On May 22, Bethany College honored 95 students who earned Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, and Bachelor of Social Work degrees from the college during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Summer, fall, interterm, and spring graduates for 2010-2011 were honored during baccalaureate worship and commencement ceremonies on campus.

The Reverend Dr. Floyd M. Schoenhals, retired bishop of the Arkansas-Oklahoma synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and former Bethany College board member, addressed the graduating class of 2011 during the commencement ceremony. The Reverend P. Kempton Segerhammar, who attended Bethany from 1962 to 1965 and is now the pastor of First Lutheran Church in Palo Alto, Calif., preached during baccalaureate worship.

Graduates, their majors, and their hometowns are as follows. Graduates earned Bachelor of Arts degrees unless noted as Bachelor of Music (B.M), Bachelor of Music Education (B.M.E.) or Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.).

Fillmore: Jacob F. Arroyo, criminal justice, cum laude.

Fillmore High Alumni Association

Hello to all you Fillmore High Alumni. Come join in all the fun at our Annual Alumni Dinner at the Veterans Memorial Building. Social hour starts at 4:00, and dinner starts at 6:00pm. Gary Laird (Class of 76') from Lairds Meat Shop in Santa Paula will do the honors and prepare our meal of Tri-Tip, Chicken, Sausages, and all the trimmings. Dessert will be included. Heres the run down. If you subscribe to the Alumni Newsletter (Flashbacks) the cost is $30.00. If you do not subscribe to the newsletter, the cost is $35.00. If you decide to pay at the door, the cost is $40.00. Our address is P.O. Box 385, Fillmore, CA. 93016-0385. As the date gets closer to June 4th, you may want to walk in your payment to the Alumni Office located at 540 Sespe Ave., #6. (Alumni Office is opened Mon, Wed, and Fri from 9:00am to 12:00 noon). We hope to see you on June 4th. Come meet our 2011 Scholarship Recipients. "All Hail to our Alma Mater" 805-524-0416.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION TUESDAY, MAY 24, 2011
5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 6:30 P.M. – SPECIAL BOARD 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.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AND NONAGENDA ITEMS,
PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:30 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 Conference with Real Property Negotiators (Government Code 54956.8)
o 532 A Street, Fillmore, CA
Negotiators: Michael Bush, Big Brothers/Big Sisters Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Jeff Sweeney, Mike Bush, Todd Schieferle, Margaret Chidester) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration. Personnel Matters (Government Code 54957)
o Hiring, Evaluating, Discipline, or Dismissal
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).]

6:30 P.M.
E. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION Any Action From Closed Session
F. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
G. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS
H. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS AND NONAGENDA ITEMS
This is the time and place to address the school board on any items on the open session agenda. 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.
I. ACTION ITEMS
1. Approve Personnel Order 10-11-20 (Materials)
2. Approve Seal of Biliteracy (Materials)
6:45P.M.
J. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
3. 10 minutes Transitional Kindergarten Class (Materials)
6:55 p.m.
K. BOARD STUDY SESSION
4. Accelerated Reader Program
8:30 P.M.
L. FUTURE MEETINGS
May 31 6:30 p.m. Joint School Board/City Council (Tentative) –
City Hall
June 7 5:30 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
June 14 5:30 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
June 21 5:30 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
June 28 5:30 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:30 p.m. Special Meeting – Board Room
M . BOARD CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING
8:45 P.M.
N. ADJOURNMENT

If you've been reading the paper you'll see that School Plans have been in the news. School Plans or SPSA (Single Plan for Student Achievement) are created and approved and overseen by each sites School Site Council (SSC) This is a body bound by state law to decide how best to use categorical monies (money that must be spent on specific programs, populations, goals). SSC always include the principal, staff members and parents. They can also include community members. It is important to note that according the SSC handbook issued by the State Department of Education the principal may not override a decision made by the SSC. Funds must be spent as designated by the SSC.

