Beam Signing Celebration

A beam signing celebration was held Tuesday May 19 at the new Fillmore High Athletic Complex construction site. Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, “On behalf of Fillmore Unified School District, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Measure G Bond Committee Members, our School Board Members, Fillmore Unified and High School staff, and our entire Fillmore-Piru community for helping make the Fillmore High School Athletic Complex possible. This project represents what we can accomplish when we come together with a shared commitment to our students, schools, and community. The new athletic complex will provide generations of students, families, and community members with a facility that reflects our pride in ourselves, our schools, and our belief in creating opportunities for every student to thrive.”

FHS Alumni Bryan Magana Graduates CSUCI with Health Science Major

Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District in congratulating FHS Alumni Bryan Magana who is graduating CSUCI with a major in Health Science and a minor in Chemistry and Biology. In the Fall, he will attend Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health to pursue a Master of Health Science degree in Epidemiology. From there, he plans to earn a M.D./Ph.D. and ultimately build a career that combines treating cancer patients with conducting oncology research.

FHS Graduate Camilo Torres Graduates CSUN with Honors

Please join the entire Fillmore Unified School District in congratulating FHS Alumni Camilo Torres who was named CSUN Scholar of the Year. He was also named to the USTFCCCA All-Academic Team for the 2025 Division I cross country season—a national honor reserved for athletes who maintain elite grade-point averages while competing in national championships. Torres graduates with honors from the rigorous CSUN School of Engineering.

Young Writers Awards Night

The Young Writers Awards Night was held on Thursday, May 21st at the District Office, co-facilitated by Assistant Superintendent Huang and Mountain Vista Reading Intervention Teacher Kristyn Bennett. Principals and district leaders presented awards to nearly 85 students from grades 1-12 for outstanding stories, poems, and graphic designs. Award recipients received cash prizes funded directly by sponsors, certificates of achievement, and inclusion in a commemorative book featuring all winning entries. Additionally, Scott Lee presented the Ernie Morales Memorial Award to Emma Payan for her entry “Raised by Her Hands” which exemplified family and community involvement. We extend our sincere appreciation to this year's sponsors: Fillmore Lion's Club, Fillmore Unified School District, The Rotary Club of Fillmore, St. Francis of Assisi Knights of Columbus, and Otto and Sons Nursery.

UC Success Night

On Wednesday, May 20th, Fillmore High School held their annual UC Success Night, where thirty students were honored. UC Success Night is organized by UCSB outreach program Early Academic Outreach Program (EAOP). The event recognized the academic achievements of UC-admitted seniors and their families. This special evening celebrated the hard work and dedication of students who have earned admission to University of California campuses, honoring their academic excellence and the support of their families throughout their high school journey.

Students and Staff of the Year Awards

Fillmore Unified School District Superintendent Christine Schieferle said, "I am honored to congratulate and thank our outstanding Students and Staff of the Year: Tracie Davis, Kindergarten Teacher at Mountain Vista Elementary School; Rupa Torres, Campus Supervisor at Fillmore High School; Christine McDaniels, Principal at Mountain Vista Elementary School; Emma Victor, Fillmore High School Student of the Year; and Natalie Rodriguez Valdez, Sierra High School Student of the Year. Each of these honorees represents the very best of the Fillmore Unified School District through their dedication, service, and commitment to excellence. We are grateful for the positive impact they make in our schools and community, and we celebrate their well-deserved recognition.”

Fillmore High School Student of the Year: Emma Victor

Sierra High School Student of Year: Natalie Rodriguez Valdez

Classified Staff of the Year: Rupa Torres, Campus Supervisor, Fillmore High School

Certificated Staff of the Year: Tracie Davis, Kindergarten Teacher, Mountain Vista Elementary School

Administrator of the Year: Christine McDaniels, Principal, Mountain Vista Elementary School

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.