Booty Sanchez Field Closing Ceremony

A ceremony in honor of Booty Sanchez, and the baseball field dedicated to his memory, was held on April 25th, 2024. The ceremony marked the final Flashes baseball game played on the field before moving to its new location. A rededication ceremony will take place when the new Booty Sanchez field is completed.

The event was organized in cooperation with the Sanchez family, The Friends of Booty, and the Fillmore Unified School District. DJ Danny Ibarra played all of Booty’s favorite songs. The ceremonial first-pitch was thrown by Booty’s youngest son Reggie (while wearing Booty’s original baseball uniform), to the catcher behind home plate, Booty’s middle son, Matthew.

Fillmore High Principal Keith Derrick was the Master of Ceremonies. Booty’s wife Debbie, and Sanchez family members in attendance were all introduced by Pokey.

Jack Morales provided a moving memorial of Booty, and talked about how The Friends of Booty was formed, and the history of how and why the field was dedicated to Booty’s memory.

Former long-time Flashes head baseball coach Tom Ecklund was unable to attend the event. Current long-time Flashes head baseball coach Matt Suttle spoke about his memories of playing baseball on the field as a player and as a coach.

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle spoke about her personal memories of Booty, and shared the school district’s plans for the design and rededication of the new Booty Sanchez field.

Booty’s grand-children (left to right) Erika, Gabriel, and Alexis.

(left to right) Catcher #18 Paul Bennett, Booty’s father Gabe Sanchez, and Booty’s three sons, Reggie, Matthew and Pokey. The photo was taken March 10, 1984.

College & Career Days

As part of our ongoing mission to develop high-performing students who are engaged and productive members of society, the Fillmore Unified School District supports college and career education beginning at the elementary school level. We would like to thank all the businesses and professionals who donate their time in partnership with the district. The information and inspiration provided to our students is invaluable, opening young minds to a diverse range of possibilities that helps each student realize their future potential.

FUSD Superintendent Schieferle, Principal Derrick, Sign Historic Agreement with Cal State Channel Islands

(l-r) CSUCI President Dr. Richard Yao, FHS Principal Keith Derrick, FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle, FUSD Trustee Olivia Palacio, Student Board Representative Camilla Morales, FUSD Trustee Tricia Gradias, FUSD Trustee Lucy Rangel, and FUSD Trustee Sean Morris.

Memorandum of Understanding creates opportunities for all Fillmore and Piru students who attend Fillmore High

On March 5th, 2024, Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle, Fillmore High School Principal Keith Derrick, and California State University Channel Islands President Dr. Richard Yao signed a Memorandum of Understanding that provides opportunities for Fillmore High students seeking to attend college.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes a guaranteed admission program to California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) and makes the process of preparing for and attending college more streamlined, affordable, and accessible to all Fillmore High School (FHS) students. This year alone, 41 Fillmore High seniors were accepted to CSUCI. The MOU will increase that number in the future by providing a clear path to college with more resources, guidance, and opportunities outlined in the MOU and provided by both FUSD and CSUCI.

The conversations regarding the development of a MOU began over a year ago, when Superintendent Schieferle met CSUCI President Yao. Always working to fulfill one of Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) governing board’s goals of creating more partnerships with business, colleges, and universities, Superintendent Schieferle began the process of working with President Yao, CSUCI staff, FUSD staff, FHS Principal Derrick, and FHS staff to develop this opportunity for Fillmore High students.

“This MOU and new relationship demonstrates CSUCI’s commitment to the students in Fillmore and Piru,” said FUSD Superintendent Christine Schieferle. “This commitment to the FUSD community validates to our students that CSUCI believes in them and will offer the support necessary to see them accomplish their goals. This makes college a reality for our students before they graduate from high school.”

Schieferle said the district is grateful for President Yao’s vision and FUSD is committed to providing a rigorous college preparatory program for high school students; making sure students meet CSU admission requirements; promote CSUCI programs and services to parents and students; and share data about FUSD students with CSUCI.

In addition to providing a dedicated admissions counselor, CSUCI will also offer on-the-spot admission to Fillmore High students. This means that whenever CSUCI representatives visit Fillmore High, students may bring their transcripts and could be provisionally admitted to CSUCI that same day.

FHS Principal Keith Derrick said, “Through the commitments outlined in this MOU, our graduates will have a chance to access a high-quality, affordable college education close to home. We are excited to work with CSUCI to enhance our students’ success and future options. This agreement is an important investment in the young people of our community.”

The Fillmore Unified School District will also become a California College Guidance Initiative partner institution, with a task force and dedicated point-person, who will carry out the terms agreed upon in the MOU.

