Entries by Ellie Fazzi

A Season of Celebration: Recapping Learning Period 10 Events

A photo collage of students at a variety of school events.

A Season of Celebration: Recapping Learning Period 10 Events

As the school year came to a close, Visions In Education students and families gathered to celebrate a season filled with achievement, connection, and memorable milestones.

In our Home School program, students enjoyed energetic Sports Days that brought them together for friendly competition, outdoor fun, and community building. These events offered a chance to celebrate teamwork and create lasting memories. The excitement continued as promoting students were honored during our Kindergarten and 8th Grade Promotion Ceremonies, recognizing their hard work and marking an important transition into their next academic journeys.

Online Middle School students closed out the year in style with an End-of-Year Sock Hop Dance. With music, dancing, and plenty of retro flair, the event provided a fun and festive opportunity for students to celebrate their accomplishments and friendships.

For our high school students, the season culminated in one of the best events of the year – graduation (and before that – our first ever Senior Sunset!). Families, friends, and staff came together to recognize the dedication and perseverance of the Class of 2026. Once again, it was a meaningful celebration of achievements, new beginnings, and the bright futures ahead.

From lively celebrations to significant milestones, these end-of-year events captured the spirit of community and accomplishment that defines Visions In Education. Thank you to our students, families, and staff for making this an incredible year – we can’t wait to create even more memorable moments together in 2026–27!

Three Ceremonies, Two Days, One Unforgettable Grad Season: Honoring the Class of 2026

A group of three Visions graduates pose for a photo in front of Memorial Auditorium holding their diplomas.

Three Ceremonies, Two Days, One Unforgettable Grad Season: Honoring the Class of 2026

On June 2 and 3, we had the honor of celebrating one of our biggest graduation seasons ever with the Class of 2026. Families, friends, and staff gathered at Memorial Auditorium in Sacramento to honor the achievements, resilience, and future aspirations of each of our graduates, and with three ceremonies over the span of two days, there was no shortage of celebration.

Speakers, Singers & Student Voice

Each of the ceremonies opened with the Pledge of Allegiance led by Board of Directors Member Clark Shueh, followed by the Star-Spangled Banner, performed by Jessica Kravchenko. Dr. Steve Olmos, Superintendent/Executive Director, welcomed graduates and guests and reflected on the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

Throughout each of the ceremonies, student voices took center stage. Inspiring speeches were delivered by Ellie Cheban, Saanvi Raniga, Anna’Licia Rendel, Camila Romo Trujillo, and Jessica Kravchenko, each sharing personal stories, words of encouragement, and reflections on their educational journeys.

Guests were also treated to musical performances from a few of our talented students, including a vocal performance of Arditi’s “Il Bacio” by Sofiia Dorozhkina, a beautiful interpretation of Lorde’s “Ribs” by violinist Faith Villafana-Smith, an incredible guitar rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” by Osiris Osada, and two pianists – Belia Stevenson performing “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If It Ain’t Got That Swing)” by Duke Elligton and Ella Fitzgerald, and Ezra Price performing “Forever Lost” by Myth & Roid.

Following the student speeches and musical performances, the certification of the Class of 2026 commenced. One by one, graduates crossed the stage before their families and friends, marking the culmination of their hard work and officially becoming high school graduates.

For over a quarter-century, Visions In Education has supported its communities by providing personalized educational experiences. We are deeply grateful to the families who have entrusted us with their students’ academic journeys. Whether students seek additional time to explore their passions, require flexible scheduling to accommodate their unique circumstances, or need enhanced academic support, Visions continues to cultivate an environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.

The Next Chapter Begins

The Class of 2026 is embarking on a wide range of exciting post-graduation paths. A significant number of graduates will continue their education at community colleges and universities across California and beyond, including American River College, Sierra College, UC Davis, UCLA, San Diego State, and many other community colleges and four-year institutions.

