VENTURA: The Ventura College 79th Annual Commencement Ceremony will be held at the Athletic Event Center on the Ventura College Campus on Wednesday, May 20. Ventura College’s graduation will be held on the same day as Oxnard College, and Moorpark College’s will be held on May 21. More than 1,300 students have earned degrees and certificates, and so are eligible to be recognized. The day’s events will include the traditional graduation breakfast, the processional ceremony and a reception for the graduates and their families. A sign-language interpreter will be utilized during the graduation ceremony, and an interpreter will be available upon request for the other events. The Commencement will be closed captioned and webcast live at http://www.venturacollege.edu – click on the webcast button.
The annual graduation breakfast will start serving at 9:00 a.m. in the main dining room in the Campus Center. The breakfast is cosponsored by the Ventura College Foundation and the Associated Students of Ventura College.
Commencement begins at 1:30 p.m. Dr. Robin Calote, Ventura College President, will address the group. The Chair of the Ventura County Community College District Board of Trustees Mr. Robert O. Huber, Vice Chair Stephen P. Blum, Esq., trustees Cheryl Heitmann, Arturo D. Hernández, and Dr. Larry O. Miller, the Chancellor of the Ventura Community College District, Dr. James M. Meznek, the Academic Senate President Peter Sezzi, the Classified Senate President Barbara Cogert, and Ms. Nancy Pham, the outgoing president of the Associated Students of Ventura College, will make brief remarks as well. Four faculty and staff members will announce the graduates.
The Ventura College President’s Office is hosting the post-ceremony reception for the graduates, their family, faculty and staff on the lawn behind Guthrie Hall, next to Central Campus Way, immediately after the ceremony.
For additional information, contact Alisa Sparkia Moore, Ventura College Public Information Officer, (805) 654-6462 or asmoore@vcccd.edu.

The Space Shuttle Café will be landing at Sespe School’s Open House on Thursday, May 14th! You may pre-order dinners – hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers or chicken sandwiches (you can pay for them in the office at Sespe School, and there will also be a limited number of dinners available that night). Don’t forget to come see the great things your child has been doing at school! The Shuttle Café will be serving dinner from 5pm-7pm and classrooms will be open from 6-7pm. We hope to see you there!

In the biggest UTLA ballot turnout in recent history, LAUSD teachers and health and human services professionals voted to authorize UTLA officers to call a one-day work stoppage in May. 73.84% of the members voted yes and 26.16% voted no. A total of 26,815 ballots were cast.
Votes were counted at UTLA headquarters on April 30. May 15 has been selected as the work stoppage date, to have the least conflict with month-long testing.
On April 14, the LAUSD School Board approved the layoffs of close to 4,000 teachers and health and human services professionals. UTLA is fighting the layoffs and class size increases, which will destroy school programs, cause staffing chaos at schools, undermine reform efforts, and lower graduation rates.
"This wasn't an easy decision for our teachers to make, but we were pushed into it by a superintendent who has decided to raise class size and bring chaos to schools even though the District has the money to maintain class sizes and avoid these layoffs," UTLA President A.J. Duffy says. "We have to stand up for our students because the District won't. But it's not too late—we're calling on the superintendent and the School Board to change course and make the right decision for our schools."
Last week, UTLA released information (posted on utla.net) that shows the money is there to stop the layoffs and class-size increases. UTLA is also pressing for the Title I funds to be used centrally so that all classroom jobs can be saved and class sizes kept at their 2008-2009 levels.
WHO: UTLA President A.J. Duffy and teachers with layoff notices
WHERE: Outside LAUSD Board Room
333 S. Beaudry Ave., Los Angeles 90017
WHEN: Today. May 1st 1 p.m.

On behalf of California’s school leaders, the Education Management Group (EMG) opposes further budget cuts to California’s grossly underfunded public schools.

Public schools are already reeling from over $3 billion ($500 per student) in core ongoing K-12 education expenditure reductions, more than $2 billion in apportionment deferrals, and the lack of COLA. The simple fact is that any further cuts are fundamentally inconsistent with California’s responsibility to provide its children with the opportunity to meet established academic standards.

