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Excitement and smiles filled the air across the Fillmore Unified School District as students, families, teachers, and staff officially kicked off the 2026–2027 school year on August 12, 2026. From eager preschoolers taking their first steps on campus to high school seniors starting their final chapter, students across Fillmore and Piru returned to vibrant classrooms ready for a year of learning, discovery, and connection. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “Congratulations students, staff, parents, and our Fillmore/Piru community on a successful first day of school 2026!”

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Presenting another 2026 Ventura County Fair Livestock Exhibitor! These students have worked extremely hard over the past several months, and their dedication truly paid off, with multiple students earning top placements this year, many of whom were featured in last week’s Gazette. Pictured right is Small Livestock Exhibitor Ruby Aguilar, who was named FFA Market Turkey Champion.

Fair week wouldn’t be the same without our Fillmore Junior Fair Board members! From working in the barn to helping with setup behind the scenes, these students work incredibly hard to make the fair a success.

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We are excited to introduce three new teachers to San Cayetano! Lorena Johnston (on the left) left her den at Mountain Vista to join our nest and is teaching the 2/3 combination class. Ms. Geraci (middle) will be teaching 1st grade and flew in from Florida. And on the right is Ms. Hollinrake who will be teaching the K/1 combination class and though she doesn’t have wings--we’ve heard she’s swift underwater. We’re honored to have them on our team, empowering our students to reach new heights! Posted August 11, 2026, Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=1910205656925121&set=a.7401914639265....

Ventura, Calif.--The Ventura College Foundation announced it surpassed the $7 million goal of its “Invest in Success” fundraising campaign by $117,289.
The Invest in Success campaign was launched when the Ventura College Foundation Board of Directors approved a plan to sustain the long-term future of the VC Promise Program and Basic Needs Centers.
“Ventura College exists because our community believes that education has the power to transform lives. The outstanding success of the Invest in Success campaign is a powerful reflection of that shared commitment in action. Together, Ventura College, the Ventura College Foundation, and our generous donors are ensuring that financial hardship doesn’t stand between a student and the opportunity to access education and pursue their educational goals,” says Dr. Luca E. Lewis, Ventura College president.
“Each year, more than 12,000 students attend Ventura College with the hopes of bettering their lives,” says Anne Paul King, Ventura College Foundation executive director. “Too often, financial burdens and other obstacles keep students from reaching their academic and career potential. That’s where the Ventura College Foundation steps in to help.”
Donations to the Invest in Success campaign support Ventura College’s Basic Needs Centers at the Ventura Campus and at East Campus, which serve the Santa Clara River Valley. Over 500 students visit the centers each day to receive groceries, hygiene items and snacks at no cost. Students can access a variety of other support systems, such as transportation assistance, mental health support, and housing referrals for unhoused students through the Basic Needs Centers.
“This investment is about human potential and hope. By expanding access and strengthening student success, we are creating impactful opportunities for our students, their families, and the future prosperity of Ventura County. I am grateful for this partnership and for everyone who has chosen to invest in the success of our students,” says Dr. Lewis.
“Because of Invest in Success donations, the Basic Needs Centers can expand their services so more students can focus on their education instead of day-to-day financial pressures,” says King.
Campaign funds also sustain the Ventura College Promise, a program that provides two years of tuition-free education to first-time, full-time students. According to Ventura College’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness, Ventura College Promise program recipients are more than 70% more likely to complete their comprehensive programs of study.
When state budget cuts threatened the program in 2024-25, the foundation stepped in with $158,000 in gap funding to enable over 4,000 eligible students to continue their education entirely tuition-free.
“This campaign is about meeting students where they are. Our goal is to cover essential costs, close funding gaps, and ensure the support that leads to graduation and long-term success,” says Dr. Rick MacLennan, VCCCD chancellor and campaign cabinet co-chair.
To learn about ways to invest in Ventura College students, visit https://venturacollegefoundation.org/donate.

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Courtesy https://www.facebook.com/
profile.php?id=100028875537193
Did you know? Students in our Piru Elementary summer program are strengthening their math and language arts skills while also participating in exciting culinary learning experiences! From hands on cooking activities to exploring nutrition, teamwork, and creativity, students are enjoying meaningful learning all summer long.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Students are also expressing themselves through music and art, creating a well-rounded summer experience that fosters both academic growth and creativity.
This opportunity is for all FUSD elementary students grades K-6 and there’s still time to join the fun! If your child is interested in participating, families can still sign up by calling Piru Elementary (805) 521-1709 for more information.

