More than 1,100 students attending college at no cost through grant program

Ventura, CA - More than 1,100 Ventura County high school graduates will attend their first year of Ventura College free of charge, thanks to the Ventura College Promise, a revolutionary grant program launched in 2006 by the Ventura College Foundation. The program distributed $195,000 in grants to students for the fall 2014 semester. VCF anticipates an additional $150,000 will be granted to students for spring 2015, raising the total to approximately $345,000 for the 2014/2015 academic year.

Designed to eliminate economic barriers to higher education for graduating Ventura County high school seniors, and students who receive their GED, the “Promise” encourages students to further their education and reach their academic goals. Promise students stay in school after the first year at double the rate of non-Promise students, according to Foundation staff.

Promise students have a higher retention rate because 82 percent attend Ventura College full-time—versus 46 percent of the general student population—and use the services available to them on campus, including the Lending Library and scholarships for year two. Promise students also can participate in the Promise Peer Mentoring program, where a peer mentor is available to answer questions and provide guidance.

“Though the Promise is open to all students, regardless of need, many of our grant recipients wouldn’t have the financial means to attend college if not for the program,” said Norbert Tan, executive director of Ventura College Foundation. “Seeing students’ relief when they realize that they can attend college free, validates the importance of the program and underscores the impact it makes on their lives.”

For the fall 2014 semester, 46 percent of the Promise participants are first-generation college students. Students come from throughout the county, with the highest numbers coming from Oxnard, Santa Paula and Ventura. The most popular areas of study for Promise students are nursing, business, psychology and engineering.

"By partnering with our Foundation and supportive local companies, Ventura College can provide the means to higher education for graduating high school seniors. By improving the college-going rate in our community, we help enhance the quality of our local workforce,” said Ventura College President Greg Gillespie, PhD.

Established in 1983, the Ventura College Foundation provides financial support to the students and the programs of Ventura College to facilitate student success and grow the impact and legacy of Ventura College as a vital community asset. The Foundation also hosts the Ventura College Foundation Marketplace, an outdoor shopping experience held every weekend on the Ventura College campus east parking lot. For more information, contact Norbert Tan at (805) 289-6160 or ntan@vcccd.edu. Or visit www.venturacollege.edu/foundation.

 


 
Fillmore High Senior Night took place last Friday, November 7th. Pictured is the Run-Thru banner “You’re Gonna Miss the Lights”, just before the Fillmore Flashes tore thru it.
Fillmore High Senior Night took place last Friday, November 7th. Pictured is the Run-Thru banner “You’re Gonna Miss the Lights”, just before the Fillmore Flashes tore thru it.
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Vol. #10

 
Candlelight vigil. Photo credit: Brian Stethem
Candlelight vigil. Photo credit: Brian Stethem
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Events include vigil, panel discussion, movie screening

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will observe World AIDS Day 2014 with a panel discussion, vigil and screening of “Dallas Buyers Club” on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

This Ventura County commemoration of World AIDS Day will include “Positively Speaking,” a panel discussion featuring local residents living with HIV, from 2:15 to 3:55 p.m. in Room 101-102 of the Swenson Center for the Social and Behavioral Sciences. A candlelight vigil of prayer and solidarity will be held from 4 to 4:30 p.m. on the Swenson Center patio.

A Reel Justice Film Series presentation of “Dallas Buyers Club” will be shown at 7 p.m. at Carmike Thousand Oaks 14. The film, featuring Oscar-winning performances by Matthew McConaughey and Jared Leto, was inspired by the true story of Ron Woodroof. Diagnosed with HIV, Woodroof forged alliances to establish a club where people living with HIV/AIDS paid to access the latest treatment options. Set in Texas during the 1980s, the film illustrates the collective struggle for dignity, education and acceptance.

The theme for this year’s World AIDS Day is “Focus, Partner, Achieve: An AIDS-free Generation.” World AIDS Day, which officially falls on Dec. 1, was first observed in 1988. It started with a call by health ministers from around the world for social tolerance and greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale.

The Swenson Center is located at 141 Faculty St. on the Thousand Oaks campus. Carmike Thousand Oaks 14 is located at 166 W. Hillcrest Drive. The theater opens at 6:30 p.m., and free tickets will be available until the theater reaches capacity.

