Mariah Perez

Last week several events took place at our high school. Fillmore high school pep squad had a competition and took third out of six. Girls basketball JV and Varsity had a amazing game against Saint Bonnie. However both teams lost by a short amount; JV 44-43, Varsity 55-52. Girls Varsity also had a game against Oak Park, sadly Fillmore lost. Boys Varsity basketball had an awesome week as well taking home three wins against Villanova, Grace Brethren, and our rivals Santa Paula. Way To Go Flashes!!! Boys varsity soccer played Oak park, Bishop Diego, and Malibu: Fillmore defeated all three schools. Great Job Boys! Girls Varsity soccer played against Oak Park, Nordhoff, and La Reina, however; Fillmore lost to all three schools. Fillmore High School also had another movie night Friday with the classic movie Grease. It ended up being a very successful night. Keep up the good work Flashes!

As part of their service learning, second grade students at San Cayetano School raised money to donate to the non-profit organization House Farm Workers. This organization supports the development of safe, decent, and affordable housing for farm workers in Ventura County. On January 29, 2010, Sonja Flores, the coordinator of House Farm Workers, came to give a presentation to the students. As part of her presentation, students were able to view a documentary that portrays the stories of children from farm workers in Ventura County who have moved from substandard housing into the safe and affordable housing that has been developed in Ventura County. Ms. Flores gratefully received the donation for House Farm Workers from the students at the end of her presentation.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2010
5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
5:15 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.
IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from CONTINUED »

January is National Mentoring Month, this week we are featuring Fillmore Middle School Mentoring program which is School based mentoring program at Fillmore Middle school for youth in Fillmore and Piru, High School Students mentor before school, after school and during lunch. The program currently serves 140 youths for school base mentoring. Our high school mentors(Bigs) are trained volunteer students who assist middle school students with homework, social skills and encourage them to keep a positive outlook in life. The mentors(Big)meet once a week with their Littles, and attend educational field trips once a month.

Middle School Mentoring allows matches to continue from elementary school through Middle School therefore the length of the match is longer and creates a more memorable and positive experience for Big and Little.

Amelia Aparicio, Alicia Rodriguez and Norma Magana make up the site based team.

Although it rained the entire week Fillmore High School still kept busy. However, Boy’s soccer was unable to play due to the weather, so games will be rescheduled for another day. Despite the rainy weather, girl’s soccer was still able to play. Both JV and Varsity lost to St. Bonnie, with the Varsity being 5-1. Varsity also lost to Nordoff 2-1 but JV was able to win. Wrestling had a match against Malibu and won 72-6…Way to go team! Girl’s basketball played Nordoff and Oaks Christian. Both teams lost to Oaks Christian. However, Varsity did defeat Nordoff with a score of 55-42. Boy’s basketball played this week against Nordoff and Villanova. All teams won with the exception of Frosh losing to Nordoff. Fillmore High School Pep Squad will compete this Sunday in Long Beach at the Cheer Pros competition. Lets Go Flashes!

Ventura College East Campus at 105 Dean Drive in Santa Paula has GED Preparation software and books available for use at no charge. This computer-based, self-paced program includes practice in all the areas of the GED exam including language arts (reading and writing), social studies, science and math.

Any member of the community desiring to prepare him or herself to take the GED high school equivalency exam is welcome to use the program and check out additional GED instructional support textbooks for home study.
There is no charge to use the computer software or the accompanying textbooks. All that is required is to fill out a Ventura College student application (at no charge) in order to obtain an access number.

Erika Hurtado, instructional lab technician, is available to assist anyone interested in getting started. The computer lab is open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information, please contact Sabrina Canola at the East Campus at 525-7136 extension 6585.