The EMG calls upon the Governor and Legislature to make a clear commitment to protecting K-12 education funding from further reductions in the 2009-10 budget for the following reasons:

• California schools are grossly underfunded. California’s public schools ranked 47th among states in per pupil funding and the bottom quartile in spending as a percentage of per capita personal income - and that was before losing over $3 billion in core instructional funding. CONTINUED »

Greetings and Good News
We have been informed that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance for schools regarding the prevention of the spread of the H1N1 virus, aka Swine Flu. Due to the fact that most cases have not been severe and comparable to seasonal influenza, schools will no longer be required to close.

What this means locally: we have been informed that our County Public Health Officer (Dr. Robert Levin) has contacted the Hueneme and Conejo Valley school districts and lifted the student dismissal directive for their affected sites. We also anticipate receiving formal confirmation from Dr. Levin that no other schools will require the dismissal of students should a student or staff member become infected.

HOWEVER, we strongly recommend that you and appropriate staff visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/k12_dismissal.htm and follow the recommendations listed on their webpage, including the need to quarantine any students showing up at school with flulike symptoms. Also, please continue all other safety practices recommended by our Public Health Dept. such relative to personal hygiene, etc.

We will keep you posted with other bulletins/updates as we receive them.

Regards,

-Stan

Jeff Sweeney
Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District

The District has been monitoring the spread of the swine flu and its potential impact on the students and staff in FUSD. As you are likely aware, there have been two confirmed cases in Oxnard in the Hueneme School District. Following that confirmation, those schools were closed and will remain closed for seven days. This afternoon, Martha Romero and I will be attending an emergency meeting at the County Office regarding the school closures in the Hueneme School District. I will be sure to update all with any information relevant to our District.

I recognize this is a fluid situation and will mandate that all are kept informed to ensure that the priority of the health and welfare of students and staff is optimized. Further, our intent is to work toward minimal interruptions to your day.

To date, the District has done the following:
· Notified all parents via ConnectEd of preventative measures that can be done at home;
· A letter will be sent home today providing parents more information;
· Email was sent to all staff, discussing precautionary measures to be followed;
· All administrators were notified with information and preventative measures to be followed; and CONTINUED »

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY MAY 5, 2009

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 consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6) Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Jeff Sweeney, Evalene Townend, Mike Bush) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration. Personnel Matters Public Employees Discipline/Dismissal Release (Government Code 54957) Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Superintendent (The Board and Superintendent meet periodically to provide feedback to one another concerning the achievement of goals.) CONTINUED »

The ASB of Fillmore Middle School extends a huge THANK YOU to the following parents and businesses for their generous donations to our student body. Our Spring Dance was a success: Martha Hope, Norma Magana, Dianne and Kerry McCall, City of Fillmore, Toys & More, Yanni’s, Vons, Margarita’s Cocina, Subway, and Central Station.
The ASB of Fillmore Middle School sends a huge THANK YOU to El Pescador, owner Jesus Ortiz, the City of Fillmore, the Yearbook Class, and Ms. Beal, the Yearbook Advisor, for their generous support to ASB throughout this school year in recognizing students and staff of the month at FMS.

ASB is also very grateful to our wonderful and caring parents who volunteer to chaperone our dances: Thank you to JoAnn Aparicio, David Deutsch, Randy Garcia, Tricia Godfrey, Maura Gomez, Cristobal Gomez, Shelly Hadley, Claudia Hinojosa, Martha Hope, Lori Horn, Mary Johnson, Frank Linder, Dianne McCall, Kerry McCall, Juan Carlos Mendez, Laura Ortega, Paul Ortega, Ronda Reyes-Deutsch, Henry Robledo, Theresa Robledo, Todd Schieferle, and Mary Topete.

And to all others who continue to support us in our commitment to educating and empowering our students.
With sincere gratitude from the ASB class of 08/09, and Ms. Morielli, ASB Advisor.

