September 13, 20 and 26

Ventura College Student Services Departments to inform students and parents on resources available for AB 540 students

Ventura College will host Dreamers Set Your Course, a series of free and safe events for the community to learn about resources available for undocumented students. These events will take place at Santa Paula High School on Sept. 13, Ventura High School on Sept. 20 and Fillmore High School on Sept. 26. Topics to be discussed include the Ventura College admissions process, financial aid information, support services for students, and community resources available for undocumented students. The events are free and open to the public.

Ventura College continues to stand with the Chancellor’s Office in aiming to reassure students that our campuses will remain safe, welcoming places for students of all backgrounds to learn and we are happy to provide this forum educating Dreamers on Ventura College resources.

The events will be hosted at local high schools to encourage students from K-12 to attend college. It is important to remind the community that higher education is possible and of the valuable resources available to make the dream of higher education a reality.

Thursday, September 13, 2018 - Santa Paula High School Cafeteria - 6:00—8:00pm
Thursday, September 20, 2018 - Ventura High School Cafeteria - 6:30—8:30pm
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 - Fillmore High School Library - 6:00—8:00pm

ALL ARE WELCOME. For more information please visit: venturacollege.edu/dreamers or if you have any questions, please contact Wendolyne Lopez, Financial Aid Specialist/ AB540 Liaison at Wendolyne_lopez1@vcccd.edu or (805) 289-6574 or Joseph Cordero, Student Outreach Specialist at Joseph_cordero2@vcccd.edu or 805 289-6584.

 


 
Last Friday, August 24th Fillmore High School hosted their first rally of the school year as well as first home football game of the year. Students played games, yelled their cheers and the FHS Cheer team came out to pump everyone up. Photo courtesy Katrionna Furness.
Last Friday, August 24th Fillmore High School hosted their first rally of the school year as well as first home football game of the year. Students played games, yelled their cheers and the FHS Cheer team came out to pump everyone up. Photo courtesy Katrionna Furness.
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Last Wednesday, August 22nd, the Fillmore High Senior Class enjoyed their first sunrise together for the new school year. They call it Senior Sunrise and it is a recent tradition where the class meets at the high school football field to enjoy donuts, coffee and any other breakfast goodies. Photo courtesy Katrionna Furness.
Last Wednesday, August 22nd, the Fillmore High Senior Class enjoyed their first sunrise together for the new school year. They call it Senior Sunrise and it is a recent tradition where the class meets at the high school football field to enjoy donuts, coffee and any other breakfast goodies. Photo courtesy Katrionna Furness.
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A program designed to provide real-world work experience to CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) students has received a total of $104,900 worth of grants from four different organizations.

The Henry L. “Hank” Lacayo Institute for Workforce & Community Studies (HLI) received $62,500 from Southern California Gas; $22,400 from the California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet); $10,000 from the Gene Haas Foundation; and $10,000 from the Bank of America.

“They’re all donors who have been engaged from the beginning, so they have seen the value of this program,” said Director of Career Development & Alumni Engagement Amanda Carpenter, Ed.D.

The program was started in 2003 by a longtime friend of the University and national labor icon, Henry “Hank” Lacayo, who passed away in 2017. Lacayo was advisor to U.S. Presidents and other government officials, always with a keen interest in advancing education and work experience for students.

In 2012, the HLI merged with the Career Development Services to streamline the process of connecting students with internships.

HLI pairs student interests and skills with businesses and nonprofit organizations in the area, crafting the internship so that it addresses the goals of the employer, and gives the intern a rich learning experience.

Since HLI began, 350 students have been placed in more than 200 organizations throughout the area, with 74 percent of the alumni interns reporting employment within their field of study after graduation. Many reported converting from intern to full-time hire.

For alumni like Ramon Chavez, the HLI not only helped him with his career, it helped transform him from a young man making poor choices into a CSUCI graduate preparing to accept his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California in spring of 2019.

“The career center really helped me with my resume and the career process and how to carry myself in a professional setting,” he said. “I was so used to one lifestyle.”

Chavez, now 38, admits making poor choices while growing up in Fillmore.

“I’m actually a product of my environment, which had gangs and drugs,” Chavez said. “I would see the same people on the same block in the same neighborhood doing the same thing. I didn’t want to get trapped.”