VENTURA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
The Board Meeting will be held at the
VCOE Conference & Educational Services Center
Board Room
5100 Adolfo Road, Camarillo
(805) 383-1900
REGULAR BOARD MEETING
AGENDA NO. 10-02
Date: Monday, January 25, 2010

OPEN SESSION 6:00 p.m.
A. CALL TO ORDER
1. Pledge of Allegiance.
Moment of Reflection.
2. Roll Call and Acknowledgment of Guests.
3. Approval of Agenda.
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
C. HEARINGS
None.
Times are approximate and are provided for convenience only. CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

The Fillmore Unified School District is accepting applications for Interdistrict Transfers for the 2010-2011 school year. Applications are available at the District Office, 627 Sespe Avenue beginning February 1, 2010 and are due by March 1, 2010. Applications will be granted on a first-come, first served basis for those with qualifying reasons as stipulated in the FUSD Board Policy.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2010
6:00 P.M. – SPECIAL BOARD MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
6:00 P.M.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON 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.
IV. CLARIFICATION OF AGENDA AND TIME ALLOCATIONS FOR DISCUSSION ITEMS
V. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet at 6:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. Student Discipline Matter Pursuant to Education Code 35146 Personnel Matters
VI. RECONVENE TO REGULAR SESSION Any Action From Closed Session
VII. FUTURE MEETINGS
February 2 5:15 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
February 16 5:15 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
March 2 5:15 p.m. Closed Session – Board Room
6:00 p.m. Regular Meeting – Board Room
March 30 6:00 p.m. Joint Board/City Council Meeting – City Hall
VIII. BOARD CLOSING COMMENTS AND AGENDA BUILDING
IX. ADJOURNMENT
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).]

Above, one of the Alpacas that were shared with the students at Fillmore Middle School.
Enlarge Photo

Courtesy of Dustin Boschee, Tony Hurtado

When the alpacas came to FMS we learned many things. Here are a few of them. One fact we learned is that the white spot gene is fatal and 9 out of 10 alpacas with that gene would be deaf. We also learned alpacas have 74 chromosomes. Also we learned that having a white fleece is a dominant trait. Alpaca breeders breed for the softest microfibers in their fleece. Alpacas are a member of the camel family.

Alpacas also have some protection strategies. One of them is they spit when threatened. Alpacas also have two sharp nails on their toes so that they can climb up the mountains in Peru and Chile. Alpacas also take turns sleeping throughout the night to avoid predators. Alpacas have thick fleece to stay warm. Those are some protection strategies of alpacas.

Our favorite part of meeting the alpacas was being able to pet them and feed them. We also liked the feeling of their fleece because it felt like a marshmallow. Another part we liked was that we got to feel the products produced from the alpaca fleece. Some of the products we got to touch were socks, scarves, and beanies. We want to thank Jared Warren and his family for bringing their alpacas to Fillmore Middle School for the entire day. Every seventh grade student had the opportunity to learn about alpaca genetics. ALPACAS RULE!!!

Enlarge Photo

On Monday, January 11, 2010, San Cayetano School recognized good citizenship and character at their Peacebuilder Assembly for the month of January. Mr. Josh Overton came to San Cayetano to speak to the students about what a good citizen is and how displaying good character could enrich the students and others in the community around them. Each teacher chose a student from his or her class whom showed excellent character and peace-building skills. Julian Calderon and Christina De La Mora, the San Cayetano ASB President and Vice-President, assisted Mr. Overton in handing out the Peacebuilder Awards. The Peacebuilders for January are: Sara Arroyo, Amber Cervantez, Daisy Jimenez, Ariana Felix, Juan Galindo, Addy Almanza, Jonathon Rosales, Enrique Felix, Mariana Acevez, Victor Jimenez, Noah Stoessel, Aiyanna Simental, Bryant Herrera, Jose Acosta, Kirah Collins, Johana Garcia, Jose Romero, Elizabeth Magana, Johan Hernandez, Anthony Morales, and Josue Morga. Julian and Christina then announced to the students that the Rainbow Foundation is sponsoring the San Cayetano Character Counts Award of a $100.00 savings bond. Mr. Overton presented the Character Counts Award to a deserving first grade student. Noelani Sanchez was chosen by the first grade teachers as a model of outstanding behavior and kindness to the other students. To conclude the assembly, students were reminded to turn in their Perfect Attendance tickets. Each month all students who come to school, each day, on time, are given an orange raffle ticket. The students place their tickets in a box and one ticket is drawn. The student whose ticket is drawn is given a backpack full of supplies. Each month, the tickets will be put into a larger box that will be kept until the end of the year. In June, Mrs. Marholin, the principal, will draw from the tickets to give away new bicycles, an I-pod shuffle, and three large stuffed animals. Celeste Mendez from Mrs. Pelkey’s first grade won the Perfect Attendance Award for the month of January.

