Entries by Ellie Fazzi

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.

Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed September 7, 2026 for Labor Day

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The words "Labor Day" surrounded by cartoon stars on a light blue background.

Visions' Main Office & STS Closed September 7, 2026 for Labor Day

Our main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Monday, September 7, 2026 in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen during regular business hours on Tuesday, September 8.

Resources & Information

Labor Day is a time to honor and celebrate the contributions of American workers. Observed on the first Monday of September, the holiday recognizes the dedication, hard work, and achievements of workers who have helped strengthen our communities and our nation.

Share Your #VisionsFirstDay Photos for a Chance to Win a Gift Card!

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A collage of Visions students from their #VisionsFirstDay photos.

Share Your #VisionsFirstDay Photos for a Chance to Win a Gift Card!

The 2026-27 school year is here, and we want to celebrate with you! Share your first day excitement, show off your Visions pride, and you could win a gift card to the Visions Spirit Store!

A Message from Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos

Welcome back, Visions students and families!

I hope you had a wonderful summer and are feeling refreshed and excited for the new school year. As we begin another year of learning and growth together, I invite you to celebrate the start of the school year by sharing your first-day photos! It’s a fun way to show your Visions pride, connect with our school community, and help us kick off the year together. I can’t wait to see all of your smiling faces!

Wishing you a successful fall semester, and thank you for being part of our Visions family.

Share Your First-Day Photos!

The first weeks of a new school year are always filled with excitement, new beginnings, and memorable moments. Sharing your Back-to-School photos is a fun way to connect with other members of the Visions community and celebrate the start of another great year.

To participate:

  1. Follow Visions on Facebook and Instagram.
  2. Share your Back-to-School photo on social media.
  3. Use #VisionsFirstDay AND tag us in your post for a chance to win a gift card to our Spirit Store!

Please make sure your account is set to public so we can view and share your photo. Submissions must be posted by September 28, 2026. See additional details below.*

Need some inspiration? Here are a few ideas:

  • 📸 Capture your first meeting with your teacher.
  • 🤳 Share a selfie showing your Back-to-School excitement.
  • 🏡 Show off your home classroom or learning space.
  • 👕 Model your first-day outfit.
  • ✅ Create a fun photo of your Back-to-School checklist.
  • ✏️ Share your planner, desk, or favorite school supplies.

As you share, please remember to keep personal details private. This helps us keep our students and families safe while still celebrating the excitement of a new school year!

Want more inspiration? Check out last year’s #VisionsFirstDay photos and see how our community celebrated the start of the school year. We can’t wait to see your photos and kick off another amazing year together!





*Photos must be posted on your personal Facebook or Instagram account using the hashtag #VisionsFirstDay. To be eligible, participants must be enrolled at Visions and have a public Facebook and/or Instagram account so we can see the submissions (if your account is private we’re unable to see your posts). By using the hashtag (#VisionsFirstDay) and tagging Visions In Education’s official social media accounts, you grant Visions permission to use and repost your photos on our websites, social media accounts and for any other Visions marketing purposes. Winners will be chosen based on the creativity of their photo. Photos must be submitted by September 28, 2026 to be eligible. If you have any questions, please email marketing@viedu.org.

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!

Leading the Charge: How Visions Is Shaping AI in Education

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A photo of Visions Director of Educational Technology and Strategic Projects Sarah McFarland next to a graphical representation of Artificial Intelligence.

Leading the Charge: How Visions Is Shaping AI in Education

Every day, Visions staff and educators work together to fulfill our shared vision: Preparing each student to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Through a commitment to continuous improvement, we empower students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

One way Visions is advancing this mission is through the thoughtful exploration, adoption, and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across our educational programs. By embracing AI responsibly, we are preparing students to navigate emerging technologies while enhancing teaching, learning, and student support.

“AI Readiness is not about chasing a technology trend. It’s not about the latest tool. It’s about the learning, the critical thinking, and having teachers teach each other,” said Visions Director of Educational Technology and Strategic Projects, Sarah McFarland, in The AI Education Project’s recent blog post.

Director McFarland, who recently co-authored the book Leading AI In Schools, guides Visions’ AI initiatives, equipping Visions educators with the knowledge, tools, and resources they need to integrate AI ethically and effectively in the virtual classroom. Through training, guidance, and the development of best practices, these efforts help ensure AI enhances teaching and learning while supporting student success.

Future-Focused

At Visions, we embrace emerging technologies while keeping students at the heart of every program. Our commitment to responsible, future-focused education has led to the development of our Artificial Intelligence (AI) Careers Pathway – one of just two high school AI career pathways in California – giving students the opportunity to earn college credit toward an AI certificate while still in high school.

“I’m honored to work at Visions because we are helping students build the skills to make thoughtful choices in a rapidly changing world. Through monthly AI literacy lessons and our AI CTE pathway, students are learning how to use emerging technologies responsibly, and shape the future they want to create,” said Director McFarland.