Here are links to the SPSA's that were approved in June of 2010 at each FUSD campus. They are plans for this school year (2011-2012). Current School Site Councils should be nearly finished with drawing up the plan for next year (2011-2012) and preparing to approve it. SSC's do generall edit, revise and refine the plan over the year based on needs, changes in goals and anticipated budgets and needs for the next school year. These documents are public and should be made easily available to the public. As soon as they are approved I will request them and get up and online here. Hopefully the District will beat me to it.

Fillmore High School:

FHSSchoolPlan.pdf

Fillmore Middles School:

FMSSchoolPlan.pdf

Mountain Vista:

MtnVistaSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

Piru Elementary School:

PiruSchoolSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

San Cayetano:

SanCayetanoSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

Sespe School:

SespeSchoolSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

SierraSchoolPlan2010-2011.pdf

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA. - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will graduate over 1,300 students at the University’s ninth-annual Commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 21 at 9 a.m. Students eligible to receive degrees or credentials include candidates from fall 2010, spring and summer 2011: 169 master’s degrees, 68 teaching credentials, and 1,074 bachelor’s degrees.

Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction and longtime supporter of CI, Jack O’Connell, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) and will serve as keynote speaker for the ceremony.

The University expects more than 10,000 guests and roads near the University may be impacted before and after the ceremony which is anticipated to conclude by 11 a.m. Students, family and guests should plan to arrive early on campus to allow sufficient time for parking, student check-in and guest seating. For additional information visit http://www.csuci.edu/commencement/index.htm.

MASTERS

Agoura Hills

David Locken CONTINUED »

During the day before both assemblies, Forest Ranger Carol Peterson went to each San Cayetano third grade classroom to speak to the students shown holding their Personal Success Award certificate.
Enlarge Photo

On Monday, May 9, 2011, San Cayetano recognized good citizenship and service for at their last Peacebuilder assembly for the 2010-2011 school year this month. Carol Peterson, a Forest Ranger and Education Coordinator for the Channel Island National Park came to San Cayetano to speak to the students about what a good citizen is and how displaying good character could enrich the students and others in the community around them. During the day before both assemblies, Carol Peterson went to each third grade classroom to speak to the students. She does an animal habitats and endangered species program, especially dealing with the Island Fox. A radio call out to one of the program’s fox technicians was also included in the third grade presentations. There was also a connection made to the program that ran a live bald eagle nest cam. Ms. Peterson spent about an hour in each of the third grade classrooms interacting with the students. The students enjoyed her visit. Before the assembly each teacher chose a student from his or her class whom showed excellent character and peace-building skills. ASB President, Cali Wyand,and Vice President, Lizzie Castaneda assisted Ms.Peterson in handing out the Peacebuilder Awards. The Peacebuilders for May are: Brissia Lopez, Nick Tejeda, Anthony Acosta, Miranda Magana, Paige Ramirez, Angie Suarez, Alexander Adame, Arissa Ramos, Natalia Zamora, Monique Stone, Gilbert Villanueva, Angel Paniagua ,Hailey Cummings, Daniella Piceno , Fatima Zamora, Jakob Fabian, April Navarette, Ashley Alvarez, Nathan Martinez, and Jairo Rios. Lizzie then announced to the students that John Paul Pet is sponsoring the San Cayetano Character Counts Award of a $100.00 savings bond. Ms. Peterson presented the Character Counts Award to a deserving First grade student. Jazmin Patino, from Mrs. Laureano’s class, was chosen by the First grade teachers as a model of outstanding behavior and kindness to the other students. 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 an orange raffle ticket. The students place their tickets in a box and one ticket is drawn. The student whose ticket is drawn is given a backpack full of supplies. 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 new bicycles, an I-pod shuffle, and three large stuffed animals. Daniel Cerna from Mrs. Dewey’s class won the Perfect Attendance Award for the month of May.

