Carlos Valdovinos, Administrator of the Year

Mr. Valdovinos joined Fillmore Middle School and has truly changed the culture. He has built a team of teacher leaders whose ideas he embraces, he listens to their concerns, and has worked together with them to create a strong team of professionals on campus who are truly committed to empowering and bettering the lives of our students in Fillmore and Piru. The continuous commitment and support that is shown by Mr. Valdovinos is felt by staff on campus. This is evidenced by the smiling faces, the volunteering to participate in events and activities, and the positive climate on campus. Mr. Valdovinos is seen at community events, building relationships with local business owners to support our students, connecting with students during lunch and during passing periods, and welcoming families to join our team at the middle school to build an even stronger support system for our students. Our students continuously thank him for being there, enjoy the time and care he gives them in talking with them about their activity, and truly light up upon seeing him and knowing that their principal is so supportive.

Vicki Murphy, Certificated Staff of the Year

Vicki Murphy is an amazing teacher! She always puts students first and has a passion for teaching that is insatiable. In her 40 years of teaching for FUSD, she has influenced thousands of students and continues to be admired and requested by our families. She is humble and does not look for recognition. Vicki is always willing to do what is best for her students and her school. She has served on many leadership teams throughout her career and is looked to as an example and a resource for others. She is a mentor for the beginning teachers and has had many student teachers who have learned from her. Her commitment to her school, staff, students, and our wonderful district is a constant. She does not waver in her belief that our district is the best. Vicki will be retiring at the end of this school year, having served 40 years in the district; she will always be a part of the FUSD family and we are so blessed to have had “Mrs. Murphy” as a teacher, mentor, and friend.

Eli Hernandez, Classified Staff of the Year

Eli is a fun and energetic Roadrunner! He is positive, has a can-do attitude, and goes above and beyond in the workplace. When he is asked help out or attend to a task, he does it without hesitation and is quick to help others. Eli takes initiative and fixes any problem he sees. He does not walk by a problem and ignore it, he either takes care of the problem or gets the information to the appropriate staff so that they can take care of it. He works hard and puts in the extra effort/time to ensure Rio Vista school is clean and a safe environment for learning. He is referred to by students as “Chef Eli” and is always talking to the students and building strong relationships with them. They enjoy talking with him daily and helping him out in yard. Eli clearly takes pride in his job and wants the best for Rio Vista and FUSD.

Alanna Garcia, Student of the Year, Fillmore High School

Alanna exemplifies all areas of Fillmore High School - Academics, Arts, Athletics, and Activities. She pursued and excelled in the most rigorous course of study. This is evidenced by her taking ten college courses at two different community colleges and four Advanced Placement courses, all while maintaining a 4.50 GPA. Alanna thrives in her role as a school leader. She is Senior Class President, a Pep Squad Captain for four years, FFA Chapter President and Regional Vice President, and has held many other leadership positions during her high school career. Her involvement and sense of service has won the respect of teachers, community members and fellow students. C.S. Lewis said, "Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching." Alanna epitomizes this statement. Out of all the students staff have worked with, Alanna stands out among them as someone who has high integrity and ethics. Her teachers describe her as ambitious, sociable, passionate, and a natural leader. This fall, Alanna will attend UCLA and double major in Psychology and Communications.

Sofia Santa Rosa, Student of the Year, Sierra High School

Sofia is a true standout at Sierra High School, having earned nearly every award the school has to offer. She is a member of ASB and a school leader, having organized Senior Sunset, serving as a DJ for the campus, and just recently coordinated a Mother’s Day Event to celebrate all women at SHS. Despite being a star student in all her classes, she isn’t afraid to seek extra help in math, often arriving early for tutoring sessions to improve her skills. Her impressive list of accolades includes the PRIDE award, which recognizes students who demonstrate positive attitudes, respect, integrity, determination, and excellence. She has also received the Responsibility Award for never being tardy, as well as awards for Citizenship, Service Appreciation, and Academic Excellence. Sofia is known for her kind and compassionate nature; she never hesitates to lend a listening ear or a helping hand to anyone in need. Many students seek her out for counseling and emotional support, and she always makes time to be there for them. Sophia is attending Ventura College in the fall and plans to become an ultrasound technician.

Staff and Students of the Year Recognized at School Board Meeting

Congratulations Classified, Certificated, Administrator, Fillmore High Student, and Sierra High Student of the year. (l-r) Vicki Murphy (Certificated Staff of the Year), Sofia Santa Rosa (Student of the Year, Sierra High School), Alanna Garcia (Student of the Year, Fillmore High School), Eli Hernandez (Classified Staff of the Year), and Carlos Valdovinos (Administrator of the Year).

TK/Kindergarten Boot Camp [English/Spanish]

Fillmore Unified School District is providing a one week in-person TK/Kindergarten Boot Camp for FUSD students from July 31st - August 4th, 2023 from 8am to 11 am. The Boot Camp offers engaging opportunities focused on school readiness. Transportation will be provided to students who receive transportation services during the school year. Space is limited and early registration is encouraged.


Fillmore Unified School District to Honor the School Lunch Heroes Serving Healthy Meals

Celebrating School Lunch Hero Day on May 5, 2023

Between preparing delicious food, adhering to strict nutrition standards, navigating student food allergies, and offering service with a smile, Fillmore Unified School District nutrition professionals make healthy meals. To celebrate their hard work and commitment, Fillmore Unified School District schools will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 5. This day, celebrated annually since 2013, was designated by The School Nutrition Association and Jarrett Krosoczka, author of the “Lunch Lady” graphic novel series. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to nearly 30 million of America’s students each school day.

Get the details about School Lunch Hero Day at www.schoollunchheroday.com. To learn more about the school nutrition program for Fillmore Unified School District, visit https://www.fillmoreusd.org Child Nutrition Department.