AZUSA, CA - Fillmore, CA resident and Azusa Pacific University student Jacob A. Zellmer made the academic Deans' List at APU. Zellmer is honored for a fall semester 2012 academic standing of a 3.5 or better grade-point average. Zellmer is A Biblical Studies Major, who is joined by 1,698 other students receiving the same honor.

Azusa Pacific University is an evangelical, Christian university committed to God First and excellence in higher education located 26 miles northeast of Los Angeles. With 52 undergraduate majors, 28 master's degree programs, 14 certificates, 10 credentials, and 9 doctoral programs, the university offers its nearly 10,000 students a quality education on campus, online, and at seven regional centers throughout Southern California. www.apu.edu

On the web: http://readabout.me/achievements/Fillmore-Resident-Jacob-Zellmer-Makes-t....

Fillmore High School Mock Trial Team took the County teams by surprise. The new team consists of one senior, five juniors, seven sophomores and five freshmen. At the awards ceremony, junior Melissa Nunes won First Place for Witness Toni De Luca, senior Maggie Carrillo won Second Place as Court Clerk, and freshman Nico Bartels won the team’s Most Valuable Player award. Vickie Brown, the Ventura County Office of Education County Mock Trial coordinator, ended the ceremony with a special recognition of the team, which has not competed since 2007, with a hearty “Welcome Back, Fillmore!”

The competition was trial by fire for the rookie Fillmore team. Three of the four teams Fillmore competed against went on to the finals: #2 finishers Trinity Pacific (Delta), #3 Newbury Park (Gold), and #7 Agoura. Fillmore held its own and improved its scores significantly from the beginning of the competition to the end, at which point the team’s scores matched those of other veteran teams.

The Mock Trial program, sponsored by the Constitutional Rights Foundation, is designed to introduce students to our legal system. Students prepare both the prosecution and defense sides of a fictional case. This year’s case, People v. Vega, involves felony hit-and-run. From research to role-playing, students gain a comprehensive understanding of the pertinent legal and factual issues.

The students portrayed CONTINUED »

Santa Barbara, CA - The Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP) at UC Santa Barbara will hold its annual spring Higher Education Week, a four-day event beginning on March 19. Representatives from universities, colleges, and other institutions of higher education will visit high school campuses in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties to meet with high school juniors and discuss postsecondary education opportunities.

The visits include presentations followed by college fairs and breakout sessions on financial aid and college admissions. The first event will take place at Lompoc, Cabrillo, and Righetti High Schools on Tuesday, March 19. The EAOP program will move to San Marcos, Santa Barbara, and Dos Pueblos High Schools on Wednesday, March 20, and to Rio Mesa, Fillmore, and Santa Paula High Schools on Thursday, March 21. The event will conclude with visits to Channel Islands, Hueneme, and Pacifica High Schools on Friday, March 22.

In all, more than 4,000 high school juniors will meet with representatives from the UC, Cal State, and Community College systems. A host of other private and public colleges and universities will be represented, including the University of New Mexico; the University of Massachusetts Lowell; the University of Arkansas; the University of Arizona; Oregon State University; Biola University; and High Point University, among others. Additional event participants include the Santa Barbara Scholarship Foundation; the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP); Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA); Santa Barbara Pathways; UCSB's Summer Research Mentorship Program; and representatives from various career technical education programs at participating regional community colleges.

"Higher Education Week is our largest annual college-going initiative of the year," said EAOP Director Britt Ortiz. "By collaborating with participating high schools and other pre-college programs, we are able to maximize college and financial aid awareness for the juniors as they get ready for their senior year. In many cases, this will be the first college fair that numerous first-generation college-bound students are attending. This is a unique opportunity for high schools to host so many college reps, at their school sites, on one day, for so many high school juniors." UCSB EAOP seeks to raise student achievement and close achievement gaps to increase the number of students who have the opportunity to attain a postsecondary education. EAOP focuses on four key strategies - academic advising, college knowledge, academic enrichment, and entrance exam preparation - to help students reach college eligibility and participate in higher education. A variety of pre-college programs offered on an annual basis give students the opportunity to visit UCSB, tour campus labs, meet with faculty members, and conduct research or participate in other academic enrichment activities. Among the programs and services are annual transcript evaluation, academic advisement, academic achiever's receptions, study skills and testing strategies, college readiness seminars, and UC Success Night and college readiness academies.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2013
5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. 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. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 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 School District Pupils (Education Code 35146)
o Expulsion Case Number 12-13-16
o Expulsion Case Number 12-13-17 Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Dr. Alan Nishino, Michael Johnson, C. Earl Davis, 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, Release, Reassignment, Transfers Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent (The Board and
Superintendent meet periodically to provide feedback to one another concerning
the achievement of goals.)
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)].

