Entries by Ellie Fazzi

Notice for Public Hearing for the 2025-26 El Dorado Charter SELPA

Notice for Public Hearing for the 2025-26 El Dorado Charter SELPA

This notice is being provided to Visions In Education families and staff as required by our partnership with the El Dorado County Charter Special Education Local Plan Area (SELPA). Attendance is not required but our community is always welcome to attend these hearings.

The El Dorado Charter SELPA Governance Council hereby gives notice that a Public Hearing will be held as follows:

Topic of Hearing: Section D Annual Budget Plan and Section E Annual Service Plan for 2025-26

Hearing Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025

Time: Approximately 12:00 p.m.

In-Person Location: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach West, 4545 MacArthur Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92660

Virtual: Zoom link (click to join at hearing date and time to attend)

Notice of Public Hearing (English)

Board of Directors Spotlight: Meet Terrence Shelton

Board Member Terrence Shelton, in a black jacket, white shirt, and red tie smiles, poses for a portrait photo.

Board of Directors Spotlight: Meet Terrence Shelton

Please share why you volunteer on the Board at Visions In Education.

Every student that walks across the stage to receive their diploma is a reminder of why I volunteer on this Board. Preparing students for success in a rapidly changing world is a pursuit that never ends. I am here to help create a learning environment that prepares people for these changes, and builds confidence for people to be an active part of those changes.

What is it about Visions that made you want to be part of our school community?

Before joining the Board, I’d heard nothing but great things about Visions. A trusted colleague of mine homeschooled her two children at Visions from Kindergarten to 8th grade. Although I didn’t know much about non-classroom based schools at the time, I was amazed at what and how her children were learning and at their student success. Many years later, another colleague told me about an opportunity to join the Board. Now, there were two people I highly regarded saying equally amazing things about the school. After doing my own research, I knew I had to be part of it.

How might you describe the difference that our teachers and staff are making by meeting the individual and unique needs of each student?

The people at Visions are all committed to student success. They know that this happens when you focus on not only the academics, but the social and wellbeing aspects of our students’ lives as well. Visions has programs that support the whole student.

What is one way that Visions is making a difference in our community from your perspective?

Visions is a leader in this space. We focus on student success, but we also stand in our value of integrity. We do things the right way and without cutting corners. A school leading the way like Visions shows what can be done and how it should be done, setting the example for other schools to follow and influencing policy in support of all students.

As a member of the Board, you have an important policy and oversight role to ensure the school is achieving its mission. How would you describe your role in holding Visions accountable for meeting our goals to a variety of stakeholders, including families, staff, and taxpayers?

Challenge, support, and advocate. Challenge the team to innovate, support the team on their decisions, and be an advocate for Visions in my network.

What are you most passionate about? How are you able to pursue that passion by serving on our Board?

I’m committed to fostering sustainable communities, particularly by empowering young individuals. My focus lies in enhancing the education system, fostering mentorship opportunities, and ensuring career readiness for youth. Joining the Visions Board perfectly aligns with these passions. Visions offers a pathway to equitable access to top-tier education, characterized by greater flexibility compared to traditional public schools.

Please share a bit about your background, family, and what you like to do in your spare time.

I am a proud husband and father of three. My family is the purpose for everything I do. We like spending family time watching movies, reading, and playing board games. I grew up in a single parent home and some of my best memories are made of moments like those, so I want to create similar moments for them.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Visions’ faculty and staff is truly amazing. Their commitment to our students and to each other is evident in every interaction. They empower the people who will change our future for the better and I stand in awe. I’m so proud to be part of this Board.

On the Record: A Spotlight on the Attendance & Records Services Department

The Attendance & Records team gathers together in the Visions office for a group photo.

On the Record: A Spotlight on the Attendance & Records Services Department

The Records team at Visions provides one of the foundational layers of student success. From reviewing attendance, to approving work samples, to building transcripts, the Student Services Representatives on the team help ensure that our students are completing the necessary work to continue through their education. This record keeping not only ensures we are compliant with charter law, but sets our students up for a successful journey through their years with us.

“The Records Department distinguishes itself through its meticulous focus on collecting, maintaining, reporting, and processing student information, a critical aspect of tracking each student’s educational journey,” explains Shrika Howard, Student Services Representative 1.

