Fillmore Unified School District, San Cayetano Elementary, Recognized for Raising Student Achievement

Solution Tree recently recognized San Cayetano School as a Promising Practices Professional Learning Community at Work® for its initial success in raising student achievement. The district’s commitment to implementing the PLC at Work process has been a major contributing factor in making a visible, positive impact on student learning.

PLCs are schools and districts in which educators recognize that the key to improved learning for students is ongoing, job-embedded learning for the adults who serve those students. The three big ideas of a PLC call upon educators to:

1. Focus on learning

2. Build a collaborative culture

3. Create a results orientation

Responding to news of the recognition, Christine Schieferle, Superintendent expressed gratitude to all staff at San Cayetano Elementary School for their commitment to raising student achievement and creating a positive school culture. San Cayetano School is working as a collaborative team and focusing on student learning. We look forward to continued growth and student success.

Promising Practices schools are recognized for building a strong foundation based on the PLC concepts, implementation of these concepts for at least one to two years, and clear evidence of improved student learning over that period. Once measurable results can be seen, the school must explain its practices, structures, and culture and submit its application for consideration by the PLC Review Committee.

Recognized Promising Practices schools are listed on AllThingsPLC.info, where they share implementation strategies, structures, and performance with other educators interested in improving their schools. Collaboration tools, articles, research, blog posts, and other related resources are also available on the site. The site was developed and is maintained by Solution Tree, a leading provider of educational strategies and tools that improve staff and student performance. For more than 20 years, Solution Tree resources have helped K–12 teachers and administrators create schools where all children succeed.

Fire Near Piru Lake

Dear FUSD Staff and Families,

Good afternoon. We were notified of a fire near Piru Lake and are in contact with emergency officials. Currently, there is no threat to any of our FUSD schools. All transportation routes will run as scheduled except for the Piru Canyon route. Families impacted have been notified. If there is a change in status, families will be notified through Parent Square.

Thank you and stay safe.

Christine Schieferle, Superintendent,
Fillmore Unified School District

Circulating Social Media Post [English/Spanish]

Dear FUSD Staff and Families,

We want to update you regarding a circulating social media post referencing potential threats to schools in the Los Angeles area. Law enforcement has reviewed the situation and confirmed that there is no specific threat to any of the schools in the Fillmore Unified School District.

While there is no direct danger to our schools, we take these matters seriously and are working closely with law enforcement to monitor the situation.

We encourage families to remain vigilant and speak with their children about the importance of reporting any suspicious behavior or concerns to a trusted adult or school officials immediately. Your support is essential in maintaining a safe learning environment.

Again, there is no threat to any of our schools and students are safe. Our schools continue to implement safety measures each day. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust.

Sincerely,
Christine Schieferle,
Superintendent

Estimado personal y familias del FUSD:

Queremos informarle sobre una publicación que circula en las redes sociales que hace referencia a posibles amenazas a las escuelas en el área de Los Ángeles. Las autoridades han analizado la situación y han confirmado que no existe ninguna amenaza específica para ninguna de las escuelas del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Fillmore.

Si bien no existe ningún peligro directo para nuestras escuelas, tomamos estos asuntos en serio y estamos trabajando en estrecha colaboración con las fuerzas del orden para monitorear la situación.

Animamos a las familias a que se mantengan alertas y hablen con sus hijos sobre la importancia de denunciar de inmediato cualquier comportamiento sospechoso o inquietud a un adulto de confianza o a los funcionarios escolares. Su apoyo es esencial para mantener un entorno de aprendizaje seguro.

Nuevamente, no existe ninguna amenaza para nuestras escuelas y los estudiantes están a salvo. Nuestras escuelas continúan implementando medidas de seguridad todos los días. Si tiene alguna pregunta o inquietud, no dude en comunicarse con nosotros.

Gracias por su continuo apoyo y confianza.

Atentamente,
Christine Schieferle,
Superintendente

Superintendent Schieferle's 2024-25 Welcome Letter [English/Spanish]

August 13, 2024

Dear FUSD Community,

Welcome back to the 2024-2025 school year! I hope your summer was filled with quality time with loved ones and that you are ready for a great school year.

All staff have been working diligently to prepare for the year ahead, and we are eager to partner with you to make this school year one of growth, achievement, and opportunity for all students.

