Entries by Ellie Fazzi

October is Bullying Prevention Month

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Visions In Education is observing National Bullying Prevention Month.

October Is Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to stand together against bullying, promote kindness and acceptance, and foster a culture of inclusion where everyone feels safe, valued, and respected. Together, we can make a difference and create communities where everyone belongs.

Resources & Getting Involved

Celebrating Filipino American History Month 2026

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Visions In Education is recognizing Filipino American History Month.

Celebrating Filipino American History Month 2026

Each October, we recognize Filipino American History Month (FAHM), celebrating the rich history, culture, and contributions of Filipino Americans. FAHM also commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the United States, dating back to October 1587. First proposed by the Filipino American National Historical Society’s Board of Trustees in 1991, FAHM has grown into an annual observance honoring the significant role Filipino Americans have played in shaping our nation’s history and communities.

Resources & Information

Congratulations to Our 2026-27 #VisionsFirstDay Gift Card Winners!

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Visions In Education is announcing our #VisionsFirstDay photo campaign winners, where students are families are asked to share their back-to-school photos.

Congratulations to Our 2026-27 #VisionsFirstDay Gift Card Winners!





See All the Submissions!

A huge thank you to all of our students and families who shared their #VisionsFirstDay photos! We loved seeing so many smiling faces as everyone kicked off another exciting school year. Your photos captured the excitement, creativity, and Visions spirit that make our community so special.

Be sure to check out the full #VisionsFirstDay photo album to see all of the wonderful back-to-school memories our families shared!

This year, we’re excited to recognize six gift card winners – Daxxen C., Zoey E., John R., Ja’Naiyah B., Samuel V., and Francesca, Silas, and Simon C.! 🎉 Click through the winning photos below!






Congratulations to all of our winners! Winning families have been contacted by email with prize details.

Thank you again to everyone who participated. We hope you have an amazing school year filled with learning, growth, and unforgettable memories!

Strengths On-Screen: Visions In Education & YDN’s Strengths Leadership Camp Video

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A collage of pictures from our Strengths Leadership Camp, where high school students immersed themselves in four days of strengths discovery, personal growth, and relationship building in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Strengths On-Screen: Visions In Education & YDN’s Strengths Leadership Camp Video

In July, we celebrated the incredible experience a group of Visionaries had at Youth Development Network (YDN)’s Strengths Leadership Camp. This experience brought together Visions students, staff, and YDN leaders for four days of meaningful strengths discovery, relationship building, personal growth, and leadership development.

Now, we have the privilege of sharing that journey on screen. Produced by YDN, this video captures the learning, leadership, and lasting memories made during this unique camp experience.

Stronger Together

We’re incredibly proud of our student attendees for embracing this experience with such openness, curiosity, and enthusiasm. Their willingness to dive into their strengths, share their experiences, and build meaningful connections made the camp truly special. The skills and insights they gained will serve them not only in school, but in their personal lives and beyond.

“It’s been incredible to see about 50 students who didn’t know each other before we showed up at this camp, that are different ages and different cultures and different religions and seemingly having nothing in common… have the time and the space to get to know each other, to share each others’ stories, and learn that… they have shared experiences,” said Independent Study Academy teacher Chad Smith in the video.

We’re also grateful to Visions and YDN staff for making this experience possible and for serving as chaperones, mentors, and guides throughout the camp journey. We’re excited to continue exploring the power of strengths and expanding opportunities that help every student recognize their unique talents, build confidence, and become the best version of themselves.

Hear From Our Students!

Camp, going into it, it was a little scary and… I was a little nervous. Coming out, I feel fulfilled.

Dekan Z., Grade 12, University Prep Early College Academy

When I came here, I used to be really introverted, but now I’m talking to everyone!

Audriana W., Grade 10, University Prep Early College Academy

I didn’t realize I needed to be here, but I’m grateful I was able to come. It almost felt like therapy.

Ray B., Grade 12, Independent Study Academy

I realized that as humans, we’re more alike than we all think.

Harmain R., Grad, University Prep Early College Academy



Read Harmain's Story!

Back-to-School Recap: Kicking Off a New School Year Together

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Visions In Education offers multiple in-person events for all grades throughout our service area. This is an image of a student and his teacher to recap our first learning period events.

Back-to-School Recap: Kicking Off a New School Year Together

The 2026–27 school year is off to an exciting start! Our Visionaries kicked things off with a variety of Back-to-School events designed to bring students together, create new connections, and celebrate the start of another great year.

