 Mrs. Silva and Miss Cornejo at The Outdoor School with the 5th graders who went camping. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
By Claudia Cornejo and Delia Silva
Thanks to the hard work of our family, friends and community, the 5th graders from Piru Elementary School went to The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre this past January. After months of fundraising and waiting, we did it! As teachers, our goal was to enrich the lives of our students by enabling them to develop their sense of the environment and community, many whom have never gone to summer camp, much less spent a night away from home. Through The Outdoor School, they were able to meet students from other Ventura county schools, go on hikes as long as 9 miles, use a bow and arrow, row a boat in a lake, sing camp fire songs, sleep in cabins, learn the ways of the Chumash, understand how fossils are formed, learn which plants are safe to eat, witness constellations, work together to solve problems, and most of all, try things they’ve never tried before. While we were at camp, we received visits from Fillmore Police Chief Tim Hagel, some Rotary members, a school board member, as well as our principal, Richard Durborow. They were able to see our students at lunch, and even some of them volunteering to wash dishes in the kitchen! When asked to share some thoughts about their experiences, here’s what some of the campers said: 1. “I wish I could go again.” – Jatziri R. 2. “If you go camping, it will be fun for you.” - Laura A. 3. “I think everyone needs to go to camp.” – Lupe A. 4. “Camp was exciting.” – Mirella M. 5. “I made a bunch of new friends.” Gaby A. 6. “I even made tea on our plant hike.” – Steven O. 7. “One of the activities was boating. It was really fun splashing water all over.” – Angeles E. 8. “I learned more about Science when we went on hikes. We learned about plants and animals.” – Veronica J. 9. “It’s so fun to sleep in cabins with kids from different schools.” – Kimberly V. 10. “I really liked to go camping, I really learned a lot.” – Vanessa O. 11. “We got to learn the most important thing in nature is connections.” – Keylee T. 12. “I learned how to tell what poison oak is.” – John L. 13. “Camp was fun because I got to meet new people.” – Desiree G. 14. “I was very happy to go because that was the first time I went to camp and I worked very hard to go.” – Justinne L. 15. “We had fun on our hikes.” – Cheyenne A. 16. “I liked it when I dissected a squid.” – Jose R. 17. “Camp was so meaningful to me because I made lots of friends and I had lots of fun.” – Lindsey G. 18. “I went on the nine mile hike. Once I got to the top of the mountain it was really windy but so much fun and the view was beautiful.” – Marisela C. 19. “The special activites were so awesome, I couldn’t choose.” – Curtis P. 20. “I really had fun. I did the Waterfall Hike and did something called The Polar Bear Club. It’s when you can be under the waterfall for 20 seconds.” – Julyan R. 21. “I learned a lot about Science and won the Star Camper Award.” – Jennie G. 22. “Kids should go to camp because you’ll be having fun and doing school work too.” – Adriana N. 23. “I think camp is better than regular school because you learn in a fun way.” – Juan S. 24.”It made me a better person and respect the environment more.” – Tatem F. 25. “The 5th graders thank everyone that helped us go to camp at The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre.” – Jackie T. Many thanks go out to everyone that helped us get there: Friends of Piru, El Pescador Restaurant, La Verne Nursery, Fillmore Police Chief Tim Hagel, Fillmore Police Station, Cops Running for Charity, Fillmore Sunrise Rotary, Fillmore Noon-time Rotary, Piru Neighborhood Council, and Piru Parks and Recreation Council. Your belief in our goal made it all possible. The seeds we planted that week will grow in our students for many years to come. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, February 4th, 2009
by the Sespe Parent Club
For the past 2 years walkers from Sespe Elementary School walked to raise money. On Friday, February 20th, they’ll lace up their shoes once again for Sespe School’s 3rd Annual “Walk Your Paws Off” Walkathon organized by the Sespe Parent Club. Over the last 2 years our students have raised enough money to donate $5000 toward the installation of our brand new playground equipment, purchase plants to help beautify our school (and get a mural painted!), donate funds toward the purchase of A.R. prizes to help motivate our students to read, and more! For our Walkathon this year, we will give prizes for the 3 students who receive the most pledge money, for the student at each grade level who walks the most laps, and for the class that raises the most money – a popsicle party! We have music and snacks, and each student receives a Walkathon water bottle. It’s a great event that focuses on helping our school community, getting some exercise and being healthy. This year’s goal is to continue to raise money for the beautification of our school, to purchase needed supplies such as books, and to get our school garden going so the students can get out and do some hands-on science! If you’d like to donate, please make your check payable to Sespe Parent Club (100% of the donated money goes directly to Sespe School). If you have any questions call Sespe School at 524-6161. |
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By Anonymous — Friday, January 30th, 2009
