An Important Message from Superintendent Schieferle

Dear Staff and Families,

We want to make you aware that a “National Shutdown Day” has been publicized for tomorrow, Friday, January 30, 2026. This action is being organized nationally as a response to ongoing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across the country.

We recognize that events such as these can raise questions, concerns, and strong emotions, especially for families who may be directly or indirectly impacted. Please know that our schools remain safe, welcoming spaces where all students are valued, supported, and cared for, regardless of background or immigration status.

At this time, we are not aware of any student-led activities planned on our campuses tomorrow, and schools will operate as usual. We strongly encourage students to attend school so they do not miss valuable instructional time and the opportunity to connect with their teachers and peers.

We also want to reassure families that our district has protocols in place in the event of an immigration enforcement attempt at our schools. We are prepared to keep students, staff, and families safe. FUSD does not collect or share information regarding a student’s or family’s immigration status, and we are committed to protecting student privacy. If your family is experiencing worry or uncertainty, our school staff, including counselors and family liaisons are available to listen and provide support.

Thank you for your continued partnership and trust. Together, we remain committed to ensuring our schools are places of learning, stability, and care for every child, every day.

With respect,
Christine Schieferle
Superintendent

School Board Appreciation Month

School Board Appreciation Month honors the dedication and hard work of volunteer school board members who set district vision, approve budgets, and create policies to support student success. Superintendent Schieferle said, “January is School Board Appreciation Month, and I would like to recognize our Governing Board for their tireless efforts in setting the vision and direction for our school district. Our board works year-round with district staff and administration to ensure that we are improving outcomes district-wide for our students. Thank you, trustees. You play an integral role in improving our educational system and we appreciate your dedication and commitment to our students, teachers, families, and staff.”

Fillmore High Athletic Complex Rises

Fillmore Unified School District Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Denise Berrington said, "Last week at the Fillmore High School Athletic Complex, crews poured the concrete for the gym floor and completed backfilling of the stormwater capture system. Temporary work platforms are being installed to allow crews to safely continue building the concrete block walls and prepare for the next concrete pour. This work helps support the structure as construction moves upward.

With deep underground utility work nearing completion, foundation and concrete slab work for the Lobby, Restrooms, Locker Rooms, Wrestling Rooms, Athletic Training Rooms, and Coaches’ Offices is scheduled to begin next week.

The anticipated construction completion date for the project is February 2027. We look forward to sharing continued progress as this exciting project takes shape!"

Winter Break 2025 Community Feeding

🥗 Winter Break Community Feeding ❄️
We are offering free meals for our community during winter break on the following dates:
📅 12/22, 12/23, 12/29, 12/30, 12/31
⏰ 11:00–11:30 a.m.

📍 Locations:
• Mountain Vista Elementary
• Piru Elementary

Meals will also be provided to:
• Boys & Girls Club of Fillmore
• Boys & Girls Club of Piru
• Many Mansions

2025 Fillmore Adult School Annual Winter Awards Ceremony

Fillmore Adult School Principal Blanca Mendieta said, "Fillmore Adult School’s Annual Winter Awards Ceremony was a wonderful celebration of our students’ achievements. We honored their hard work and were inspired by speakers who shared their powerful stories of success. Superintendent Schieferle, Assistant Superintendent Huang, and Fillmore Adult School staff would like to wish everyone a joyful holiday season. Classes will resume on Monday, January 12.”

Superintendent’s Roundtable

Superintendent Schieferle and Fillmore Unified School District administrators hosted a Superintendent’s Roundtable with students from Fillmore Middle School, Sierra High School, and Fillmore High School. Superintendent Schieferle shared her educational journey and district goals. Students had the opportunity to share feedback on what they thought was going well at their schools, what they would like to see changed, and current challenges. Student feedback is shared with the Governing Board and Superintendent Schieferle follows up with students on actions taken by the board. Superintendent Schieferle said, "We thank our students for sharing their school experiences with us and we value their advocacy for their education. I look forward to additional roundtable discussions with students throughout the school year.”

📚 Did You Know? 📚

Nearly half of Fillmore High's Class of 2025 took college courses while still in high school—that's 43% of our seniors earning college credit before graduation! Even more impressive: 34% completed multiple college courses, and participation has grown 3.6x since 2018.

Our students aren't just preparing for college—they're already succeeding in it! Thank you to Ventura County Community College District (VCCCD) for partnering with us to make this possible.