Congratulations Natalie Rodriguez
Sierra High School Principal Blanca Mendieta said, "We are proud to highlight Natalie Rodriguez, a senior who recently participated in our new Preschool Internship Pilot Program as part of our Career Readiness efforts! Over the course of two quarters, Natalie gained hands-on experience at the preschool, where she served as a teacher aide. She supported young learners in a variety of meaningful ways—leading songs, helping students learn their colors, and guiding them as they practiced tracing their names. Through this experience, Natalie discovered a true passion for working with children. Natalie shared that the internship helped her realize she wanted to work with young kids and be part of their learning. Inspired by her experience, Natalie has already taken the next step toward her future. She enrolled in an online Child Development course through Ventura College this semester and will continue her studies with a second class over the summer. Her goal is to begin working in a preschool setting with Fillmore Unified as early as August. This pilot program is a strong example of how our Career Readiness initiatives help students explore real-world career pathways, build skills, and gain clarity about their futures. We are excited to see all that Natalie will accomplish!"
Sierra High & Heritage Valley Independent Studies Board Presentation
Principal Blanca Mendieta presented an update on programs, activities, and initiatives for the 2025-2026 school year, including being named a 2026 Model Continuation High School by the State Superintendent. Jake Baughman was awarded Classified Staff of the Year, and Jose Luis Lomeli was awarded Certificated Staff of the Year.
Winter 2025 1st Team All-League Athletes
Congratulations to Fillmore High School’s Winter 2025 1st Team All-League student-athletes and coaches! Student-athlete honorees include Lucy Murillo and Hermelinda Ocegueda for girls basketball; Octavio Orozco for boys basketball; Abeymay Hernandez, Hector Hernandez, and Julian Medina for boys soccer; Lizbeth Mendez and Jayleen Porter for girls soccer; Naomi Bonilla, Michelle Pinedo, and Skyla Sandoval for girls wrestling; and James Alcantar and Gonzalo Landeros for boys wrestling.
Congratulations also to Coach Mark Blankenship for girls basketball, Coach Martin Castro for boys basketball, Coach Javier Alcazar for boys soccer, Coach Jose Luis Lomeli for girls soccer, Coach Michael Torres for girls wrestling, and Coach Manuel Ponce for boys wrestling. A special congratulations goes to Girls Basketball Coach Mark Blankenship for being named Coach of the Year. FUSD is proud of all of our athletes and coaches for their hard work, dedication, and outstanding winter season!
National Administrative Professionals Day
Today we extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible administrative professionals of the Fillmore Unified School District for the care, organization, and dedication they bring to our schools every day in support of the success of our students and the wellness of their families.
New Spring Menu Items
Chipotle Chicken Caesar Salad: Shredded romaine lettuce and red cabbage, Pico de Gallo, jalapeño-corn relish, crispy tortilla chips, chipotle chicken and creamy cilantro-lime Caesar dressing.
Fruit & Vegetable Cups with Chamoy: Pineapple and Watermelon cups with sliced cucumber, jicama sticks and packets of Chamoy.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta: Cavatappi noodles with creamy Alfredo sauce and seasoned diced chicken.
Congratulations California State University Channel Islands Scholarships Recipients
Congratulations Fillmore High Students Eimi Soria ($2,500), Christian Diaz ($ $1,500), Lizbeth Mendez ($2,750), and Ricardo Avalos Hernandez ($2,300) for receiving California State University Channel Islands (CSUCI) scholarships if they choose to attend CSUCI after graduation.
National Assistant Principals Week
Thank you to our Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School Assistant Principals Mr. Sand, Mrs. Hernandez, Mr. Moreland, Ms. Sebek and Mr. Garcia for everything you so for our students and families. National Assistant Principals Week, celebrated April 6–10, 2026, honors the essential contributions of assistant principals to school success, building positive school environments, and providing student and teacher support.
Spring Break, Monday March 30, through Friday April 3, 2026
Free Meals March 30 to April 2, 2026 [English/Spanish]
Fillmore Unified School District will offer free meals for all children ages 0–18 at Mountain Vista and Piru Elementary Schools from March 30 through April 2, 2026, Monday through Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Children must be present to receive a meal.
El Distrito Escolar Unificado de Fillmore ofrecerá comidas gratuitas para todos los niños de 0 a 18 años en las escuelas primarias Mountain Vista y Piru del 30 de marzo al 2 de abril de 2026, de lunes a jueves, de 11:30 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. Los niños deben estar presentes para recibir una comida.
Lady Flashes Defeat Santa Paula
Congratulations Varsity Lady Flashes on your 5 to 4 win over Santa Paula Cardinals. Go Flashes ⚡️⚡️⚡
Three Student Athletes Set New School Records
Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District in congratulating student athletes, Saul Fraga-Sandoval, Jasiah Patterson, and Kimberly Magana, who all set new school records.
Saul Fraga-Sandoval set a new school record in the 100 meter with a time of 11.03. The school record was 11.05 set in 1959 by Ken Stout, then by Joe Cook in 1961, and by Mike Burt in 1980.
Jasiah Patterson set a new school record with a triple jump of 43 feet. The school record was 42 feet 4 1/2 inches set in 1987 by Chris Wright.