Last week we had many sporting events take place at Fillmore High School. Boys and girls soccer played Carpinteria last Wednesday; boys frosh lost 2-0, boys JV tied 1-1, and boys varsity lost 2-1. Girls soccer JV lost 3-1 and girls varsity lost 7-0 . They also played against Oaks Christian and boys varsity lost 2-1 and girls varsity lost 9-0. Girls Basketball played this week against La Reina; both teams won, Varsity 43-41 in overtime. Varsity girls also played Villanova this week and defeated them 60-49. As of now Varsity is 2-1 in league and JV is 1-1 in league. Boys Basketball played this week against Oak Park; all teams lost. Frosh and Varsity played later in the week against Grace Brothren, both teams won, the final score of the Varsity game was 74-43. Bishop Diego was their final game of the week; Frosh won, JV lost, and Varsity won 60-44. Wrestling also had a weekend match, please read next week for scores. The pep squad competed this Sunday in Long Beach against 6 teams from different counties. We came in first place and also took home Grand Champions which means that we had the highest score out of all the school teams at this competition. The formal was also a success. Students danced the entire night to DJ Divine from Q-1047. Lets go Flashes!!!

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY, JANUARY 19, 2010
5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:00 P.M. - REGULAR MEETING
627 SESPE AVENUE, FILLMORE, CALIFORNIA

AGENDA
The public may review or request a copy of support materials provided to the Board Members where the word materials appears.
5:15 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG
II. ROLL CALL
III. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NONAGENDA ITEMS, PETITIONS
This is the time and place to address the Board. State law prohibits the Board from acting on issues not included on the agenda; however, requests may be made for discussion of specific topics at subsequent meetings.
IV. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. to CONTINUED »

California Lutheran University is launching Ventura County’s first doctoral program in clinical psychology at its Oxnard Center.

Several factors have brought about a greater need in the region for quality programs that prepare students to be licensed clinical psychologists, according to Mindy Puopolo, CLU’s Director of Graduate Programs in Psychology. California’s Mental Health Services Act of 2004 increased funding for county mental health programs to work toward statewide goals for better serving people. The federal Mental Health Parity and Addition Act, which took effect Jan. 1, provides for equal treatment of mental health, alcohol and substance abuse disorders and will provide mental health services and substance abuse coverage to 113 million Americans. Another factor is that military personnel are returning from combat to Ventura County in need of help from licensed mental health professionals.

The new Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology at CLU has been developed to help address all of these needs in the community. It will start in the fall with 17 students in the first cohort.

The program will integrate theoretical and practical CONTINUED »

We have had numerous events occur our first week back to school. Girls Soccer played our rivals Santa Paula. However, both JV and Varsity were defeated by Santa Paula; JV 2-1 and Varsity 7-0. The girls also played La Reina but were defeated as well. Boy’s soccer had a great game against Bishop Diego, both teams won; JV won by forfeit and Varsity 2-0. Wrestling had one league meet and two tournaments this week. Their league meet was held at The Jewish Community Center and they won as a team. At the Santa Paula tournament they came in second place over all, defeating Santa Paula. Girls Basketball played two games this week, both away. Against Oak Park both JV and Varsity girls lost, JV 46-20 and Varsity 45-23. In Carpinteria, Fillmore was able to take the win, JV 30-24 and Varsity 53-43. Boys Basketball played against La Baptist this past week. Both Frosh and JV were defeated; however, Varsity took home the win. We also played Santa Paula this week away. Frosh lost but JV was able to come back with a win. The Varsity game was a great display of basketball, but Fillmore was finally defeated by 3 points leaving the score 40-37. The following day the boy’s varsity basketball had their annual alumni game. This was a fun and entertaining game for all. Many of the alumni had the opportunity to play against their sons. In the end, the alumni were able to defeat the boys by over 30 points. We had our first serve day on January 9, 2010 and it was very successful. Many people attended the serve day, some from Fillmore and others from out of town. Winter Formal is coming up on Saturday the 16th of January, it will be held at the Fillmore Piru Veterans Memorial Building, and this year’s theme is Winter Wonderland. We plan on this being the highlight of the month. Fillmore High School cheer will have their first competition this Sunday in Long Beach. Over all, we had a very proactive and successful start to our new year.