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 »

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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 »

California educates one in every eight public school children in the United States. But, our educational system continues to be jeopardized by billions of dollars in state budget cuts: 30% fewer teachers than the U.S. average, 90% fewer counselors and, in elementary schools, nurses have been replaced by the “boo boo lady”. California is 47th in the nation in funding for grades K through 12.

In the KCLU documentary... http://www.kclu.org/k12ontheedge/index.php

THOUSAND OAKS, CA. - California Lutheran University will break ground on the $8.9 million William Rolland Stadium at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 13.

The two-story stadium will have about 2,000 fixed seats, a permanent artificial turf field and outdoor sports lighting. The first-class facility will include home team locker rooms, coaches offices and meeting rooms, a press box, VIP lounge and campus clock tower. It will accommodate football, soccer and intramural athletic matches and practices as well as commencement ceremonies.

The new stadium will be built to current National Collegiate Athletic Association standards. Last year, the Kingsmen clinched a spot in the NCAA Division III football championship tournament but couldn’t host playoff games because Mt. Clef Stadium doesn’t meet the criteria.

CLU has used Mt. Clef Stadium since 1963. It was built not only for CLU’s team but also as a summer training ground for the Dallas Cowboys.

The new stadium is named for William Rolland, a former firefighter and real estate developer who was a founding resident of Westlake Village. His gift of $5.45 million for the project is the largest single gift in the history of the university.

The new 16,000-square-foot facility will also house the William Rolland Gallery of Fine Art, where pieces of Rolland’s extensive collection of bronze statuary and paintings will be exhibited.

The project is slated for completion by fall 2011.

The stadium will be located west of Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center on the north side of Olsen Road near Campus Drive in Thousand Oaks. Other state-of-the-art sports facilities that have opened in this part of campus in recent years include Samuelson Aquatics Center, George “Sparky” Anderson Field and Ullman Stadium, Hutton Field and the Poulson Tennis Center.

Our first week back to school was a big success. We had our first rally on Friday and the sophomores won the rally, Way to go 2013! However, in our dress up day the new comers our freshman won, followed by the seniors. Coming up we have our first football game which is September 4th away at Malibu against Malibu. JV starts at 10 A.M. and Varsity follows at 1 P.M. Cross Country’s first meet will be September 10th at Ventura Beach at 2 P.M. Girls golf will have their first match September 14th at Oaks Christian, against Oaks Christian. Also, Girls volleyball will have their first match September 7th against Hueneme away; JV is at 5 P.M. and Varsity is at 6 P.M. Fillmore High School ASB will be hosting their first Mr. FHS “Pageant” which will be held at the Fillmore Middle School gym on September 23rd. Parents, please encourage your sons to participate, it will be a blast. Do they have what it takes to become the first Mr. FHS? Sign-ups are held in the student store from 8/23/10 to 9/2/10. LETS GO FLASHES!