Jan-Erik Sand Selected New Assistant Principal Fillmore Middle School

I am honored to join the Fillmore Unified School District beginning in the 2022-23 school year. As a Ventura County native, and resident of the City of Fillmore for the past 10 years now, I am thrilled at the opportunity to now serve the very community I call home.

Prior to commencing a career in education, I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps reserves from 2003-2009. In 2006 I earned the distinguished honor of Marine of the Year for 3rd ANGLICO. That same year, I completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration, with an emphasis in Management, from California Lutheran University.

In February of 2007, I was called to serve in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; an order that led to almost immediate deployment to the Middle East, where I became a combat-action veteran at the age of 23.

Upon return, I rejoined the private sector, working as a Project Manager and later, the Director of Finance & Forward Planning, for a Ventura-county based land and real estate development and engineering firm.

Selfless service, community-based stewardship, and several incredible role models, together led to the decision to pursue a career in education. By 2014 I accepted a long-term substitute teaching position focusing full-time on 7th grade mathematics. Immediately I found that serving in the classroom and empowering students to reach their highest potentials was undoubtedly the environment where I belonged.

For the 2015-16 school year, I accepted a full-time 6th grade Math & Science position at Isbell Middle School in Santa Paula. With teaching credentials in Multiple Subjects, as well as Career Technical Education (CTE) with Designated Subjects of Architecture & Engineering and Business & Finance, I have had the pleasure of teaching all four core subject areas including math, science, English language arts, and history/social studies, as well as the elective subjects including STEAM (Science Technology Engineering Art & Math). Over the course of the time spent in Santa Paula, the inclusion of girls entering the Engineering Pathway at SPHS increased more than 400%. In addition to this breakthrough, the inclusivity of students in special education that truly thrived within the STEAM programs at Isbell served as further testament of how beneficial the project-based, high-quality instruction met the needs of today’s diverse students.

Inspired to follow in my father’s footsteps, and after earning several distinguished awards including: Ventura County Pathfinder’s Award, Teacher of the Year (2019), National Engineer’s Week, and Project Lead the Way National Teacher of Year (2020), I believed it was possible to expand my support for students beyond the classroom, and ultimately sought to lead a school.

In 2020 I was accepted to the School Leadership Academy with the Rossier School of Education at the University of Southern California (USC). The exemplary 15-month program culminated in the earning of an Administrative Credential in the Spring of 2021, allowing me to lead a TK-8 school, Thurgood Marshall, within the Oxnard School District. As the only Assistant Principal, my experiences were vast and comprehensive. The skills that I obtained throughout the 2021-22 school year have undoubtedly prepared me to now serve at Fillmore Middle School; an opportunity that once again, I am thrilled and honored to partake in.

Jan-Erik Sand
Assistant Principal
Fillmore Middle School

Jeannette Ruley Selected New Assistant Principal Fillmore Middle School

Ms. Jeannette Ruley grew up next door in Santa Paula, CA with a love for reading and writing. At a young age, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. Ms. Ruley obtained her Bachelor of Arts in American Literature and Cultures with a minor in Chicana/o Studies, as well as her Master of Education from the University of California Los Angeles. She also has a Master of Educational Leadership from Cal Lutheran.

Ms. Ruley began her career as a Language Arts teacher almost 15 years ago. She has been a school administrator for 6 years. Ms. Ruley is known for her calm demeanor and thoughtful approach to situations. She is adept at building rapport with the school community to help students overcome hurdles and bring about high student success. Mr. Ruley strongly believes that students are more apt to behave well and focus on their academics when they know that their school is mindful of their overall needs and circumstances.

Ms. Ruley is extremely excited to work alongside the entire team at Fillmore Middle School and the surrounding community and make it a great school year for all.

Randy Garcia Selected New Assistant Principal Fillmore High

Randy Garcia, an educator for 15 years, happily returns to the Fillmore Unified School District. Mr. Garcia most recently served as an Assistant Principal in Oxnard Union High School District (OUHSD) for the past 4 years. He has previously served as a middle-school Assistant Principal, Dean of Students, a middle school teacher, and elementary teacher.