“My job is to manage our team to support families and teachers in the daily record keeping of students to be in compliance with independent study charter laws,” says James Hartley, Attendance & Records Manager. “It’s also to update and maintain the integrity of our student records and processes so that teachers and instructional staff can focus their time on supporting students and families.”

“Special Project” Superstars

Every year, the Records team is tasked with thoroughly reviewing the records of 75 students to ensure that they coincide with the information in our Student Information System. Doing this ensures that our processes align with the state requirements for independent study schools and is one of the many ways that the team sets the standard for best practices.

Superintendent Olmos calls it a “special project”, and was happy to report that the team did not have a single finding from this audit. The time and effort that they put into this project is a reflection of their 1% better every day commitment to not only their team, but to the organization as a whole.

“We follow written guidance to ensure we are taking every step possible towards proficiency, and come together to elaborate on ideas to improve processes,” shares Linda Lo, Student Services Representative 1. “Even though we all have our autonomy, we work together to serve families and staff.”

“Though small in size, the Records team handles 200,000+ paperwork submissions on a strict timeline each year, ensuring everything runs smoothly for our staff and families. Their meticulous management of our yearly special project and compliance audit guarantees a clean audit year after year,” shares Tania Houchin, Associate Director of Business Systems & Support. “Their dedication and precision are vital to the success of our organization, and I am deeply grateful for their hard work and commitment.”

With a Little Help From My Friends

As of April, the Records team has reviewed 183,169 documents and requested over 3,200 student cumulative files in the 2023-24 school year. With so many important student documents moving in and out of their hands, the team leans on one another for support when things get busy.

“Our team does a wonderful job of stepping in and supporting one another. Whenever someone is out or just needs a little assistance, everyone volunteers or pitches in to support. More hands make light work, our teamwork makes the dream work,” says Zeana Webb, Student Services Representative 1.

“Everyone is always willing to lend a helping hand, and the generous nature of our team is inspiring,” adds Keely Adams, Student Services Representative 1. “Our team has a shared purpose in ensuring accuracy and integrity in all aspects of the work they do to support students and staff.”

Marlene Miller, Student Services Representative 1 who’s been on the team for over eight years, is especially thankful for the uplifting and positive spirit of the department. As an optimist, she looks for the good in everything, and luckily for her, it isn’t hard to find on the Records team.

“My favorite thing about being on Visions’ Records team is that we all have each others’ backs,” she shares. “We are an awesome team.”

Wondering What They Do?

“I am responsible for a handful of tasks on the Independent Study side – requesting and building transcripts, reviewing new cumes, immunizations, legal documents, and other necessary documents.” – Demetri Katsilometes, Student Services Representative 1

“My responsibilities as an SSR for the Home School side of things encompass a vast majority of things – teacher and administrator support, demographic updates, records requests, and cume review. On top of that, I am the sole representative for Home School on the transcript team.” – Luis Elias, Student Services Representative 1

“The Records Department collaborates with other departments by providing vital student information like testing scores, immunization records and behavior reports. We take care of all demographic updates to ensure shipments go to the right places and we verify teacher and student documents for accuracy. Overall, the Records Department acts as a sort of hub for managing and distributing information important to student success. We sort of have our hands in everything.” – Julie Lukoskie, Student Services Representative 1

“There’s never a shortage of cumes to review, transcripts to complete, or attendance to work on!” – Daniel Vega, Student Services Representative 1

“I manage the physical records for our department. I send, receive, and review cumulative folders on a daily basis. I also work on transcripts and education verification requests.” – Jessica Litchfield, Clerk

“My responsibilities include training new SSRs, updating guidance, handling probation and legal requests, managing transcript building and reviewing, and processing credit waivers. I believe I help guide our team to success by supporting every member of the team and providing additional training and guidance as needed.” – Teri Woody, Student Services Representative 2

Visions High School Communities Celebrate End of the Year

Two young students point at a piece of student artwork on the wall in neon colors.

Visions High School Communities Celebrate End Of The Year

As the 2023-2024 school year comes to a close, Visions In Education high school students and faculty gathered from all over our Northern California service area for end of the year celebrations in five different locations. Reminiscing over the past year of growth and memories, students were treated to free food, thrilling games, contests, projects, and performances from our talented student body.

The evening kicked off with students signing in and setting up their projects, tuning their instruments, and taking a seat with food and crafting projects. Students and family members had the chance to walk around to view the wonderful art, history, science, and social projects before the performances started. Drawings decorated the walls as members of our staff looked on in appreciation for our students’ hard work and creativity.