Home School: Back-to-School Park Field Days

Our Home School students got outside and enjoyed some fun in the sun at our Back-to-School Park Field Days! Students had the opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet up with teachers, and enjoy games, activities, and plenty of time to build community. It was a great way to shake off the summer and start the school year together.

OMS: Topgolf

Our OMS students took their Back-to-School celebration to Topgolf! Students enjoyed time on the bays, showed off their swings, and connected with classmates in a fun and relaxed setting. It was the perfect way to welcome students back and get the school year off to a great start.

High School: Senior Sunrise, Club Rush & More!

Our high school Visionaries had plenty of opportunities to kick off the year and make memories with friends.

The fun began with Senior Sunrise, giving our seniors a chance to gather together and celebrate the beginning of their final year of high school. We also hosted Club Rush events in Sacramento, Vacaville, and Stockton, where students could discover clubs, meet other students with similar interests, and find new ways to get involved! From Minecraft and Book Club to K-POP and photography, our clubs give students opportunities to build friendships, develop new skills, grow their confidence, and pursue the passions that make them uniquely themselves.

Students also enjoyed some friendly competition and entertainment through bowling and a visit to Das Flipperhaus Arcade. To round out the Back-to-School activities, students had the opportunity to attend Come From Away at the UC Davis Health Pavilion and experience a memorable performance together.

Parent University

We also hosted a variety of Parent University sessions, including AI & Your Student Workshops, New Family Orientations, a Welcome to TK/K session, and more! These engaging opportunities brought families and staff together to learn, ask questions, and build meaningful partnerships in support of our students’ academic journeys.

From parks and golfing to bowling, the arcade, and the theater, this year’s Back-to-School events offered something for everyone. Most importantly, they gave our Visionaries opportunities to reconnect, make new friends, explore their interests, and start the 2026–27 school year feeling connected and excited for the year together!










Club Rushes 2026-27: Connecting Students Through Passion, Purpose, and Possibility

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A group of students gather together for a picture at Visions In Education's Stockton Club Rush, an event for high school students to come meet people, join student clubs, and discover their interests.

Club Rushes 2026-27: Connecting Students Through Passion, Purpose, and Possibility

In the spirit of getting 1% better, Visions hosted three in-person Club Rush events across our service area this year! Club Rush gives high school students the opportunity to explore more than 70 club offerings, connect with club advisors, and meet fellow students who share their interests.

From the Community Service Club and Dungeons & Dragons Club to the Drama Club and so many more, there was something for everyone. These clubs give students a chance to build friendships, discover new interests, and nurture the passions that make them uniquely themselves.












More Than a Club

Our clubs are more than just one of our many student offerings – they’re spaces where students can connect with one another and Visions staff while exploring their passions beyond the virtual classroom. Our clubs open doors to exciting opportunities, like our Future Business Leaders Club traveling to Boston to compete in a national entrepreneurship competition. They give students the opportunity to become club founders and leaders, build confidence, develop new skills, and discover interests they may not have explored otherwise.

We’re proud to offer clubs that foster social, intellectual, and personal growth, helping students build meaningful connections and develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

Thank You, Visions Staff!

Thank you not only to our events team for planning three fun and unique events, but also to all of our club advisors for showing up and representing your clubs to students. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm help make these opportunities possible for our students.

We wish everyone a fantastic year with your clubs and look forward to celebrating all the fun, connection, and great work happening throughout the year!

Future Bound in 5 Episodes: Visions & Junior Achievement Docuseries Hits the Screen!

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Visions students in our Future Business Leaders Club were featured in a 5-part docuseries journaling their trip to Boston for the Future Bound competition. This is a title screen from Episode 1.

Future Bound in 5 Episodes: Visions & Junior Achievement Docuseries Hits the Screen!

A few months ago, our Future Business Leaders Club packed their bags and headed to Boston to compete in Future Bound 2026 – an event that brings together some of the nation’s most promising young leaders to showcase their talents, share innovative ideas, and demonstrate the skills they’ve developed through entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career readiness, and leadership programs. We were incredibly proud to see our students represent Visions In Education on a national stage, but the competition was only part of the adventure!

Behind the scenes (and the screens!) was Junior Achievement’s production crew, capturing the students’ entire experience. From travel days and sightseeing adventures to student interviews and unforgettable moments along the way, the crew documented what it was like to experience Future Bound firsthand.