Cal Lutheran’s Center for Equality and Justice (CEJ), Wellness Programs, Office of Campus Ministry and Alumni and Parent Relations and the HIV/AIDS Coalition of Ventura County are sponsoring the free public events. For more information, contact the CEJ at 805-493-3694 or cej@callutheran.edu.

 
#10

 
Students with their flags at the International Chapel Service. Photo credit: Brian Stethem
Students with their flags at the International Chapel Service. Photo credit: Brian Stethem
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One in 8 students is a citizen of another country

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University will highlight its international students and study abroad programs during International Education Week activities Nov. 17 through 21 on its Thousand Oaks campus.

Cal Lutheran’s observance of the week, which is a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education, will include a World Fair and International Chapel Service.

The fair will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 19, in University Plaza. Held in conjunction with the ELS Educational Services English-language school on campus, the celebration will feature food, entertainment and displays from cultures represented at Cal Lutheran.

The worship service will be held at 11:25 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, in Samuelson Chapel. Students will carry flags for each of the countries represented at Cal Lutheran.

The number of foreign nationals taking classes this fall is 483. One in eight Cal Lutheran students today is a citizen of another country.

The university’s foreign students come from 47 countries, an increase from last year. The largest sending countries are China, Saudi Arabia, Norway, Taiwan, Austria, India, Thailand, Japan, Sweden and Russia. Other countries include Ethiopia, Israel, Kuwait, Mongolia, Pakistan and the Republic of Croatia.

The week also highlights study abroad experiences offered by Cal Lutheran. There are program options in more than 80 countries around the world. Each year, nearly 200 students participate in semester, summer and yearlong programs and faculty-led seminars. Twenty-six percent of the 2014 graduating class studied abroad or participated in a travel seminar during their time at Cal Lutheran. The university is working to increase that figure to 40 percent by 2020.

University Plaza is outside Gilbert Sports and Fitness Center, which is on the north side of Olsen Road between Campus Road and Mountclef Boulevard. Samuelson Chapel is located at 165 Chapel Lane.

All activities are free and open to the public. Cal Lutheran’s Office of Multicultural Programs and International Student Services are sponsoring the events. For more information, call Daniel Lawrence at lawrenc@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3489.

 
California State University Channel Islands
California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - The Institute for Global Economic Research (IGER) at CSU Channel Islands (CI) will present “Internet Export Marketing,” a free workshop offering expert advice to regional businesses on how to establish successful Internet strategies for export marketing. The workshop will be held Friday, Nov. 14, from 8:30 a.m. to noon in Malibu Hall 100 on the CI campus.

Offered by Trade Connect, a program of the Port of Los Angeles, in partnership with IGER and the Martin V. Smith School of Business & Economics, the event shares expertise on topics including how to establish effective online branding, develop high-impact advertising, and identify key Internet research tools. The workshop is geared to business executives and entrepreneurs starting and/or expanding exports in foreign markets. The keynote speaker is Mark Matsumoto, Managing Director of California Education and Training Export Consortium (ETEC), Inc.

Continental breakfast is included. Participants are encouraged to register by Friday, Nov. 7, at http://go.cusci.edu/IGERexport.

Parking for this event is complimentary and limited. Upon entering campus, follow signs to the designated lot. Once parked, guests may follow the walking signage to the event or use the free shuttle service.

Contact Jennifer Iden at jennifer.iden@csuci.edu or 805-437-3979 for more information.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) 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. CI’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. CI 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 about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

The California State University (CSU) will reach a significant milestone of 3 million alumni during commencement in spring 2015 and has launched the world’s largest yearbook. The Class of 3 Million online yearbook is an interactive platform where alumni can create a profile and connect with the millions of other alumni from the 23 CSU campuses across the state. Alumni who sign up for the yearbook will also be entered into a special contest to win one of three $10,000 scholarships for a current or future student, sponsored by Herff Jones. For more information about the yearbook and the Class of 3 Million, visit https://classof3million.calstate.edu/

 
 

 
Vol. #9

 

 

Rio Vista Elementary’s English Learners Advisory Committee, ELAC will be having a meeting on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at 7:45 A.M. in Room E7

Child Care will be provided with an advance notice. Coffee and pastry will be provided for all parents who join us. Raffle will be held!