Anahi and Pepper the Reading Dog enjoy each other’s company.
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Gloria and Mariah with the baby chicks at The Painted Pony.
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Pepper, the Reading Dog, and her owner, Sharon Clarke (who volunteers at Santa Paula Library), visited Miss Berrington’s first grade class at Mountain Vista School. The children had an opportunity to pick their favorite book and read to Pepper. Sharon also showed different tricks that Pepper could do.

Recently, Mrs. Potter’s class, Mrs. Henrey’s class and Miss Berrington’s class went on a field trip to The Painted Pony in Santa Paula. At the farm, the children milked a goat, made ice cream with goats milk, fed the farm animals and pet the chicks. They also had the opportunity to ride on the tractor. It was a fun and hands-on trip. Painted Pony also has summer camps. The day was enjoyed by the children, teachers, and parents.

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The Fillmore High School class for students with severe disabilities participated in the Special Olympics on Saturday, April 18 at Nordoff High School in Ojai. The students participated in the school based Olympics with other teams from across the county. Events included the softball/tennis ball throw, the standing long jump, the 50/100 meter run and the wheelchair races. Pictured are Anna Maldonado and Leo Magana (Leonardo Magana 25M walk (silver) and softball throw (gold) - Anna Maldonado 100M run (gold) and softball throw, gold); and Jacob Gaither, 50M run (silver) and softball throw (gold). Total list of winners: Susana Suarez 50M run (silver) and softball throw (gold); David Hynes 30 M Wheelchair slalom (gold), read the Special Olympics oath in opening ceremony; Lorena Perez 30 M Wheelchair slalom (silver), tennis ball throw (gold); Tiffany Everettson 100 M run (gold), softball throw (silver); Jessica Ramirez tennis ball drop (gold), 25 M assisted walk (gold); Jose Hernandez 25 M assisted walk (gold), softball throw (silver); Kislev Valenzuela 10 M wheelchair race (silver), tennisball drop (silver).

Piru Elementary staff and students take pride in their school.

Piru Elementary School is proud to announce that next year it will be offering a full curriculum to students in grades kindergarten though sixth grade. For a limited time we will be accepting 6th grade students from Fillmore. Bus transportation from Fillmore will be provided. Call the school office now and complete an enrollment packet.
Located just 7 miles from Fillmore, Piru Elementary is a small, dynamic elementary school that supports a vision based on "Educating the Whole Child." Piru was established more than 120 years ago and provides a strong academic program. In fact, over the last two years API scores have gone up more than 40 points! Great things are happening at Piru. Our campus farm is growing, we are looking at green school alternatives, we will be offering outstanding student extra-curricular experiences such as a camping trip to Rancho Allegre, an overnight to Fort Tejon, whale watching, La Brea Tar Pits, as well as a fine arts outreach to a variety of music and dance performances. Piru Elementary has both a music and art teacher. This year Piru Elementary began a college outreach program with students spending the day at either Moorpark College, California State University at Channel Islands, or the University of California at Santa Barbara. Now our students want to attend college when they grow up!
If you are interested in providing a unique learning opportunity for your child in a small rural setting, please come see Piru, where students can experience the best of the past and the future!

Undergraduate students at the University of California, Santa Barbara achieving excellence in their academic work during the winter quarter 2009 have been selected for the dean's honors list.
This honor, which is noted on their permanent records, is earned by students who have attained the qualifying grade point average of 3.75 (a-minus) on a program of 12 or more graded units in the college of letters and science, or 3.50 in the college of engineering.
With an enrollment of 20,000 students, UC Santa Barbara offers Bachelor's, Master's and Doctoral degree programs in most academic disciplines.
Local students on the dean's list are listed below, as are their majors: Danielle Nicole Rojo, Fillmore, Sociology.

Students attending schools within Fillmore Unified School District will be participating in the annual State tests from April 20 through May 11. Parents and guardians play an important role in the education of their children. It is highly encouraged that parents talk with their children about the importance of doing their best on the testing just as they would on all their school work. Encouraging your child to keep a positive attitude will reduce the stress toward test taking. Discuss with your child that tests should not cause undue stress, to think carefully, and complete one question at a time without rushing.

