Here is a short post regarding the events in Wisconsin and America's teachers. This posting received over 40,000 comments on facebook. What a hot topic. What do you think?
She mentions the movie "Waiting for Superman" and that it makes claims that bad teachers are responsible for low test scores, I do not agree that the movie made that claim, but it is true that teachers and their unions seem to be under attack recently. Why do you think that is?

Here is a link to the posting on CNN's page: http://articles.cnn.com/2011-02-20/opinion/ravitch.teachers.blamed_1_bad...

And here is a link to that posts Author Diane Ravitch being interviewed on NPR: http://www.npr.org/2011/02/28/134134735/Op-Ed-Rage-Simmering-Among-Ameri...

And one more link to an older story with Ravitch, who was an advocate now turned critic of No Child Left Behind: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=124209100

Camarillo, Calif., Feb. 25, 2011 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) President Richard R. Rush today announced a $100,000 grant from Verizon to the Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI).

Verizon’s contribution will fund HLI programs that will enable CI students to directly contribute to the growth of small businesses throughout the region through consulting assignments – applying, in a real-world setting, the business and technology skills learned through their entrepreneurial studies coursework. Students will assist small-business owners by analyzing their business plans, management, and technology needs.

The grant will also provide scholarship assistance to underserved students pursuing business and social science degrees.

“We are pleased to have an opportunity to collaborate with Verizon in developing these types of vital partnerships that will benefit both our local business community and CI students through scholarships, said President Rush. “Verizon’s support of the HLI will enable faculty and students to research and provide valuable information to local small businesses.”

Additionally, the grant will help to establish the Verizon Telecommunications & Conservation Lab (TCL), which will serve as a green operations model to aid small businesses in implementing eco-friendly practices. It will advance Verizon’s commitments to environmental sustainability through energy conservation, hardware recycling, and emphasis of new technologies aimed at more efficient and environmentally sound practices.

“Verizon’s intent is to challenge students to find new ways to foster economic growth and instill a sense of environmental stewardship throughout the region,” said Tim McCallion, president of the West Region for Verizon. “We consider this grant from Verizon to be an investment in our community’s economic vitality and the development of its future leaders.”

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.

About Verizon
Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, NASDAQ:VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 94.1 million customers nationwide. Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world. A Dow 30 company, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of more than 194,000 and last year generated consolidated revenues of $106.6 billion. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

According to a story printed over the weekend, the non profit organization CalAware conducted an audit of Districts across the state. Many did poorly. FUSD received an "F", and it was noted that FUSD in fact did not respond at all to requests for information. School Districts are in fact required by law to respond to requests for public information. Here is a link to the article in the Ventura County Star: http://www.vcstar.com/news/2011/feb/24/school-district-public-access-rat...

What has been your experience in requesting information from FUSD?

Bethany College has named 179 students to its fall 2010 Academic Dean’s Honor Roll. To be recognized, a student must be full-time with a semester grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4-point scale for the fall semester.

Honored students, their class standings for the fall 2010 semester, and their hometowns are as follows:

Fillmore, Calif.: Jacob Arroyo, junior.

Ava Kaufman

Heart transplant recipient Ava Kaufman, of Fillmore, is shown speaking to students at Fillmore High School, two weeks ago. Kaufman underwent the life-saving surgery in February 2009 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Centre in Los Angeles. Kaufman encouraged the young audience to think about the virtues of organ donation.

CSEA’s Board of Directors Passes Resolution to Denounce Gov. Walker’s actions The California School Employees Association stands firmly in support of the peaceful assembly of firefighters, teachers, school employees, nurses, students--union and non-union alike--who are fighting the union-busting antics of Governor Scott Walker and his anti-worker cronies.

Governor Walker has proposed elimination of meaningful collective bargaining rights for public employees. The Governor’s so-called “Budget Repair Bill” would limit collective bargaining for most state and local public workers, allowing them to negotiate over wages only. Nearly 200,000 union members – including home healthcare workers and University of Wisconsin faculty and academic staff who only recently won those rights – would be affected.

“Governor Walker is an extremist who is targeting the very people who educate children, provide a safe environment for children and keep communities safe”, said CSEA President Allan D. Clark. “We must speak out as labor and as Americans.”

Wisconsin has become the CONTINUED »

Hello,

If you or your friends are interested in our hybrid homeschool program, please attend one of our information days:

VENTURA Charter School Homeschool Information Afternoon
Tuesday, March 15
4:00-5:30 pm
The Gooden Center at St. Paul's
3290 Loma Vista Road, Ventura

BRIDGES Charter School Homeschool Information Evening
Wednesday, March 23
7:00-8:30 pm
BRIDGES Charter School
1139 Windsor Drive, Thousand Oaks

You will be able to learn all about this exciting new program that has been so popular. The program offers the best of both worlds: The opportunity for you to homeschool your student and still be a part of our nurturing school community.