It is very important to attend all ELAC meetings. The committee will discuss on themes that affect our English language students. Parents can help to make important decisions at Rio Vista. If you have any questions please contact our School at (805)524-4210.

La escuela Rio Vista tendrá una junta del Comité Consultivo de Estudiantes de Inglés (ELAC)) el jueves 20 de noviembre a las 7:45 A.M. en el salón E7.

Habrá cuidado de niños disponible si es necesario, favor de avisarnos en avance
Se proveerá bocados a todos los padres que asistan. Tendremos una Rifa!

Es muy importante asistir a la reunión ELAC. Se trataran temas que afectan los estudiantes de segundo idioma. Los padres pueden ayudar hacer decisiones importantes en nuestra escuela. Si hubiera alguna pregunta, comunicarse con la Escuela Rio Vista al número (805)524-4210. Por favor de llegar a tiempo.

 
#9

 
Dan Walters and others to discuss drought’s impact
Bill Watkins
Bill Watkins

Bill Watkins, executive director of the California Lutheran University Center for Economic Research and Forecasting, will present the 2015 Ventura County Forecast during a seminar from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at the Serra Center in Camarillo.

In addition, a panel of experts including Sacramento Bee columnist Dan Walters will discuss how the drought will impact agribusiness and the greater Ventura County economy. The other panelists are CERF economist Matthew Fienup, United Water Conservation District General Manager Mike Solomon and environmental lawyer Tony Trembley.

Watkins has been providing unflinching forecasts since 2000. He has been widely published in academic journals and been featured in media throughout the country including the Wall Street Journal, CNN and Forbes. An associate professor of economics, Watkins helped start a graduate program in economics at Cal Lutheran.

Walters has written about California and its politics for more than 40 years. His work has appeared in media outlets throughout the country including The Wall Street Journal and Christian Science Monitor.

Fienup teaches courses in econometrics as an adjunct professor at Cal Lutheran. He is an expert on the economics of private land use and issues surrounding urban growth restriction and groundwater management policy in Ventura County.

Solomon first joined the United Water Conservation District in 1997 as its chief financial officer. He is a former member of the Association of California Water Agencies Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Trembley is a partner in the Westlake Village office of Musick Peeler and a member of the company’s environmental and public law group. He has represented both public and private sector clients in wastewater and water quality matters.

Cal Lutheran CERF provides local, state and national forecasts for government, business and nonprofit leaders. The National Association for Business Economics, the Economist, CNN Money and Case-Shiller Macro Markets have included CERF forecasters in their surveys on economic policies and outlooks, home prices, jobs and the presidential election.

The Serra Center is located at 5205 Upland Road. To register, visit www.clucerf.org. Registration fees, which include lunch and access to the full forecast, are $175 in advance and $200 at the door. For more information, call Ashley Freas at freas@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3668.

 
Panelists are Cal Lutheran experts in various subjects

Religion, history, political science and communication faculty members at California Lutheran University will discuss the “Islamic State” group and put current events in Iraq and Syria in context on Tuesday, Nov. 11.

“Teach-in on ISIS: Religion and Violence in Today’s Global Landscape” will begin at 4 p.m. in Richter Hall on the Thousand Oaks campus. The presentation and panel discussion will be followed by a question-and-answer session.

Julia Fogg, who chairs the Religion Department, will moderate the discussion. The panelists are Rose Aslan, assistant professor of religion; Paul Hanson, professor of history; Ryan Medders, a communication instructor; and S. Jovian Radheshwar, who teaches in the Political Science and Global Studies departments.

Fogg is an associate professor with expertise on immigration, religious practice, community identity and Islam. Aslan teaches courses on global religions and is a scholar of Islam and an interfaith activist who has conducted research in Iraq. Hanson is a two-time Fulbright Scholar whose research has focused on Islamic history, the politics of the Middle East and the relationship of religion and political legitimacy. Medders has researched the social and psychological effects of online media. Radheshwar specializes in political theory and international relations.

Refreshments will be served.

The departments of religion, political science and history are sponsoring the free event along with the Segerhammar Center for Faith and Culture, Center for Equality and Justice, and Residential Life at Cal Lutheran.

Richter Hall is located in the Ahmanson Science Center, which is south of Memorial Parkway near Pioneer Avenue.