Events such as these are great opportunities for students and families to check in with their Visions instructional teams. Visions regularly hosts events throughout the school year that enrich and broaden our students’ education while providing socialization opportunities with other students.

Setting the Stage

Excitement filled the air as performers and presenters filled the room with student interests. As conversations sparked, knowledge was shared, and this socialization is essential to creating community-building.

Halfway through the events, students showcased their talents! Students were able to sign up to perform their choice of talent on stage in front of a live audience of friends and family. Performances varied from musical voices and instruments to dance ensembles.

Between performances, teachers shared stories of their time spent with students and wished our graduating seniors well as they embarked on the next phase of their educational journeys. Following the performances, the evening began to wind down as students participated in activities such as making their own vanilla ice cream.

 See more pictures in the photo gallery below of our End-Of-Year Celebrations.

As the community celebrated with each other, there was a tangible sense of camaraderie in the air and excitement for the end of the school year. Thank you to our talented students and dedicated events team who bring these events to life. Visions will continue to bring events like these to our communities and we can’t wait to see you all for more in the 2024-2025 school year!

National Charter Schools Week is May 12-18, 2024

Graphic with the words "Save the Date May 12-18, 2024: National Charter Schools Week 2024" and a megaphone icon with the words "Raise Your Voice" with lightning bolts coming out of it.

National Charter Schools Week is May 12-18, 2024

Visions In Education and nearly 8,000 other public charter schools across the nation will celebrate National Charter Schools Week from May 12-18. This year’s theme is “Raise Your Voice” and is focused on amplifying the call for high-quality public education options for all students.

Charter schools are tuition-free public schools that provide alternatives to the one-size-fits-all education system. Serving nearly 4 million students, charter schools give students access to personalized learning opportunities that meet their individual needs and help them reach their full potential. Through flexibility, personalization, and wrap-around services, charter schools are able to help all students achieve academic success.

How Visions is Making a Difference

Visions is proud to be a public charter school that meets the needs of all students. Through individualized education, 1:1 relationships with teachers, access to mental health resources, in-person opportunities like student clubs, organizations, events, and more, Visions provides students with a rigorous education while also tending to the academic, mental, and social-emotional needs of every student.

Throughout our nearly 25 years as a school, we’ve shared countless stories about our students, our services, and our commitment to our community. Below are just a few examples of how Visions continues to meet the needs of our families:

Share the charter love! Share your story by filling out our spotlight form and telling us how educational options like Visions has helped you or your student!

Answering the Call   

During National Charter Schools Week and beyond, we are gladly “raising our voices” to advocate for the importance and necessity of educational options. We look forward to continuing the charter school conversation and serving all students as one of the leading charter schools in our community.

Check out the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools website to see how you can join us in celebrating National Charter Schools Week.

Clubs, Partnerships & More: Expanding Our Students’ Education

Visions' Coffee House Hangout club gathers together in front of a gray, white, and blue backdrop of streamers and balloons and takes a group photo with their club advisor holding a sign that says "Coffee House Club".

Clubs, Partnerships & More: Expanding Our Students’ Education

At Visions, there are so many ways that we supplement our students’ education. Through clubs, support services, community partnershipsenrichment activities and more, our students develop a well-rounded education while also exploring their interests.

In the 2023-24 school year alone, we went from 3 to over 50 student clubs, expanded from 150 to more than 600 Enrichment Vendors, and held hundreds of in-person opportunities like regional events, field trips, high school dances, and more. We also introduced our first ever sports clubs – soccer and basketball – and continue to partner with organizations in our community like 916 Ink to provide different educational experiences for our students.

Learn more about all the ways that Visions enriches the lives of our students in the video below!

The Visions Difference

We have numerous ways that students can get involved and expand their learning, including:

Want to learn a new language? Join a club! Interested in developing relationships within your community? Check out our student organizations! Have an idea for a Directed Project? Use your funds to get started! Whether you’re a dancer, a musician, an artist or an athlete, we make sure to provide opportunities outside of school where our students can nurture their hobbies. Check out the photos below to see for yourself!

See You Next Year!

Regardless of age, academy or interests, we ensure that all students are given the opportunity to receive a rigorous education while also pursuing their passions. As we begin close out the 2023-24 school year, we are always looking to make more of these fun and engaging opportunities available to our students – expect even more in the 2024-25 school year!