 Fillmore Unified School District FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 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 CONTINUED » |
 The picture above was drawn by Diego Aparicio Rodrigues. Diego is a fourth grader at San Cayetano School. Enlarge Photo By Cindy Klittich — Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
 Pictured are Principle Jan Marholin, Diego Aparicio Rodrigues, Sammy Estrada, Perla Chavez Hernandez, and Taylor Wright, with Mrs. Walker. Enlarge Photo Liz Ocampo has a secret to tell you, but in order to find out what it is, you’ll have to read her prize-winning essay. Liz is the 1st place winner in the “What I Like About Living in Fillmore” Essay Contest sponsored by the Fillmore Civic Pride Committee. All 4th and 5th graders in Fillmore schools were invited to write a 200 word essay describing things they liked about Fillmore. Thirty enthusiastic essays were judged by local educators Conway Spitler, Sue Cutriss, Lynn Edmonds, and Sarah Hansen. First place winner Liz Ocampo, a student in Mr. Maus’s 5th grade class at San Cayetano, likes that everything in Fillmore is close by and that the town is surrounded by mountains (I still won’t tell you her secret, it’s in the essay…).Second place winner is Diego Aparicio Rodrigues from Mrs. Walker’s 4th grade class at San Cayetano who takes the reader on a ten stop tour of Fillmore. Third place winner Mirella Lemus, also a 5thh grader in Mr. Maus’s class, highlights the schools and parks in her essay. Five students also received Honorable Mention prizes for their writing: 5th graders Destiny Alonzo and Andrea Diaz, and 4th graders Sammy Estrade, Perla Alejandra Chavez Hernandez, and Taylor Wright, all students at San Cayetano. The students are invited to the City Council Meeting on Tuesday January 27th to receive recognition from the city and gifts donated by local merchants. A special thank you to our generous business supporters: Treasure Station, Roger’s Toys, the Fillmore Theater, and Carl’s Jr. Please take the time to read these positive essays highlighting the good things about our town as perceived by our younger citizens. Thanks to all who entered the contest and to the Civic Pride Committee (Chairwoman Judy Dressler) for sponsoring the event. FIRST PLACE WINNER! Let me tell you what life is like in Fillmore. No matter where you go, you see someone you know. In Fillmore, your friends that you went to school with in kindergarten are going to go to middle school with you. That is because there is only one middle school! |
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By Natalie Garnica — Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
 Natalie Garnica Student, Fillmore High School Fillmore High School is getting ready for its annual “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser. Each second period class collects as much change as possible to donate to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society through February 2nd to the 20th. The school welcomes any donations from our community members, and if you wish to donate, call the student store or give to your student’s second period class. The competition should get intense, as prizes will be offered to classes that raise over one hundred dollars. The Alumni basketball game is this Saturday, and our current boy’s varsity players will be facing off against alumni from teams of the past. Our basketball teams have been very busy – the second round of league for the girl’s team started on Wednesday, and the second round for boy’s starts on Friday. The wrestling team had a tournament at Santa Paula this week. Congratulations to Sierra Mangus, the only girl on the team. The senior is ranked third in the state for girl’s wrestling – this is her fourth year on the team. For more information, contact the student store at 524-8491. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 28th, 2009
takes place on February 3rd & 4th, 2009
The CAHSEE (California High School Exit Exam) will be administered on February 3 and 4, 2009 at Fillmore High School and at Sierra High School to Seniors of the Graduating Class of 2009 who have NOT passed one or both exam sections. All California secondary students must pass this exam in order to receive a high school diploma. The CAHSEE exam will be administered to Fillmore Seniors (in regular, Home-Schooled, Special Education or Independent Study Program) The last time Seniors, Class of 2009, will have the opportunity to pass these required exams will be May 12-13, 2009, but testing results will not be available in time for the June graduation. The California State Department of Education releases the test results in eight weeks following testing. Students who have not passed both CAHSEE exams will receive a Certificate of Completion, but not a high school diploma. |
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By Anonymous — Monday, January 26th, 2009
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 6:00 p.m. – SPECIAL MEETING - BUDGET STUDY SESSION 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. 6:00 p.m. I. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG II. ROLL CALL CONTINUED » |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