We offer two choice days, during which your student can attend as many, or few, of our enrichment classes, as he/she chooses. This semester, we have such exciting classes as Drama, Spanish, LEGO Robotics, Language Arts, Cooking, Ceramics, SMArt (science/math/art) and more.

We have credentialed, highly-qualified teachers who support our families and offer many choices of curriculum. We are publicly funded, non-profit and tuition-free.

Come learn more about our program and talk to our teachers and some of our currently enrolled families. For more information please email Claudia at bridges.ventura.charter@gmail.com or call her at (805) 300-3157.

Independent Travel Study class provides a personalized academic program based on actual or virtual trip
A free seminar called Independent Travel Study for Educators at CLU (California Lutheran University) on five Thursdays from March 1,to March 31 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm. The seminar addresses how educators can obtain professional development or salary advancement units through independent travel study by taking actual or virtual trips using the computer.

Discussions include Education Code 44579 requirements and tax deductions under the current law H.R. 3838. Presented by Dr. Lynnette Shifman, a teacher with over 40 years in the field of education.

Those not able to attend the seminar can obtain seminar information by emailing Dr. Lynnette Shifman: teacher_continue_ed@yahoo.com.

For additional information, contact the CLU web site: http://www.callutheran.edu/education/programs/cpe or email: teacher_continue_ed@yahoo.com ( Free seminar and information provided)

Jack O’Connell and CI President Richard Rush

Camarillo, CA. - Former State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Jack O’Connell, will receive an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.) from CSU Channel Islands (CI) during their Commencement ceremony scheduled for Saturday, May 21, at 9 a.m.

“We are extremely pleased to present Jack with an honorary doctorate degree during our upcoming Commencement ceremony,” stated President Richard R. Rush. “We would not be here today, providing a top-notch education to thousands of students throughout our region and state, were it not for Jack’s authoring the legislation that helped establish this university.”

O’Connell played an important role in the creation of CSU Channel Islands and in supporting its growth and development. In 1997, O’Connell authored SB 623, which approved the transfer of the former Camarillo State Hospital to the California State University system. In 1998, O’Connell’s second senate bill, SB 1923, was approved by Governor Pete Wilson to facilitate the financing and support of the transition for the 23rd and newest campus of the California State University system. O’Connell’s subsequent support of the University during the following budget process enabled CI to begin building the academic infrastructure that led to the University’s opening in 2002.

Jack O’Connell said, “I am deeply flattered to be recognized with this honorary degree from CSU Channel Islands. As a product of the California State University system, I feel like I have come full circle in my educational and service career – working for the great state of California and Ventura County. By providing a foundation for students seeking a public, higher education, it will enable them to successfully contribute to our state.

"CSU Channel Islands is so fortunate to have the visionary leadership of Dr. Rush and his remarkable team who have worked hard to make CI the institution it is today."

In 2003, a variety of materials from O’Connell’s tenure in the State Senate and Assembly legislative period were donated to CSU Channel Islands’ John Spoor Broome Library to initiate an archival collection. Most recently, he supplied documents related to his recent position as State Superintendent of Public Instruction. Some of his collection is partially opened to the public now with complete processing of the documentation expected by 2014.

O’Connell was born in Glen Cove, New York. In 1958, he moved with his family to Southern California, where he attended public schools. O’Connell grew up in Oxnard and graduated from Oxnard High School. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from California State University, Fullerton and earned his secondary teaching credential from California State University, Long Beach. O’Connell returned to his high school alma mater to teach government classes.

His political career began with his election to the Santa Barbara County School Board. Starting in 1982, he served six terms in the California Assembly representing the Central Coast-based 35th district and was then elected to two terms in the State Senate, serving the 18th district. He was elected as State Superintendent of Public Instruction in 2002 and overwhelmingly re-elected in 2006.

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.

I have been contacted by someone with contacts at the State level who "will be speaking with the Politicians in Sacramento" in the coming weeks and specifically wants to hear from residents, parents, students, staff of FUSD on
any issues regarding Building, Safety, Fire etc within FUSD.

If you have any concerns regarding issues at any site, or with building/inspection etc.
Please write something up, indicate which site and please be specific about the problem or issue.

