Superintendent's column
Public education in California is taking a major hit due to budget cutbacks Per pupil funding is in danger of being the lowest in U.S.
By Mario V. Contini Special to the Acorn
      From first to worst, a nightmare come true In 1978 Howard Jarvis, the champion of the Proposition 13 tax reform, was quoted as saying, "Youngster, we're not going to hurt your schools." By 1997 per pupil funding in California, when adjusted for cost of living, had dropped from one of the highest in the nation to 40th. By 2004 it had dropped to 44th.
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Cheerleaders need old electronics
      T.O. High School Cheerleaders will host an electronics recycling fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sat., March 21 at the school, 2323 N. Moorpark Road. E-waste can be dropped off at no charge. Items accepted include computers, monitors, televisions and cellphones.
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High School Hi-Lights
      All events (subject to change) are listed by name, location and time if provided. Newbury Park Panthers Fri., March 20: Every 15 Minutes/ 8 a.m./gym ACDA Central Coast Festival, concert Choir/2 p.m.
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Schools prepare for disasters
      The Ventura County Sheriff's Office of Emergency Services is continuing its commitment to community disaster preparedness education by reaching out to the schools in Ventura County.
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Former WHS student in honor society
      Emily Oettinger, a junior at the University of Southern California, has been elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa, a national honor society in the United States. Phi Beta Kappa was established in 1776, and only the top colleges and universities have chapters. Membership is limited to students with a grade-point average of 3.
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Westlake High Choir to hold silent auction and dinner
      The Westlake High School Choral Music Department will host a dinner and silent auction starting at 5 p.m. Sun., March 22 at the Los Robles Country Club, 299 S. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks.
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Principal makes fashion statement
      REDWOOD, REDHEAD- Redwood Middle School Principal Lou Lichtl gets his hair dyed fire engine red by Angela Lew of the Hair Grove in Westlake Village. Redwood students raised more than $2,000 in two weeks prior to last week's "Pennies for Patients" fundraiser. The money will be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Foundation.
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Meeting a 'voice person' at the book fair
      'HEY, HE SOUNDS FAMILIAR!'- The recent Wildwood Elementary School scholastic book fair fundraiser was attended by vocal actor Jim Cummings, Disney's voice for Winnie the Pooh and Tigger. From left are Christopher Chimenti, Cummings, Dylan Cain and Kaitlyn Ofer.
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