On Saturday, April 25, the House of Gowns in Fillmore hosted One Step A La Vez’s Prom Dress Project. Over 100 new and gently used dresses were given out to students along with matching accessories and free alterations. Photo credit Gabriel Candelario.
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After an eight-year hiatus, Prom Dress Project is back, now officially based at One Step A La Vez in Fillmore!
We kicked things off with our first fitting event last Saturday at House of Gowns in Fillmore, and it was nothing short of amazing. Over 100 new and gently used dresses, along with alterations, shoes, jewelry, and giveaways, were available for students completely free of charge.
A heartfelt thank you to Sandra Cummings for opening her beautiful shop and helping create such a warm, welcoming space for our community. The morning was filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable moments for girls from Simi Valley, Oxnard, El Rio, Santa Paula, and Fillmore.
If you missed our fitting event and would like to schedule an appointment to view dresses, please contact One Step A La Vez at (805) 625-7067.
Our goal is to remove financial barriers and ensure that every student has the opportunity to feel confident and celebrated during milestone events like prom.
Special thanks to One Step A La Vez staff, House of Gowns, Yarrow YMCA, Rosa Lopez Alterations, Tina Hurtado Creations, Live 105.5 FM, Q95.9 FM, Old School 104.7 FM, The Alynettework, FemdUStry, All Things 805, B95.1 FM, The Fillmore Gazette, and our incredible community for your generous donations and unwavering support. You make this all possible.

Above and below is Sierra High School senior Natalie Rodriguez working with some pre-school students as part of the new Preschool Internship Pilot Program.
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Sierra High School Principal Blanca Mendieta said, “We are proud to highlight Natalie Rodriguez, a senior who recently participated in our new Preschool Internship Pilot Program as part of our Career Readiness efforts! Over the course of two quarters, Natalie gained hands-on experience at the preschool, where she served as a teacher aide. She supported young learners in a variety of meaningful ways—leading songs, helping students learn their colors, and guiding them as they practiced tracing their names. Through this experience, Natalie discovered a true passion for working with children. Natalie shared that the internship helped her realize she wanted to work with young kids and be part of their learning. Inspired by her experience, Natalie has already taken the next step toward her future. She enrolled in an online Child Development course through Ventura College this semester and will continue her studies with a second class over the summer. Her goal is to begin working in a preschool setting with Fillmore Unified as early as August. This pilot program is a strong example of how our Career Readiness initiatives help students explore real-world career pathways, build skills, and gain clarity about their futures. We are excited to see all that Natalie will accomplish!

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Fillmore High School students are invited to attend the upcoming “Prom Dress Project” event, in partnership with One Step A La Vez and House of Gowns, a community-driven initiative offering free formalwear and accessories to help high school students prepare for prom.
The event will take place on Saturday, April 25, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at House of Gowns, located at 320 Central Avenue in Fillmore. All high school students are welcome to attend and select from a variety of gently used dresses, shoes, and jewelry, completely free of charge. In addition, complimentary alterations will be available to ensure each student finds the perfect fit.
The event is part of the Prom Dress Project, officially housed by One Step A La Vez, a community organization dedicated to supporting youth and families. The event is made possible through generous donations from community members who have contributed high-quality formalwear and accessories. The goal is to remove financial barriers and ensure that every student has the opportunity to feel confident and celebrated during milestone events like prom.
Community members interested in donating dresses, accessories, or professional services are encouraged to participate. To donate, please contact Nancy Hernandez at (323) 385-1106.
Special thanks to One Step A La Vez, House of Gowns, Yarrow YMCA, Rosa Lopez Alterations, Tina Hurtado Creations, Live 105.5 FM, Q95.9 FM, Old School 104.7 FM, The Alynettework, FemdUStry, All Things 805, B95.1 FM, and the community for their generous donations and support.
“Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.”
*-Theodore Roosevelt*

Fillmore Middle School Principal Jenny Plugge said, “We want to celebrate our students of the week for April 10th. Emilee Garcia, Albert Morales, and Marley Destiny Casarez. Congratulations to these Bulldogs for demonstrating Bulldog Pride.”

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “Thank you to our Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School Assistant Principals Mr. Sand, Mrs. Hernandez, Mr. Moreland, Ms. Sebek and Mr. Garcia for everything you so for our students and families.” National Assistant Principals Week, celebrated annually April 6–10, honors the essential contributions of assistant principals to school success, building positive school environments, providing student and teacher support.

Fillmore Middle School Principal Jenny Plugge said, “We want to celebrate our students of the week for March 27th. Andrea Chavez, Anell Perez, and Vicente Magana. Congratulations to these Bulldogs for demonstrating Bulldog Pride.”

Rio Vista Elementary School Principal Kayleigh Kelp said, “Our Monthly Character Trait for March is Courage, and these outstanding Roadrunners were selected by their teachers for showing bravery in their actions and choices. We are so proud of them for leading with confidence!”

Pictured is Fillmore Unified School Board Trustee (former principal of San Cayetano) Tricia Gradias, reading to San Cayetano Elementary students.
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Pictured above are Ventura County Sherriff Deputies with Mountain Vista Elementary Principal Christine McDaniels, after reading to students in celebration of Read Across America.
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Fillmore Unified School District participated in Read Across America. Read Across America is an annual nationwide reading celebration to promote literacy and encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading. Organized by the National Education Association, the event brings together schools, libraries, families, and communities to participate in activities such as classroom read-aloud, book drives, author visits, and literacy-themed events. Originally launched in 1998 to coincide with the birthday of Dr. Seuss, the initiative has expanded into a year-round program that celebrates diverse books and authors while encouraging students of all ages to read regularly and explore a wide range of stories and perspectives.
San Cayetano Elementary School Principal Dina Ticas said, “Not only did we have Filmore High School Flashes visit our campus yesterday, but we also had special guests: Trustee Gradias (former principal of San Cayetano) and Sheriff’s Deputies Brutz and Horwill. They read to our students and a fun time was had by all.”
Mountain Vista Elementary Principal Christine McDaniels said, “Thank you to our amazing guest readers Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and The Fillmore Flashes Football Team.”

Fillmore Middle School Principal Jenny Plugge said, “Our 6th Grade AVID students had the opportunity to visit Ventura College in support of the college and career objectives."