Junior Achievement released the footage as a docuseries, with a new video dropping each week to give viewers a glimpse into the students’ journey from start to finish. We’re excited to partner with Junior Achievement to share the series featuring our very own Visions students: Lyrik R., Yassmine S., Olenka P., Evalet B., Ayzik P., Axel P., and Daniel H.!

Click below to watch each episode!


Episodes 1 & 2: Arrival



Episode 3: Showcase



Episode 4: Preparation



Episode 5: Competition

Stars of the Show

We continue to be inspired by our students’ courage, determination, and the incredible way they represented Visions In Education throughout this experience. We’re especially grateful to Junior Achievement for capturing the moments behind the scenes and sharing this meaningful series with our community.

We couldn’t be prouder of our Future Business Leaders Club and all they accomplished on this journey. We can’t wait to see where their talent, leadership, and ambition take them next!

Celebrating Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month

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Every year, Visions In Education celebrates Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month, a a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.

Celebrating Hispanic & Latino Heritage Month

Hispanic and Latino Heritage Month is a time to celebrate the rich cultures, histories, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities. From September 15 through October 15, we recognize the many ways these communities have shaped our workplaces, communities, and country. It’s also an opportunity to learn, listen, and celebrate the diverse experiences and perspectives that make our communities stronger.

Events & Resources

Help Shape the Future of Visions – Join the Parent Advisory Committee!

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The text "Parent Advisory Committee" on a dark blue background with the Visions logo and a circle of colorful hands. The Parent Advisory Committee rovides families with an opportunity to connect with school leadership, share feedback, ask questions, and help inform decisions that support our students and school community.

Help Shape the Future of Visions - Join the Parent Advisory Committee!

Are you looking for a meaningful way to share your voice and make a difference at Visions? We invite all parents and guardians to join our Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) for the 2026–27 school year!

The PAC provides families with an opportunity to connect with school leadership, share feedback, ask questions, and help inform decisions that support our students and school community. Whether you have ideas to share, want to stay informed, or simply want to represent the diverse experiences of Visions families, we’d love to have you join us.

No prior experience is necessary – just a willingness to share your perspective, collaborate with other families, and help make Visions even better.

Why Join?

  • Share your feedback directly with school leaders
  • Help shape school programs and initiatives
  • Connect with other Visions families
  • Make a meaningful impact on the student experience

Small Commitment, Big Impact

We know families have busy schedules, so we’ve designed the Parent Advisory Committee to be both flexible and accessible. Members are asked to attend just four meetings throughout the school year, with virtual participation options available.

Join us for one of our upcoming information sessions and/or complete the interest form below to let us know you’d like to join:

You chose Visions because you value having a voice in your child’s education. The Parent Advisory Committee is an opportunity to extend that voice by sharing your perspective, collaborating with school leadership, and helping shape the programs, initiatives, and experiences that benefit all Visions students and families.

Our first meeting is October 29 – we hope to see you there!

Questions?

Please reach out to Jamee Block, Director of State & Federal Programs, jblock@viedu.org.

*Participants must be a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a currently enrolled Visions student.

A Bright Start: Celebrating Our Second Annual Senior Sunrise

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A group of students in custom decorated jeans and a blanket for senior year gather underneath a tree for a group photo.

A Bright Start: Celebrating Our Second Annual Senior Sunrise





See all the photos!

At 6:23 a.m. on August 21, 2026, members of the Class of 2027 watched the sun rise over Nimbus Dam, marking the beginning of their senior year. What has quickly become a special Visions tradition, Senior Sunrise gives students the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new classmates, and come together as a class as they embark on their final year of high school.

The early-morning celebration was filled with music, games, and plenty of breakfast treats—the perfect way to kick off the final year of school. Seniors traveled from across Northern California to be part of the celebration, making the early start all the more meaningful. As the sun climbed over the hills, students gathered together to enjoy the moment and celebrate the exciting year ahead.








For the Class of 2027, Senior Sunrise was more than just an early-morning celebration. It was an opportunity to strengthen their class community, create a shared memory, and build excitement for the year ahead. As they begin this final chapter at Visions, we wish the Class of 2027 a fun, successful, and unforgettable senior year!

A special thank you to all the Visionaries who helped plan, coordinate, and staff the morning: Keenya Powell, Eleanor Ferguson, Ashley Garguilo, Nicole Tannous, Ah Yang, Cameron Castello-Olson, Shannon Alward, Stacy Callman, Canndy Mero, Krissy Campbell, Matt Patterson, Ron Thomas, Andrea Leuschen, Gregg Moses, Holly Buckley, and Jennifer Brisco!