 

This school year, we will remain committed to student academic success and creating safe and respectful schools where every student can thrive. We also recognize the critical role of mental health support and are dedicated to offering expanded resources to support emotional well-being and long-term resilience. Additionally, we will continue to invest in facility improvements across our school district. Below are some highlights:

 

Student Academic Success

  • Full-time bilingual community liaisons at all school sites

  • Free online academic tutoring available 24/7

  • Reading Intervention teachers at all elementary schools and Fillmore Middle School

  • Block schedules with built-in academic support at Fillmore Middle and Fillmore High schools

  • Differentiated academic support within the school day at all elementary schools

  • Expanded Independent Study Program

  • After-school Bridges program until 6:00 p.m., Monday – Friday

  • Expanded Learning Opportunities during school breaks

  • Preschool programs for children ages 2.9 months to 4 years

  • College/university field trips to promote a college-bound culture

  • Career Technical Education (CTE) Pathways at FHS

  • UCSB Early Academic Outreach Program at FHS and FMS

  • CSUCI Guaranteed Admission at FHS

 

Mental Health Support

  • Wellness Centers at FMS, FHS, Piru and Mountain Vista Schools

  • New Wellness Centers at Sierra High School and San Cayetano Elementary School

  • Counselors at all sites, full-time social workers at Fillmore Middle and Fillmore High Schools

 

2023-2024 Facilities Improvements

  • Fillmore High School (FHS): New windows and HVAC units in the Arts building, new fencing at the Little League Field, and new asphalt at the basketball courts

  • San Cayetano School: New interior classroom paint, new classroom furniture, new shade structure, new landscaping, HVAC in the cafeteria

  • Mountain Vista School: New shade structures

  • Sierra High School: New shade structure and landscaping

  • Sespe Preschool: New paint, landscaping, and play structure

  • Adult Education Center: New classrooms and restroom building

 

Coming in 2024-2025

  • Rio Vista School: New 200-meter all-weather track.

  • Fillmore High School (FHS): New varsity baseball field, new restroom building, and flex space at the School Farm.

  • Piru School: New HVAC in the cafeteria, new shade structures, and restroom building.

Future Projects

  • Fillmore Middle School (FMS): New paint and HVAC in the gym, new outdoor shade structures.

  • Fillmore High School (FHS): New athletic complex (groundbreaking in 2025), locker room remodel to include girls' locker room, and career center relocation and upgrade.

 

Great things are happening in our school district!  It is important that we continue to work together, build relationships with each other, and maintain our collective focus to do what is best for our students. They are counting on us!

Please join and support our School Site Councils, English Learner Advisory Committees, Parent Booster Clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Connecting with these organizations and school staff is vital to your child’s success. I look forward to seeing our students back on Wednesday, August 14, and am confident we can make this school year a safe and positive experience for everyone.

 

Sincerely,
Christine Schieferle,
Superintendent

 

 13 de agosto de 2024

Estimada Comunidad de FUSD:


¡Bienvenidos nuevamente al año escolar 2024-2025! Espero que hayan pasado un verano lleno de tiempo de calidad con sus seres queridos y que estén listos para un excelente año escolar.

Todo el personal escolar ha estado trabajando diligentemente para prepararse para el año que está por comenzar y estamos contento de trabajar en conjunto ustedes para hacer de este año escolar uno de crecimiento, logros y oportunidades para todos los estudiantes.

Este año escolar, seguiremos comprometidos con el éxito académico de los estudiantes y con la creación de escuelas seguras y respetuosas donde todos los estudiantes puedan prosperar. También reconocemos el papel fundamental del apoyo a la salud mental y estamos dedicados a ofrecer recursos ampliados para apoyar el bienestar emocional y la resiliencia a largo plazo. Además, seguiremos invirtiendo en mejoras de las instalaciones en todo nuestro distrito escolar. A continuación, se presentan algunos puntos importantes:   


Éxito Académico Estudiantil

  • Enlaces comunitarios bilingües a tiempo completo en todos los planteles escolares

  • Tutoría académica en línea gratuita disponible las 24 horas, los 7 días de la semana

  • Maestros de intervención de lectura en todas las escuelas primarias y Escuela Intermedia de Fillmore 

  • Horarios en bloque con apoyo académico integrado en Escuela Intermedia de Fillmore y Escuela Secundaria de Fillmore.

  • Apoyo académico diferenciado dentro de la jornada escolar en todas las escuelas primarias

  • Programa de estudio independiente ampliado

  • Programa Bridges después de clases hasta las 6:00 p. m., de lunes a viernes

  • Oportunidades de aprendizaje ampliadas durante las vacaciones escolares

  • Programas preescolares para niños de 2.9 meses a 4 años.

