Principal's Message

2022-23 Welcome Back Letter [English/Spanish]

 

Dear FMS Students and Parents/Guardians:

 

Welcome back to our FMS learning community for the 2022-2023 school year!  We hope you are looking forward to an exciting and safe new school year!  Our Faculty, Staff, and Student ASB Leadership class have made plans to make this a wonderful year for you.

 

We know that this past year was a very difficult one for all of us, but at FMS, we will continue to model resiliency and grit while we emphasize learning at high levels as we provide your child with the academic and social-emotional support they will need in order to earn good grades, maintain excellent attendance and conduct, as they prepare for the transition to high school with a plan towards college or a career. We have very high expectations for all our students and depend on your help to continue to build our positive school culture. Arriving to school and classes on time is essential and this new school year we have slightly changed the schedule to start at 8:00am-2:40am on regular days and at conclude 2:10am on Professional Development (PD) Thursdays.  Being on time and prepared to learn every day are the key elements to student success.  Remember that if you bring electronics to school is at your own risk.  Cell phones must be completely turned off and put away once the school day begins and during instructional time. Passing periods and Lunch are also included—Phones must be “Off and Away.” 

 

Parents, please call the Main Office, rather than your student, if an emergency arises during the school day.  Students must have their school ID’s with them at all times, ID pictures will be taken on August 24^th during PE class with make-ups happening on September 30. We encourage parents to make doctors’ appointments after school, but if you must take your child out of school for an appointment, please pick him or her up before their PE class or another non-core class. We will not release students to people not listed on the emergency card. Keep your line of communication open with your child’s counselor.

 

The 6^th Grade Orientation is on August 9^th at 8:30 am—12pm. Students will participate in a welcome assembly, meet the new administration, and enjoy a school tour, and other activities in the morning from 8:30am-12:00am. Parents of 6^th graders will have their grade-level meeting at 6pm.

 

The 7^th Grade Orientation is on August 10^th, at 8:30am—12pm. Students will participate in a welcome assembly, meet the new administration, enjoy a school tour (show them the changes), and other activities in the morning from 8:30am-12:00am. Parents of 7^th graders will have their grade-level meeting at 6pm.

 

The 8^th Grade Orientation is on August 10^th, at 1:00pm—4pm. Students will participate in a welcome assembly, meet the new administration, enjoy a school tour (show them the changes), and other activities in the morning from 1:00pm-4:00pm. Parents of 8^th graders will have their grade-level meeting at 6pm.

 

We will be providing schedules, PE clothes, gathering Emergency Cards, procuring all Tech needs and communicating Library procedures, and taking all students on school tours (ASB and Ms. Van Buren will be using returning ASB kids to help acclimate our 6^th graders and re-acculturate our 7^th & 8^th to their school under new leadership.) At Orientation it is imperative that all students complete their “Bulldog Card” on that day. The following is a list of the items that would help your student have a successful Orientation:

• PE uniforms will be free of charge for the 2022-2023 school year
• Provide evidence of T-Dap Vaccine requirement (7^th grade only)
• Bring all technology to ensure it is functioning
• Bring a FILLED OUT emergency card (THIS IS ABSOLUTE PRIORITY)
• Bring the Social Media/Photo Release form
• Remember we are registering online this year

 

The 2022-2023 school year begins on Wednesday, August 17, 2022.  Be on campus by no later than 7:50am so you have plenty of time to be in your classroom ready to learn by 8:00AM.  Campus Supervisors, Administration, Office Personnel, and Counselors will be readily available outdoors on the first day with a master list of all student’s schedules. There will be ASB Student Leaders on hand to help you find your rooms as well as serve as resources to you.

 

Parents: Drop-off and pick-up of students must be done in a calm and timely manner—each of our students’ safety depends on it. Please exhibit patience and good will when maneuvering our campus at all times. Do not drop-off or pick-up your student unless it is safe to do so. Please use caution when driving near our school and students.  Please follow all posted signs and traffic regulations.

 

Parents are always welcome to visit our Wellness Center and Family/Parent Resource Center to get information and ask for assistance.  Leave a message for our Family/Parent Center Director at (805) 524-4256 if you would like to be a volunteer or seek assistance.  Any general questions, please do not hesitate to call the Main Office at (805) 524-6070.

 

This year’s first Coffee w/the principal is on Tuesday, September 6^th at 9am in Spanish and 5pm in English—mark your calendars.

