to celebrate. This week, over 200 seniors will receive their diplomas, ending their academic career in Fillmore, ready to move on to another stage of their lives. It is great to be part of a legacy and a history of such a fine school district and city. Our high school graduates are indicative of the quality. They will be leaving this community to enter into the work force, the military, two year colleges like Ventura and Moorpark, four year colleges like Cal State Northridge and Channel Islands and the UC’s, including Berkley, San Diego, and UCLA, in addition to private universities like Stanford and Cal Lutheran.
We believe that the quality of this District’s academic program can prepare all of our students to move onto the college or career they wish. The success of this program is due to an outstanding staff as well as the support of parents and families and community.
The new school year will begin on August 13. When students and staff return to school, many of our schools will take on a new look. Over the summer, we will busy improving our facilities District-wide with a number of other projects getting ready for the 2008-09 school year.
I would like to close by wishing you a restful, relaxing summer. This has been a very challenging and rewarding year for everyone, and I am sure we would all benefit from some time to reflect and to replenish our spirits. Again, thank you for your support and your resiliency and for everything you do every day on behalf of our children and our future. I wish you all a peaceful and restful summer break.
Sincerely,
Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent

What a wonderfully exciting time of year at Fillmore High School at Fillmore Community High School.
As a counselor at both high schools, this is my favorite part of the school year. Our graduates will be entering the world of adults. From here, they will be facing challenges, big and small, the rest of their adult lives. I find myself excited for them in what their future personal and professional life will be. I wonder where they will travel to and live, and hope that all find fulfillment and genuine happiness in their search.
I congratulate their effort in striving to give their best and meeting challenges head-on this year. Rest assured, parents and community members, dedicated and hard working school staff in all our schools have guided and educated these youths, from preschool to this week, to the best of their ability to help them reach their utmost potential.
For those students who have chosen to receive this guidance and education with open arms, these learned skills will help them tremendously in their future. It is with great joy that I have seen students turn their life completely around when they finally hit “bottom” and at the eleventh hour finally chose to turn things around for themselves.
I have also been heartbroken alongside with parents a hundred times over, when no amount of counseling or resources is going help a young man or woman, at that time. Personally, I push for what could be the potential in all kids and I do not give up hope on anyone – ever.
This is a very rewarding career and I always know that I am blessed to be part of their lives. For parents, going through difficult teen times, I say to them, never give up and believe in your child with all your might. Hope is such a wonderful gift for you and for your child to have. If they believe it, they WILL achieve it. With your love and support they will be successful. Believe it and remain positive, it’s contagious!
On Tuesday of this week, we celebrated Seniors who are graduating at Fillmore Community High School. Fillmore Police Chief Tim Hagel answered student questions regarding law enforcement issues in town as well as, invited them to look into this area as a future career. Students heartily laughed at various examples of law enforcement incidents he has encountered as well as, shared the more difficult aspects of a police officer’s daily duties. Chief Hagel’s charismatic and down- to-earth friendly approach with students was obvious as many students approach him after he finished speaking.
Ms. Lynda Miller, Founder of the Support for the Kids Foundation, was also present to celebrate the success of Fillmore Community High School Seniors who will be graduating on Wednesday, June 11, 2008. The last week ended with student reports, Power Point presentations and classroom speeches to their peers.
Ms. Miller was here to present each of our fourteen graduating Seniors with one-day complimentary passes to Six Flags Magic Mountain, a $10. gift certificate to Burger King, and a certificate to Baskin Robbins Ice Cream. The Support for the Kids Foundation, Westlake Village, has continually provided numerous academic and art fieldtrips to students and families, as well as, shoes, clothing, furniture, toys, computers, etc. to families in Fillmore and Piru for two years (through the Dr. Neil Schmidt Fillmore Family Resource Center which is located at the Fillmore High School campus).
Another incredible resource that our Fillmore youth have for them in our Piru and Fillmore communities is the Big Brother’s, Big Sister’s Mentor Program, also on the high school and middle school campus, which provides students with the personal support and the guidance of another caring, responsible adult in their lives.
A moment of silence was given for our sweet Danielle Barrett, a FCHS Senior, who recently passed away. She will always be remembered in our lives.
Today was an absolutely great day for me in my career life. With the powerful and engaging speaker, Chief Hagel, and with the generous gifts for our Fillmore Community High School graduates, I was able to see the spark in our student’s eyes. The spark of being challenged to reach out for more in life. The spark of “I can do this!” I hope this spark keeps burning all their lives!