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At last week’s Fillmore City Council meeting the council was given a presentation on Filmore Unified and their accomplishments as well as ongoing projects and future plans. Back in May of this year Fillmore Unified held a beam signing for the new FHS Athletic Complex as part of the Measure G Bond, and shared an update as to the project, as well as sharing their summer projects they have going on.
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New preschool play yard at San Cayetano
Preschool Renovation at Sespe School
All Weather 200-meter Track at Rio Visa
HVAC in Cafeterias at Piru and San Cayetano
Shade Structures at SC, MV, MV, Piru, FHS, SHS
Library Renovation at FHS
Career Center Renovation at FHS
New Class Furniture at SC, FMS
Office Redesign at FMS
HVAC in Middle School Gym
New Shade Structures at FMS
Painting at FMS

Above are Fillmore High School’s list of 2026 College Acceptances which were released at last week’s City Council meeting presentation. Congrats grads! Photo credit City of Fillmore Agenda.

Valerie Rojas Named to Dean’s List at University of Maryland Global Campus
ADELPHI, MD (06/16/2026)-- Valerie Rojas of Fillmore was named to the Dean’s List for the spring 2026 term at University of Maryland Global Campus. To be eligible for the honor, a student must complete at least six credits during the term, earn a grade point average of at least 3.5 for the term, and maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5 at UMGC.
University of Maryland Global Campus was founded more than 75 years ago specifically to serve the higher education needs of working adults and military servicemembers. Today, UMGC is the largest provider of postsecondary education in Maryland and continues its global tradition with online and hybrid courses, more than 175 classroom and service locations worldwide, and more than 100 degrees and certificates backed by the reputation of a state university and the University System of Maryland. For more information, visit umgc.edu.
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Ashley Montiel Named to Spring 2026 Dean’s List at Hofstra University
HEMPSTEAD, NY (06/18/2026)-- Ashley Montiel of Fillmore excelled during the spring 2026 semester at Hofstra, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Dean’s List. Ashley’s major is Criminology.
Hofstra University’s primary mission is to provide a quality education to its students in an environment that encourages, nurtures, and supports learning. At Hofstra, new ideas take shape through collaboration, engagement, and interaction. Hofstra students create their success with small classes and dedicated faculty, alongside a beautiful campus, plus all the opportunities of New York City within easy reach.

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San Cayetano Elementary School Principal Dina Ticas said, “We ended the 2025-2026 school year with such excitement and joy, reflecting on the memories we’ve made and the tremendous growth we’ve seen in each and every one of our students. We sent them off with this advice: First, from Mrs. Dewey: Be kind. Middle school can feel big and overwhelming at times. One friendly smile, one encouraging word, or one act of kindness can completely change someone’s day. Second, from Mrs. Appleford: Be brave enough to try new things. Join a club. Play a new sport. Hang out with a new group of kids. Raise your hand and ask questions. You don’t discover what you’re capable of by staying in your comfort zone. Third: Don’t let mistakes define you. Every successful person you’ve ever heard of has failed at something—probably many things. Mistakes are proof that you’re learning, growing, and taking chances. Go out and SOAR, Eagles!”

Piru Elementary Principal Viviana Magaña-Laureano said, “We celebrated our amazing 5th grade students as they promoted to middle school! We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and will truly miss them. A heartfelt thank you to our staff and families for your unwavering support, encouragement, and partnership throughout their elementary journey. Once a Condor, always a Condor!”

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Rio Vista Elementary School Principal Kayleigh Kelp said, “We proudly promoted 97 incredible 5th graders as they completed their elementary school journey and prepared for the exciting adventure of middle school. Watching our students walk across the stage, surrounded by proud families, dedicated staff, and years of memories, was both heartwarming and inspiring. To our promoting class: we are so proud of all you have accomplished. Continue to work hard, be kind, and chase your dreams. Once a Roadrunner, always a Roadrunner! Congratulations Class of 2026 and happy summer Roadrunners!”

Fillmore Unified School District’s Annual Unified Graduation Pic-Nic brought students, staff, and families together to celebrate the accomplishments of students with extensive needs. The event recognized the hard work, growth, and independence students build through a program focused on daily living skills and success in everyday life.
After four years in high school, students in the program graduate and continue into the Post-Secondary Program, where they participate in educational, vocational, and independent living skills curriculum. This year, Elena Fernandez will be graduating from high school and moving on to Post-Secondary. “We look forward to seeing Elena grow over the next four years,” shared Hannah Faith, Post-Secondary Special Education Teacher.
The celebration also honored Kimberly Garcia, Denise Mejia, Jessie Mejia, and Sayra Banales, who are graduating from the Post-Secondary Program. “We will miss them dearly,” said Hannah Faith.
The picnic was a joyful opportunity to celebrate each student’s journey, recognize their accomplishments, and wish them continued success in their next chapter.