Mr. Garcia began his career in education with the Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) as a middle school teacher and spent years teaching at both Piru and Mountain Vista Elementary Schools. He also spent a handful of years serving as an assistant coach with the FHS Varsity football and JV baseball programs. In 2012, Mr. Garcia left FUSD to seek an administrative position with the Pleasant Valley School District (PVSD). After six years in PVSD, Mr. Garcia accepted a position as an Assistant Principal with OUHSD, where he served in this role at both Pacifica High School and lastly at Hueneme High School.

Mr. Garcia is a proud resident of Fillmore and product of the Fillmore Unified School District. He is married to Mary-Allyn Garcia, also an employee of FUSD. They have four children, two that are FHS Alumni, and two daughters, who are currently attending FHS.

Mr. Garcia believes in enjoying life by being of service to others. He lives by the quote, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." – Muhammad Ali

Carlos Valdovinos Selected New Middle School Principal

Raised in the small agricultural farming community of Santa Paula, CA, Carlos Valdovinos is the first-born son of two Mexican immigrant farm workers. From a young age, watching his parents perform backbreaking work in the fields to provide for him and his siblings instilled a grit and perseverance that has served him well over the course of his life and career. Growing up in an immigrant family of humble means developed a desire and ability to value everyone with respect and dignity no matter the circumstances. As a migrant education student and despite being born in this country, Mr. Valdovinos did not learn to speak English until the 3rd grade. His formative years and family background have shaped his desire to be an educator and gives him a special understanding of the experience of second language learners and those that come from poverty and disadvantage. At a young age he understood that academic success would be the road to realize his dreams and honor his parents’ sacrifice. Mr. V, as his students fondly refer to him, has dedicated his career to being of service to students in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations through academic success.

After graduating high school, Mr. V went on to attend Ventura Community College, where he earned his associates of arts degree. He was then accepted to UCLA to complete his bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies with a minor in Math Education. Mr. V. went on to earn two additional master’s degrees from UCLA. He earned his first master’s degrees and math teaching credential in 1999 and returned for his second master’s degree and administrative credential in 2002. Mr. V. started his career as a math teacher, a dean of discipline, and at the age of 32, Mr. V was one of the youngest assistant principals in LAUSD. His wide breadth of experience has helped honed his skills at being able to ascertain the pulse of a school and its community which helps him tailor his service and leadership. His favorite part of his job is working with youth because they keep him young at heart. He believes that there is nothing more important than being a positive influence on his students today because they will be the leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. V’s philosophy on education is simple: “improve our communities, one student at a time.” Mr. V attributes much of his success to a couple high school teachers and one UCLA professor who took an interest in him beyond the scope of their role. Their advice and influence have been invaluable, and he honors them with his service to every student he serves. He knows that not all students’ dreams require college, but what he is certain of, is that all students’ dreams do require: hard work, determination, patience, and above all, a solid plan. His goal with every student is to help them forge a plan for success in whatever is “next.” It is his hope to inspire the students of Fillmore by playing a positive role in their lives, just as many educators had a role in his. As he prepares to begin his tenure at FMS, he is extremely grateful and humbled to be able to come back "home" to serve the Fillmore community.

Keith Derrick Selected New Fillmore High Principal

Keith Derrick has been an educator in the Simi Valley, San Marino, and Pasadena Unified School Districts for the past thirty years, the last fourteen years serving as principal at Royal High School, San Marino High School, and Marshall Fundamental Secondary School (serving grades 6-12).

He has been an advocate for all students having equitable access to the most challenging high school academic programs. To that end, the schools he has served over the last fourteen years have received many honors.