Drugs and gang activity eventually landed Chavez in prison for a year, when he had a lot of time to think about his life, and how he needed to turn it around. After he was released, Chavez studied at Ventura College, then transferred to CSUCI in 2013 with a major in Sociology. His goal was to help other low income, at-risk youth with issues of substance abuse and gang activity. He had lived it and wanted to prevent others from experiencing what he did.

Chavez applied for HLI and was able to get employment inside his discipline, Sociology, and no longer have to work full-time for minimum wage outside of his career path.

HLI paired Chavez with Straight Up Ventura County, a youth development project designed to prevent underage drinking, drug and marijuana use, and other destructive behaviors.

Chavez loved it, and with the confidence and knowledge he gained from his HLI experience, he went on to apply for the Master of Social Work program at the University of Southern California, where he is set to graduate in spring of 2019.

“At first I thought ‘“Wow! USC. Is it possible for me to be a Trojan?’” Chavez said.

The grants the HLI received will go directly to fund student stipends, Carpenter said.

“A lot of our nonprofits in the region don’t have the funds to provide stipends for interns but have an increasing amount of work that needs to be accomplished,” Carpenter said. “This provides the nonprofits an opportunity to get our student talent without having the financial investment piece.”

Carpenter was happy to report that the HLI welcomes 35 juniors and seniors this fall, its largest cohort ever.

“The future of HLI relies on partnerships between private industry and public education. A contribution will make a difference in a student’s life and the quality of our local workforce,” Carpenter said.

To learn more visit: go.csuci.edu/hli. Tax deductible gifts can be made at: www.csuci.edu/impact.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channels Islands is reimagining higher education for a new generation and era. We are an innovative higher education institution that enables students to succeed and thrive, serves as an engine for social and economic vitality and provides the intellectual resources necessary for a thriving democracy. With more than 7,000 students, 1,200 employees and 16,000 alumni, CSUCI is designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Our strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Connect with and learn more by visiting CSUCI’s Social Media.

 
Pictured above are Fillmore High School students who attended this year’s Ronald Reagan Leadership Week. The students learned how to expand upon their leadership abilities through the tenets of Communication, Optimism, Informed Decision Making and Cultivate leadership skills. They also had a chance to meet other school leaders from all over Ventura County and learn from them as well.
Pictured above are Fillmore High School students who attended this year’s Ronald Reagan Leadership Week. The students learned how to expand upon their leadership abilities through the tenets of Communication, Optimism, Informed Decision Making and Cultivate leadership skills. They also had a chance to meet other school leaders from all over Ventura County and learn from them as well.
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Pictured above are students tinkering away at the FHS Robotics Summer Camp which was held at Fillmore High this summer. Students were able to earn 5 credits for the class, work with equipment and technology as well as learn a new set of skills. The FHS Robotics Summer Camp was just one of three camps offered this year at FHS. Students are also enrolled in a Medical Terminology Camp and Video Productions Camp.
Pictured above are students tinkering away at the FHS Robotics Summer Camp which was held at Fillmore High this summer. Students were able to earn 5 credits for the class, work with equipment and technology as well as learn a new set of skills. The FHS Robotics Summer Camp was just one of three camps offered this year at FHS. Students are also enrolled in a Medical Terminology Camp and Video Productions Camp.
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Mountain Vista Elementary School is proud to announce the following additional outstanding scholars who earned the Presidential Award for Educational Achievement and the Presidential Award for Excellence. Due to an unforeseen oversight on our part, all of our presidential awardees were not recognized at the fifth grade Promotion Ceremony. A special presentation took place at the school for these outstanding scholars. Pictured from left to right are Luis Garza, Jose Arroyo, Adrian Fuentes, Ethan Ramirez , Malvin Assphor with their Teacher Ms. Milam, Principal, Charice Guerra and Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos. Photo courtesy Charice Guerra, Interim Principal, Mountain Vista Elementary.
Mountain Vista Elementary School is proud to announce the following additional outstanding scholars who earned the Presidential Award for Educational Achievement and the Presidential Award for Excellence. Due to an unforeseen oversight on our part, all of our presidential awardees were not recognized at the fifth grade Promotion Ceremony. A special presentation took place at the school for these outstanding scholars. Pictured from left to right are Luis Garza, Jose Arroyo, Adrian Fuentes, Ethan Ramirez , Malvin Assphor with their Teacher Ms. Milam, Principal, Charice Guerra and Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos. Photo courtesy Charice Guerra, Interim Principal, Mountain Vista Elementary.
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Pictured are Johnny Uribe and Baldo Magana who helped to put up the names of this year’s recipients. Photo courtesy FHS Staff.
Pictured are Johnny Uribe and Baldo Magana who helped to put up the names of this year’s recipients. Photo courtesy FHS Staff.
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Submitted by FHS Staff