6:30 p.m.
E. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Any Action From Closed Session
F. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
G. PUBLIC HEARING AND ACTION
1. Public Hearing on Initial Proposal of the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association, CTA, NEA for Successor Contract Commencing July 1, 2013
2. Board Action to Receive Initial Proposal of the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association, CTA, NEA for a Successor Contract Commencing July 1, 2013
3. Public Hearing to CONTINUED »

Fillmore High School Principal, Mr. Mesfun, took the pledge.
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Maggie and Kiara say "no" to the R-word.
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Brett Edwards was the first to sign the pledge poster on 3-6-13!
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Friendship, unity, and respect for people with intellectual disabilities is present on the Fillmore HIgh School campus.
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Anthony, Jessica, and Micheala made the pledge at www.r-word.org.
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The Fillmore High School Project Unify Club held a pledge signing drive on March 6 to "Spread the Word To End the Word". The word retard(ed) hurts millions of people with intellectual disabilities, their families and friends. Over 300 Fillmore High School students and staff took the pledge, "I pledge to and support the elimination of the derogatory use of the r-word from everyday speech and promote the acceptance and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities." Make your pledge at www.r-word.org.

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The Fillmore High School Drama program is very happy to inform you that rehearsals of Totally Rad 2: Camp Big Foot have started! This musical is full of some fantastic music of the 80's and has some totally rockin' dance numbers. There will be singing, dancing, love and even a mystery! Don't you dare miss out on a totally rad sequel! Opening night is April 26th 2013. Other dates include; April 27th, April 28th, May 3rd, May 5th, May 10th and closing night is May 11th. Hope too see you there rocking along!

-Sincerely Kellyn Waterman of FHS Drama Club.

Pictures by: Marilyn Quintana

Wednesday, March 27, 2013
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
In the Auditorium at the Fillmore District Office
627 Sespe Avenue
Important Information
Regarding kindergarten enrollment for the
2013-2014 school year
Find out about:
• The new law and how it affects your child; your child’s date of birth
• What classes are being offered next year
• Level of readiness for school success
• The screening process
• Requirements for registration
• When registration begins; hours of registration

Come and find out what Fillmore Unified School District is doing to help kindergarten students succeed in school!

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University is launching a new center and academicprogram in collaboration with former Rep. Elton Gallegly.

The Elton and Janice Gallegly Center for Public Service and Civic Engagement at CLU will be dedicated to preparing a new generation of leaders. As part of the university’s Master’s in Public Policy and Administration program, the nonpartisan center will provide students with extensive experiential learning opportunities at the local, state and national levels. The focus will be on developing public servants of character and integrity.

MPPA Director David Powell and faculty members Haco Hoang and Herb Gooch are developing a combined undergraduate and graduate degree program to put students on a fast track to careers in public service. The students who are selected for the program will be Gallegly Center Fellows. They will be able to pursue internships in Washington, D.C., Sacramento and locally. As graduate students, the fellows will complete a research project and field practicum that will prepare them for public service careers. The first two fellows are seniors Nina Kuzniak, a political science and global studies major from Las Vegas, and Zachary Zabo, a political science and criminal justice major from Louisville, Ky.

Gallegly, who just left Congress after completing his 13th term, is loaning his legislative and personal papers to CLU so that students and faculty can use them for research. He is also donating his desk and other office furniture for display at the university. The Simi Valley resident is the longest serving congressional representative in Ventura County history. He began his public service when he was elected to the Simi Valley City Council in 1979.

Future plans for the center include providing student scholarships and public affairs research grants, bringing in visiting scholars and speakers, and hosting forums on public service highlighting leadership and civic engagement.

CLU and Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Library officials are discussing a partnership that could provide additional opportunities. Possibilities include students interning at the library, scholars conducting research at the library while teaching at CLU under joint appointments, and the library’s distinguished speakers working with students during their visits. Eventually, CLU may help the library develop graduate seminars in crisis decision-making.