Students will pursue fields as diverse as nursing, psychology, architecture, culinary arts, kinesiology, behavioral economics, digital media, and marine biology. Others are entering trade and technical programs in fields like cosmetology, electrical work, welding, automotive, and pharmacy technology.

Several graduates plan to begin careers immediately in industries such as healthcare, education, real estate, technology, hospitality, aviation, and skilled trades, while others will participate in apprenticeships, take gap years, travel, serve in family businesses, or join the military. Together, these plans reflect the ambition, determination, and diverse talents of the Class of 2026 as they take their next steps toward bright and promising futures. 

Get Your Class of 2026 Merch!

Commemorate this milestone with official graduation merchandise and school spirit gear available through our Spirit Store! From shirts to hats to bags, we have everything you need to celebrate your grad!

Congratulations again, Class of 2026 – we can’t wait to see where your journey takes you next!

Honoring Pride Month 2026

The words "Pride Month" in rainbow colors on a pink and yellow gradient background.

Honoring Pride Month 2026

June is Pride Month, a time to honor the history of activism that has advanced equity for LGBTQI+ communities. It’s both a celebration and a call to action, underscoring the importance of visibility, acceptance, and the continued pursuit of human rights for all.

Visions In Education proudly celebrates the diversity of our staff, students, and families. We recognize and honor the LGBTQI+ community’s enduring legacy and ongoing fight for equality, and we remain committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone.

Resources & Information

For more information about Pride Month, please see the following resources:

Build Your Future With the Success Through Education Mentoring Program

A group of Visions high school students gather for a group photo in front of a blue and yellow wall that says "UC Davis."

Build Your Future With the Success Through Education Mentoring Program

What if one connection could help shape your future?

Research shows that just one supportive mentor can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. The Success Through Education Mentoring (STEM) program was created to be that difference – connecting high school students with mentors who are ready to support, inspire, and guide them toward success beyond high school.

STEM is an educational mentoring program based at UC Davis that brings together Visions In Education high school students and UC Davis undergraduate mentors from a wide range of majors. Through engaging workshops, discussions, and interactive activities, students gain valuable insight into college life, career exploration, and the skills needed to succeed after graduation.

In the program, Visions students:

  • Connect with UC Davis mentors who have firsthand experience navigating college
  • Learn about college requirements, applications, and career pathways
  • Build confidence, leadership skills, and goal-setting strategies
  • Participate in fun, informative workshops alongside other Visions students
  • Become part of a supportive community focused on growth and achievement

Learn More About STEM from Our Students!

STEM is a year-long program open to high school students of all backgrounds, grade levels, and life experiences. The program’s sessions are designed to be interactive, informative, and supportive – creating a space where students can explore their goals, ask questions, and grow both academically and personally. Hear what students had to say about the program below:

“The support all year has been a blessing. Meeting with the mentors gave me an opportunity to learn what college would be like on a personal level as well as plan for what I need to do. The weekly check-ins provided were also helpful and I liked the interactive aspect.”

“It was a great way to gain valuable information not only for college but for our future.”

If you’re curious about college, exploring career options, or simply looking for guidance and encouragement from students who have been in your shoes, STEM is a great place to start!

Happy Classified School Employee Week! See All the Shout-Outs!

A collage of different classified staff members from around the Visions organization.

Happy Classified School Employee Week! See All the Shout-Outs!

During Classified School Employee Week (May 17–23, 2026), we have the opportunity to celebrate and recognize the outstanding contributions of our dedicated office and support staff across Visions In Education.

To celebrate this time, we asked staff to submit shout-outs highlighting the many ways our classified team members go above and beyond. Messages of appreciation poured in, recognizing individuals and teams for their responsiveness, positivity, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to supporting others.

To everyone who submitted a message of appreciation—thank you for helping us shine a light on the incredible work happening across our organization.

And to our classified staff: thank you. Your dedication, expertise, and heart make a difference every single day. We are grateful for all that you do and proud to celebrate you—not just this week, but all year long.

Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed May 25, 2026 for Memorial Day

Two silver and navy military dog tags with a red ribbon that says "Memorial Day" on a light gray background.

Visions' Main Office & STS Closed May 25, 2026 for Memorial Day

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Monday, May 25, 2026 in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume operations during normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Memorial Day honors those who have given their lives in service of our country. On this day and beyond, we remember all who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely.

Resources & Information

Learning Period 9 Events Recap: Bringing Learning and Community to Life

A collage of images from different Visions events with the text "Learning Period 9 Events" at the top on a blue background.

Learning Period 9 Events Recap: Bringing Learning and Community to Life​

This spring has been filled with memorable experiences and meaningful milestones across our Visions In Education community, bringing students together to celebrate, explore, and connect.

Our youngest learners marked a major milestone with Kindergarten Promotions in our Home School program. Families and teachers gathered to celebrate the hard work, growth, and bright futures of these students as they take their next steps in their educational journeys.

Our Online Middle School students enjoyed a fun-filled indoor mini golf event that blended friendly competition with laughter and connection. The event offered a great opportunity for students to socialize, unwind, and build community outside of the classroom.

High school students had an especially eventful season, participating in a variety of enriching and entertaining activities. Educational field trips to the Crocker Art Museum and SMUD MOSAC gave students the chance to engage with art, science, and innovation in hands-on ways. Meanwhile, a River Cats baseball game (featuring Superintendent Olmos!) brought everyone together for a classic day at the ballpark, full of school spirit and shared excitement.

The season wrapped up with the highly anticipated Spring Dance, where high school students gathered for an evening of music, celebration, and connection – creating memories that will last well beyond the school year.

From milestone celebrations to field trips and social events, these experiences highlight the vibrant, supportive community that makes Visions In Education such a special place for students and families.

TK Students Take Center Stage!

A Visions parent poses with her son (Visions student) in front of the poster for Elephant & Piggie's We're In a Play! show.

TK Students Take Center Stage!

Our TK students recently stepped into a world of imagination, laughter, and creativity during two exciting arts adventures! First, students enjoyed the playful production of Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play! at Roseville Theater Arts Academy, based on the beloved books by Mo Willems. Students laughed, sang along, and loved the special actor-to-student interactions that made the performance come alive right before their eyes. Through live theater, our young learners strengthened early literacy skills while making meaningful social-emotional connections with the characters and story.

The fun continued at the Little Arts Tour at the Haggin Museum, where students became little artists and art detectives! They explored the elements of art, searched for line, color, form, and texture in famous paintings, and listened to the delightful story “When Pigasso Met Mootisse” by Nina Laden. The hands-on art activity was a highlight of the morning as each student created their very own masterpiece inspired by what they learned. To finish the experience, students participated in a cheerful “art walk” to admire their classmates’ creative creations.

From the stage to the museum, the mornings were filled with curiosity, wonder, and joyful learning. These memorable experiences help connect classroom learning to the real world through the arts while inspiring creativity in our youngest learners.

Language & Learning: Celebrating Our 2026 State Seal of Biliteracy Earners!

A State Seal of Biliteracy earner poses for a group photo with his family and Visions teacher.

Language & Learning: Celebrating Our 2026 State Seal of Biliteracy Earners!

On May 13, Visions students and their families gathered at our main office for our first-ever Visions-only State Seal of Biliteracy awards ceremony. In addition to the Sacramento County Office of Education’s annual ceremony, this dedicated event gave us the opportunity to take time to recognize and honor our Visions Seal recipients.

This year marked continued growth in our State Seal of Biliteracy program across multiple areas, including the number of recipients, the variety of languages represented, and the number of students earning multiple seals. Overall, we are proud to share a 132% increase in students earning the Seal compared to just four years ago – a testament to our students’ hard work, dedication, and commitment to bilingualism and biliteracy.