On Tuesday, January 13, 2009, 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. Roman Torango and Ian Overton, the San Cayetano ASB President and Vice-President assisted Mr. Overton in handing out the Peacebuilder Awards. The Peacebuilders for January are: Diego Ruiz, Alan Carrillo, Jessica Nava, Yessenia Fregoso, Elizabeth Ocampo, Mario Hurtado, Jairo Rios, Victoria Pace, Alexis Vargas, Jocelyn Munoz, Julieanna Lindres, Arvin Peraza, Ethan Gomez, Melia Galindo, Perla Chavez, Daniel Avila, Rolando Cabrera, Erin Overton, Austin Reed, Serina Valenzuela, Tereliz Martinez, and Anthony Ramirez. Roman 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. Melody Tello 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. Moises Pedroza won the Perfect Attendance Award for the month of January. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 21st, 2009
Hosted by Ventura College Women’s Basketball and Psychology Club
VENTURA: The Ventura College Women’s Basketball Team and the Ventura College Psychology Club are joining the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association’s national Pink Zone fight against breast cancer by hosting an evening of Breast Cancer Awareness on February 4. All proceeds raised during the event will be contributed to the Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation, a local 501(c)3 charitable organization. More than 1,100 schools and organizations participated in the 2008 “Think Pink” events, up from just 120 in 2007, and even more are expected to participate in the 2009 WBCA's "Pink Zone" initiative. Each school may choose their own activities to raise awareness. Many schools have partnered with local charities to make any donations raised through the WBCA's "Pink Zone" initiative at their individual school. The WBCA's "Pink Zone" initiative is a global, unified effort for the WBCA's nation of coaches to assist in raising breast cancer awareness on the court, across campuses, in communities and beyond. The week set aside for this year's initiative is February 13 - 22, however many schools are participating outside of that window due to scheduling conflicts. In the morning, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:20 a.m., breast cancer survivor, author and educator Lisa Barreto will speak to the Human Sexuality Class about breast cancer and its impact. The event will be held in the Ventura College Lecture Hall UV-2, and is free to all attendees. During the evening, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Athletic Events Center on the Ventura College campus, various local organizations involved in the detection and treatment of breast cancer, health and wellness and support groups will have information tables; families and friends of victims and survivors will have the opportunity to make large Valentines’ Day hearts to honor those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer; and contributions to the Ribbons for Life Breast Cancer Foundation will be collected. All donors to the Ribbons for Life Breast Cancer Foundation will receive a pink ribbon from either one of the players or one of the members of the Psychology Club. In the evening, the Ventura College women’s basketball team will play the L.A. Pierce women’s basketball team beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the lower level of the Athletic Event Center. There will be a silent auction of sports memorabilia, specially printed t-shirts and sweatshirts, and donated items from retailers in the community. In addition, at half-time, there will be a 50/50 raffle, a special acknowledgement of those who have encountered breast cancer and those who have received the Lesley Paarmann Breast Cancer Education Scholarship, and a Survivor’s Victory Lap around the gym floor. Awarded annually through the Ventura College Foundation, the scholarship was named to honor a woman whose recurring battle with cancer has motivated those who knew and loved her – and is the first academic scholarship awarded in the nation that encourages a breast cancer survivor to further his or her education. All fans are encouraged to wear pink to the game to honor breast cancer victims. Both teams will be acknowledging this special event. The NCAA has also joined the WBCA Pink Zone™ initiative by implementing the "Calling for a Cure" campaign and officials were encouraged to make a donation to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund™, the officially selected recipient of the WBCA Pink Zone events. The NCAA raised $25,000 during their 2008 "Calling for a Cure" campaign. For additional information: |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, January 20th, 2009
FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 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 IV. CLOSED SESSION |
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By Jeff Sweeney — Thursday, January 15th, 2009