Kimberly Magana set a new school record in the 100 meter with a time of 12.16. The school record was 12.29 set in 2004 by Juliette Martinez.
Fillmore High Girls Basketball Celebrates Outstanding 2025–26 Season
Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District in congratulating the Fillmore High girls basketball team on an outstanding 2025–26 season. The Flashes finished second in the Citrus Coast League with an overall record of 15-11 and a 7-3 mark in league play, a strong accomplishment that reflects the team’s hard work, resilience, and dedication throughout the season.
The district also celebrates the student-athletes who earned Citrus Coast League all-league recognition. These honors reflect the talent, determination, and competitive spirit the team brought to the court all season long.
A special congratulations goes to Head Coach Mark Blankenship, who was named Coach of the Year. This recognition speaks to his leadership and the positive impact he has made on the Fillmore High girls basketball program.
We are proud of the entire basketball program for representing our district with excellence. Congratulations to our players and coaches on a successful season and on earning well-deserved recognition.
Down Syndrome Awareness Day
Fillmore Unified School District proudly celebrated Down Syndrome Awareness Day. All students and staff received a sticker to show their support and were encouraged to “Rock Your Socks” in recognition of inclusion and acceptance.
World Behavior Analysis Day
We recognize and celebrate our incredible BCBAs and RBTs. Thank you, Cory, Arlene, and Lucy, for your unwavering dedication and the meaningful impact you make on the lives of our students and their families. Your hard work, compassion, and commitment do not go unnoticed, and we are truly grateful for all that you do. You rock!
World Behavior Analysis Day is an international celebration observed each year on March 20 to recognize the science of behavior analysis and its positive impact on improving lives. The day helps promote awareness, acceptance, and the use of behavior analysis, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), across fields such as education, autism treatment, and services for individuals with developmental disabilities. March 20 was selected to honor the birthdate of B.F. Skinner, widely known as the founder of contemporary behavior analysis. While March 20 is the main day of recognition, the celebration is often observed as a week-long event from March 14 through March 20.
Piru Elementary School Board Presentation
Piru Elementary Principal Viviana Laureano presented an update on the programs, activities, and initiatives for the 2025-2026 school year at the March 17, 2026 Fillmore Unified School District School Board meeting. Delia Silva, 5th Grade Teacher, and Thalia Alcaraz Jasso, UPK Teacher, were both recognized for their excellent work and dedication to Piru Elementary students and families.
2026 Migrant Speech and Debate Tournament
Results from the Migrant Speech and Debate Tournament held on Saturday, March 14 at Oxnard College are in. The well attended event was kicked off by Ventura County Office of Education Superintendent Dr. Cesar Morales. Among the many dignitaries present and supporting the event was Ventura County Board of Supervisor Vianey Lopez. FUSD students who competed this year are Ashley Quilo Quilo, gr. 6; Natalie Ochoa Mares, gr. 8; Sophia Rodriguez, gr. 10; Guadalupe Rocha, gr. 10. The FUSD coaches who did an extraordinary job coaching and supporting our students are Jonathan Gonzalez and Eriyana Linder. The highest-scoring student in each grade level and language category has officially punched their ticket to the MEP State Speech and Debate Tournament in beautiful Monterey, CA, from May 1–3! Drum roll.... Ashley Quilo Quilo will be representing FUSD at the state level! Students will also be recognized at an upcoming Ventura County Board of Supervisors meeting.
Summer Enrichment Academy 2026 Registration NOW OPEN [English/Spanish]
Registration for our Summer Enrichment Academy 2026 is now open for rising Kindergarten - 6th grade students (current TK-5th graders). The deadline to register is April 10. Please use the link below or scan the QR code to register.
Registration link: https://forms.office.com/r/QJSZUF8EdM?origin=lprLink
Flashes Set New School Record
Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District in congratulating Jasiah Patterson, Saul Fraga, Josh Felix, and Nathan Hernandez for setting a new school record of 44.05 in the 4 X 100 meter relay. The old record of 44.10 was set in 2005 by the team of Josue Garcia, Art Rubio, Andrew Gerardy, and Nathan Largen. Go Flashes ⚡️⚡️⚡️
New Breakfast Items at Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School
Fillmore Unified School District is excited to share new breakfast menu items coming this to Fillmore High School and Fillmore Middle School. These additions are designed to give students more tasty, satisfying options to start the school day.
Among the new offerings is a Breakfast Bagel with Sausage, featuring a whole grain bagel, fluffy eggs with green onion, sausage, and melty American cheese. Students will also see a warm and comforting Banana Chocolate Chip Muffin added to the menu. For those looking for a hearty grab-and-go option, new breakfast burritos are also on the way, including a Bacon, Egg & Cheese Breakfast Burrito and a Sausage Breakfast Burrito.
These new breakfast items reflect the district’s continued focus on serving meals that are both appealing and student-friendly. By expanding breakfast choices, Fillmore Unified hopes to make the morning meal something students can look forward to each day.
These menu additions are also part of Fillmore Unified School District’s partnership with Brigaid, an organization that works with institutional foodservice programs by bringing in experienced chefs to help strengthen food quality, train staff, and support menu development.