The following inductees will be recognized at the 2018 Fillmore High School Back to School Night in August as the second induction class of the Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame. We are currently accepting nominations for the next class of inductees.

1. Andy Barker – Class of 1979, Senior Vice President of Albertson, Von’s, Pavillons, Southern Cal Special Olympics 2018 Rafer Johnson Award.

2. Kevin Gross – Class of 1979, Pitched 14 years in the Major Leagues, Pitched a no hitter.

3. Janice Schieferle – Class of 1966, BA CSUN, MA California Lutheran University, 31 years at FHS, Volunteered 45 years in FUSD.

4. Homero Magana – Class of 1999, BA UC Berkeley, MA CSU San Diego, MA CSUN, Recognized by Michelle Obama at the 2014 College Opportunity Day of Action, spoke at the White House.

5. Bill Wilson– Class of 1960, BA Stanford, MBA UCLA, President of Bank of America (Canada), Created Bill Wilson Charitable Foundation.

6. Mary Lou Dunlop – Class of 1955, BA St. Mary’s College, Deputy Chief Warden for Department of Corrections, 2003 Distinguished Service Award from the Secretary of State.

Fillmore High School is currently accepting nominations for the Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame (FHSACHOF). To nominate an individual, please email the following information to Barbara Lemons at blemons@fillmoreusd.org.

***

Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame Nomination Form

Mission: The Fillmore High School Academic & Career Hall of Fame is to recognize those who have demonstrated significant accomplishments based upon academic excellence & achievement, career accomplishments, community service, personal excellence & dedication to lifelong learning.

Nominees will be recognized for a high level of achievement in a combination of: academic endeavors, career excellence & service to community.

The nominee should also exemplify personal commitment to: good character, scholarship, leadership, service within his/her field of expertise.

Nominees must have graduated from Fillmore High School, be at least 30 years of age and in good standing with the Fillmore Unified School District.

Submitted by:
Name:
Phone:
Email:
***
Nominee Name:
Phone:
Email:
Fillmore High School Graduation Year:
List Accomplishments (Awards, Honors, Extracurricular Activities) Educational Accomplishments (College, Graduation Year, Degree, Awards, Extracurricular):
Employment History & Accomplishments (Awards & Honors) Professional Awards, Honors & Achievements, Community Service / Philanthropy/ Military Service (Years of Active Duty, Awards):
Nomination deadline is November 28th, 2018
Hall of Fame Inductees will be recognized at Back to School Night in 2019
Nominators Signature:
Date:

Send the completed form to: Barbara Lemons at Fillmore High School, 555 Central Ave., Fillmore, CA 93015

 

Submitted by Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal

Advance Placement Exams
# Students Tested - 2014 (144); 2017 (254)
# Exams Taken - 2014 (247); 2017 (416)
Drop Out Rate - 2014 (8%); 2017 (0.5%)
Graduation Rate - 2014 (86%); 2017 (99.95%)
Enrollment - 2015 (940); 2017 (1080)
CELDT - 2014 (157); 2017 (70)
Suspension - 2014 (161); 2017 (35)
A-G - 2014 (15%); 2017 (46.6%); 2018 (+50%) estimated
Seal of Biliteracy - 2013 (13); 2018 (34)
Golden State Merit Diploma - 2013 (38); 2018 (51)
Valedictorians - 2013 (12); 2018 (19)

The above data shows the dramatic positive changes that have occurred over the recent years at Fillmore High School.
A big change has been in the numbers of students that have been suspended each year. With the lower number of suspensions comes a positive school climate where students feel free to learn in a safe environment. Students also rush to class, eager to learn each period and tardies are virtually non-existent. There has also been a noticeable rise in kindness and respect among staff and students.