Students should also get plenty of rest and eat a healthy breakfast each day to help them perform optimally. Be sure that you are aware of the testing dates for each of your child’s schools and communicate this with your child. It is best not to plan late night activities, games, or appointments during the testing window if at all possible.

You can also get involved in preparing your child for testing by sharing and reinforcing a few key test taking strategies.

• Listen carefully to instructions and ask questions if you don’t understand.
• Don’t rush but do pace yourself ensuring not to spend too much time on any one question.
• Read ALL the answers before choosing your response
• Don’t panic over questions you don’t know. Notate difficult ones and come back at the end if there is time.
• Answer all questions and then go back and check your answers if time allows.

Your encouragement will go a long way in supporting and building confidence in your child which will lead to success.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
TUESDAY APRIL 21, 2009
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 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Conference with Legal Council- Existing Litigation
Case 56-2008-0033-4613-ca-po-vta School District Pupils (Education Code 35146)
o Expulsion Case Number 08-09-09
o Expulsion Case Number 08-09-10
o Expulsion Case Number 08-09-11
o Expulsion Case Number 08-09-12 Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6) CONTINUED »

Natalie Garnica
Student, Fillmore High School

It has been a busy week for sports at FHS this week. The swim team had a meet on Wednesday against Nordhoff, they have a meet on Friday against Villanova, and on Saturday they are hosting an alumni meet. The Volleyball team had a game against Nordhoff on Wednesday and they have another game scheduled for Saturday. Softball had a game on Tuesday against Oaks Christian and Baseball had a game on Wednesday and has one on Friday as well. The Track team has a meet on Thursday.

The Art Show was on Tuesday and was a huge success. All aspects of the Arts at FHS were included; photography, drama, music and visual arts were all showcased at the annual event.

"I was once jailed two days for driving," said Wafa Munif, Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program staff from Saudi Arabia, on a visit to Ventura last month. Ms. Munif, 53, attended a YES conference in Washington DC, and completed her trip in Ventura County to promote the program to local high schools--and to get to know local exchange students, their host families, and the volunteers who work with them. She spoke with Fillmore High School students during their World History classes.

She explained that several women in her home country of Saudi Arabia protested the fact that women couldn't drive by, well, simply driving. The women--including her--were arrested and jailed. Her husband had to bail her out, at a cost of $10,000. "It was a mess!" she said. "But we have to do something." It is this same passion to change the world around her that Munif works for the YES Program in Saudi Arabia. The U.S. State Department-sponsored scholarship program brings high school students from countries with significant Muslim populations to the U.S. to create a better understanding between Americans and these countries. AFS (formerly known as the American Field Service) is the lead student exchange organization for the YES program.

If you want to learn more about student exchange, becoming an exchange student yourself, the YES program, or about hosting a foreign exchange student through AFS, we want to hear from you. AFS brings wonderful students from more than 50 countries to learn about our culture and teach us about theirs. Hosting is a life-changing opportunity that literally builds ties across the globe. To find out more please visit www.afsusa.org. Peace Through Understanding. Be a part.

Fillmore Unified School District

FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2009
5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
6:00 p.m. – SPECIAL MEETING

BUDGET STUDY SESSION
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 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. CLOSED SESSION
The Board of Education will meet from 5:15 to 6:00 p.m. to consider matters appropriate for Closed Session in accordance with Government Code Sections 3549.1, 54956.7 through 54957.7 and Education Code Section 35146. If the Board does not complete Closed Session discussions at this time, the Board may adjourn to Closed Session at the end of the regular meeting. DISCLOSURE OF ITEM(S) TO BE DISCUSSED IN CLOSED SESSION Labor/Negotiations (Government Code 54957.6)
o Update; Direction to District Negotiators (Jeff Sweeney, Evalene Townend, Mike Bush) for negotiations with the Fillmore Unified Teachers Association (FUTA), the California School Employees Association (CSEA), Confidential Employees, and District Administration. CONTINUED »