We are grateful for leaders like Director McFarland, who have embraced the opportunity not only to learn about emerging technologies like AI, but to lead their thoughtful and responsible implementation. Her leadership is helping make AI more accessible to our educators and students, creating new opportunities for learning, and preparing students for the future.

Class of 2026: Celebrating Our Summer Graduates

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A summer graduate and his family gather together for a group photo.

Class of 2026: Celebrating Our Summer Graduates





Grad Checkout & Ceremony Photos




Speeches & Performances

Capping off one of the biggest graduation seasons in Visions history, we celebrated the final Class of 2026 graduates at our Summer Graduation Ceremony on August 13. With a personalized slideshow celebrating each graduate and our annual Rose Ceremony, the evening was a heartfelt and memorable finale to an unforgettable graduation season.

Friends, Family & Flowers

The ceremony began with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Visions Board Member Clark Shueh, followed by another incredible rendition of the “Star-Spangled Banner” performed by graduate Jessica K. Director of Instruction Jerad Hyden then addressed the graduates with an inspiring speech, celebrating their hard work and perseverance while encouraging them to pursue their aspirations with confidence and determination.

We were then honored to hear from inspiring student speakers and twin brothers, Hasnain and Harmain R., who shared heartfelt reflections on family, the people who supported them along the way, and the role Visions In Education played throughout their high school journeys. As early graduates, they knew Visions was the right path to help them reach their goals and prepare for the future they envision.

Graduates then took part in one of the most meaningful traditions of our Summer Graduation – the Rose Ceremony. Made possible by the event’s more intimate setting, this ceremony gives each graduate the opportunity to present a rose to a parent, family member, friend, teacher, or another important person who supported and encouraged them throughout their educational journey. It’s a powerful moment of gratitude that honors not only the accomplishments of our graduates, but also the unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement of those who helped them reach this milestone.










Congratulations, Grads!

From our Early Graduates to our June graduates and our Summer graduates, it has been an honor to celebrate each and every one of you. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your educational journey and this incredible milestone. Wishing the Class of 2026 continued success in all that lies ahead!

A Summer of Strengths: Visions Staff & Students Head to Camp!

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Visions student campers all gather on a lawn in the forest wearing matching camp t-shirts.

A Summer of Strengths: Visions Staff & Students Head to Camp!

For four unforgettable days at Grizzly Creek Ranch in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Visions students, staff, and Youth Development Network (YDN) leaders came together for an immersive StrengthsFinder student leadership camp focused on learning, growth, and connection.

StrengthsFinder is a foundational part of our culture at Visions, helping educators better understand their unique talents and use them to grow, collaborate, and improve every day. All staff are trained in the StrengthsFinder framework, and we use it to guide our work and pursue continuous growth – getting 1% better each day. We’re now bringing this same strengths-based approach to our students, beginning with this camp, where participants will become the first ambassadors of our student strengths initiative.

Learning & Leading

During camp, students participated in interactive workshops, team-building activities, and outdoor adventures, discovering their individual strengths, exploring the principles of strengths-based leadership, and learning how to leverage their talents to make a positive impact in their schools and communities. Along the way, they built meaningful friendships, strengthened their confidence, and created memories that will last well beyond camp.

“One of the most rewarding parts of the week wasn’t watching students complete activities; it was watching them begin to see themselves differently. Students who arrived nervous left leading conversations, encouraging their peers, and recognizing strengths they didn’t know they had,” shared Matt Patterson, Senior Director of Student Services. “That’s the power of creating a space where every student feels seen, valued, and capable of making a difference. I am incredibly honored to have walked alongside over 30 students learning to lead and learn in a new way based on their strengths and talents.”

Camp challenged students to step outside their comfort zones, embrace new experiences, and discover the strengths they bring to their schools and communities. Whether speaking in front of their peers, participating in group activities, or simply encouraging one another, campers demonstrated positivity, courage, and a willingness to grow. Most importantly, they helped create a safe, welcoming environment where everyone felt supported, valued, and inspired.

“This camp was something our children didn’t even know they needed. They came home more confident, independent, and inspired. They built meaningful friendships, discovered more about themselves, and haven’t stopped talking about everything they experienced. As a parent, I can’t thank Visions enough for providing an opportunity that will stay with them long after camp ended. We truly hope this becomes a tradition.” — Visions Parent










Supporting Strong Students

YDN is dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities that help young people grow, thrive, and succeed. From meaningful conversations to unforgettable moments in the mountains, our first-ever strengths camp was filled with learning, laughter, and the kind of experiences that fulfill our shared mission – empowering tomorrow’s leaders and helping all students reach their full potential.

