Entries by Ben Drahmann

Visions Partners with Naviance to Provide College & Career Tools to Students

/in
Naviance and Visions logos with blue background

Visions Partners with Naviance to Provide College & Career Tools to Students

Visions In Education strives to prepare students for life after high school by providing college, career, and life-readiness (CCLR) resources to help students make informed decisions about their future. To better serve our growing community, Visions In Education is partnering with Naviance by PowerSchool to deliver high-quality CCLR resources to our students.

Through Naviance, students can:

  • Uncover hidden strengths and interests,
  • Access helpful career planning tools,
  • Search for colleges/trade programs that align with their interests,
  • Take career assessments and,
  • Create concrete post-secondary educational goals using Naviance’s tools.

“Naviance has a proven track record of helping students successfully prepare for their post-secondary futures,” says Matt Patterson, Director of Student Services. “We look forward to offering this solution to students for years to come.”

Visions is excited to partner with Naviance to help our students identify their talents and connect with valuable college, career, and life-readiness resources. See this BusinessWire article for more details about our partnership! More information will be shared in the new school year.

About Naviance by PowerSchool 

PowerSchool is a leading provider of cloud-based software for K-12 education in North America. Its mission is to power the education ecosystem with unified technology that helps educators and students realize their full potential, in their way. For more information about Naviance, click here. 

Congratulations Class of 2022!

/in
Collage of Visions graduates with text that says "Congratulations Class of 2022"

Congratulations Class of 2022!

Congratulations to our graduating seniors of the Class of 2022! On June 8th, more than one thousand seniors graduated as a part of two different ceremonies in Visions’ biggest graduating class ever! Friends and families were happy to return to an in-person ceremony after two years of social distancing, and the event reflected their enthusiasm! Crowds of family, friends, and well-wishers packed Memorial Auditorium and cheered for our hardworking graduates who are going on to college, the workforce, and the armed services!

“Those of you graduating today have had to balance not only the typical challenges of school, work, family  and other obligations, you have had to do it during one of the most challenging and unpredictable moments in most of our lifetimes,” said Superintendent Steve Olmos in his opening address. “But in perseverance there is learning. Each hurdle cleared and challenge met spurs growth and belief and confidence in your ability to overcome.”

“You have shown awesome effort in bravely shaping your learning around your needs, your strengths, and your dreams,” said Vice-Chairperson Katie McCleary in the remarks she delivered at the ceremonies. “I can tell you that not many people have the courage or the tenacity to challenge themselves in this way.” 

On behalf of everyone at Visions In Education, congratulations Class of 2022!

Relive the Memories

Our photography team was on site to capture the highlights of graduation day! See our folder of highlight photos here including grad portraits taken at the Checkout events.

You can also view the Class of 2022 slideshow that played before the ceremonies on YouTube. 

Share Your Memories! #VisionsGrad

Grads, share your memories with us on Facebook and Instagram using #VisionsGrad! We’ve created a graduation photo album on Facebook so you can download, share and like photos from the big day.

But wait, there’s more! You can also download and share your portrait that was taken at Checkout – see all your classmates from the Class of 2022 on Facebook here.

Shop The Spirit Store

Don’t forget we have Visions merchandise and Class of 2022 swag available in our Spirit Store. Shop here!

Visions In Education Renewed for a 6-Year WASC Accreditation!

/in
White star background with WASC logo over the Visions logo

Visions In Education Renewed for a 6-Year WASC Accreditation!

After a successful visit from the Western Associations of Schools and Colleges (WASC) earlier this year, Visions In Education received WASC Accreditation for another six years! This accreditation means that the transcripts and diplomas students earn through Visions will continue to be recognized as coming from a valid institution and will be able to transfer between schools and to universities across the country!

This comes at the end of an extensive self-study process that Visions undertook as part of  years of work and self-reflection. Our WASC team polled staff, parents, and students to find out ways to better serve our students and reach our educational goals. Our offices were visited by staff from WASC in March who underwent a thorough review of our program and practices.

“We recently received news that after a year’s long self-study and a March in person visit Visions has been accredited for another six years by the WASC Committee!” Says Visions Associate Director of Internal Business Services, Soren Gutierrez. “This six year accreditation is the result of great work not only by our WASC committee but also by all of our Visions teachers and employees.”

A big thank you to all the staff who dedicated their time and effort into making this WASC effort a big success! Thank you to teachers who continue to ensure that our students receive education worthy of WASC accreditation and a special thank you to the WASC committee who worked tirelessly to prepare for the latest successful WASC visit.