A Space for All Students: How Visions’ eSports Club Creates Community

A group of students all sit around a projector screen and watch as one student plays the video game Super Smash Bros.

A Space for All Students: How Visions’ eSports Club Creates Community

At the eSports Club championships in December, you could feel the anticipation of another first place title on the line. Students and staff gathered in the Visions Boardroom to watch the club members battle it out with each other and St. Brendan High School in their game of choice – Super Smash Bros.

There were new and old faces in the room – current students, former club members, and even families. Last year’s champion and former student Lenny Muse attended with his friend and old eSports Club teammate, Haylynn. Together, they cheered on their old squad.

“The friendships they [Lenny and Haylynn] formed while participating in the eSports Club matter to them,” says Matt Mueller, Programmer here at Visions and one of the eSports Club advisors. “Since graduating, Lenny has continued to support the club as an assistant coach. He took the lead in organizing practice sessions outside of our weekly meetings. With his help, the entire team has made great strides throughout the season.”

Like last year, EliteGamingLIVE broadcasted each battle of the championship. After multiple rounds of one-on-one matches, Visions student Stepan G. (pictured in the blue Adidas sweatshirt) took second place overall in the tournament. Click through the photos below!

Replaying the Year

Beginning as a pilot program, the eSports Club has been operating for a little over a year now. Matt and co-advisor Uriel Gonzalez, Visions’ Director of Technology, truly brought their vision of a place where students could gather, play and learn to life. As the club has expanded, Matt and Uriel are proud to continue to provide a space for our e-gamers to grow.

“Clubs provide students an opportunity to socialize consistently with their peers,” Matt shares. “I see three major benefits: developing social skills, gaining personal confidence, and building the sort of support network that is increasingly important for young adults today. And best of all, it’s all driven by the students themselves.”

At Visions, we are constantly creating new opportunities for our students to develop, whether it’s through clubs, student organizations or extracurricularsMatt, Uriel and the nine current club members are looking forward to another year of growing the eSports community, together. As Matt says, “There are other students…at Visions, hungry for community, brimming with potential, just waiting for their chance to shine.”

Visions’ Soccer Club Finishes Its First Season!

Visions' club soccer team huddles together in front of a soccer goal post for a team photo.

Visions’ Soccer Club Finishes Its First Season!

Visions’ inaugural indoor soccer club completed their first full season last month, ending in two exciting playoff games against Marconi and Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy. Leading goalscorer Juan R. led the team with 11 goals going into the tournament. 

Independent Study teacher and coach Kyle Novak, who played for Whitworth University and previously served as the assistant coach for the University of Oregon Women’s Soccer team, was proud to have represented Visions and our students during the season. With only a few players on the team having previous club soccer experience, it was extra special for Kyle to watch the players come together and learn how to play as a team.

“I immensely enjoyed coaching this team. Something I’m impressed with is that we consistently added new goal scorers throughout the season. We didn’t rely on only one to two players to get us points on the board,” shares Kyle. “Something to note is only two of our fifteen players had experience playing club soccer. The rest of the team have developed their skills on recreation teams in the Sacramento area, yet they are competing against charter schools with many players who play on club teams. This speaks to the grittiness of our players. They don’t give up, even when they are out-skilled, and they work together to find ways to win key moments on the field. It’s been so cool to witness their progress over this short season and I’m looking forward to what they can do next year.”

Student-Focused

At Visions, we encourage our students to explore their passions through clubs, organizations and extracurricular opportunities. Ron Thomas, Associate Director of Equity and Student Engagement, helps create more and more opportunities such as these for our students. Through collaboration with other instructional staff and leaders, Ron helped bring the soccer club to Visions, and even attended a few games throughout the season!

“I try to make it out to as many of the events as possible, encouraging our staff to support our students alongside their families,” says Ron. 

Like many of our clubs, the soccer club gave students the opportunity to try a new skill, make friends and expand their education. We look forward to seeing what the club will do next season! 

Click through the photos below to check out some shots from the final games! See all photos on our Facebook page.

Student Spotlight: How One High Schooler is Redefining “Student Athlete”

Jax Allen poses with his snowboard wearing a black beanie, black jacket, and multiple red medals around his neck.