 Jeff Sweeney Superintendent Fillmore Unified School District Many in the Fillmore community appreciated the new stadium as our football teams, both junior varsity and varsity, had seasons that will be remembered for years to come. Recall last year our watching the progress of the stadium being redone, students, staff, and community waiting in anticipation. Both teams delivered this year with record-setting seasons, shattering several team and individual records. We anticipate the same success next year from these teams. And, we anticipate that our student athletes in soccer and track and field will have the same successful seasons this year. As you can see when you drive by the stadium, it is still a work in progress. There were some snags found on the field turf prior to the football season that necessitated its total removal and reinstallation. The track, too, has caused some delays. Just like the field turf, the installer is responsible for delivering a first-rate track. Currently, you can see plastic sheeting around the track as the contractor rushes to complete the field so that soccer and track and field can use the stadium this year. We had hoped that the track could have been completed by now, but several delays have kept that from occurring. First, the original track surface was unsatisfactorily installed, at no fault of the district, and had to be repaired. The repairs to the field were delayed because of the success of the FHS football team as it made it to the CIF semi-finals. Once the football season ended, the soccer teams wanted to use the fields in preparation for the new season. Soccer practice, pre-season games, and two tournaments were scheduled, delaying the finalization of the track even more. We anticipated that the work on the track would occur during the two week Winter Break. Some work was done, but, unfortunately, Mother Nature took over and created more delays due to rain and then wind. That is where we are today. As long as the winds are present, the final repairs to the track cannot be completed. Once that is completed, the track can then be lined and ready for the track and field season. Unfortunately, these delays have had an impact on the soccer season for our six teams if we don’t catch a break with the weather. We anticipate that the FHS stadium will serve the needs of our District for years to come. Thanks for your patience with these delays as we make sure that there is quality workmanship in the stadium. Then, we can all enjoy the stadium, celebrating the successes of our student athletes and outstanding coaching staff. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 14th, 2009
The Ventura College Financial Aid Office will host several workshops designed to help those interested in getting financial assistance to attend college on the following Saturdays: January 24 and 31, and February 7, 21 and 28, all at 10:00 a.m. in the first floor BEACH area in the LRC/Library on the Ventura College campus. The workshops are free and the public is invited. The workshop will explain the application process step by step and review the required 2009-2010 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) forms in detail. Attendees should bring a copy of their 2008 Federal Income Tax return or W2 forms. If the attendee is a dependant student, he or she should bring their parent’s 2008 Federal Income Tax return or W2 forms. Registration is not required. The closest parking on campus is by the Athletic Event Center in the West parking lot, accessible off Loma Vista Avenue, between West Campus Way and Central Campus Way. Parking is free on weekends. For additional information, call the Ventura College Financial Aid Office, (805) 654-6369. For maps and directions, please visit VenturaCollege.edu, click on College Information and then select Maps and Parking. |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
 A new playground was put in at Sespe School over the Winter break. What a surprise for the children when they return to school. Enlarge Photo |
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By Natalie Garnica — Wednesday, January 7th, 2009
Natalie Garnica Student, Fillmore High School It’s the start of a new year at FHS, and the students are settling back into the routine of classes. Seniors are finished with applying to colleges, and are gearing up for the plethora of financial aid applications. The last semester of the 2008-2009 school year is sure to go by quickly, but the students of FHS will be busy for the next few months. Winter sports are still in full swing with the girls’ basketball team home against Oak Park earlier in the week, the same day that our frosh boys’ soccer team played away at Santa Clara. A boys’ basketball game was Wednesday against LA Baptist, and the wrestling team had a tournament at Santa Paula on Tuesday. Because of the new CIF rule that says that sports can start practice any time of the year, baseball try-outs and swimming try outs are on Friday and Saturday. The swim team is counting down the days until the pool opens in town, and is hoping to be able to practice in it by mid February. The Winter Formal is in two weeks – January 17th to be exact – so be sure to encourage your student to attend the dance. For more information, please contact the student store at 524-8491. |
 Students from San Cayetano collected items for the annual Kids Give Sale. Pictured are Chad Hope, Tori Villegas, Sara Uriel, Kasey and Dylan Crawford, Cali and Ty Wyand, Rachel, Victoria and Julia Pace, along with Captain Al Huerta and an unknown fireman, left. Enlarge Photo By Anonymous — Thursday, January 1st, 2009
