Dr. Isaac Huang Appointed Assistant Superintendent Educational Services

Dr. Isaac Huang

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “We are delighted to share that as a result of action taken at the April 2, 2024 School Board meeting, Dr. Isaac Huang was appointed as the Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services commencing on July 1, 2024.

Dr. Huang's previous role was Director of Expanded Learning, where he spearheaded the development of innovative programs and expanded learning opportunities for all students in our district. In October, Dr. Huang was asked to fill an interim appointment as Assistant Superintendent of Education Services where he quickly transitioned to fill that vacant seat. His transition was smooth as he quickly acclimated to keep all functions of Education Services key initiatives successfully moving forward. He has proved to be a valuable leader in FUSD where he is dedicated to supporting our educational programs.

With an extensive two-decade career in education, Dr. Huang has consistently prioritized meeting the holistic needs of students, encompassing their academic, social-emotional, and physical well-being. His dedication to the field of education spans the entire educational spectrum, from early childhood education to adult learning.

Dr. Huang is a strong advocate for instilling growth mindsets and fostering a culture of active learners rather than passive students. He places a significant emphasis on equity and diversity, exemplified by his participation in the Inaugural Equity Task Force of the Conejo Valley Unified School District. In his free time, Dr. Huang dedicates himself to serving others through his involvement with the CALSA (California Association of Latino Superintendents and Administrators) Mentoring Committee. He also holds the position of Past-President and is a founding member of CAAPLE (California Association of Asian Pacific Leaders in Education).

Furthermore, Dr. Huang is an active board member of the California Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (CASCD), an organization committed to promoting exemplary practices that ensure all learners reach their fullest potential. His dedication to educational leadership extends beyond his professional duties, reflecting his commitment to driving positive change in education.

Dr. Huang's educational achievements include a Doctor of Education degree from USC, a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration from California State University Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development from California State University Northridge.

His professional journey commenced as a preschool educator and progressed to become an elementary school teacher. He subsequently served as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) with a focus on curriculum and second language acquisition. Dr. Huang has also contributed his expertise by teaching at Rose City Continuation High School in Pasadena and instructing post-secondary candidates in the MAT Program at the University of Southern California as an Adjunct Professor.

In administrative roles, Dr. Huang has served as a site administrator at both the elementary and middle school levels. Notably, he served as the principal and lead educator at Madrona Elementary in the Conejo Valley Unified School District. His remarkable contributions were acknowledged by CALSA, which named him the 2021 Statewide Site Administrator of the Year for his unwavering dedication to creating a community that fosters innovative and equitable learning opportunities for the students they serve.

We look forward to Dr. Huang’s continued leadership as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services.”

Rio Vista Elementary School Update & Recognition

At the May 13, 2024 Fillmore Unified School District Board of Trustees meeting, Rio Vista Elementary Principal Beverly Garnica presented an update on the success of the school’s programs, activities, and initiatives for the 2023-2024 school year. Office Manager Karina Lechuga, and Speech Language Pathologist Isabella Liu, were both recognized for their outstanding work, and dedication to Rio Vista Elementary staff, students, and families.

National School Nurse Day

The Fillmore Unified School District would like to recognize and say thank you to our wonderful school nurses, Kayla Dunbar, and Gisela Patino. We appreciate everything you do for our students, staff, and the community. National School Nurse Day was established to foster a better understanding of the role of school nurses in the educational setting. School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success. School nurses, grounded in ethical and evidence-based practice, are the leaders who bridge health care and education, provide care coordination, advocate for quality student-centered care, and collaborate to design systems that allow individuals and communities to develop their full potential.

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