Academic achievement data has, in many cases, increased three-fold. More students are challenging themselves in preparation for college. There has been an astronomical increase in students taking Advance Placement courses to the point where Fillmore High School ranks in the top 7% of schools in the nation. Another noteworthy statistic is the A-G rate (students eligible to attend a UC/CSU) which has tripled in a very short time. Fillmore High School is one of the leading schools in Ventura County in the A-G rate. Other areas that indicate an extreme swing of the proverbial pendulum are the number of students earning a Seal of Biliteracy, Golden State Merit Diploma and Valedictorians honors.

The final data sets are indicators that Fillmore High School believes in education for all and not just the elite students. The number of English Language Learner testing on the CELDT Exam has dropped each year meaning that students are becoming proficient in English at a very rapid rate. Almost all the students at Fillmore High School are graduating and very few are dropping out compared to five years ago. With the one of the highest graduation rates in the state, the message is clear that every student matters.

These statistics together point to the most telling number- increased enrollment. Students are not leaving Fillmore for other high schools as in the past. We are retaining our students and that includes the best and brightest. These top students are the ones that have earned high honors in the classroom and on the field of competition. To that end, consider an A-G of +50% and four CIF Titles in 2 years.

Go Flashes!

 
Pictured (l-r) are Amy Gage (Hannah’s grandmother), Hannah Bartels of La Reina High School, Laura Bartels, and May Ford, PEO Chapter GY President. Photos courtesy Sue Zeider.
Pictured (l-r) are Amy Gage (Hannah’s grandmother), Hannah Bartels of La Reina High School, Laura Bartels, and May Ford, PEO Chapter GY President. Photos courtesy Sue Zeider.
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Hannah Bartels being presented the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship by PEO Chapter GY Project Chair, Pat Morris.
Hannah Bartels being presented the P.E.O. STAR Scholarship by PEO Chapter GY Project Chair, Pat Morris.
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Submitted by Pat Morris.

The prestigious P.E.O. STAR Scholarship for the 2018-2019 academic year was presented to Hannah Bartels, a senior at La Reina High School. Hannah is the daughter of Bill and Laura Bartels of Fillmore and she has been accepted and will attend Tulane University where she plans to study Architecture. Hannah was recommended for this scholarship by the local Fillmore P.E.O. Chapter GY. The P.E.O. STAR Scholarship is a $2,500 scholarship based on excellence in leadership, extracurricular activities, community service, academics and potential for future success. The program is open to young women who are citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States or Canada and who are graduating high school seniors at the time of application. A student must be recommended by a local P.E.O. chapter. Over two thousand young women applied and approximately 700 were chosen.

In addition, Pat Morris of P.E.O. Chapter GY, presented Hannah with Chapter GY $1000 award. This is awarded yearly to a graduating senior in the Fillmore-Piru area.

 
Fillmore Fire Department visited both San Cayetano and Rio Vista Elementary school for the Annual Wet Down. Pictured
are the kids from Rio Vista enjoying the water.
Fillmore Fire Department visited both San Cayetano and Rio Vista Elementary school for the Annual Wet Down. Pictured are the kids from Rio Vista enjoying the water.
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CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) has 26 majors, 26 minors, a top-notch faculty, small class sizes…and great waves.

CSUCI was just ranked 6th among the Top 10 Colleges for Surfers across the nation by College Magazine, a national college guide and quarterly magazine edited by students. The recognition comes as the University’s Surf Club competes in the 2018 National Scholastic Surfing Association National Interscholastic Championships June 15-18.

Surf Club President Claire Loughlin said her hopes are high that the team will do well again this year as the University boasts one of the most successful National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA) teams in the nation.

“It started with Austin (Finley) and Chase (Stavron),” Loughlin said. “Austin won the state championship in 2016 and in that same contest, Chase ended up placing fourth overall. This year, our longboarder, Tomas Germann, has placed in the finals every single contest.”

Both Class of 2016 graduates, Finley, an Art major, took the College Men's NSSA State Championship title and Stavron, a Communication major, got fourth place in the Longboard division. Finley and Stavron competed against 180 other surfers during the March 2016 competition in San Onofre, California.

