On Friday, October 18 at 7pm the Sespe Players club will host the opening of “The Jade Eye.”
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By Lisa Givan

Amidst the smoky backdrop of 1940’s Chicago, Hardboiled Private Investigator Dick Crane is searching for his big break. When sultry Della Finesse, played by the captivating Jo Becerra, enters his office, Crane becomes embroiled in the mysterious case of a missing priceless necklace, The Jade Eye. Returning to the stage is David Becerra, who plays Dick Crane with dry wit and charm and a knack for misinterpretation that keeps audiences laughing. Joining him is Jessie Givan as Friday, his straight-laced sidekick. With his neatly combed hair and tailored suit, Friday approaches each case with meticulous detail and unwavering commitment to logic and procedure which often leads to breakthrough moments in their investigations. The delightful Brandy Lengning is wise-cracking secretary, Vera. Her charming anecdotes and sharp observations steer Crane in the right direction- albeit sometimes through a tangle of juicy gossip. Providing the perfect foil is notorious mobster, Vic Shady, played by Josh Overton. Overton’s Shady attempts to portray a suave demeanor while oozing menace. Shady’s goons, Rocco and Tony contribute to the hilarity with their exaggerated bravado and clumsy antics.

The dialogue sparkles with sharp humor and clever one-liners, blending classic noir elements with modern wit. Join “The Sespe Players” and remain on the edge of your seat. The Jade Eye opens on October 18 at 7pm. Shows continue for two weekends, October 18, 19, 24, 25, and 26 at 7pm with a matinee showing on October 20 at 2pm. Doors open 30 minutes before curtain. Concessions available for purchase. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at SespePlayers.org.

Don’t miss your chance to see Detective Crane and his guy Friday unravel the mystery of The Jade Eye!

(And their parents)

Picture a world with peace without limits, without wars and battles, where people are able to respect each other and live peacefully together in spite of all of our differences. Here is the opportunity to use your artistic ability to show what it might be like.

Are you 12, 13 or 14? If so, here is your chance to be awarded $5,000 if you win the Lion’s Club International Poster Competition. The theme this year is PEACE WITHOUT LIMITS. If you attend Fillmore Middle School, contact Ms. Gonzalez (the art teacher) for the deadlines and rules. If you attend other middle schools, contact Lynn Edmonds at (805)514-9719. The first step to be qualified for the international award is to participate in the Fillmore Lion’s Club contest. The winner goes to the district level and that winner advances to the international level. Here is your chance to show your skill and to speak up for peace around the world. Be sure to submit your work to Ms. Gonzalez or Lynn Edmonds before or on November 5. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your artist skill.

PARENTS: This is an opportunity for your youth to show her/his artistic ability to show our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limit. Please contact the people indicated above for more information!

(And their parents)

Picture a world with peace without limits, without wars and battles, where people are able to respect each other and live peacefully together in spite of all of our differences. Here is the opportunity to use your artistic ability to show what it might be like.

Are you 12, 13 or 14? If so, here is your chance to be awarded $5,000 if you win the Lion’s Club International Poster Competition. The theme this year is PEACE WITHOUT LIMITS. If you attend Fillmore Middle School, contact Ms. Gonzalez (the art teacher) for the deadlines and rules. If you attend other middle schools, contact Lynn Edmonds at (805)514-9719. The first step to be qualified for the international award is to participate in the Fillmore Lion’s Club contest. The winner goes to the district level and that winner advances to the international level. Here is your chance to show your skill and to speak up for peace around the world. Be sure to submit your work to Ms. Gonzalez or Lynn Edmonds before or on November 5. Take advantage of this opportunity to share your artist skill.

PARENTS: This is an opportunity for your youth to show her/his artistic ability to show our world’s infinite potential for kindness once we commit to pursuing the idea of peace without limit. Please contact the people indicated above for more information!

Camarillo, Calif. (Sept. 23, 2024) — Educators from the Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) and the Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) gathered for a pivotal Community of Practice event at Ventura College on September 17. This collaborative meeting, entitled “Designing Equitable Dual Enrollment Pathways through Partnership,” brought together professionals from both systems to expand dual enrollment pathways in high schools.