Thank You WASC Committee Members!

Christopher Smith, Assessment and Evaluation Manager, WASC Coordinator

Stephanie Archibald, Curriculum Coordinator

Aaron Colburn, Former Independent Study Academy Principal

John Garrard, Former Chief Academic Officer

JoEllen Graulty, University Preparatory Academy Teacher

Kerri Harris, Special Education Teacher

Cara Larson, Teacher on Special Assignment

Connie Mandujano, Counselor, Member

Sue McCroskey, Home School Academy Principal

Sarah McFarland, Director of Instruction

Christina McKinnis, University Preparatory Academy Principal

Kristi Miller, Former Business Analyst

Jennifer Morrison, Director of Instruction for Home School

Tami Muniz, Home School Academy Teacher

Matt Patterson, Director of Student Services

Noreen Snyder, Business Analyst

Michelle Sweezey, Teacher on Special Assignment

Student Spotlight: Aspiring Author Advances at Her Own Pace

/in
Visions student sitting in a flower field

Student Spotlight: Aspiring Author Advances At Her Own Pace

“To me, words are a powerful way of bringing others truth and hope and light,” says Eliana Duran. Ever since she first began writing fiction at a young age, Eliana has loved expressing herself through creative and non-fiction writing. She even started authoring her own blog (elianathewriter.com) and working on a few novels in her free time.

A Visions student since kindergarten, Eliana has had years of experience as a self-directed learner. Working with her family and credentialed teacher, Judith Flora, she created a learning system that worked best for her. As a student, Eliana managed to work at her own pace and balance her extracurricular activities, such as writing, serving as Girl Troop Shepherd for her American Heritage Girls Troop, and working as a communications specialist for her father’s business.

Planning For The Future

“All these experiences have taught me so much,” says Eliana when looking back at her experiences as a student. “I like to keep a planner and write down my short-term and long-term goals.”

Taking advantage of her flexible schedule, Eliana took classes online at American River College with Visions’ support, including public speaking and marketing classes to begin exploring careers after high school. In 2022, Eliana’s writing was even acknowledged by the California Charter Schools Association (CCSA) with the 2022 Bragato Scholarship. This scholarship helps public charter school students like Eliana pursue their education after high school.

“I was so honored and grateful to be awarded the scholarship,” says Eliana. “I plan to put it to good use as I go to college and continue to develop both my education and my character.”

Moving On

Eliana is part of the Graduating Class of 2022 set to walk across the stage on June 8th! After college, she intends to accept an offer to Purdue Honors College but not before traveling out to the Realm Makers writing conference with a long time friend! Whether she majors in Marketing or English as she plans to, writing seems like it will always be a part of Eliana’s life. When looking back at her school career, Eliana gives thanks to her teacher, parents, and her faith for helping her reach the next step in her educational journey.

“Keep learning and keep growing!” Eliana says as a parting message to her fellow high schoolers.

Student Spotlight: Next-Generation Nurse Gets a Head Start

/in
Portrait of female Visions student smiling

Student Spotlight: Next-Generation Nurse Gets A Head Start

Though nursing is a fast-growing profession, Allisyn T. has been around nurses since she was a girl. The daughter of a nurse, she grew up on stories from the ER where her mother worked and looked up to her example as a nurse. As someone with a knack for science, Allisyn naturally chose to follow in her mother’s footsteps. But to do that, she wanted to find a school that would support her career aspirations and allow her to get a headstart on the career she wanted. At Visions, Allisyn was able to complete her high school work while pursuing higher education. 

“Visions had an awesome medical assistant program,” says Allisyn, when talking about her decision to come to Visions in her junior year. “At a normal high school, I couldn’t have done it.” 

Nurse In Training

At Visions, Allisyn enrolled in a medical assistant program in Elk Grove. There she balanced her high school coursework with training and hands-on experience in the medical field. In addition to the medical assistant program, Allisyn also works as a nursing assistant at a care facility in Auburn. She also volunteers with her mother at a medical clinic that serves the homeless population in Sacramento. 

“It’s all about having a schedule and having time separated out to do each thing,” says Allisyn when asked how she balances her studies with her extracurricular activities. Working with her teacher, Tracy Jones, Allisyn is able to study at her own pace and structure her day around her personal goals. Allisyn also credits the support of her teacher as well as her counselor with connecting her with the resources she needed to succeed. 

“My teacher has been super helpful and Julie Winalski [her counselor] is great!” 