With Gallegly’s help, CLU will begin a $3 million fundraising campaign for the center.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, MARCH 5, 2013
5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. 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. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:00 to 6:30 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 Anticipated Litigation
Significant Exposure to Litigation Pursuant to Subdivision (b)(1) and (b)(3)(E) of Government Code Section 54956.9: One Potential Case Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Dr. Alan Nishino, Michael Johnson, C. Earl Davis, 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, Release, Reassignment, Transfers Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent (The Board and
Superintendent meet periodically to provide feedback to one another concerning
the achievement of goals.)
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)].

6:30 p.m.
E. RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Any Action From Closed Session
F. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
G. COMMUNICATIONS
Student Representative’s Report Superintendent’s Report
H. 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. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
6:45 p.m.
I. INFORMATION/DISCUSSION
1. Staff Development Update
7:15 p.m.
J. CONSENT ITEMS CONTINUED »

California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) Professor of Chemistry Phil Hampton has earned a prestigious regional award from the National Engineers Week Foundation. The Edwin Allen Kindberg Distinguished Engineering Service Award is presented annually to “an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to advance or recognize the engineering profession in Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties.” Recipients are selected by a committee of scientists and engineering professionals from the two counties. Hampton was honored for his efforts to spread enthusiasm for science to students of all ages through a variety of outreach programs and partnerships.

“We have a significant shortage of young people entering the science and engineering fields, but Dr. Hampton appears to have found the solution to this problem by his program of bringing science to the community at the elementary and middle schools,” said Allen Grizzard-Paul, National Engineers Week Committee Ed Kindberg Award Chair. “The committee felt that this was the most effective way of helping to get children interested in becoming the next generation of scientists and engineers. Also, I have been fortunate to see first-hand the impact his program has on the kids.”

Hampton received the CONTINUED »

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) and the National Park Service (NPS) today announced a partnership to create a field research station on Santa Rosa Island within Channel Islands National Park (CINP). The agreement paves the way for a facility that hosts wide-ranging educational and research opportunities in one of the nation’s most ecologically and archaeologically prized island settings.

Santa Rosa Island’s varied landforms, diverse array of plant and animal species, and significant archaeological assets make it a wealth of opportunity for research and student education.

The facility, known as the Santa Rosa Island Research Station – A California State University Channel Islands Undergraduate Research Campus, will serve CI students and faculty as well as a much broader community, including other universities, governmental agencies, cultural institutions, and national and international researchers.

A variety of CI CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

The Fillmore Unified School District and Governing Board appreciate the opportunity provided by the Fillmore Gazette to address questions and share some exciting news with the community.

We have received inquiries regarding the condition of the Fillmore Middle School roofs, particularly the gymnasium. For the past several years our Maintenance and Facilities departments have worked diligently to maintain and repair roofs at the middle school and throughout the district. However the middle school gymnasium roof is now at the point where it needs to be completely replaced, which we plan to do no later than this summer. We are also evaluating the other roofs at the middle school as those roofs have been problematic as well. In the interim, the district has and will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff. Those steps include minimizing the roof leaks by patching and repairing where possible, ongoing testing of water damaged areas, removal of loose wall or ceiling tiles and treating any areas where we suspect any type of mold or fungus may be present. The district sincerely appreciates the dedication of our maintenance and facility professionals and our middle school faculty and staff working together to ensure a safe school environment.

There is nothing more important to all of us then providing a safe and secure environment for our students and staff. We want the community to know that our schools are very proactive in planning and practicing for emergencies of various types including natural disaster, fire, lock down, etc. The district also works closely with law enforcement officials on an ongoing basis. The district is very fortunate in having a full-time school resource officer (SRO). In addition to our SRO, Fillmore Police Department patrol officers stop by our elementary schools on a daily basis to interact with our faculty, staff and students.

In order to help CONTINUED »

Fillmore Middle School student Perla Chavez-Hernandez (8th grade) and High School student Brandy Nisbet (12th grade) have been chosen to perform in VC Honor Bands concert on March 1, at Buena High School. Both students passed a music audition in front of a panel of judges to be selected. Over 500 students from throughout Ventura County audition and only 85 are selected for each band. The students will participate in four rehearsals with the groups before the concert. The VC Honor Band takes place once a year and is organized by local music directors. Well known educators in the field of music serve as guest conductors for the concert. This year the middle school concert will be lead by Angela Woo and the high school by Dr. Peter Boonshaft. Both students started band in 4th grade in the Fillmore Unified elementary schools music program.