With a focus on identifying courses that best meet the needs of local high school students and families, the event underscored the shared commitment to increasing access to higher education for all Ventura County’s students. These college courses, many of which can be embedded into the school schedule and held on the high school campus, provide an invaluable opportunity for students to earn credits while staying in their familiar school environment, at low to no cost.

“The Dual Enrollment Community of Practice has been an invaluable opportunity for collaboration,” said Melissa Johnson, VCCCD Director of Dual Enrollment. “By bringing together educators from both systems, we are not only strengthening our current programs but also identifying meaningful ways to expand access to college courses for high school students. We still have work to do, but the conversations today create a strong foundation for the future.”

Dual enrollment courses offered on high school campuses are a unique opportunity for students to take college-level classes at no cost, seamlessly integrated into their regular school day. These classes provide students with the chance to earn both high school and college credits without leaving campus or adjusting their schedules. Even better, the credits earned through these courses can transfer directly to programs at the Community Colleges of Ventura County, giving students a head start on their college education while still in high school.

“VCOE is excited to build on the success of year one of our Community of Practice, creating sustainable opportunities for meaningful engagement with our VCCCD educational partners,” said Lisa Salas Brown, VCOE Associate Superintendent. “Year two’s first convening brought together more than 100 participants, fostering collaboration, asking important questions, and expanding opportunities for our students to access college courses and dual enrollment programs across the county.”

For students and parents interested in learning more about dual enrollment opportunities, including how to enroll in college courses offered on their campus, contact your school counselor or visit www.vcccd.edu/dual-enrollment.

About Ventura County Community College District

The Ventura County Community College District is a member of the 116-campus California Community College system and serves approximately 30,000 students annually. The District's three colleges—Moorpark, Oxnard and Ventura—offer programs in general education for degrees and certificates, transfer to four-year colleges and universities, career technical education and provide opportunities to engage in co-curricular campus activities. For more information, visit vcccd.edu.

About Ventura County Office of Education

The Ventura County Office of Education (VCOE) is committed to expanding access to quality education for all. VCOE provides fiscal, training, and technology support services to local school districts, helping to maintain and improve lifelong educational opportunities. VCOE offers an extensive calendar of professional development and educational courses and seminars at a state-of-the-art conference center in Camarillo. They also operate schools that serve educationally disadvantaged students, provide career education programs, and coordinate countywide academic competitions.

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Pictured right are Ms. Anabelle and Ms. Hope. Photo and article credit Brandy Hollis.
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I have said it once and I will say it again, San Cayetano is a special place. Not only is Mrs. Rocha, the reigning principal, absolutely fabulous but so is her support staff. This year Ms. Anabelle is teaming up with Ms. Hope to support the front office. This team makes a dynamic duo! Remember to thank them for always going the extra mile for our kids! I know we appreciate their hard work! It takes a village! Thank you, Ms. Anabelle and Ms. Hope!

What a fantastic first day back to school! San Cayetano classrooms were filled with smiles, excitement, and a lot of learning. We’re thrilled to see our students and staff kicking off the year with such positive energy. Looking forward to an amazing school year ahead! Here’s to new beginnings and endless possibilities. https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid0RW-nGmMTkqyDBNpKNk5wovdBi1vH7LmREUy3FAFXv3fj9adsyoEM56VLiCWEwzzjzl&id=100038071162263.
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Rio Vista had a great two days of school! Our Roadrunners are eager to learn and we are so happy to start the year! Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbi-d0fxy9nq425m3GYuTdckLqL84tHV7uUW5mMq9hzBATjGL2GrEtx5uhceTTQSrP8Zejl&id=100063829652014.
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Mountain Vista Elementary had a GREAT first day of the 2024-2025 school year! Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid026ZoGhT2RPkGwLbjDhYo-iDqhBEs7LHKvwMNALqvpz6LABko5PYqdhdwHG2wwv6jiZl&id=100063493185283.
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Welcome back, Piru students! We had an amazing first day back, full of energy, smiles, and excitement for the year ahead. Let’s make this year one of growth, learning, and success together. Here’s to all the great things we’ll achieve! Photo courtesy https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02aqG6o8kDv5xgapcbWVmmb64KrKpo8pGhxcKLTGGyvcc55-FaoBFjBixmaFcib7TFal&id=100028875537193.
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On Wednesday, August 14, students from Fillmore and Piru began their 2024-2025 school year. Pictured below are students and staff from Fillmore’s San Cayetano, Mountain Vista, Rio Vista, and Piru Elementary enjoying their first day of school.