“Hidden among the 7,000 students at CSU Channel Islands, you’ll find some amazingly talented surfers,” read the article in College Magazine. “In Camarillo, between Rincon and Malibu, CSU Channel Islands students catch some major waves.”

The coastline along Ventura and Santa Barbara County is unique among surf destinations because of the different types of waves you can get on any given day, Loughlin said.

“We have such a variety of different breaks,” Loughlin said. “We can get a point break at Rincon, a beach break at Pacific Coast Highway in Oxnard, and if I want a reef break, I can paddle out to Emma Wood (State Beach),” she said.

A “break” describes the obstruction or geographic feature where the waves break. A “point,” such as the Rincon surf area, is a geographic outcropping that can create a long wave.

Surf Club member and 2018 Business graduate Eddie Ellis said the great surfing was one of the reasons he chose CSUCI.

“I pretty much scheduled my classes around good times to surf,” he said. “I tried not to schedule class right before dark because that’s when the wind subsides and it’s a great time to get out there.”

The camaraderie among those in the CSUCI Surf Club is also a bonus for members and they’re always welcoming new surfers.

“We have about 26 to 30 members in the club and 16 on the team,” Loughlin said. “We’ve had it grow so much especially among females. Three of our guys are graduating so we’re hoping to get some other students to join.”

CSUCI President Erika D. Beck said the thumbs up from the national surf community is a nice complement to the University’s superb academic programs.

“As a surf enthusiast and beach lover myself, the location of the campus is one more reason it’s such a gem in the Ventura/Santa Barbara area,” Beck said. “Along with getting 21st century job skills, it’s nice to know students can also catch some awesome waves.”

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CSUCI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CSUCI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CSUCI’s Social Media.

 
Last Friday, June 1st Fillmore High School hosted their Farewell Rally to say their final goodbyes to the 2018 Graduates. The rally was held on the Fillmore High School football field. The underclasses watched from the stands as the senior’s sat on the track. FHS staff gave an entertaining performance for the seniors in their goodbyes to the senior class as well. Photos courtesy Katrionna Furness.
Last Friday, June 1st Fillmore High School hosted their Farewell Rally to say their final goodbyes to the 2018 Graduates. The rally was held on the Fillmore High School football field. The underclasses watched from the stands as the senior’s sat on the track. FHS staff gave an entertaining performance for the seniors in their goodbyes to the senior class as well. Photos courtesy Katrionna Furness.
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Centered is Jeremiah MacMahon of Fillmore High School and Laurie Merrill of Fillmore Middle School pictured with the Fillmore Unified District Administrators and Board Members at the Ventura County Innovates 2018 Pathfinder Awards where both Jeremiah and Laurie were recognized as this year’s most innovative educators, business and community partners for their support of Career and Technical Education.
Centered is Jeremiah MacMahon of Fillmore High School and Laurie Merrill of Fillmore Middle School pictured with the Fillmore Unified District Administrators and Board Members at the Ventura County Innovates 2018 Pathfinder Awards where both Jeremiah and Laurie were recognized as this year’s most innovative educators, business and community partners for their support of Career and Technical Education.
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(l-r) Matt Dollar, Lourdes Juarez, Erin Sebek, Mark Sebek, Kathryn Kennedy, Jeremy MacMahon, Benjamin Bradshaw, Debbie Hoffman, Leanna Legere, Norm Andersen and Steven Kandel. Photo Courtesy Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal.
(l-r) Matt Dollar, Lourdes Juarez, Erin Sebek, Mark Sebek, Kathryn Kennedy, Jeremy MacMahon, Benjamin Bradshaw, Debbie Hoffman, Leanna Legere, Norm Andersen and Steven Kandel. Photo Courtesy Tom Ito, Fillmore High School Principal.
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Fillmore High School has once again qualified for the Washington Post America’s Most Challenging Schools. In 2017, Fillmore High School ranked in the top 8% of schools in the nation. Schools were selected based on the number of students taking advanced courses. The college going culture at Fillmore High School has continued to inspire students to aim high.