  • Excursiones universitarias para promover una cultura universitaria

  • Senderos de Educación de Carreras Técnicas (CTE) de formación profesional en FHS

  • Programa de Extensión Académica Temprana de Universidad UCSB en FHS y FMS

  • Admisión Garantizada de Universidad CSUCI en FHS


Apoyo de Salud Mental

  • Centros de Bienestar en las Escuelas FMS, FHS, Piru y Mountain Vista

  • Nuevos Centros de Bienestar en la Escuela Secundaria Sierra y la Escuela Primaria San Cayetano

  • Consejeros en todos los sitios escolares, trabajadores sociales de tiempo completo en Escuela Intermedia de Fillmore y Escuela Secundaria Fillmore 

 

Mejoras de las Instalaciones 2023-2024

  • Escuela Secundaria Fillmore (FHS):  Nuevas ventanas y unidades de HVAC en el edificio de Artes, nuevas cercas en el campo de Little League y nuevo asfalto en las canchas de baloncesto.

  • Escuela San Cayetano: Nueva pintura interior de los salones, nuevos muebles de salones, nueva estructura de sombra, nuevo paisajismo, sistema de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado en la cafetería

  • Escuela Mountain Vista: Nuevas estructuras de sombra

  • Escuela Secundaria Sierra: Nueva estructura de sombra y paisajismo

  • Preescolar Sespe: nueva pintura, jardinería y estructura de juegos

  • Centro de Educación de Adultos: Nuevos salones y edificio de baños



Próximamente en 2024-2025

  • Escuela Rio Vista: Nueva pista para todo clima de 200 metros.

  • Escuela Secundaria Fillmore (FHS): Nuevo campo de béisbol universitario, nuevo edificio de baños y espacio flexible en la granja escolar.

  • Escuela Piru: Nuevo sistema HVAC en la cafetería, nuevas estructuras de sombra y edificio de baños.


Proyectos futuros

  • Escuela Intermedia  Fillmore (FMS): Nueva pintura y sistema de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado en el gimnasio, nuevas estructuras de sombra al aire libre

  • Escuela Secundaria Fillmore (FHS): nuevo complejo deportivo (inicio de obras en 2025), remodelación del vestuario para incluir vestuario para niñas y reubicación y actualización del Career Center


¡Están sucediendo grandes cosas en nuestro distrito escolar!  Es importante que sigamos trabajando juntos, forjando relaciones entre nosotros y manteniendo nuestro enfoque colectivo para hacer lo mejor para nuestros estudiantes. ¡Ellos cuentan con nosotros!


Únase y apoye a nuestros Consejos Escolares, Comités Asesores de Estudiantes de Inglés, Clubes de Padres de Familia y oportunidades de voluntarios. Conectarse con estas organizaciones y el personal escolar es vital para el éxito de sus hijos. Espero ver a nuestros estudiantes nuevamente el miércoles, 14de agosto y confío en que podemos hacer de este año escolar una experiencia segura y positiva para todos.

Atentamente,
Christine Schieferle,
Superintendente

Megan Hernandez Appointed Assistant Principal, Fillmore Middle School

Megan Hernandez

I am very excited to have the opportunity to return to Fillmore Unified School District for the 2024-2025 school year. My name is Megan Hernandez and I have been given the privilege of joining the Fillmore Middle School team as an Assistant Principal. I am a lifelong Ventura County resident and currently reside in Fillmore with my husband Eli and our two children Brynn (11) and Brock (6).

My husband and I are proud alumnus of Fillmore High where we met and attending school together. Our family loves to attend Fillmore Flashes football games during the fall season. Our family is also active in community activities. Brynn is a dedicated dancer at a local dance studio and Brock is beginning his athletic career by participating in Fillmore Little League.

I started my career in education as an Early Childhood Educator before becoming an Elementary Educator teaching grades 1st, 3rd,5th and 6th. I went on to become a Teacher on Special Assignment where I lead teachers of grades PK-3rd grade to develop and implement thematic units of study with as a part of the Sobrato Early Academic Language (SEAL) model.

I have served as a Consulting Teacher overseeing the Induction program and have enjoyed on-boarding our next generation of educators. As a Special Populations Coordinator, I supported district level coordination of Multilingual Learner programs and services including identification, monitoring and reclassification. My most recent position was Elementary Assistant Principal where I supported two elementary sites within Oxnard School District. This opportunity provided me with a chance to return to a school site setting and directly support students and teachers.

I am looking forward to serving in my new role of Assistant Principal at Fillmore Middle School and rejoining the Fillmore Unified family. As an experienced educator, I am passionate about fostering a safe, positive, and inclusive learning environment for our students. As a part of the Fillmore Middle School team, I am eager to work with students, staff and families to ensure that the upcoming school year is a great one. Go bulldogs!