We need this info by the end of this week.
Please email to schoolmatters@fillmoregazette.com
or post as a comment here. I can only accept comments with names so that I can verify the issue, and contact you if necessary. If you send an email and indicate that you wish to remain anonymous that is fine.

Happy Monday, Kim

Paula Phillips, from Right Road Kids, spoke to San Cayetano students about what they should do when faced with a challenge and how teamwork can help them reach their goals.
Enlarge Photo

On Monday, February 7, 2011, San Cayetano School recognized good citizenship and character at their Peacebuilder Assembly. Paula Phillips, from Right Road Kids, came to speak to the students about what a good citizen is and how being a good citizen can help not only the students, but others around them in their community. She spoke to the students about what they should do when faced with a challenge and how teamwork can help them reach their goals. Paula continued the Peacebuilder challenge to the students for them to think of a way individually, or as a class to find a new way to be a Peacebuilder in their lives. Paula told the students she would be excited to hear about and see what they had come up with in May when she comes back to visit San Cayetano for the Peacebuilder Celebration of Service. ASB President, Cali Wyand, assisted Paula in handing out the Peacebuilder Awards. The Peacebuilders for February are: Joseph Cervantes, Alexis Andrade, Rosalyn Diaz, Jose Suarez, Austin Gunter, Leslie Garcia, Dulce Rodriguez, Diego Ruiz, Bryan Sanchez, Jessica Nava, Joe Rivas, Amie Sanchez, Brianna Sanchez, Robert McElroy, Melia Galindo, Priscilla Almanza, Kasey Crawford, Antonio Villalobos, Kiana Valenzuela, and Erika Garza. At the primary grade assembly, Cali then announced to the students that John Paul Pet is sponsoring the San Cayetano Character Counts Award of a $100.00 savings bond. Violet Padilla, from Mrs. Fluke’s class, was chosen by the kindergarten teachers as a model of outstanding behavior and kindness to the other students. She was recognized with a certificate and the savings bond will be ordered and mailed to her. To conclude the assembly, the 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 two new bicycles. Julia Pace won the Perfect Attendance Award.

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA. - CSU Channel Islands (CI) will present a symposium and week of programs entitled Facing Our Bodies that will run from Feb. 21-25. The series, created by Dennis Downey, Associate Professor of Sociology, is scheduled to bring awareness to National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, and will feature single speaker and panel programs dealing primarily with maintaining a healthy body image. The symposium and programs are free and open to the public.

On Thursday, Feb. 24 from 3-4:45 p.m., in the John Spoor Broome Library, an interdisciplinary panel discussion will be presented focusing on women’s bodies, women’s experiences related to their bodies, and the social dynamics that shape those experiences, “Women and the Body: An Interdisciplinary Symposium.”

The symposium will be followed with a presentation from 5-6 p.m. by Justine J. Reel, a member of the Department of Health Education & Promotion at the University of Utah. Reel will present: "An Organic Approach to Positive Body Image: Empowering the Soul and Rejecting an Eating Disordered Society." Reel is the co-author of Hidden Faces of Eating Disorders, as well as numerous articles and chapters addressing issues related to distorted body image and eating disorders.

For a complete list of programs being offered visit: https://events.csuci.edu/wv3/wv3_servlet/urd/run/wv_event.DayList?evdt=2...

Limited parking is available on campus. A daily permit is $6. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot in Camarillo with bus service to and from the campus. Riders should board the VISTA Bus to the campus; the fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

For additional information contact Dennis Downey, Associate Professor of Sociology, at CSU Channel Islands at 805-437-3315 or dennis.downey@csuci.edu.

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.

Camarillo, CA. - The CSU Council on Ocean Affairs, Science and Technology (COAST), which deals with marine and coastal research and education, is introducing the new COAST Geospatial Research, Education and Technology Network, headed by CI’s Christopher Cogan, Assistant Professor of Environmental Science & Resource Management together with Corey Garza, Assistant Professor of Science and Environmental Policy at CSU Monterey Bay.

The COAST Geospatial network is one of six networks being established to engage faculty and students across the CSU system to facilitate specific areas of coastal management. The Geospatial Network is currently assembling a team of CSU faculty interested in geospatial research and teaching as it pertains to ecosystem-based management of the coastal zone.

The focus of the group will be to study the fragile environment where the ocean and the land meet, to study the various ecosystems that make up that environment, to understand how they are integrated and to find a way to guide management efforts such as coastal and marine spatial planning, and coastal zoning. Designed as a CSU system-wide team, Network activities span the entire California coast from Humboldt and Del Norte Counties in the north to San Diego County in the south. By inviting participants from the 23 CSU campuses who share interest in this area of study, the network will be able to have the widest selection of academic talent, resources and assets.