Students at San Cayetano Elementary School are truly in the spirit of giving this season. It started at the beginning of December when students collected items for the annual Kids Give Sale, organized by the local PEO chapter. The school stage was loaded with stuffed animals, toys, household goods, books, purses, jewelry and much more. As one student put it, “It is a good time to clean out your old stuff before Christmas when you get all that new stuff”. On the day of the sale, students were allowed to Christmas shop for their families. There were wonderful bargains to be had as all items were priced at $.25. High school students from One Step Alavez came to assist the shoppers. At the end of the day, $353.00 was raised. With that money in hand, a delegation of students headed over to the Toys and More toy store on Santa Clara Street where they found more bargains. Then they headed over to the Fire Department to donate toys for the annual Toy Drive. It goes to show that the true spirit of giving is alive and well at San Cayetano School. |
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By Norma Sandford — Thursday, January 1st, 2009
 Volunteers setup gifts for the children. Early Tuesday, December 23, Support for the Kids Foundation Volunteers delivered toys, vouchers to Super A Foods, clothing, department store gift cards and laundry baskets filled with household supplies to Fillmore children and their parents. Homemade cookies were also given to each family as they received their gifts. The excited gleam in a child’s eye and their shy smiles are what made these volunteers give so much of their time and generosity. |
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By Anonymous — Thursday, January 1st, 2009
Fillmore Unified School District FILLMORE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 5:15 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION 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 IV. CLOSED SESSION |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008
 Fillmore Middle School AVID students gathered over 200 cans this Holiday Season! For two weeks the 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students had been competing to see which class could gather the most canned foods. This picture was taken of the 6th grade students, who brought in more than half of the total cans gathered for the food drive. All donation were given to Food Share, to feed the needy this Christmas. Thank you to all students and parents who contributed to this cause. Enlarge Photo |
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By Anonymous — Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
 Fillmore Middle School Band held their spectacular Winter Concert on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2008, directed by Mr. Greg Godfrey. The first performance was by the 21 Beginning Band students who played short selections from their “Standard of Excellence” book. Next, the Intermediate Band members played four rousing marches. These 45 band members are all second and third year musicians. Finally, the 84 members of Advanced Band performed six complex pieces including The Star Spangled Banner , Night on Bald Mountain, and Halo 3. For the grand finale, members of all three groups (shown in attached picture) joined to play Deck the Halls, which they also performed in the Lion’s Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec. 6th. Thanks to the musicians and Director Greg Godfrey for a fantastic performance! Enlarge Photo |
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By Ellen Green — Wednesday, December 17th, 2008
Fillmore High School has implemented the Professional Learning Community (PLC) model for improving teaching and learning. Collaboration is a vehicle for realizing and understanding student needs, fostering the desire to meet those needs, and places value on teacher expertise. It is highly effective when it is focused on what works for students. FHS staff meets in collaborative teams each Wednesday before students arrive. To begin the school year, FHS staff broke down the elements of the job that would be immediately valuable for students and teachers. For our teachers that included: Creating a comprehensive syllabus; Attendance procedures; School-wide discipline expectations; Lesson planning and assessment: benchmarks as evidence of student success; Grading and report cards; Communication with parents; Good teaching; Learning environments: effective vs. ineffective; Curriculum: meeting state standards; Facilities: maintenance and repairs; Forms; Textbooks, schedule changes, lockers, etc…State testing and the High School Exit Exam; ASVAB, PSAT, and SAT for juniors and seniors; Accreditation: progress and needs. Having addressed these items as a collaborative group ensured unity among FHS staff and set a positive tone for the school year. FHS staff members prepared a self-study document as part of the WASC accreditation process, completed in November 2008. This work was our opportunity to examine practices and programs in place, and to determine their relevance and effectiveness for our students. The culminating task of WASC was to develop an Action Plan, in which we outlined major academic goals for the next three years. The emphasis of the Action Plan is on improving student academic achievement in math, reading and writing. FHS staff also identified English Language Learners and Special Education as populations needing more support. Further, as a collaborative team, FHS staff is committed to the continued use of data (from multiple sources) in making decisions. One final note, in order for the PLC model to reach its full potential at FHS, there needs to be buy-in from all stakeholders. The district office and school board has been very supportive of the work we are doing at FHS. And, under the leadership of Principal Wilber, we expect many positive outcomes in terms of student academic growth and achievement. |