California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo. CA. – For all those people who have been dismayed at the serial closures of public libraries, this is your chance to show support for your local library. CSU Channel Islands (CI), in conjunction with the California Library Association, is planning an event that will not only be enjoyable but will provide valuable data to offer indisputable proof that libraries consistently provide invaluable services to our community.

On Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010, CI’s John Spoor Broome Library will participate in “Snapshot Day: One Day in the Life of California Libraries,” a state-wide event sponsored by the California Library Association and held in many different libraries throughout California during the week of October 4-8.

Data collected by CI library staff will be submitted to the California Library Association for inclusion in the complete “Snapshot: One Day in the Life of California Libraries,” dataset to be presented at the CLA/CSLA conference in November. All visitors to the library will be tallied, as will the use of library services such as computers, reference interviews, database usage, circulation of library materials and other valuable library services. Comments by patrons will also be recorded. The data will be used in advocacy for library funding efforts in Sacramento and, as always, to improve and enhance the library’s collections and services.

Events planned for the day include coffee and doughnuts to be served at 9 a.m. and cookies and tea at 3 p.m. A student photography contest to capture the importance of the library and the library’s annual student book collection contest - both with prizes – will be part of the day’s activities.

Faculty, students and the public are CONTINUED »

CITY OF FILLMORE CITY COUNCIL AND FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION JOINT MEETING
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2010 7:00 P.M. (SOCIAL BBQ FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD’S INVITED GUESTS AT 6:00 PM)
MEETING LOCATION: FILLMORE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA 555 CENTRAL AVENUE FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA 93015-1907

AGENDA

1.
Call to Order: 7:00 P.M.
Meeting Location: Fillmore High School Cafeteria, 555 Central Avenue
2.
Pledge of Allegiance
3.
Roll Call: Councilmembers Brooks, Conaway, Hernandez, Washburn and Mayor Walker School Board Members De La Piedra, Garnica, Saviers, Wilde and President Prado
4.
Approval of Agenda
5.
Presentations and Announcements
A.
Proclamation to Child CONTINUED »

Camarillo, CA. – CSU Channel Islands (CI) and Santa Barbara City College (SBCC) will sign a formal agreement on Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. establishing a partnership to offer CI’s Bachelor of Science Business program in the Santa Barbara area at SBCC. The signing ceremony will take place at SBCC’s Luria Conference and Press at the top of La Playa Stadium on East campus, 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara.

The Business program offered through CI’s Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics will begin in fall 2011 at SBCC pending approval of the site from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. A cohort of up to 30 students can take one or two courses per 12-week term on Saturdays at SBCC. The five-year agreement calls for CI to retain responsibility for both the academic and administrative aspects of the program while SBCC will provide classroom space, office space, and library use as well as cooperate in student recruitment and information sessions. In addition, SBCC transfer students who meet CI’s criteria will be automatically granted admission into the program.

“In the current economy, colleges and universities need to work together more than ever before to implement creative solutions to help our students achieve their higher education goals in a timely manner,” said Dr. Andreea Serban, SBCC Superintendent/President. “The partnership with CSU Channel Islands will be a seamless transition for SBCC business majors transferring to complete their four-year degree. It will also allow local residents who started their business majors at a CSU or elsewhere to conveniently finish their CSU degree program without a long commute.”

“Despite challenges we CONTINUED »

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA. - The California State University has selected 23 students, one from each campus in the system, to receive the 2010/11 William R. Hearst/CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. The Trustees will honor the scholars on Sept. 21 at the CSU Office of the Chancellor in Long Beach, California. Among the winners is CSU Channel Islands (CI) student Leticia Aguayo.

The Hearst/CSU Trustees' award is given to students who have demonstrated financial need, experienced personal hardships, and have attributes such as superior academic performance, exemplary community service and significant personal achievements. The $3,000 scholarship award is among the highest forms of recognition for student achievement in the CSU.

"These extraordinary student scholars exemplify strength, perseverance through adversity, dedication to learning and commitment to others," said Ali C. Razi, CSU trustee emeritus. "The leadership through service demonstrated by these scholars inspires deep respect on CSU campuses and within the community."