The team will be interdisciplinary, involving experts from a variety of academic disciplines so not only will the environmental science area be represented but public policy as well. Another aspect of the Network will be to improve teaching methods and research in the field. The group will be seeking out projects that are relevant to the skills of the team.

As Cogan explained, “Due to our coastal location and common interests, here at CI we have had the advantage of close working relationships with many state and federal agencies. The Navy, the Park Service and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement are all ongoing partners as we deal with coastal management education and research. The Geospatial Network activity is another example of our long range commitment to these partners.” He added that the team will look to “improve coastal management and policy, through better understanding the biodiversity of all of the terrestrial and marine ecosystems involved in this fragile environment.”

Cogan said that another important benefit of the network will be to graduate students who are knowledgeable in this field and will be a resource to companies, agencies, and research facilities involved in California’s coastal management.

For contact information or additional material on the COAST Geospatial Research, Education and Technology Network,visit: http://www.calstate.edu/coast/GREAT/

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, FEBRUARY 15, 2011
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING APPROXIMATELY 8:45 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION PIRU SCHOOL, 3811 CENTER STREET, PIRU, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
The public may review or request a copy of support materials provided to the Board Members where the word materials appears.
6:30 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
B. ROLL CALL
C. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS
D. PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS AND 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.
E. PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION ON INITIAL PROPOSALS FOR BARGAINING OF FUTA AND FUSD/FUSD AND FUTA
1. Public Hearing on Initial Proposal of the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association, CTA, NEA for Successor Contract Commencing July 1, 2011 (Materials)
2. Board Action to Receive Initial Proposal of the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association, CTA, NEA for a Successor Contract Commencing July 1, 2011
3. Public Hearing on CONTINUED »

George J. Petersen

THOUSAND OAKS, CA. - The dean of California Lutheran University’s School of Education and a panel of superintendents will discuss new research on the jobs of those leading public school districts at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 10.

George J. Petersen will discuss “The American School Superintendent: 2010 Decennial Study” in CLU’s Lundring Events Center. The CLU dean is one of the report’s five authors.

Released in December, the study documented dramatic changes in public school leadership. It revealed that today’s superintendents are more likely to be female, older and drawing a pension while working full time than those 10 years ago. Nearly half are planning to retire in the next five years. The study also reveals the varied challenges faced by superintendents, including the differences between those in charge of small and large school systems.

Other key findings include:

· Their jobs are increasingly diverse as a result of population changes, the explosion of technology, globalization, and increased expectations.
· Minorities become superintendents later and are twice as likely to report discrimination in their pursuit of the job.
· Job satisfaction among superintendents remains very high.

Panel members will then share their experiences and the challenges they face. The superintendents are Jeffrey L. Baarstad of Conejo Valley Unified School District, Julian D. Crocker of the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education, Robert P. Fraisse of Somis Union School District, David Gomez of Santa Paula Unified School District, Stanley C. Mantooth of the Ventura County Office of Education, Ellen Smith of Moorpark Unified School District and Trudy Tuttle-Arriaga of Ventura Unified School District.

Sponsored by American Association of School Administrators, the research is part of a series of studies that has been conducted every 10 years since the 1920s. They are the most cited references in school administration literature.

Petersen is the author or coauthor of two books and more than 100 book chapters, articles, research papers and commissioned reports. Much of his scholarly work has focused on district superintendents and their beliefs, roles and work.

Lundring Events Center is in Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is located north of Olsen Road near Campus Drive on the Thousand Oaks campus.

Admission is free, but reservations are required by March 4. Contact Joan Jedrzejek at jedrzeje@callutheran.edu or (805) 493-3160.

###

The Ventura County SELPA announces a public hearing to review the proposed Annual Budget Plan and Program Descriptors/Annual Service Plan for Special Education. The program descriptors list the types of special education services provided in the SELPA. The SELPA includes all school districts and the County Office of Education in Ventura County and the Las Virgenes Unified School District in Los Angeles County. The Public Hearing will be March 7, 2011 at 5:15 p.m. Location: 5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo, CA 93012. Questions, call (805) 437-1560. For more information about the SELPA visit our website at www.venturacountyselpa.com

Applications are available for the Miss Fillmore/Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant. Applications are available in the Office at the Middle School, at Fillmore High Schools Student Store, the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce or by contacting Pageant Director Lori McLain at #524-4432. The Mother/Daughter Tea is scheduled for Wednesday, February 23rd 6:30PM at the Memorial Building. The first practice begins Wednesday, March 2nd.