 
Thursday, April 26th Fillmore High School hosted Open House and 8th Grade Parent Orientation. Parents and students met and were able to speak with teachers as well as learn about all the clubs that FHS has to offer the students.
Thursday, April 26th Fillmore High School hosted Open House and 8th Grade Parent Orientation. Parents and students met and were able to speak with teachers as well as learn about all the clubs that FHS has to offer the students.
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On Thursday, April 19th at the Veteran’s Memorial Building Fillmore High School hosted their annual Art Show. This year’s theme was “Through the Eyes of Art.” Students showcased and sold their artwork and photos to the community. The Video Production class featured short films, the Drama Department did a performance, and a concert was held as well featuring the FHS Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Los Rayos Mariachi Band and Ballet Folklore dancers.
On Thursday, April 19th at the Veteran’s Memorial Building Fillmore High School hosted their annual Art Show. This year’s theme was “Through the Eyes of Art.” Students showcased and sold their artwork and photos to the community. The Video Production class featured short films, the Drama Department did a performance, and a concert was held as well featuring the FHS Marching Band, Jazz Band, and Los Rayos Mariachi Band and Ballet Folklore dancers.
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Pictured above is the AC WASC Visiting Committee as they addressed the Fillmore High School Staff back on November 14th 2017 in the high school library. Front and center is Dr. Jeff Davis, David Reese in the back left and Dr. Elise Simmons. Photo Courtesy FHS principal Tom Ito.
Pictured above is the AC WASC Visiting Committee as they addressed the Fillmore High School Staff back on November 14th 2017 in the high school library. Front and center is Dr. Jeff Davis, David Reese in the back left and Dr. Elise Simmons. Photo Courtesy FHS principal Tom Ito.
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Written by Fillmore High School Staff

On November 12th, 2017 the WASC Visiting Committee, headed by Dr. Jeff Davis, started their two day examination of Fillmore High School. During their visit, the three member team spoke to students, parents, teachers, classified staff and district office staff with the sole intent to evaluate and confirm that Fillmore High School had met the Accrediting Commision for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges criteria for accreditation. A large part of their visit was to focus on relationships, technology, teaching practices and curriculum.

In speaking with Dr. Jeff Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District, he felt that from the Self-Study Report, everything lined up and looked great, including the focus on best teaching practices, curriculum, campus climate, test scores and other forms of data. He went on to say that everything pointed to the fact that Fillmore High School is on the right track and is a very good school.

Fillmore High School received the following commendation in the visiting committee report, "The Fillmore High School staff values collaboration and meaningful professional development. The staff is willing to implement new programs, try innovative approaches, identify needs and gaps, and pilot new programs in order to support achievement." The direction that we have taken at Fillmore High School, the past 4 years, is that we have experts within our ranks, it is alright to take chances, and the professionals at Fillmore High School are allowed to innovate and create cutting edge programs. The result has been a rise in test scores, data sets and learning, to go along with the empowerment of staff to collaborate both formally and informally.

Another commendation from the visiting committee was, "the increase in instructional technology and its integration into the curriculum is evident schoolwide." This has been primarily achieved, again, through a concerted effort by the Fillmore High School staff. There has been an emphasis on professional development with site funds supporting among other things, the acquisition and use of educational technology in the classroom. We have also had many staff led professional developments on educational technology. This has included the vetting by staff and the purchasing of educational software.

"Students demonstrate a positive attitude and were respectful to the adults and each other." Fillmore High School students are some of the very best in the county. Students are sent to Fillmore High School with a good upbringing but it is the school's responsibility to maintain that in the educational setting. This has been established through setting high expectations with consistent consequences, positive weekly acknowledgement, and a caring climate. There has been a major push towards being kind in all situations. One senior wrote that in the last four years students have been more respectful towards each other and the staff has in turn modeled the positive behavior. When asked by the visiting committee what was the best part of Fillmore High School, the student panel all agreed that it was the adults. The committee said that this has never been said at any of the other schools they have visited and it was outstanding to hear.

"FHS has increased their communication to families and students through their use of Parent Connect and Social Media." The use of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook has served many functions. It has allowed parents to see their children participate in school events, activities and athletics. The community has had an inside look at all of the great things happening at Fillmore High School. Finally, the students have gained recognition for a job well done. The Community and Parent Panel told the WASC Visiting Committee that they feel connected and involved in the school. They also went on to say that above all, with the social media posts, the most important thing is that school administration is at every school event and that means a lot to the community.