 

Sincerely yours,

Carlos Valdovinos

Principal

 

 

 

1 de agosto del 2022

Queridos estudiantes, padres y apoderados de Fillmore Middle School:

 

Bienvenidos a la comunidad de aprendizaje de La Escuela Intermedia de Fillmore para el año escolar de 2022-2023. Estamos muy contentos de empezar un nuevo año escolar después del año tan difícil que pasamos. Hemos hecho muchos planes de hacer un año escolar seguro y bueno para el aprendizaje de sus hijos y para proveer un año maravilloso.

 

Sabemos que todos hemos experimentado un año difícil, pero aquí en la escuela, continuaremos modelando resiliencia y resistencia cuando confrontemos barreras. Vamos a seguir enseñado en niveles altos a la vez que le proveemos la ayuda a los estudiantes para que obtengan buenas calificaciones, mantengan excelente asistencia y conducta mientras se preparan para la secundaria con su plan hacia universidad o una carrera. Tenemos expectativas muy altas para nuestros estudiantes en nuestra escuela y dependemos de su ayuda para seguir construyendo nuestra comunidad de aprendizaje y la cultura escolar positiva. El compromiso de llevar buena asistencia, llegar a la escuela y a clases a tiempo, y venir preparado para aprender todos los días son los elementos clave de su éxito. Este año las clases comienzan a las 8:00am y terminan a las 2:40pm excepto los jueves de desarrollo profesional- los estudiantes salen a las 2:10pm. Recuerde que la escuela, no serán responsables por artículos perdidos o robados. Los celulares no son permitidos durante las clases o tiempo de instrucción, deben de estar alzados y guardados. Los minutos entre periodos y la hora de almuerzo también son incluidos—celulares deben de estar apagados y guardados fuera de la vista.   

 

Les pedimos a todos los padres que llamen a la oficina en vez de llamar a sus hijos ya que sus celulares tienen que estar apagados durante las horas de instrucción. Los estudiantes deben de tener su identificación de la escuela con ellos en todo momento. Las fotografías de identificación de estudiante se tomarán el 24 de agosto, tendremos otra fecha para los jóvenes que falten ese día, el 30 septiembre. Por favor programe sus citas del doctor para después de escuela si es posible. Si no lo es, asegúrese que las citas sean durante la hora de educación física o otra clase fuera de las materias principales. También no dejaremos que se lleven a los estudiantes personas que no están en la tarjeta de emergencia. Los estudiantes también tienen que comprometerse a seguir las Normas de comportamiento a diario y demostrar activamente una actitud de respeto a través de sus palabras y acciones. Asegúrese que mantenga comunicación con el consejero/a de su hijo/a frecuentemente.

 

La orientación de los estudiantes del 6º grado se llevará a cabo el 9 de agosto comenzando a las 8:30am-12:00pm. Alumnos participaran en su asamblea de bienvenida, conocerán al nuevo liderazgo de la escuela, participaran en excursiones de la escuela, y otras actividades. Durante esta reunión, les hablaremos de las expectativas, reglas de conducta y les daremos su lista de clase, libros, y computadoras. Los padres de los jóvenes del 6º grado tendrán su reunión a las 6pm.

 

La orientación de los estudiantes del 7º grado se llevará a cabo el 10 de agosto comenzando a las 8:30am-12:00pm. Alumnos participaran en su asamblea de bienvenida, conocerán al nuevo liderazgo de la escuela, participaran en excursiones de la escuela, y otras actividades. Durante esta reunión, les hablaremos de las expectativas, reglas de conducta y les daremos su lista de clase, libros, y computadoras. Los padres de los jóvenes del 7º grado tendrán su reunión a las 6pm en la escuela

 

La orientación de los estudiantes del 8º grado se llevará a cabo el 10 de agosto comenzando a las 1:00 pm-4:00 pm. Alumnos participaran en su asamblea de bienvenida, conocerán al nuevo liderazgo de la escuela, participaran en excursiones de la escuela, y otras actividades. Durante esta reunión, les hablaremos de las expectativas, reglas de conducta y les daremos su lista de clase, libros, y computadoras. Los padres de los jóvenes del 8º grado tendrán su reunión a las 6pm en la escuela

 

Proveeremos horario/lista de clases, ropa de la clase de física, colectaremos las cartas de emergencia, aseguraremos todas las necesidades de tecnología y reglas de la biblioteca sean comunicadas, y los jóvenes de la clase “ASB” (clase de liderazgo de alumnos) proveerán excursiones a todos los jóvenes pare familiarizarlos o re-familiarizarlos a la nueva cultura y clima de la escuela. En las orientaciones es primordial que su hijo/a complete la “Carta Bulldog” para confirmar que ejecutaron la meta del día. Lo siguiente es una lista indicando los que ayudaría as su hijo/a ser exitoso el día de la orientación.