Student Spotlight: How One High Schooler is Redefining “Student Athlete”

If you asked Jax A. what his current life goal is, he’d say, “Earn my second degree black belt in karate.” If you asked him what his future life goal is, he’d say something quite different – “Make it to the Olympics for snowboarding.”

At only fourteen years old, it may seem like Jax is dreaming big. But with six snowboarding competition wins, two appearances at United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association nationals, and a first degree black belt in karate already on his resume, his goals don’t seem so lofty.

“I compete in several [snowboarding] disciplines. Some are racing the clock turning through gates. I also race head to head in snowboard cross, where you have to fight each other through turns and straightaways to cross the finish line first,” says Jax. “I also compete in rail jam and slopestyle where I have to hit jumps, metal rails, [and] boxes to show off my tricks and style for the judges to score.”

Hitting the slopes for the first time at only five years old, Jax wasn’t always the prolific snowboarder that he is now. After many years of practice, he’s now able to train at a higher caliber, riding 60 days out of the year at Palisades, Mammoth Mountain or Sierra at Tahoe and training indoors on trampolines or roller boards during the summer months.

“I had to start at the bottom of the [snowboarding] teams and work my way up,” explains Jax. “I would ride every weekend, spring break and even train with my coach into the summer break.”

The flexibility of Visions’ Independent Study Academy is what lends Jax the time to train, travel and everything in between. Using planners to stay organized, he’s able to schedule his school work around his training days, something Jax says helps keep him on track.

“I like the ability to have flexible training schedules,” says Jax. “I have had a lot more time to focus on snowboarding, fitness, training and my grades.”

From the Mountains to the Mat

In addition to snowboarding, Jax has been doing karate with Kovar’s Martial Arts & Fitness since he was in kindergarten. As one of our Enrichment Vendors, Kovar’s provides extracurricular activities and hands-on learning opportunities for students like Jax. A current first degree black belt, Jax is using his Enrichment Vendor funds to continue to train with Kovar’s and pursue his passion for martial arts.

“I wanted to learn how to fight and defend myself,” Jax shares. “My goal is to earn my second degree black belt. I also am working towards a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”

With three more years of high school to go, Jax has remained steady on his course to graduating, hoping to one day start his own snowboarding company and eventually qualify for the Olympics. His teacher, Jessica Wall, who Jax exclaims is the “best teacher ever,” commends Jax’s commitment to his education alongside his big dreams.

“Jax completes his work consistently and communicates well,” Jessica shares. “He is an all-around phenomenal student.”

At Visions, Jax truly is redefining what it means to be a student athlete. A strong academic and athletic competitor, he has been given the opportunity to receive a rigorous education, explore and refine his passions, and pursue his wildest dreams.

Jaime Anderson from our resort and South Lake [Tahoe] Olympian went to Visions and it worked for her, so I know it can work for me too!”

Want to keep up with Jax? Follow him on Instagram!

Check out some of Jax’s sponsors!

Akova Gear
BC Goggles
Blue Iron
CCE, Inc
Donek Snowboards
Pismo Beach Surf Academy

Senator Niello Recognizes Visions Student For Dedication to Public School Choice

Superintendent Olmos stands next to Tori Berg in the Learning Center, holding the framed letter from Senator Niello in one hand and shaking Tori's hand with the other.

Senator Niello Recognizes Visions Student For Dedication to Public School Choice

In September of 2023, University Prep Academy student Tori Berg had the opportunity to present the Golden Apple Award to Senator Roger Niello on behalf of California Parents for Public Virtual Education. This award, which recognizes policymakers who are advocating for parental choice in education, was close to Tori’s heart, as it represented her educational experience and success at a non-classroom based school like Visions.

Excitingly, Senator Niello wrote a personalized letter to Tori and sent it to Visions, thanking her for presenting him with the award and commending her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We were lucky enough to invite Tori, her father, and two of her teachers, Hilary Ducharme and Sarah Grassinger, to join Superintendent Olmos in presenting Tori with the letter.

Visions Stands Up For Public School Choice

Over the past year, Visions In Education staff has met with lawmakers to discuss the importance of charter schools and equitable funding. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting with Senator Niello and many others to highlight how schools like Visions are an important option for families, like the Bergs, that want different public education options.

Congratulations Tori and thank you for continuing to champion school choice and Visions!

Check out Tori’s spotlight and the full story here!