"The professional development plans that were developed by the departments...are impressive as they include a needs assessment, goals aligned to the implementation of subject-area standards, and a year-long timeline, and evidence to monitor their plans." This is evidence of the empowerment of staff at Fillmore High School. When staff feels supported and free to explore ideas, the synergistic affect far outweighs any other considerations. There are many more examples of staff led initiatives, too many to mention, but suffice it to say that the power of a hundred united staff members has a strong positive exponential affect.

"The ELD teachers have experienced some turnover in recent years, yet the students are continuing to learn English skills and integrate into the school population." This is the most telling of all WASC Visiting Committee comments. The implementation of best teaching practices and rigorous curriculum is so ingrained into Fillmore High School that the system of learning continues even with a change in teachers/staff. Coupling this comment with the data that clearly shows that EL students have been recently re-designated as proficient at record rates adds credence to the current state of academics at Fillmore High School.

At the closing meeting on November 14th, in front of the school and district staff, the WASC Visiting Committee gave a final report. The comments were very positive and encouraging but what made it more valuable was that two members of the committee, David Reese and Dr. Elise Simmons were also at the initial WASC visit in 2014. Their longitudinal perspective was very insightful. Dr. Simmons, Principal of La Cuesta and Alta Vista Alternative HS, Santa Barbara USD, spoke about how things at Fillmore High School have greatly changed for the better in the past 3 years. "When we were here in 2014 there was no sense of connection between staff, parents, students and community...now the connections are so deep that they are visceral." David Reese, Principal of Bakersfield High School, Kern HSD, went on to expound on how there have been so many things added to the school in the past three years and that the students have been the beneficiaries of it.

On February 8th, Fillmore High School received positive confirmation in a letter from the WASC President Fred Van Leuven, Ed.D., "Based on the ACS WASC mid-cycle review, it has been determined that Fillmore High School (9-12) meets the ACS WASC criteria for accreditation...Fillmore High School's accreditation is now reaffirmed through the end of the six-year cycle ending in June 2021."

 

Written by Fillmore High School Staff

On November 12th, 2017 the WASC Visiting Committee, headed by Dr. Jeff Davis, started their two day examination of Fillmore High School. During their visit, the three member team spoke to students, parents, teachers, classified staff and district office staff with the sole intent to evaluate and confirm that Fillmore High School had met the Accrediting Commision for Schools Western Association of Schools and Colleges criteria for accreditation. A large part of their visit was to focus on relationships, technology, teaching practices and curriculum.

In speaking with Dr. Jeff Davis, Assistant Superintendent of Ventura Unified School District, he felt that from the Self-Study Report, everything lined up and looked great, including the focus on best teaching practices, curriculum, campus climate, test scores and other forms of data. He went on to say that everything pointed to the fact that Fillmore High School is on the right track and is a very good school.

Fillmore High School received the following commendation in the visiting committee report, "The Fillmore High School staff values collaboration and meaningful professional development. The staff is willing to implement new programs, try innovative approaches, identify needs and gaps, and pilot new programs in order to support achievement." The direction that we have taken at Fillmore High School, the past 4 years, is that we have experts within our ranks, it is alright to take chances, and the professionals at Fillmore High School are allowed to innovate and create cutting edge programs. The result has been a rise in test scores, data sets and learning, to go along with the empowerment of staff to collaborate both formally and informally.

Another commendation from the visiting committee was, "the increase in instructional technology and its integration into the curriculm is evident schoolwide." This has been primarily achieved, again, through a concerted effort by the Fillmore High School staff. There has been an emphasis on professional development with site funds supporting among other things, the acquisition and use of eduational technology in the classroom. We have also had many staff led professional developments on educational technology. This has included the vetting by staff and the purchasing of educational software.

"Students demonstrate a positive attitude and were respectful to the adults and each other." Fillmore High School students are some of the very best in the county. Students are sent to Fillmore High School with a good upbringing but it is the school's responsibilty to maintain that in the educational setting. This has been established through setting high expectations with consistent consequences, positive weekly acknowledgement, and a caring climate. There has been a major push towards being kind in all situations. One senior wrote that in the last four years students have been more respectful towards each other and the staff has in turn modeled the positive behavior. When asked by the visiting committee what was the best part of Fillmore High School, the student panel all agreed that it was the adults. The committee said that this has never been said at any of the other schools they have visited and it was outstanding to hear.