On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Fillmore Middle School announced Christopher Vasquez and Megan Hernandez as the new Assistant Principals for the 2024-2025 school year.
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Fillmore Middle School recently named Christopher Vasquez and Megan Hernandez as Assistant Principals for the 2024-2025 school year. Read both bios below:

August 8, 2024, Courtesy https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/20...

Mr. Christopher Vasquez is pleased to join the Fillmore Middle School administrative team as an assistant principal commencing this 2024-25 school year. At the beginning of the 2022-23 school year, Mr. Vasquez, an experienced educator and leader in the field of secondary education, began his time as an English Teacher and coach at Fillmore High School. With a career spanning nearly a decade, Mr. Vasquez has consistently demonstrated a commitment to student success as he quickly embraced the community of Fillmore.

Prior to his career in education, Mr. Vasquez spent thirteen years working as an emergency medical technician within the hospital setting. Mr. Vasquez brings a diverse skill set to his educational roles, stemming from his background as an Emergency Room Technician at Los Robles Hospital and UCLA Medical Center. His experience in emergency medicine has equipped him with invaluable skills in de-escalation, trauma management, and prioritization, which he seamlessly integrates into his educational practice.

Collaborative, creative, and caring are just a few words that one would use to describe Mr. Vasquez’ approach to working with diverse student populations. He began his career in the Moorpark Unified School District, where he worked as a seventh grade ELA and ELD teacher at Chaparral Middle School. After his time in Moorpark, Mr. Vasquez sought to expand his experience with the new challenges in working at the high school level. Mr. Vasquez took a position at Architecture Construction and Engineering Charter High School in 2015-16, where he honed his craft as one of two English Teachers on the campus. Having such a small department allowed Mr. Vasquez the opportunity to teach various courses; and over the course of six years, Mr. Vasquez helped to establish the International

Baccalaureate program where he taught: Language and Literature and coordinated the Service-Learning Projects IB career pathway students. Post the Covid pandemic, his professional journey took him to North Valley Military Institute, where, as an English/Social Studies Teacher and Dean of Students, he laid the foundation for Professional Learning Community (PLC) within the English Department and implemented restorative justice practices amongst high-risk students.

Educationally, Mr. Vasquez holds a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from California Lutheran University, where he also earned his teaching credential in English. Throughout his career, Mr. Christopher Vasquez has exemplified a passion for student learning, a collaborative approach to team building, and a commitment to educational excellence. His multifaceted background in healthcare and education uniquely positions him to inspire and empower students and educators alike, and that is what he seeks to do as he begins a new chapter as an Assistant Principal at Fillmore Middle School.

***
Megan Hernandez

August 8, 2024, https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/20...

I am very excited to have the opportunity to return to Fillmore Unified School District for the 2024-2025 school year. My name is Megan Hernandez and I have been given the privilege of joining the Fillmore Middle School team as an Assistant Principal. I am a lifelong Ventura County resident and currently reside in Fillmore with my husband Eli and our two children Brynn (11) and Brock (6).

My husband and I are proud alumnus of Fillmore High where we met and attending school together. Our family loves to attend Fillmore Flashes football games during the fall season. Our family is also active in community activities. Brynn is a dedicated dancer at a local dance studio and Brock is beginning his athletic career by participating in Fillmore Little League.

I started my career in education as an Early Childhood Educator before becoming an Elementary Educator teaching grades 1st, 3rd,5th and 6th. I went on to become a Teacher on Special Assignment where I lead teachers of grades PK-3rd grade to develop and implement thematic units of study with as a part of the Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) model.

I have served as a Consulting Teacher overseeing the Induction program and have enjoyed on-boarding our next generation of educators. As a Special Populations Coordinator, I supported district level coordination of Multilingual Learner programs and services including identification, monitoring and reclassification. My most recent position was Elementary Assistant Principal where I supported two elementary sites within Oxnard School District. This opportunity provided me with a chance to return to a school site setting and directly support students and teachers.