A big thank you to YDN and Visions staff Grace Gose, Linda Stokes, Sofia Palma, Stacy Callman, Axel Funes, Alena Gerasimchuk, Chad Smith, and Matt Patterson, whose dedication and support made this incredible experience possible. And congratulations to all of our student participants – Harper M., Ray B., William P., Sarahi B., Maribella K., Shalom M., Estrella D.L., NiYahla S., Sammy B., Hasnain R., Levi D., Harmain R., Dekan Z., Walter S., Natalie M., Ruben T., Tyler W., Alexia H., Pamella H., Audriana W., Evalet B., Basha C., Kalel D., Kayla D., Zarielle F., Naomi B., Sahib R., Amber P., Madilynn V., Omar B., and Jiovanny T. for embracing every opportunity to learn, lead, and grow. We can’t wait to see the positive impact you’ll continue to make in your communities!

Investing in Leadership: Matt Patterson Graduates from the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program

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Matt Patterson stands with his leadership cohort and proudly poses for a group picture with his program graduate certificate.

Investing in Leadership: Matt Patterson Graduates from the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program

After 10 months of learning, collaboration, group projects, and leadership development, Visions In Education proudly celebrates the graduation of Matt Patterson, Senior Director of Student Services, from the Nehemiah Emerging Leaders Program (NELP).

NELP is a highly respected leadership development program that brings together emerging leaders from across the Sacramento region to strengthen their leadership capacity, deepen community connections, and equip participants with practical tools to create meaningful change. Matt will continue his involvement with the program as a Senior Fellow, supporting and strengthening the NELP community.

Matt’s participation in the program was made possible through the support and nomination of Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos, who recognized the opportunity for both professional growth and organizational impact.

“I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Olmos for believing in me and investing in my leadership journey,” Matt shared. “His support allowed me to learn alongside an inspiring cohort of leaders, challenge my thinking, and develop new perspectives that will continue to shape my work. I look forward to applying what I’ve learned to better support our students, families, staff, and leadership teams at Visions.”

Throughout the 10-month program, participants engaged in collaborative learning experiences, leadership projects, and meaningful conversations focused on servant leadership, equity, systems thinking, and community impact. The experience not only strengthened professional skills but also reinforced the importance of building authentic relationships and leading with purpose.

Congratulations to Matt on this significant accomplishment and thank you to Dr. Olmos for his continued commitment to developing leaders who will positively impact the Visions community.

Save the Date: Summer Graduation is August 13, 2026!

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A Visions summer graduate in a blue cap and gown poses with her family for a group photo.

Save the Date: Summer Graduation is August 13, 2026!

Visions is happy to announce that we will be holding a 2026 Summer Graduation!

Date: August 13, 2026
Time: 5:30 p.m. 
Location: Citrus Heights Community Center (6300 Fountain Square Dr, Citrus Heights, CA 95621)

All potential summer graduation candidates will receive a letter in the mail in the coming weeks with important details and procedures for graduate checkout and the graduation ceremony. In the meantime, please refer to the information below to help you prepare.

  • Students Attending Community College: Must submit a letter from their instructor or an official transcript to their Visions counselor by August 12, 2026 showing that the student is on track to pass their community college course to participate in the commencement ceremony.
  • Graduate Checkout: Attend graduate checkout:
    • Date: August 6, 2026 from 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
    • Location: Visions’ main office (11931 Foundation Place in Gold River)
    • More information to come!
  • Graduation Day: All candidates planning to participate in the ceremony should arrive at Citrus Heights Community Center no later than 4:15 p.m. on August 13, 2026 for a MANDATORY rehearsal. The ceremony will begin immediately after the rehearsal; therefore, leave all personal items (purses/bags, flowers, gifts, and valuables) with friends or relatives for safekeeping until after the ceremony.
  • Doors will be opened to audience members at 5:00 p.m. 
  • Admission to the ceremony is by ticket only. Please be advised that each participant will be allowed 10 guests. Tickets will be distributed during graduate checkout.

Questions?

For additional questions, please send an email to graduation@viedu.org.

Congratulations to Our Steve Phelps Scholarship Winners!

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Congratulations to Our Steve Phelps Scholarship Winners!

The Steve Phelps American Dream Scholarship honors the legacy of Steve Phelps, a dedicated and compassionate Visions teacher who served students from 2003 until his passing in 2008. Having overcome his own academic challenges with the support of a mentor teacher, Steve understood the transformative power of encouragement, perseverance, and educational opportunity. A strong advocate for the community college system as a pathway to higher education and career success, he established this scholarship to recognize students who demonstrated initiative by taking community college courses while in high school and continuing their educational journey through community college. This scholarship celebrates Steve’s belief that with support, determination, and access to opportunity, every student can achieve the American Dream. 

We are pleased to honor this year’s recipients of the award: Dulce V.N. and Ariana A. We wish them well in their future!