Fillmore Ebell Club who have always supported the arts in the Fillmore School System will be entertained by the Fillmore Drama Class at our May 24th Meeting. The drama students will be presenting "The Best of 2011" showcasing the best scenes performed by the Drama Class this year. They will also include a scene or two from the latest collaboration with the Sespe Players "Totally Rad" Come and join us in supporting the youth of Fillmore ad help bring their future into the world of Arts and Entertainment.

Our Luncheon Meeting is at the Memorial Building and starts at 12:30 pm. Lunch is catered by Dustin Anderson chef of the Double AA here in Fillmore Cost of lunch is $12.00. For reservations please call Lavonne Deeter at 524-2090. Anyone wishing to attend the program only the cost is $10.00 and will start at 2:00 pm. The Ebell Club will also be having their installation of officers for 2011-2012.

If you are interested in learning more about the Ebell Club or in becoming a member please call Melodie Stitch at 521-1235

Nominations for the 2011-2012 Site Council members are being accepted until June 15th. Please call 524-6103 or email blemons@fillmore.k12.ca.us if you would like to nominate someone to be on the 2011-2012 ballot. Ballots will be mailed to parents in the 2011-2012 registration packets in July.

The responsibilities of the FHS School Site Council are described in detail in Board Policy 1260. In summary of Board Policy 1260, the School Site Council is responsible for developing a three year School Improvement Plan which will address the following topics: instructional strategies, curriculum, and instructional materials which will lead towards student achievement of basic skills, develop knowledge in other aspects of the curriculum and assist them in pursuing educational interests and the development of their self-esteem; supplemental services to meet the special needs of non-English speaking students, educationally disadvantaged students and pupils with exceptional abilities; a professional development component for teachers, other school personnel and volunteers; the improvement of the school environment and climate; and other objectives established by the site council. Annually the site council is responsible for reviewing, evaluating and modifying the school improvement plan and establishing a new school improvement budget.

Tickets will be required for the graduation ceremony. Every human being (babies included) will be required to have a ticket for graduation. Graduates will be issued tickets with assigned seating for their friends and family members. All available tickets will be distributed to graduates. If you are interested in attending the ceremony, please contact a senior to see if they have tickets available.

Camarillo, CA. - CSU Channel Islands (CI) graduating senior Ashley Bonneau recently received an award from the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) at their annual meeting held in Washington DC.

A biology major at CI, Bonneau won the Thematic Best Poster Award from a field of more than 1,000 poster presentations. In excess of 10,000 attendees, both scientists and students, from around the globe, attended the meeting and shared Bonneau’s triumph at winning the top prize in her category, entitled “RNA Theme.” Her particular poster was titled, “Double knockdown of the Rheb gene in mammalian cells using RNA interference.” This award included a cash prize.

Bonneau, named a Goldwater Scholar last year for her academic excellence, has been working for the past thirty months with Nitika Parmar, Assistant Professor of Biology, investigating the effects of gene silencing on the growth of human cells.

Bonneau has shown a prodigious work ethic and an insatiable curiosity which have fueled her research. Parmar, noted for making herself available to her students whenever they need her, has worked closely with Bonneaeu. Parmar’s passion exists in the research and in infusing young developing scientists with her enthusiasm for discovery. Bonneau has also been able to mentor and inspire younger students as they enter this field.

Bonneau has been accepted at Yale University to pursue a Ph.D. in molecular biology. Parmar admits that she is thrilled at the prospects in Bonneau’s future but will miss having her as a student.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, MAY 17, 2011 5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA

5:30 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
B. ROLL CALL
C. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION AND NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:30 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 Expulsion Case Number 10-11-13 Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Jeff Sweeney, Mike Bush, Todd Schieferle, Margaret Chidester) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration. Personnel Matters (Government Code 54957)
o Hiring, Evaluating, Discipline, Dismissal Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957 Regarding Public Employment –
Superintendent Recruitment and Selection Process
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).]