Camarillo, CA - CSU Channel Islands (CI) and the Thousand Oaks Library are pleased to announce the 2013 CSU Channel Islands Lecture Series, a free, monthly event featuring speakers from the CI faculty. The series is a new initiative inviting the public to learn more about the research and work of CI professors and to engage in discussions on a variety of timely, thought-provoking and regionally relevant topics.

“These lectures provide the public with a unique opportunity to be a CI student for an evening,” said Dr. Karen Carey, Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Arts & Sciences at CI. “We are excited to partner with the Thousand Oaks Library to share some of our most dynamic speakers and the compelling work they do.”

"We are delighted to host this speaker series at the Thousand Oaks Library,” said Steve Brogden, Library Director. “The CSU Channel Islands faculty offer a unique perspective on a wide range of topics. We expect these lectures to be very popular."

All lectures will be CONTINUED »

Applications for the Miss Fillmore/Miss Teen Fillmore Pageant are available. The Mother/Daughter Tea will take place at the Memorial Building on Wednesday, February 27th beginning at 6:30PM. Points will begin that evening. Refreshments will be provided. Questions and answers will also be addressed at that time. The first practice begins Wednesday, March 6th. Miss Contestants must be a Junior or Senior girl in good standing. Teen Contestants must be a girl between the ages of 13 (by January 1st) and 17 in good standing, but not a Junior or Senior. All contestants must reside within the Fillmore Unified School District boundaries. Applications will be avaiblable beginning Monday, February 11th at Fillmore High School, Fillmore Middle School and at the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce or by contacting Pageant Director Lori McLain at #524-4432

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2013
5:00 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:30 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
B. ROLL CALL
C. 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. Upon recognition by the President of the Board, please come forward and identify yourself before speaking. The Board of Education reserves the right to limit speaking time to three (3) minutes or less per individual.
D. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of CONTINUED »

Yong Zhao

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - An internationally known advocate for educational reform who has designed schools and founded institutions will speak at California Lutheran University at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21.

Yong Zhao will present “From Job Seekers to Job Creators: Educating Creative and Entrepreneurial Talents for the New Economy” in the Lundring Events Center. A reception for the Michael A. Moffitt MemorialEducational Leadership Lecture will begin at 5 p.m. CLU’s Graduate School of Education and Corwin, a Thousand Oaks-based publisher of professional development resources for pre-K through 12th-grade educators, are sponsoring the free event.

Educational institutions continue to reward compliant test-takers, even when it is clear that we need creative and entrepreneurial talents who can take full advantage of technology and globalization and tackle the tough challenges facing us, according to Zhao. With more than half of recent college graduates unemployed or underemployed, he thinks it is time for a new approach.

Zhao bases his CONTINUED »

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Camarillo Police Department will be hosting a program to educate newly licensed and future drivers.

The “Start Smart” Program is a cooperative effort between the California Highway Patrol, Camarillo Police Department, teenage drivers, and their parents.

In an attempt to remain proactive and not reactive, Start Smart is designed to help young drivers and their parents/guardians understand the responsibilities associated with driving a motor vehicle. Start Smart will show how a poor choice behind the wheel can change the lives of everyone involved. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the number of teen-related injuries and deaths due to collisions.

Interested parents are asked to call Sergeant Renee Ferguson at 805-388-5132 for more information and for reservations call the Camarillo Police Department Community Resource Unit at 805-388-5155 to make a reservation. Space is limited to 20 students and their parents. There is no charge to attend the program.

Sophia Pina

On January 15th Sespe held their annual spelling bee competition. Participating 4th and 5th grade students were given an extensive list of words to study in preparation for the competition. The competition was tough as all participants made it successfully through the first 10 rounds unscathed. After 14 rounds Sophia Pina emerged as the champion by spelling the word “Rustic.” The runner-up was Leslie Ceja who will serve as an alternate at the County Spelling Bee. Congratulations to all of our participants and good luck to Sophia at the Ventura County Spelling Bee!