For more information, contact the Center for Equality and Justice at cej@callutheran.edu or 805-493-3694.

 

The Fillmore Unified School District is pleased to announce that Piru Elementary School has been selected to receive an Apple grant as part of the ConnectED program. The award will enable Piru Elementary School to provide a comprehensive 1:1 technology solution for every student and teacher, including Apple hardware, software, and services.

By providing students, teachers, and administrators with Apple technology, Piru Elementary will be able to enrich its classroom experience and expand opportunities for its students.

Superintendent, Dr. Adrian Palazuelos shared, “Our Board of Trustees and the district community are overjoyed that Piru Elementary School was selected as one of the recipients of the Apple ConnectED program. The new hardware and companion professional learning on integrating technology into our classrooms will enhance teaching and learning in our school community. ”

Principal of Piru Elementary School, Diana Vides, expressed this grant will have a tremendous impact on our students and our greater community. Piru students will now have an opportunity to work with the latest technology to help bridge gaps that exist due to economic and language barriers. This will benefit our students and community allowing us to narrow the digital divide and provide much needed opportunities required to compete within our global society.

Piru Elementary School is located in Ventura County and is part of the Fillmore Unified School District.

Additional information about Apple and ConnectED is available at www.apple.com/education/connectED

 
#8

 
Band members rehearse for an upcoming field show competition
Band members rehearse for an upcoming field show competition
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The Fillmore High School band and colorguard, known as the Flashes Regiment, will compete in the Simi Valley High School Band Spectacular on Sat. Oct 25 at 4:30 PM. The band has been learning and rehearsing a competitive field show since mid August. Thirty one groups will participate in the competition in divisions based on the number of performing musicians in the band. Each ensemble will present their show to a panel of judges who score the group based on music performance, visual precision, and overall effect. There are also individual judges in colorguard and percussion performance. Modern field shows are based on thematic music and visuals. This year the FHS Regiment show is titled “Twisted” and features a wide variety of thematic music and movement. The event is open to the public. Tickets are sold at the gate at the Simi Valley High School football field. The FHS Regiment is supported by the Fillmore Band Boosters through fundraising efforts.

 
California State University Channel Islands
California State University Channel Islands

Camarillo, CA - Explore the exciting possibilities for unmanned vehicles in a half-day symposium featuring expert speakers and robotic displays on the CSU Channel Islands (CI) campus. On Friday, Nov. 7, from 2 to 6 p.m., in the Grand Salon, CI will host the Channel Islands Chapter of the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Micro-Symposium. The event is $25 for the public; free to CI students; and $20 for AUVSI members and CI faculty. Guests may register in advance at: channelislands.auvsi.org/home.

AUVSI is a nonprofit organization advocating the advancement, application and utilization of unmanned systems in the tri-counties. The event will include expert panel sessions on unmanned vehicle applications in environmental, agricultural and tri-county business opportunities. Keynote remarks by Assemblyman Jeff Gorell of Camarillo will highlight the success of his Gold Team California economic development initiative. Elementary, high school and college students will present robotic displays and air vehicle and ground vehicle demonstrations are planned. The event will conclude with a social hour.

Complimentary event parking is limited and only available in the designated parking lot. Once on campus, follow the directional signage to event parking; then follow the walking signage to the event location. Free parking is available at the Camarillo Metrolink Station/Lewis Road parking lot with bus service to and from the campus. The cash-only bus fare is $1.25 each way. Buses arrive and depart from the Camarillo Metrolink Station every 30 minutes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. For exact times, check the schedule at www.goventura.org.

If you are interested in being an AUVSI Channel Islands Chapter event sponsor, please check the CIC AUVSI website, email mruavs@hotmail.com or call 805-816-0778. For additional CI information, contact Merissa Stith, Assistant Manager of Conferences & Events, at 805-437-8548 or merissa.stith@csuci.edu.

About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands (CI) 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. CI’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. CI 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 about CI by visiting CI’s Social Media.

 
4th and 5th grade writers of the month
4th and 5th grade writers of the month
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2nd and 3rd grade writers of the month
2nd and 3rd grade writers of the month
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Kindergarten and 1st grade writers of the month
Kindergarten and 1st grade writers of the month
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