6:30 p.m.
E. RECONVENE TO CONTINUED »

So who was at the Rally? How did it go? How many were there?
Have you seen & read Mr. Hood's letter to the editor? Here's an excerpt:
"California Teachers Association campaigns for the law makers who will support union salaries and state worker’s pensions. The unions got the budgets and pensions they wanted, but because members have been so mis-educated by the totalitarian left, the inevitable realities of hating our own American capitalist system, and therefore being ignorant of profit and loss, are coming home to roost. Now that we have helped bankrupt the state, we evidently feel it is ethical to shakedown the taxpayers, as the world evidently owes us a living. But should we hold our breath and stomp our feet if we don’t get a raise in our allowance?"
Read the rest of his letter here: http://www.fillmoregazette.com/letters

And check out this piece that was sent to me by a Fillmore area resident, it examines this same issue, presents some suggestions for teachers Unions
"Debt the Teachers’ Unions Cause Us
The California Teachers Association is a major contributor to the Golden State’s fiscal woes."
By Larry Sand, May 10, 2011

"California’s chronic fiscal crisis should prompt a substantive debate about the limits of government and the folly of an expansive welfare state. Instead, leaders of the 325,000-member California Teachers Association are using the struggle to close the Golden State’s $15.4 billion budget deficit as an opportunity for some political street theater. The powerful National Education Association state affiliate is spending this week highlighting California’s “state of emergency,” with large rallies planned in Sacramento and around the state Friday to agitate for billions of dollars in higher taxes. "

Read the rest and then come back and comment : http://city-journal.org/2011/cjc0510ls.html

What are you up to this weekend? I am honored to have been invited to attend the Fillmore High School Prom tonight, I hope to get some great photos and will post a "review" here. Happy Weekend.

The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara held a UC Success Night on April 28 in front of Fillmore City Hall. The hosted event acknowledged seniors from UCSB’s partnership schools who have been admitted to UC campuses. Several of the UC admits will be the first in their families to attend a university.
High School seniors and their families from Fillmore, and Santa Paula High Schools were invited to attend a dinner celebration. The event included an awards presentation; recognition by Ernie Villegas, a representative from the office of Assemblyman Jeff Gorell, 37th District. Among others were the keynote speakers who are now attending UC San Diego, Laura Orozco (Fillmore Alumni) and Elizabeth Velasco (Santa Paula Alumni). In addition, Corina Silva and Ashley Pech, Fillmore High School seniors and Emma Ruiz and Ernesto Valdovinos from Santa Paula High School spoke of their obstacles and future academic goals. Attendees were acknowledged by UCSB faculty and staff members.

Congratulations to Fillmore High School and Santa Paula UC admits! FHS seniors: Brianne Cesario, Sean Chandler, Christian Conaway, Mariela Contreras, Gloria Elias, Claire Faith, Diana Gumber, Elida Hernandez, Miriam Hurtado, Joseph Liu, Arturo Luna, Andrea Mendez, Luz Morones, Garrett Nunes, Jayro Oregon, Joel Orozco Jr, Ashley Pech, Mariah Perez, Claudia Rosales, Corina Silva, Grace Simon, Troy Spencer, Jeffrey Stevenson, Karissa Tarango, Kianna Tarango, Isis Topete, Iruma Trujillo, Javier Valdovinos, Blanca Villa, Juan Villalobos, and Marcelino Zavala. SPUHS seniors: Cindy Alamillo, Sali Colio, Jaime Fontes, Patricia Gomez, Melissa Gwynn, Jolin Magana, Adrianna Nunez, Cristina Vargas, Ricardo Gonzalez, Sonia Ortiz, Maria Uribe, Fernando Romariz, Emma Ruiz, Talon Smith, Tanya Torres, Ernesto Valdovinos, Gladys Valdovinos, and Kannie Valdovinos.

UC Success Nights are co-sponsored by the Office of Academic Preparation, EAOP, and the Mathematics, Engineering, and Sciences Achievement (MESA) program. A special thanks to Karen Ashim and Tim Waddel for the cake donations, Jostens for their generous donation, and for the Fillmore High School staff who helped throughout the event.