Moving On

After two years at Visions, Allisyn is going to graduate as a part of the Graduating Class of 2022 on June 8th! Thanks to her hard work, she’s been accepted into a nursing program at DeSalles University in Pennsylvania. Allisyn hopes to build on the foundations she built and continue on the path to becoming a registered nurse by gaining more hours of experience in the medical field. She is optimistic about the future and thankful to everyone who has helped her get to where she is today. 

“I love Visions flexibility,” says Allisyn. “I wouldn’t be able to get my CNA or my MA without it.” 

Teacher Spotlight: Visions Teacher Plants for the Future

/in
Teacher portrait in a circle frame with a yellow star background

Teacher Spotlight: Visions Teacher Plants for the Future

John Morris is always on the lookout for ways to make the Sacramento area a little greener. A teacher with more than thirteen years of experience, the growing impact of climate change prompted him to look for ways to make a difference.

“I had become increasingly aware of global warming and its effects,” says John. “Planting trees with local organizations is an easy way to get involved.”

Partnering with the Sacramento Tree Foundation, John works with local cities to plant trees, pick up trash, and make the city he lives in a little greener. The Sacramento Tree Foundation provides the trees and materials for John and volunteers like him to help cultivate Sacramento’s urban forest. John sees his volunteer work as part of being a member of the community and hopes his example will inspire students to get involved with their local environmental volunteer groups.

“It’s something everybody should do to give back to the planet when you can,” says John. “I’m looking for ways to get students involved as well.”

A teacher with Visions for three years now, John enjoys the one on one connection with students and families and is particularly proud of seeing his students rise to meet the challenges of the pandemic.

Get Involved!

April is National Volunteering Month; a perfect time to get out and find ways to give back to your local communities! See this news Post for more information and tips on how to find a volunteering opportunity that’s right for you.

Visions In Education Collaborates with the CASBO

/in
CASBO 2022 Annual Conference graphic

Visions In Education Collaborates with the CASBO

As California’s legislative climate continues to change, Visions In Education’s team of dedicated professionals works hard to ensure that our school continues to serve our students in effective ways. At the recent California Association of School Business Officials (CASBO) conference, Visions presented to an audience of school leaders from around the state. A proud member of CASBO for years, Visions’ continued collaboration with peers in other schools allows our school to tackle challenges as part of a greater community. 

“It’s a great avenue to show the communication and collaboration between charter schools and traditional schools,” says Visions Fiscal Services Manager and CASBO Charter Schools Professional Council Representative Marko Mosunic. 

The subject of Visions’ presentation concerned AB130 and AB167; two bills that have changed the way charter schools operate and how Visions has put measures in place to ensure minimal disruption to our students while remaining in compliance with State guidelines. The presentation, hosted by Visions Controller Larry Falcon, Director of Operations Michael Brubaker, and Marko Mosunic, provided valuable advice on how schools can work with educational partners to ensure compliance. 

“As a presenter, you can tell the audience were engaged and asking very attentive questions,” says Marko. “A couple of people came up and took photos of our information to take back to their schools.” 

Collaboration with other schools has been part of Visions’ success for more than twenty years, and as Marko says, sharing resources and information to support students creates a better educational environment overall. 

“When you pull resources from all sides, you can do great things for the community and the kids.”

Hear from Team Visions!

About CASBO

The California Association of School Business Officials is the premier resource for professional development and business best practices for California’s school business leaders. Founded in 1928, CASBO serves more than 24,000 members by providing certifications and training, promoting business best practices and creating opportunities for professional collaboration. CASBO members represent every facet of school business management and operations. 

Student Spotlight: Young Astronomy Enthusiast Shoots for the Stars

/in
Portrait of a young female Visions student smiling

Student Spotlight: Young Astronomy Enthusiast Shoots For The Stars

“Even though she may be but little, she is fierce.” Words written by William Shakespeare became a phrase that Visions student Celeste C. lives by. An avid lover of all things celestial, Celeste’s interest has lain overhead since she was a young girl. But unfortunately, a tumultuous and dangerous school environment prompted Celeste’s family to search for another school; one with a safe home-learning environment that allowed Celeste to learn at her own pace.

Connecting with Visions Home School Academy teacher Lisa Kawazoe allowed Celeste’s mother, Carina, to focus on providing her daughter with a quality education in a more suitable environment. Celeste’s grades improved as a result of taking classes that suited her interests, such as Morse code and art classes with her teacher’s encouragement. 