Leticia Aguayo migrated from Mexico with her parents and five siblings and never expected to attend a four-year university. Her father and older brothers worked day and night to support the family while Leticia and her two sisters attended school. Adjusting to a new language and culture and financial instability made Leticia’s transition to the United States difficult, but her father encouraged her to pursue an education so she could have a better life.

Today, Aguayo is CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2010 5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

5:15 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. 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.
IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:15 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. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION 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 Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to subdivision (b)(3)(A) of Government Code Section 54956.9 (one potential case)
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 OPEN SESSION 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. PUBLIC CONTINUED »

Enlarge Photo

Enlarge Photo

On Monday, September 13, 2010, San Cayetano School kicked off its citizenship assemblies with Captain Tim Hagel, Chief of Police. Students were recognized for good citizenship and character. Captain Hagel spoke to the students about what a good citizen is and how being a good citizen can help the students in their everyday lives as well as highlighting the positive character traits. 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 Capt. Hagel in handing out the Peacebuilder certificates. The Peacebuilders for September are: Jennifer Melchor, Jesus Salgado, Johnny Cardenas, Alyssa Andrade, Leo Venegas, Julio Negrete, Jose Elias Leon, Taiz Razo, Angelina Delgadillo, Juan Galindo, Evan Alamillo, Lilian Diaz, Julia Pace, Mariah Garcia, Alexis Tovar, Andrea Magana Murillo, Veronica Valdivia, Gisselle De La Paz, Johanna Garcia and Dominique Alamillio-Diaz. Cali then introduced the Character Counts Award at the fourth/fifth grade assembly. John Paul Pet sponsors one deserving student each month with a one hundred dollar savings bond. The award went to a responsible, kind, and hard-working fourth grade student. Alexis Tovar, from Mrs.Goldner’s class, was chosen by the fourth grade teachers as a model of outstanding behavior and kindness to the other students.

At $578 million, the Robert F. Kennedy School in Los Angeles is the most expensive public school ever built in America. It features a high-tech swimming pool, a chic auditorium, vaulted ceilings, luxury amenities and a design aesthetic worthy of a spread in Architectural Digest. ABC News reports that the school is more expensive than the “Bird’s Nest” stadium in Beijing, China, built for the 2008 Olympics, and the Wall Street Journal notes that it cost more than L.A.’s Staples sports center.

And while a half-billion dollar public school complex would be jarring enough to taxpayers during plush budget times, this public school was constructed at a time when the district faces a $640 million deficit. It’s a red carpet reminder of why California – and so many other states – face severe budget shortfalls.

But Joe Agron, the editor-in-chief of the school construction publication American School & University, said that “Districts want a showpiece for the community, a really impressive environment for learning.” When asked by the Wall Street Journal whether the school’s plush amenities and architectural flourishes were necessary, Thomas Rubin, a consultant for Los Angeles’ bond oversight committee, was blunt: “Did we have to do that? Hell no. But there’s no accounting for taste,” Rubin stated.

But it’s neither... http://blog.heritage.org/2010/09/10/morning-bell-half-billion-dollar-sch...

John Schweller, Fillmore Middle School Principal.

Becoming the Principal of Fillmore Middle School is an honor I am proud to accept. I welcome the challenges and celebrations that come with this transition in my career as an educator. I look forward to collaborating with the excellent staff and faculty. I have a passion for working with students and their parents, during this important middle stage of the students’ development.

Fillmore Unified is the perfect fit for me both personally and professionally. I have been an educator for the past eleven years working in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties serving as a High School Counselor at both Carpinteria and Royal High Schools, and the last four years as Assistant and Co-Principal at Matilija Junior High School in the Ojai Unified School District. I have been involved in all aspects of running a junior high school program. I truly enjoy working with middle school aged students. I get the pleasure watching them grow from children into young adults.

Personally, Fillmore is a perfect home for me. My wife and I moved into our first house in Fillmore eight years ago and our second daughter was born the following year. It is a special place to raise and nurture a family; we have enjoyed all aspects of living in the community. I have coached basketball at the high school for the past seven years and have developed many great relationships during that experience. The intimacy of a small town community and the opportunity to positively affect students' lives on a daily basis were key components in my job search.