Superintendent Jack-O'Connell
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction

SACRAMENTO – State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell today announced that Simi Valley High School in Simi Valley is the winner of the California Department of Education’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Web Page Design Competition.
“I congratulate teacher Stephen Caswell and the students in his Web design class at Simi Valley High School,” O’Connell said. “These students have designed a wonderful example site for career technical education information in the state. This Web site will help us prepare all students for the more globally competitive jobs of the future, whether they go straight into the workforce after graduating from high school or to college.”
Simi Valley High School was selected among the nine entries for producing the best proposed Web design that met accessibility requirements, ease of use, the way it communicated information, and its visual appeal. The new pages are expected to provide valuable information about CTE opportunities, resources, and programs.
California Education Code Section 52499.66 requires the California Department of Education to select a CTE program to develop the Web site pages as part of a CTE course of study related to technology and Web site development. Simi Valley High School will work with the state agency’s CTE and technology services staffs that will provide guidance, content, and parameters for the Web pages that are expected to be housed on the Department’s Web site.
The proposed Web site is expected to enhance the Department’s existing CTE portal (http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/) by providing a one-stop shop for pupils, parents, guardians, teachers, counselors, administrators, business and industry, and professional and trade representatives seeking CTE information in California.
“This is a huge honor for us because it shows the expertise of our CTE teacher and the quality of work of our students in this career field,” said Simi Valley High School Principal Steve Pietrolungo upon receiving news of the winning selection. “Providing students with life and employability skills is just as important as providing academic skills.”
Simi Valley High School provides numerous career technical education opportunities for their students including auto technology, business education, computer sciences, industrial technology, and video production. Many of the courses are offered through a partnership with the Ventura County Office of Education’s Regional Occupational Program. The school also has an active career center, work experience program, and a strong partnership with California State University, Northridge for their metal technology program.
This is the latest development in efforts to enhance CTE in California. In October, O’Connell unveiled a new and comprehensive framework for CTE. In May, the University of California took action to clarify its policy regarding high school CTE courses that meet the University's "a-g" admission criteria. In March, the State Allocation Board approved for the first time, $198 million in Proposition 1D funds for the new construction or modernization of 174 CTE facilities projects throughout California.
For more information on the CTE Web Design Competition, please visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/ci/ct/gi/ab597lttr.asp.

As you know, this year’s Commencement ceremony will be held on Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 p.m. I am sure you are also aware of the extensive construction that is in progress at the FHS stadium. This new artificial playing surface and nine-lane competition track will completely change the look of our campus and offer top-grade facilities for our students and community for generations to come.
The football field will be ready by graduation; however, the entire facility will not be completed. The entire area surrounding C-School is inaccessible, so detailed planning has been done in cooperation with the FUSD administration to coordinate the many changes which are necessary for this event as follows:
Before the ceremony
Parents and families: Parking will be limited to Central Ave., the HS parking lot at Shiells and 2nd St., and at the Middle School. 2nd Street will be completely blocked to vehicles and will be used only by the buses carrying the graduates. Access to the stadium will be through the Ticket Booth entrance for families beginning at 4:30 p.m. Wheelchair ramp is available by the Snack Bar. There is no access to the track or field for seating. Balloons will be checked in/out behind the Ticket Booth so visibility will not be blocked in the stands. Overflow crowds will stand behind the fence which separates the stands from the football field. There is only 4-5 feet clearance in the area and cannot be blocked in case of emergency.
Graduates, faculty and staff and archbearers: Graduates will meet at the FHS gym at 6:00 to line up to board buses for the traditional last ride. Buses will leave the Horseshoe area, then proceed up 2nd St. and line up to unload graduates on 2nd St. Graduates enter the stadium in pairs at the northeast gate on 2nd St. and proceed to the 50-yard line. FUSD School Board members, administrators, FHS faculty and staff follow archbearers up from the campus in pairs, enter the stadium at the southeast gate, and await the graduates’ arrival at the 50-yard line. As graduates approach from 2nd St., archbearers begin the processional around the track by splitting up at the 50-yd.line and rounding the track followed by school officials, faculty/staff, then the graduates. Archbearers stop on their marks to hold the arches for the processional then retire to sit by the Band.
After the ceremony
A recessional is necessary since there is no access to the field by the spectators. Faculty/staff lead the recessional out of the stadium followed by the graduates and exit through the southeast gate back to the gym where graduates will pick up their diplomas. Archbearers follow graduates out of the stadium then set up the arches in the circular plaza for photo opportunities for families and graduates. Crowd is invited to meet graduates at FHS circular plaza. Parents walk up 2nd St. to meet their graduates at the circular plaza for pictures and celebration. Graduates return to the Horseshoe by 9:30 p.m. for Grad Night Live.
Congratulations to every family on the graduation of your student! Thank you for your understanding and support of
Fillmore HS on this exciting occasion!
Rebecca Larkin, Principal; Dr. Mike Bush, Asst. Superintendent for Business Services.