“She does what she needs to do,” Carina says. “She asks the questions she needs to ask.” 

Despite her anxiety about chemistry class, Celeste has maintained a solid A+ in the subject! Her teachers, picking up on her love of science, nominated Celeste for the NASA “You’ve Got Perseverance” award recognizing students that have persevered in their academic pursuits and continued to show improvement. Celeste was one of only 20 students selected for this award and the only one from Northern California! Recipients got to participate in a webinar on April 5th with the Perseverance Rover team, asking questions about their mission and what kinds of things go into the successful operation of a rover on another planet. Celeste credits her teacher’s encouragement with getting her to pursue opportunities like this. 

“She gives me the courage to try out new things,” says Celeste. 

North Star

Celeste’s enthusiasm for astronomy has continued to propel her to new heights of academic success. She hopes to one day have the chance to study phenomena like the northern lights or the Crab Nebula up close. Next year, Celeste will be enrolling in a medieval literature class and moving on to biology for science. Her mother credits Celeste’s teacher with pushing boundaries and encouraging her students to pursue their interests. 

“I couldn’t be more grateful,” says Carina. “She has really been a guiding light.” 

Note: If you would like to nominate a student that’s overcome personal hardship for the You’ve Got Perseverance Award, see this form. 

Graduation 2020 Information

/in
Blue Graduation Cap with Anything is possible spelled out in gold glitter letters

Graduation 2020 Information

Updated: June 5, 2020

Visions In Education is excited to share our 2020 Virtual Graduation! We’re so proud of our graduates and we hope you enjoy the ceremony.

Click here to access the virtual graduation videos!

Superintendent Remarks

“Thank you to the Class of 2020. Because you’re not able to have a traditional ceremony, you’ve brought people from all walks of life together. Whether you know it or not, your sacrifice has reminded us how important traditions, and rites of passage are to our experience of life. I hope in some way you understand why presidents, athletes, actors and people of all faiths have been compelled to speak to you, the graduating class. They know, as we do – that this rite of passage is to be celebrated!” – Superintendent Jody Graf

Use the Official Graduation Hashtag – #VisionsGrad

Share your memories on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #VisionsGrad. The most creative photos will have a chance to win free Class of 2020 merch! Make sure your profile is set to “public” so we can view and share your photos. You can also send your photos via email to marketing@viedu.org. 

Spirit Store

Celebrate your accomplishments and show that you’re #VisionsProud. Visit the Spirit Store for class of 2020 items and other Visions goodies! Shop here.

Again, congratulations to the graduating class of 2020! We wish you the best in your future endeavors. Thank you to our graduates, parents, office staff, teachers and Board of Directors, for making our virtual graduation an exciting celebration!

June 2, 2020

We are only days away from our pre-recorded graduation ceremony! On Friday, June 5 the virtual graduation videos will be available on YouTube and viedu.org.

This series of videos includes speakers, student performers, the reading of names along with graduate photos and shout-outs. Each of these elements will be available in separate videos so you may watch what you want, when you want, as many times as you want!

On Friday, once the videos are posted, we will send participating grads and staff an email with the YouTube link so you can celebrate the Class of 2020! The link will also be posted on the Wire, social media and on the homepage of viedu.org.

Share Your Memories

Post your photos on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #VisionsGrad to be featured on our profiles and for a chance to win FREE Class of 2020 apparel! Make sure your profile is set to “public” so we can view and share your photos.

You can also send your photos via email to marketing@viedu.org. Our teachers, principals, administrators and staff would love to see how you are celebrating!

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! We look forward to celebrating you virtually on Friday, June 5.

If you have any questions, please contact Angelica Gallardo at agallado@viedu.org.

May 26, 2020

Visions In Education will be posting its virtual graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5th (time to be determined). Please note, this will not be a live ceremony. Instead, it will be a series of videos that represent each portion of our normal graduation program; speakers, student performers and of course, reading of the names of the graduates!

The reading of the graduates will be broken down by alphabetic groups. This will allow you to not have to sit through 500+ names to get to your picture!

As a result, you get to watch what you want, when you want, as many times as you want.

If you have any questions please contact Angelica Gallardo at agallardo@viedu.org.

Please continue to check this graduation page or the Wire for updated graduation information.

May 12, 2020

Visions In Education will be posting its virtual graduation ceremony on Friday, June 5th (time to be determined). Please note, this will not be a live ceremony. Instead, it will be a series of videos that represent each portion of our normal graduation program; speakers, student performers and of course, reading of the names of the graduates! The reading of the graduates will be broken down by alphabetic groups. This would allow you to not have to sit through 500+ names to get to your picture!