·         Awarded the California Civic Award of Distinction in 2021

·         Awarded the “Exemplary Professional Development School Award” in 2021 for being part of the California Lutheran Professional Development Schools Network

·         Awarded the California Civic Award of Merit in 2019

·         Awarded the California School Board Association’s Golden Bell for Civic Engagement in 2019

·         Awarded the California School Board Association’s Golden Bell for Equity and Access in 2018

·         Recognized as a California Gold Ribbon School for the 2017 school year:

·         Awarded the California Civic Award of Distinction in 2016

·         Recognized as a California Distinguished School in 2013.

Keith holds a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a bachelor’s degree in political science.  He has been married to his wife Victoria for twenty-eight years and have two children.

TK/K Boot Camp [English/Spanish]

Date: August 1-5, 2022

Time: 8:00 AM-11:00AM (recess and snacks will be provided)

We highly encourage each student to attend our TK/K Boot Camp. Please register for TK/K Boot Camp by clicking the registration link below:

TK/K Registration Link

Registro de Bootcamp para TK/K

If you have any questions, please call 805-524-6036.

Fecha: 1-5 de agosto de 2022

Hora: 8:00 AM-11:00 AM (se proporcionará recreo y bocadillos)

Recomendamos a cada estudiante que asista a nuestro Boot Camp de TK/K. Regístrese para Boot Camp clic en el enlace de registro a continuación:

Registro de Bootcamp para TK/K

Si tiene alguna pregunta, llame a la oficina 805-524-6036.

Summer Enrichment Classes - Register Today!

Fillmore Unified School District is excited to offer a series of free Summer Enrichment Classes. These week-long classes are open to students who will have just finished kindergarten through 6 grade and cover a wide range of topics including cooking, art, science, and sports.

Enrichment classes will run from 12:30 pm - 2:30 pm each day. Students who are also attending summer school prior to the start of their enrichment class may remain on campus until their class begins at 12:30 pm. Parents will need to pick up students when the class ends at 2:30 pm each day. Transportation will not be provided.

El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Fillmore se complace en ofrecer una serie de clases gratuitas de enriquecimiento de verano. Estas clases de una semana de duración están abiertas a estudiantes que acaban de terminar TK-6º grado y cubren una amplia selección de temas que incluyen cocina, arte, ciencias y deportes.

Las clases de enriquecimiento se llevarán a cabo de 12:30 pm a 2:30 pm cada día. Los estudiantes que también asisten a la escuela de verano antes del inicio de su clase de enriquecimiento pueden permanecer en el campus hasta que su clase comience a las 12:30 pm. Los padres deberán recoger a los estudiantes cuando la clase termine a las 2:30 pm cada día. No se proporcionará transporte.

When: June 15 - July 29, 2022 15 de junio al 29 de julio del 2022
Where: San Cayetano and Mountain Vista
Time: 12:30p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Register today at bit.ly/FillmoreSummerEnrichment22

Important Message from Superintendent Schieferle

Dear Fillmore High School Families,

The precautionary lockdown at Fillmore High School has been cleared.

This morning, Fillmore High School was placed on a precautionary lockdown due to an anonymous report of a bomb threat at a specific location on campus. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and searched the area. Law enforcement has determined that the threat was not credible and the area was thoroughly searched by deputies. The lockdown has been lifted and there is no threat to students and staff. Additional law enforcement officers will be on campus for the remainder of the day. All parents and staff were notified of the precautionary lockdown through the District’s communication system. Seniors have departed for their Senior trip. All belongings were searched, and a School Resource Officer is accompanying students on this trip.

Again, the precautionary lockdown at Fillmore High School has been cleared.

Sincerely,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendent
Fillmore Unified School District

Este es un mensaje de parte de Superintendente Christine Schieferle

Queridas Familias de Fillmore High School,

El confinamiento en Fillmore High School ha terminado.  Esta mañana Fillmore High School fue puesta en un confinamiento por una amenaza que recibimos a un área específica de Fillmore High School.  El departamento de policía fue contactado inmediatamente y busco el área.  La policía determino que no hay peligro a los estudiantes o al personal.  Oficiales de policía seguirán en Fillmore High School este día.  Padres y personal fueron notificados usando el sistema de comunicación del distrito.