“The increase we have seen over the past four years in the number of students earning Seals means our 1% Better efforts, led by Silvia Covarrubias with the support of parents, teachers, counselors and principals, are paying off,” stated David Villegas, Visions’ Assessment and Evaluation Manager. “We are also proud to see our language representation grow from 5 to 14 languages, which is a powerful reflection of the diversity that defines Visions In Education.”

Congratulations, Students!

Visions In Education would like to recognize each of our Seal earners for this outstanding achievement – congratulations students!

Spanish: Amelia Mendez, Ashley Hernandez-Morales, Gustabo Martinez, Isai Becerra, Jasmine Barroso Garcia, Kaleb Barrera, Lesly Segura, Lizbeth Arias Mora, Maria Cabrera, Maria Pacheco, Melany Gonzales Solorio, Britza Diaz Rodriguez, Rosemary Raya Valencia, Maria Silvestre, Nathanael Henry, Jesselle Limones, Faith Villafana-Smith, Kylie Xiong, Alondra Licea, Jahshua Olmeda Diaz, Sanjalina Kumar, Antonio Campbell

Russian: Alina Kozlov, Andrii Sharipov, Cathryn Yeshenko, Christine Dolinskiy, Diana Adamenko, Ekaterina Dorozhkina, Elijah Tofan, Elina Markova, Jasmina Gritzan, Julia Tsybaylo, Katarina Zaikin, Kiryl Salauyou, Kristina Solozhuk, Kristina Yakhnytsa, Rusalina Abdiusheva, Taisiya Topov, Yan Ravlo, Tanya Ivanova, Korneliia Potomkina, Sofiia Dorozhkina, Iaroslav Lebedev, Maxim Voytukhov, Mark Yakimtsev

Ukrainian: Lev Muzychko, Nastia Kukharets, Rimma Mishchuk

Russian/Ukrainian: Angelina Kravchuk, Anna Andriienko, Daniel Mamchich, Daria Grynishyna, Elina Sidorchuk, Jessica Kravchenko, Vadym Havrylov, Anastasiia Datsenko, Mykhailo Iotko

Arabic: Sarah Elakrat, Dania Nasser, Rania Nasser

Armenian: Anzhelika Harutyunyan, Mari Muradyan, Hasmik Ladoyan

Other: Erlyn Gee Sana (Tagalog), Jawairiyah Bath (Urdu), Doris Lupsa (Romanian), Francesca Arona (Italian), Saanvi Raniga (Hindi), Mia Pumphrey (German), Ezra Price (French), Clara Catolico (ASL), Aurelio Gjoni (Albanian/Italian)

Music, Memories & Spring Spirit: Celebrating Our 2026 Spring Dance

A group of students gather for a group picture in front of a floral backdrop.

Music, Memories & Spring Spirit: Celebrating Our 2026 Spring Dance

Visions high school students celebrated spring in style during this year’s all-high school Enchanted Sunset dance in Vacaville. One of the final events of the 2025-26 school year, the evening was filled with music, laughter, and unforgettable memories as more than 100 students gathered together for a night of fun and celebration.

The Enchanted Sunset theme was brought to life through both decor and attire – flower arrangements, fun lighting, and floral dresses made the night both magical and festive. Music kept the celebration going all night long – with Michael Jackson a fan favorite – and brought students together for movement, laughter, and celebration. Between songs, students enjoyed sandwiches, pinwheels, sparkling fruit drinks, cookies, and plenty of candy to keep the energy high.

“Kids came from all over the bay area and even came from Sacramento to enjoy themselves,” said Sabrina Allgood, Charter School Secretary. “We also had a few students who showed up not knowing anyone, willing to put themselves out there and make friends.”

“Most students stayed to the very last minute and would have probably stayed longer!” added Crystal Gamble, Charter School Secretary.

The dance was a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, celebrate friendships, and create lasting memories together as they close out another school year. Events like these continue to highlight the strong sense of community and school spirit that make Visions such a special place. Thank you staff and students for another incredible night of connection and community!