Speech-Language Pathologist Day

On Monday May 18, we celebrate and thank our incredible Speech-Language Pathologists for the dedication, compassion, and expertise they bring to the students in our community each and every day. Your work empowers students to communicate, connect, and grow. Thank you for the countless ways you support our school community and for making a lasting difference in the lives of students and families. We appreciate all that you do!

Staff Appreciation Week BBQ

FUSD staff gathered at the Fillmore Middle School pavilion for a BBQ celebration in honor of Staff Appreciation Week. The afternoon was filled with great food, smiles, and music from the FHS Mariachi band, Los Rayos, who performed for the team. We are grateful for the dedication and care our FUSD staff show every day to our students, families, and community. Thank you, FUSD team—you are truly appreciated!

Ventura County Migrant Speech and Debate

Ventura County Migrant Speech and Debate teams were recognized at the May 12 Ventura County Board of Supervisor's Meeting at the Ventura County Government Center. FUSD had three students representing our district and served as testament to the tremendous effort and achievement of our students. Natalie Ochoa-Mares, Ashley Quilo Quilo, Guadalupe Rocha and our very own Sierra High teacher and coach Jonathan Gonzalez were in attendance. Unfortunately, Eriyana Linder, teacher at Fillmore Middle School and coach was not able to join. Each student received a certificate of recognition by County Board Supervisor Vianey Lopez, who participated in the Regional Speech and Debate competition as a judge. In attendance was Dr. Cesar Morales, Superintendent of the Ventura County Office of Education. Both Dr. Morales and County Board Supervisor Vianey Lopez have a long history of championing education in Ventura County.

Fillmore High School Board Presentation

Fillmore High School Principal Cinda Francis presented an update on the programs, activities, and initiatives for the 2025-2026 school year. Teacher Karina Romero was awarded Certificated Staff of the Year and Head Custodian Maria Villarreal-Rivas was awarded Classified Staff of the Year. Thank you Karina and Maria for everything you do for our students, their families, and our community.

Teacher Appreciation Week

FUSD is proud to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, a special time dedicated to recognizing the incredible educators who inspire, support, and make a lasting difference in the lives of students every day. Our teachers give so much of themselves to help students learn, grow, and succeed, and we are grateful for their passion, dedication, and care. Next week, FUSD will celebrate by recognizing our classified and certificated staff, and we look forward to a wonderful week of treats, gratitude, and appreciation for all staff who help make our schools such special places to learn and work.

National Lunch Hero Day

National Lunch Hero Day recognizes the dedicated school nutrition professionals who prepare and serve healthy meals, support student wellness, and help make our cafeterias warm, welcoming places for students each day. Our lunch heroes play an important role in helping students feel cared for and ready to learn. Thank you to our amazing FUSD food service team for your hard work, kindness, and commitment to our students and schools.

Principal Appreciation Day

Thank you Fillmore Unified School District principals for everything you do for your school, your students, and their families. Principal Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on May 1st, is a dedicated time to honor the hardworking school leaders who act as the backbone of our educational institutions. These essential administrators go far beyond managerial tasks by setting the academic tone, supporting teachers, and fostering a safe, positive environment where students can thrive. Often working behind the scenes, principals wear many hats—acting as role models, mentors, and problem-solvers—which makes this day a crucial opportunity to recognize their commitment to their school’s success.

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!"

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!

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.

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.