I am looking forward to serving in my new role of Assistant Principal at Fillmore Middle School and rejoining the Fillmore Unified family. As an experienced educator, I am passionate about fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for our students. As a part of the Fillmore Middle School team, I am eager to work with students, staff and families to ensure that the upcoming school year is a great one. Go bulldogs!

Jenny Plugge, New Principal of Fillmore Middle School

https://www.blog.fillmoreusd.org/fillmore-middle-school-bulldogs-blog/20...

On Tuesday, June 18, the FUSD Governing Board appointed Jenny Plugge as the Principal of Fillmore Middle School. Mrs. Plugge comes to Fillmore having served as a leader in a variety of diverse educational settings. Mrs. Plugge’s professional background includes experience in the business sector where she worked as a CPA for Deloitte & Touche in the Los Angeles office. She served as a manager for the firm where she gained extensive experience in staffing, recruiting, training, career development and human resources during her tenure with the firm. Through a non-profit educational opportunity Mrs. Plugge found her passion for education and began her career as a math teacher twenty years ago. Mrs. Plugge earned her Single Subject Math Credential and taught mathematics at both the Junior High and High School levels. After earning her Administrative Credential Mrs. Plugge has served in a variety of leadership positions including Dean of Students, Dean of Instruction, Assistant Principal, Business Director and Principal. Her responsibilities have spanned a depth of areas including oversight of all school operations, Title I compliance monitoring, master scheduling, staffing, site budgets, teacher evaluations, community relations, professional development, accreditation, supervision of personnel and oversight of alternative programs.

Mrs. Plugge served as a principal in the Bakersfield City School District where she led a school that was designated as a focus school with the objective to increase academic outcomes and positively impact the culture of the campus. She is most proud of the collaborative work done with the staff and community to break down cultural and socioeconomic barriers at a school that had been labeled as underperforming. Mrs. Plugge believes the collaboration amongst teachers, staff, parents and school leaders will lead to increased student outcomes and a positive school community.

Since June of 2022 Mrs. Plugge has been serving as an assistant principal after the need to relocate to Southern California following a promotion for her husband. She and her husband have been married for 24 years and have two college aged children. Mrs. Plugge’s daughter currently attends Sacramento State University where she plays collegiate volleyball and is a biology/pre-med major. Mrs. Plugge’s son currently attends the University of San Diego where he plays collegiate football and is an engineering major.

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Plugge to the district and know the versatility she has demonstrated throughout her career in diverse leadership positions will be an asset to Fillmore Middle School.

Viviana Magaña-Laureano, New Piru Elementary School Principal

https://www.blog.fillmo reusd.org/piru-elementary-condors-blog/2024/6/20/viviana-magaa-laureano-appointed-principal-of-piru-school

On Tuesday, June 18, the FUSD Governing Board appointed Viviana Magaña-Laureano as Principal of Piru School. Viviana is excited to return to her home district, and is grateful for the opportunity to lead an amazing team that will prepare our students for a lifetime of success! Mrs. Laureano grew up in Fillmore and is a proud graduate of Fillmore High School. Her parents instilled in her the values of education, hard work, and perseverance. Mrs. Laureano and her husband have three children, two of whom have also graduated from Fillmore High School and are currently continuing their education.

After graduating from Fillmore High School, she earned an Associate of Arts followed by a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, and a Master of Education in Organizational Leadership. While pursuing an administrative credential, she earned a second Master’s of Arts in Educational Leadership Specialization. Currently, Mrs. Laureano is a doctoral candidate pursuing a Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership K-12.

She began her teaching career in the Fillmore Unified School District and then transitioned to the Santa Paula Unified School District. Mrs. Laureano has extensive teaching experience, which includes elementary, middle school, and high school levels. Her leadership journey began as Distance Learning and Saturday School Administrator for the Migrant Education Program with the Ventura County Office of Education. She then served as Assistant Principal for two years at the middle school level. Most recently, she was Assistant Principal at an elementary school where she co-directed the dual language immersion program.

Mrs. Laureano is committed to serving FUSD and supporting the students, families, teachers, staff, and community of Piru Elementary—a community that values a culture of developing high-performing students who are engaged and productive members of society.