As a result, you get to watch what you want, when you want, as many times as you want.

Participants in the ceremony should be expecting packages, via Fedex, from the school starting the week of May 18th. This would include your cap, gown, tassel and diploma cover.

The week of May 18th, we will be sending, via email, instructions to participants on how they can help us create their custom graduation slide.

Please continue to check this graduation page or the Wire for updated graduation information.

May 5, 2020

As you may know, Visions has decided to change the format for the 2020 Graduation ceremony that was to be held on June 1, 2020 at Memorial Auditorium. We will celebrate the graduating class of 2020 through a virtual format, a pre-recorded video, that will closely mimic our traditional ceremony with speakers, student performers, and special recognition of our graduates.

Making the decision to change the format, to a virtual setting, for graduation was not taken lightly. We held off as long as we could with the hope that external conditions would change, however, it is now apparent that social distancing will be encouraged beyond June 1, 2020. As a result, we will upload our ceremony to the Visions’ website (viedu.org) on Friday, June 5, 2020 (time to be announced). It will be available for viewing at any time convenient for you and your family thereafter. It does not require a log-in or password to watch.

Participation in the ceremony is optional for graduates. We have reached out to all of our January 2020 graduates as well as potential June 2020 graduates to ask if they would like to participate. We are mailing out graduation packages to ceremony participants including caps, gowns, and tassels (at no cost) so they may take a picture of themselves in their “graduate regalia” for our graduate slide show. Graduates will also be able to offer a “shout out” of gratitude to someone who helped them along the way.

While students who are academically cleared by May 22nd may participate in the ceremony, please remember that to receive your diploma, graduates need to be financially cleared as well. This is a completely separate process through Visions’ Fiscal Services Department. Diplomas will begin to be issued by mail the first week of June.

Whether a graduate chooses to participate in the ceremony, or just receive a diploma, they will receive an email on May 5 regarding the next steps in the process.

To be academically cleared, seniors need to have passed all of their required classes by May 22, 2020. Students who do not meet this deadline may have that opportunity to complete courses over summer and participate in our summer graduation ceremony in August.

Should you have any questions about graduation, diplomas, or clearance, please contact Angelica Gallardo at agallardo@viedu.org.

April 22, 2020

Dear Potential Graduates and Families:

We look forward to celebrating you and your accomplishments!

I want to let you know that we have decided to change the format for the June 1, 2020 graduation ceremony that was to be held at Memorial Auditorium. We will celebrate the graduating class of 2020 through a virtual format, a pre-recorded video, that will closely mimic our traditional ceremony with speakers, student performers, and special recognition of our graduates.

Making the decision to change the format, to a virtual setting, for graduation was not taken lightly. We held off as long as we could with the hope that external conditions would change, but it is now apparent that social distancing will be encouraged beyond June 1, 2020.

The first step in this process is to gather feedback from you, our graduates. To do this, all potential graduates MUST complete the Graduate Survey they received via email, by Thursday, April 30, 2020.

Please continue to check your email and the Wire for more details as they become available.

Jody Graf, Ed.D.
Superintendent

California State Assembly Awards Visions with Recognition

/in
Visions Staff honored by California State Assembly

California State Assembly Awards Visions with Recognition

Last month, Visions In Education and our Executive Director, Jody Graf, were honored with the Educational Leadership Recognition at the Russian-Speaking Community Partners Capitol Reception.

This reception is organized by the Russian American Media and the Council for Cross Cultural Affairs and it is held to strengthen the relationship between the Slavic community and local government. Visions was one of ten community partners honored at the reception for our work with Russian-speaking students and families.

Jody was presented a Special Recognition Certificate issued by the California State Assembly. Some of our English Learner (EL) staff attended the reception to celebrate this accomplishment including 9-12 Academy Administrator Saideh Malekafzali and teachers Sandra Fleischmann, Joanna Lasalle, Aleksey Sharipov and Gregg Moses.

“I would like to celebrate our teachers and the great work they do to support all of our students,” said Saideh. “It was wonderful to be one of the recipients of the award from the Russian American community. It showed that the good work of our teachers and our organization was shining enough to be chosen among many schools who also serve this population and the community.”

We’re proud to work with the Russian-speaking community to provide access to personalized education opportunities. View photos from the event on our Facebook and on the Russian American Media’s Facebook page.