Respectfully,
John Schweller

Ventura County – Whether it’s the last-minute run to the store for the glue that will hold a child’s project together or the dozens of bake-sale cupcakes whipped up late at night, parents frequently deal with the unexpected. Being prepared for emergencies—and not just the glue and cupcake variety—is the new golden rule for having a great school year and the American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter wants you and your family to be safe as we head into fall.

Get a Kit

Most back-to-school shopping lists feature items like pencils, notebooks and folders. This year, make sure you also have items for an emergency preparedness kit.

At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry container that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
Flashlight
Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
Extra batteries
First aid kit
Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
Multipurpose tool
Sanitation and personal hygiene items
Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
Cell phone with chargers
Family and emergency contact information
Extra cash
Emergency blanket
Change of clothing and shoes
Map(s) of the area
Make a Plan

Every family should create and practice an evacuation and communications plan. Each person should know how to reach other family members and where to meet if they can’t return home. You should also designate an out-of-area relative or friend as an emergency contact and make sure all household members know how to contact this person.

To make an evacuation plan, choose two meeting places: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Decide where you would go and what route you would take if you had to evacuate. Make sure to also plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of "pet friendly" motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

Be Informed

Learning the skills you need to respond in an emergency before help arrives is another important key to being prepared. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Know which radio stations to tune into in the event of a disaster. In Ventura County, tune in to these stations:

KVEN 1450 AM
KHAY 100.7 FM
KMLA 103.7 FM (Spanish)

The Red Cross recommends you mark the radio stations on your radio for easy reference in an emergency.

To learn more and view CPR/AED and first aid demonstrations, visit www.arcventura.org or call The American Red Cross, Ventura County Chapter at (805) 987-1514.

Come have a cup of coffee and get to know who is supporting our children at school.

They would love to get to know each and every one of YOU.

Together we can make a difference in our children’s lives.

SAVE THE DATES! 9-24, 10-29, 11-19, 12-17, 1-28, 2-25, 3-25, 4-29, 5-27 (Last Meeting)

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2010
5:15 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.

5:15 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. 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.
IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:15 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. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6) CONTINUED »

Camarillo, CA Sept. 1, 2010 – CSU Channel Islands (CI) has been selected to receive a 1.1 million dollar, five-year Federal TRIO Student Support Service grant. This year’s federal process was especially competitive given the overall economic climate in higher education, increased pursuit of federal grant dollars and minimal federal funding increases for TRIO programs.

Federal TRIO Programs began with Upward Bound, which emerged from the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964. Talent Search, a second outreach program created under the Higher Education Act, was begun in 1965. Student Support Services, originally known as Special Services for Disadvantaged Students, was authorized by the Higher Education Amendments in 1968 and became the third program in TRIO. Today, there are a total of eight TRIO programs.

The goal of CI’s Student Support Services (SSS) program is to increase retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation college students by providing academic, financial and guidance assistance. It serves to ease the transition from high school to a successful post-secondary school experience. The students selected for SSS have demonstrated the desire, commitment and potential to pursue a baccalaureate degree. SSS instills a sense of identification and involvement with the university, helping each participant invest in a safe and engaging academic experience. CI meets the stringent program requirements which mandate that 56% of its students meet the eligibility criteria for TRIO programs.

Damien Peña, CONTINUED »

THOUSAND OAKS, CA. – A record number of California Lutheran University students participated in full-time research this summer.

With funding from university grants for undergraduate research and guidance from faculty mentors, 25 students studied topics ranging from the eye mutations in flies to Facebook’s effect on student involvement. The students will present their findings at the 7th Annual Student Research Symposium from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23, in Ahmanson Science Center. Most will also make presentations at professional conferences throughout the country.

The following scholars received Swenson Science Summer Research Fellowships:

Samantha Aguinaldo, a senior biology major from Saugus, and John Mussatto, a senior biology major from Osage City, Kan., conducted a project titled “Does the Extra Eye Mutation of Drosophila Upregulate the JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway?” They crossbred different genetic lines of fruit flies to study the effects of genetic mutations on the developing eyes of larvae.

Megan Ameche, a junior mathematics CONTINUED »