FINAL NOTICE RE: FMS Lifted Lockdown, No Credible Threat [English/Spanish]

Dear FMS Families,

We want to thank you for your support as we worked closely with law enforcement to investigate the alleged threat to Fillmore Middle School. This morning a student notified school administration of an alleged social media threat. We immediately contacted law enforcement and implemented school safety protocols. Out of an abundance of caution, students were directed to remain in classrooms. Law enforcement determined there was no credible threat and the school resumed to normal operations.

We will continue to take all threats seriously for the safety and protection of our schools. Let’s continue to work together and if you see something, say something.

Respectfully,
Christine Schieferle
Superintendent, Fillmore Unified School District

Estimadas familias de FMS,

Queremos agradecerles por su apoyo mientras trabajamos estrechamente con las autoridades para investigar la supuesta amenaza a la escuela secundaria Fillmore. Esta mañana, un estudiante notificó a la administración de la escuela sobre una supuesta amenaza en las redes sociales. Inmediatamente contactamos a las autoridades e implementamos protocolos de seguridad escolar. Por precaución, se ordenó a los estudiantes que permanecieran en las aulas. Las autoridades determinaron que no había ninguna amenaza creíble y la escuela reanudó sus operaciones normales.

Continuaremos tomando en serio todas las amenazas para la seguridad y protección de nuestras escuelas. Sigamos trabajando juntos y si ves algo, di algo.

Respetuosamente,
Christine Schieferle
Superintendente, Distrito Escolar Unificado de Fillmore

Congratulations David Jimenez & Sergio Torres, First Ever Flashes Inducted into National Football Hall of Fame

(l-r) National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Inductee Sergio Torres, Fillmore High School Head Football Coach Charlie Weis, and National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Inductee David Jimenez

Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District in congratulating David Jimenez and Sergio Torres for being the first Flashes ever inducted in the National Football Foundation's Scholar Athlete Hall of Fame.

On Sunday March 3rd, 2024, Fillmore High School students David Jimenez and Sergio Torres were inducted into the National Football Foundation's Scholar Athlete Hall of Fame in a ceremony held at The Canyon in Agoura Hills, California.

Fillmore High Head Football Coach Charlie Weis said, "I'm extremely proud of David Jimenez and Sergio Torres for being the first Flashes ever, in over 100 years of Flashes football, to be inducted into the National Football Foundation (NFF) Scholar Athlete Hall of Fame. David and Sergio are breaking barriers for future generations of athletes in our community to be recognized for their outstanding academic and athletic achievements."

Jimenez and Torres were selected based on their exemplary scholarship, citizenship, leadership, and competitive excellence in football. They received HFF rings, certificates, and their names will be forever enshrined in the NFF Hall of Fame in Atlanta Georgia.

Read Across America Day at Mountain Vista Elementary

Congratulations Mountain Vista Elementary on a very successful Read Across America Day. Thank you Fillmore Fire Department, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, Mrs. Zamudio, and Deputy Avila for reading to our students. The National Education Association’s Read Across America is the nation’s largest celebration of reading. This year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through partnerships, events, and reading resources for everyone.

Fillmore High Named 2024 California Distinguished School

Fillmore High School is the first school in FUSD’s history to be named a California Distinguished School.

On February 29, 2024, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced 293 middle schools and high schools have been selected for the prestigious 2024 California Distinguished Schools Program, California’s program that recognizes two categories of exceptional schools: those closing the achievement gap and those demonstrating exceptional student performance.

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “On behalf of the Fillmore Unified School District Governing Board, I would like to congratulate Fillmore High School for being named a 2024 California Distinguished School.”

Since its inception in 1985, the California Distinguished Schools Award remains one of the state’s most important ways to celebrate exceptional schools, districts, teachers, and classified employees for their innovation, talent, and success in supporting students.

Superintendent Schieferle said, “Thank you to all classified, certificated, and administrative staff for the support and dedication you provide to our outstanding students. Congratulations to all students for your hard work and commitment to your education. Thank you to all families for supporting your students and the community.”

More information about the the California Distinguished Schools program may be found at https://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr24/yr24rel09.asp

National School Resource Officer Appreciation Day

Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District in a moment of thanks and appreciation for our wonderful School Resource Officers, Deputy Yolanda Avila, and Deputy Ismael Rubalcava. School Resource Officers (SROs) play a vital role in enhancing safety, security, and fostering a positive learning environment within our schools. SROs are carefully selected, specifically trained, sworn law enforcement officers, with an impact that goes well beyond law enforcement. They establish meaningful mentorship relationships that leave a lasting impression on students and staff. Thank you Deputy Avila and Deputy Rubalcava for everything you do for our staff, students, and the community!