"FHS has increased their communication to families and students through their use of Parent Connect and Social Media." The use of Instagram, Twitter and Facebook has served many functions. It has allowed parents to see their children participate in school events, activities and athletics. The community has had an inside look at all of the great things happening at Fillmore High School. Finally, the students have gained recognition for a job well done. The Communty and Parent Panel told the WASC Visiting Committee that they feel connected and involved in the school. They also went on to say that above all, with the social media posts, the most important thing is that school administration is at every school event and that means a lot to the community.

"The professional development plans that were developed by the departments...are impressive as they include a needs assessment, goals aligned to the implementation of subject-area standards, and a year-long timeline, and evidence to monitor their plans." This is evidence of the empowerment of staff at Fillmore High School. When staff feels supported and free to explore ideas, the synergistic affect far outweighs any other considerations. There are many more examples of staff led initiatives, too many to mention, but suffice it to say that the power of a hundred united staff members has a strong positive exponential affect.

"The ELD teachers have experienced some turnover in recent years, yet the students are continuing to learn English skills and integrate into the school population." This is the most telling of all WASC Visting Commitee comments. The implementation of best teaching practices and rigorous curriculum is so ingrained into Fillmore High School that the system of learning continues even with a change in teachers/staff. Coupling this comment with the data that clearly shows that EL students have been recently redesignated as proficient at record rates adds credence to the current state of academics at Fillmore High School.

At the closing meeting on November 14th, in front of the school and district staff, the WASC Visiting Committee gave a final report. The comments were very positive and encouraging but what made it more valuable was that two members of the committee, David Reese and Dr. Elise Simmons were also at the initial WASC visit in 2014. Their longitudinal persepective was very insightful. Dr. Simmons, Principal of La Cuesta and Alta Vista Alternative HS, Santa Barbara USD, spoke about how things at Fillmore High School have greatly changed for the better in the past 3 years. "When we were here in 2014 there was no sense of connection between staff, parents, students and community...now the connections are so deep that they are visceral." David Reese, Principal of Bakersfield High School, Kern HSD, went on to expound on how there have been so many things added to the school in the past three years and that the students have been the beneficiaries of it.

On February 8th, Fillmore High School received positive confirmation in a letter from the WASC President Fred Van Leuven, Ed.D., "Based on the ACS WASC mid-cycle review, it has been determined that Fillmore High School (9-12) meets the ACS WASC criteria for accreditation...Fillmore High School's accreditation is now reaffirmed through the end of the six-year cycle ending in June 2021."

 
Tuesday March 13th Fillmore’s Sierra High School’s Street Law class visited the Ventura County Government Center. During their visit students were able to visit multiple courtrooms as well as conduct a few mock trials. Photos courtesy Kim McMullen.
Tuesday March 13th Fillmore’s Sierra High School’s Street Law class visited the Ventura County Government Center. During their visit students were able to visit multiple courtrooms as well as conduct a few mock trials. Photos courtesy Kim McMullen.
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Written by William Chavez

Sierra High School’s Street Law class attended a field trip to the Ventura County Government Center on March 13, 2018. During their visit the class was able to enter several courtrooms and observe several matters. One case involved an attempted murder trial. The prosecutor was taking direct examination of a forensic ballistics expert. Another case involved a breach of contract issue between a bank and an individual. In that matter the parties were settling the case before the judge.

Thereafter, the class conducted a mock trial in Courtroom 22. Students role-played the prosecuting attorney, defense counsel, judge, defendant, bailiff, witnesses, and the jury. Prior to the mock trial, the Honorable Frederick Bysshe visited with the students and discussed his career in the justice system and responded to questions from the students.

“Street Law” is a curriculum from Georgetown University’s Law Center. In this class, students explore a wide range of legal principles necessary for adult life in the United States, and to understand their practical application. Our students have studied Criminal Law and Procedure, Torts, Contracts and Constitutional Law. The field trip to the Government Center and Courts was a great opportunity for our students to see the practical side on how the court system functions and speak with individuals who work within the system. Counselor Kimberly McMullen and teacher William Chavez accompanied the class.