Los estudiantes del grado 12 se han ido a su viaje a Disneyland.  Sus pertenencias fueron investigadas y un oficial los acompaño al viaje. 

Otra vez, el confinamiento ha terminado en Fillmore High School.  

2021-2022 Recognitions

Fillmore Unified School District held a Special Board Meeting of The Board Of Education on May 31st 2022 to recognize student achievement and to say thank you for your years of service to staff retiring this year.

Retirees: Kathleen Berrington, Luanne Brock, Peggy Escoto, Susan Fitzgerald, Trudy Garner, Rosa Hurtado, Patricia Hackman, Debra Louth, David MacDonald, Rosalind Mitzenmacher, Nelson Rollo, Linda Suttle, Matt Suttle, and Mary Whiteford.

Student Representative 2021-2022: Student Representative Chloie Martinez.

Indian Education Student of the Year: Joshua Magallon, Jr., Mountain Vista, 5th Grade.

Migrant Students of the Year: Jimena Cortes and Cesar Aparicio. Migrant Speech and Debate Participants: Jimena Cortes, Karol Laiz, Karen Laiz, Cesar Aparicio, Sophia Rodriguez, Miriam Cacho, Ana Rodriguez Mares, Aaron Cacho, and Abraham Vargas Cortez.

Spring 1st Team All League TRACK AND FIELD: Michael Camilo Torres, Alianna Tapia, Makhi Hooker, Nathaniel Ocegueda, and Davian Gonzalez.

Spring 1st Team All League BASEBALL: Jathan Magana and Ivan Becerra.

Spring 1st Team All League SOFTBALL: Amber Cervantez, Aryanne Munoz, and Kayleen Jacinto.

Ventura County Migrant Speech and Debate Competition [English/Spanish]

On May 21, 2022, students from Fillmore Unified participated in the Ventura County Migrant Speech and Debate competition at Oxnard College. A total of 9 students participated in the speech portion of the competition in both English and Spanish. Congratulations to all our student for their hard work and participation.

El 21 de mayo de 2022, los estudiantes de Fillmore Unified participaron en la competencia de Discurso y Debate para Migrantes del Condado de Ventura en Oxnard College. Un total de 9 estudiantes participaron en la parte de discurso de la competencia tanto en inglés como en español. Felicitaciones a todos nuestros estudiantes por su arduo trabajo y participación.

Mensaje importante de Superintendente Schieferle

Estimadas familias de la escuela secundaria de Fillmore,

Esta mañana, recibimos información sobre un rumor que circulaba sobre una amenaza potencial en nuestro reunión estudiantil de la Escuela Secundaria de Fillmore esta tarde. Inmediatamente nos comunicamos con el Departamento del Sheriff del Condado de Ventura para investigar esta posible amenaza. Luego de una investigación, el Departamento del Sheriff determinó que la amenaza no tiene validad y que no hay peligro para los estudiantes y el personal de la Escuela Secundaria de Fillmore. También se nos notificó que hubo una publicación en Internet sobre una amenaza similar en otra escuela secundaria en el condado de Ventura. Desafortunadamente, esta publicación sin validad ha creado miedo dentro de nuestra comunidad escolar. Una vez más, el rumor de una amenaza en la reunión estudiantil de la FHS se ha considerado sin validad. Por precaución, tendremos oficiales adicionales en y alrededor del campus de FHS hoy y en la reunión estudiantil. Tenga en cuenta que tomamos toda la información con seriedad y la seguridad de nuestros estudiantes y personal es nuestra prioridad. Nos gustaría recordar a toda nuestra comunidad escolar, si ven algo, díganlo. Sigamos trabajando juntos para mantener seguras nuestras escuelas y nuestra comunidad.

Gracias,
Christine Schieferle, Superintendente