• Este ano la ropa de la clase de física será proveída por la escuela sin costo a los alumnos.
• Evidencia de la vacuna “T-Dap”(solo para jóvenes del 7º grado)
• Que traigan su computadora para confirmar que tengan lo necesario para el primer día de clases.
• Que traigan su carta de emergencia llenada y firmada. (Esto es los más IMPORTANTE)
• Que traigan su carta llenada que nos permite utilizar la imagen de su hijo/a en todo lo que haremos para promoción de la escuela.
• Recuerden que este ano matriculación será por el sistema de en línea (internet).

 

El año escolar del 2022-2023 comienza el miércoles 17 de agosto del 2022. Los estudiantes deben de estar aquí no más tarde que las 7:50 am para que puedan ir a su primera clase que será la de “Club Academia.”  Habrá personajes (seguridad, consejeros, y administración) de la escuela con información para todos jóvenes que tengan preguntas. También habrá ayudantes a enseñarles donde están sus clases.

 

Padres: Dejen y recojan a los estudiantes de una manera calmada, con paciencia, y sin prisa—la seguridad de cada joven depende en esta expectativa. Por favor demuestre paciencia y de el paso cuando está manejando en nuestra cancha.  No deje o recoja a su joven si hay peligro alrededor. Por favor, utilice caución y mucho cuidado conduzca su automóvil en la escuela. Siga todas las leyes de la carretera.

 

Los padres siempre son bienvenidos a visitar nuestro Centro de Bienestar y el Centro de recursos para padres obtener ayuda en lo que se les ofrezca. Padres para obtener información y pedir ayuda, deja un mensaje para la Sra. Hurtado, nuestra Directora del Centro, en el (805) 524-6070.

 

Nuestra primera junta del Café con El Director, será el martes, 6 de septiembre a las 9am en español y a las 5pm en inglés—anote su calendar.

                                               

Respetosamente y atentamente,

Carlos Valdovinos

Director

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raised in the small agricultural farming community of Santa Paula, CA, Carlos Valdovinos is the first-born son of two Mexican immigrant farm workers. From a young age, watching his parents perform backbreaking work in the fields to provide for him and his siblings instilled a grit and perseverance that has served him well over the course of his life and career. Growing up in an immigrant family of humble means developed a desire and ability to value everyone with respect and dignity no matter the circumstances. As a migrant education student and despite being born in this country, Mr. Valdovinos did not learn to speak English until the 3rd grade. His formative years and family background have shaped his desire to be an educator and gives him a special understanding of the experience of second language learners and those that come from poverty and disadvantage. At a young age he understood that academic success would be the road to realize his dreams and honor his parents’ sacrifice. Mr. V, as his students fondly refer to him, has dedicated his career to being of service to students in the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations through academic success.

After graduating high school, Mr. V went on to attend Ventura Community College, where he earned his associates of arts degree. He was then accepted to UCLA to complete his bachelor’s degree in Chicano Studies with a minor in Math Education. Mr. V. went on to earn two additional master’s degrees from UCLA. He earned his first master’s degrees and math teaching credential in 1999 and returned for his second master’s degree and administrative credential in 2002. Mr. V. started his career as a math teacher, a dean of discipline, and at the age of 32, Mr. V was one of the youngest assistant principals in LAUSD. His wide breadth of experience has helped honed his skills at being able to ascertain the pulse of a school and its community which helps him tailor his service and leadership. His favorite part of his job is working with youth because they keep him young at heart. He believes that there is nothing more important than being a positive influence on his students today because they will be the leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. V’s philosophy on education is simple: “improve our communities, one student at a time.” Mr. V attributes much of his success to a couple high school teachers and one UCLA professor who took an interest in him beyond the scope of their role. Their advice and influence have been invaluable, and he honors them with his service to every student he serves. He knows that not all students’ dreams require college, but what he is certain of, is that all students’ dreams do require: hard work, determination, patience, and above all, a solid plan. His goal with every student is to help them forge a plan for success in whatever is “next.” It is his hope to inspire the students of Fillmore by playing a positive role in their lives, just as many educators had a role in his. As he prepares to begin his tenure at FMS, he is extremely grateful and humbled to be able to come back "home" to serve the Fillmore community.