The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans is pleased to announce that it has awarded 100 scholarships to deserving high school students in California. Each Scholar will receive $2,500 to fund their college education. The state honorees were selected for the Horatio Alger State Scholarship Program because they made academics a priority while facing and overcoming great obstacles in their young lives.
Christine Flores of Fillmore High School was a recipient.
Horatio Alger Association Immediate Past Chairman Dennis R. Washington said, “We are proud to present this award to the students of California who have demonstrated integrity and determination despite significant challenges. We envision great futures for these teens.”
The State Scholarship Programs, ranging from $2,500 to $10,500, are sponsored by Horatio Alger Members and friends of the Association. In 2008, the program awarded more than 900 scholarships to students throughout the country.
The California scholarships are made possible by Horatio Alger Member Arthur A. Ciocca.
“With the help of Arthur Ciocca, more young people will have a real chance at success beginning with a higher education,” Washington added.
Horatio Alger Scholars are provided with numerous resources to ensure a successful college career. Each student receives:

Financial aid guidance to assist in selection of and preparation for college.
Access to the Association’s Web site where students can create online profiles, search for fellow scholars, update their personal information, submit disbursement requests, and direct questions to the Association.
Access to a toll-free information line to speak to program coordinators for assistance with questions about their scholarships and other educational programs.

8th Grade

4.0 GPA
Rachel A. Adams, Westley Scott Fairall, Vivana Magana, Ana-Christina Morino, Andrea Esperanza Ocegueda, Nicole Jacqueline Rodriguez, Juan Valdovinos, Vanessa Myriah Villa, Larissa Janea Villanueva, John Daniel Wilber, Jaynessa Lopez.

3.5-3.99 GPA
Brianna Raquel Aguilar, Vanessa Tarina Aguilar, Stephanie Alexandria Aguilera, Brian Alcantar, Oscar Omar Alferez, Linda Alvarado, Brooke Alvary, Bryan Anthony Arteaga, Blanca Estela Ayala, Eddie Baez, Tanya Barrera, Robert Adam Bonilla, Daniel Cruz, Kendal Davis, Tania Dominguez, John Paul Galvez, Jonathan Gonzalez, Christina Alisia Gutierrez, Gonzalo Gutierrez, Neira Acosta Hernandez, Nenetzin Raquel Herrera, Itzelle Iniguez, Rogelio Jr. Lemus, Vanessa Lopez, Rodolfo Lopez, Anissa Justine Magdelano, Jasmine Lomeli Medina, Gabriela Ann Melendez, Anthony Ron Mendez, Jenna Alexis NMendez, Jordan Mendoza, Luis Montejano, Ashley Nicole Morino, Roberto D Munoz, Viviana Orozco, Alexis Paniagua, Cindy Peralta, Victor Daniel Ponce, Vanessa Rivas, Victor Rene Robles, Martin Rodriguez, Vicente Rodriguez, Adolfo Rodriguez, Theresa Nicole Soltero, Maria Cristina Suarez, Aunee Rochelle Tarango, Jenna Margaret Wilber, Nathan Patrick Zavala.

3.0-3.49 GPA
Lorena Aguilar, Sandra Alcocer, Alejandra Amezcua, Emilia Barajas, Isabel Basquez, Austin Bennett, Matthew Brown, Vivian Calderon, Maria Esparza, Michael Estrada, Anthony Garcia, Noemi Garcia, Miguel Garcia, Carla Garcia Rodriguez, Alvaro Garnica, Ruben Gomez, Alexander Gonzalez, Stephanie Hernandez, Jose Iniguez, Monica Iniguez, Maria Magana, Juan Mariscal, Alex Martinez, Robert Martinez, Vicente Martinez, Francisco Medina, Marcus Medina, Maria Munoz, Taryn Munro, Juana Negrete, Melody Nunez, Samuel Orozco, Jesus Ramos, Mayra Rangel, Brittany Riely, Carlos Rincon, Jazmine Rodriguez, Jasmin Rubio, Alan Ruiz, Adriana Salgado, Martin Soria, Jose Topete, Nikilette VanDeMheen, Marc Zavala.