Entries by Ellie Fazzi

Visions’ Main Office Closed January 15th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Red background graphic with the text "Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day" surrounded by three stars and bordered by multiple hands reaching up from the bottom.

Visions’ Main Office and Student Technology Services Closed January 15th for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed on Monday, January 15th, 2024 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will resume operations during regular business hours on Tuesday, January 16th.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed every year on the third Monday of January to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s a day that commemorates Dr. King’s advocacy and activism, and celebrates a leader who brought hope and healing to America. For more information about Martin Luther King Jr. Day, visit Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture.

Meeting the Needs of All Students: A Spotlight on the Special Education Department

Loretta, Jessica and Kim stand together and pose for a photo wearing Christmas sweaters.

Meeting the Needs of All Students: A Spotlight on the Special Education Department

The Special Education Department here at Visions is comprised of a diverse group of staff. From case managers to speech therapists to school psychologists, this incredible team works to provide services to our special education students and their families. Led by Jessica Lauder, Director of Special Education, Loretta Holder, Special Education Manager for the Home School Academy, and Kim Patalingjug, Special Education Manager for the Independent Study and University Prep Academies, this department serves our most unique and dynamic population of students.

“I have the honor of supporting [the] amazing special education teachers, related service providers, support personnel and families throughout the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process and all special education activities,” shares Loretta. “In addition, I work together with our amazing admin team to design and implement processes to enhance our special education program.”

Overseen by Jessica, the department relies on strong leadership to guide them through the many aspects of working for such a unique department. As the organization continues to grow in service to our families, so does the capacity of our team to support our special education students.

“I provide leadership to the Special Education Department and support an outstanding group of educators,” explains Jessica. “Some of my department roles include compliance and legal oversight, policy development, budget and resource allocation and program development. Within the broader organization of Visions, I work collaboratively with various departments to ensure we are meeting the needs of all students.”

Multi-Faceted and Student-Centered

The Special Education Department is greatly involved in the academic and social success of its students. From mild/moderate to moderate/severe students, this group is equipped to handle a wide variety of student needs, learning styles and individual goals.

“Special education encompasses a wide range of learning differences, each requiring unique teaching methodologies and supports,” explains Jessica. “Every student has the support of a multidisciplinary team, who work together to develop an Individualized Education Program that is tailored to each student’s specific needs, ensuring a student-centered approach. That being said, it is not just our students who are unique. The special education teachers here at Visions have a level of passion for their students that is unprecedented. They truly go above and beyond for their students.”

“I think the most important thought I can share is that special education is hard work. It can truly be grueling at times because there is a lot of work in making sure we are doing the right thing in supporting our students, meeting legal requirements, dealing with emotional situations, and the list goes on. That being said, I can always say it is the most rewarding work I have ever done! I love what I do and am grateful for the opportunity to support our fabulous department, families and students at Visions!” says Loretta.

Continuous Collaboration

Although special education can be nuanced, the team works closely with other departments to ensure they’re providing the best support possible for our students. Without the collaborative nature of the department, we would not be able to provide the level of service that we do to our special education families.

“With every student requiring the support of a multidisciplinary team, collaboration is always a central theme in the work of special education. Special education teachers are constantly working with other team members throughout the Visions organization, including their general education colleagues and a wide variety of service providers, including speech therapists, occupational therapists and psychologists. By working together, they can both problem-solve unique situations for our students and align supports to provide a greater impact to the student and families,” says Jessica.

In addition to the collaborative work of IEP teams, the success of the department also relies heavily on working with all partners here at Visions, including Enrollment, Ordering Services, Internal Data & System Services, Counseling, EL and more.

“One thing I have learned in my short time here at Visions is that it is the right people, working together throughout the organization, that make our school a unique and successful place to work and learn,” says Jessica.

“Our team embodies the1% better every day motto by always showing up to support one another throughout our department and organization,” adds Loretta. “In addition, our team is always looking for ways to better support students and families. Our team is open minded, flexible and ready to take on new challenges. It is an absolute joy to see how every member in our special education department is always willing to support and go the extra mile.”

Kim, the self-proclaimed “newbie” of the group, has quickly learned that this group of staff truly do share the same goal.

“I’ve learned that these amazing educators, vice principals, principals, office staff, managers and directors are all striving for the same goal – to support kids in any way possible.”

A Few of Their Favorite Things

“The amazing team that we have in our Special Education Department and all the incredible families and students that I am honored to serve and support.” – Loretta H.

“The staff, the families and the students. I’m proud to support the incredible work of the staff and enjoy watching the students and families benefit.” – Kim P.

“My favorite part of working in the Special Education Department is the collaborative environment. The special education team here at Visions is an amazing group of professionals who deeply care about the success of their students. Being able to support this team in their work is very fulfilling, as I know they make a difference in the lives of students every day.” – Jessica L.

Happy Holidays! Winter Break is December 25th-January 5th

Green and cream graphic with the words "Happy Holidays" framed by branches.

Happy Holidays! Winter Break is December 25th-January 5th

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Monday, December 25, 2023 – Friday, January 5, 2024 for winter recess. Classes will resume on Monday, January 8, 2024. Some Enrollment and STS staff will be monitoring messages and emails during the break, but responses may be delayed.

On behalf of everyone at Visions In Education, we wish you a merry and magical holiday season!

Making Connections in the Community

Making Connections in the Community

As Visions approaches its 25th anniversary, we are continuing to get involved in our community and establish partnerships with thought leaders in the charter school world and beyond. Along with Improve Your Tomorrow’s Sneaker Ball, Visions staff recently had the opportunity to sponsor and attend two more important events in the community, APAPA’s National Unity Awards Gala and RAM’s Best Business Awards Ceremony.

Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs’ National Unity Awards Gala

At APAPA’s annual National Unity Awards Gala, community leaders, honorees and presenters gathered to create awareness of the AAPI community and provide an opportunity for their collective voices to be heard. As sponsors of the event, Visions leadership, including administrators Josh Imler, Shannon Alward, Christy McKinnis and Jamee Block, along with Chief Academic Officer Dr. Micah Studer and Board Member Terrence Shelton, had the opportunity to attend and were in close company with congressmembers, assemblymembers and other political leaders. We are honored to have had the privilege to represent Visions and our diverse student body.

Russian American Media’s Best Business Awards Ceremony & Gala

Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Micah Studer and Principal Gregg Moses also had the opportunity to attend Russian American Media’s Best Business Awards Ceremony & Gala in November. This event featured the most successful companies, community leaders, volunteers and artists in the California region. We were proud to be a sponsor and appreciate our partnership with RAM and the Slavic community.

By making these connections in our community, we are able to raise awareness about the programs we offer and have the opportunity to reach more students.

Visions Staff Raises Over $2,500 to Help Students and Families

Visions Staff Raises Over $2,500 to Help Students and Families

This holiday season was made even more merry by our incredibly successful Adopt-a-Student campaign. This annual campaign aims to raise money for our students and families facing hardships and to provide them with some holiday cheer.

This year we had a goal of raising $2,500 to support families in our community. Visions staff heard the call and ended up raising a total of $2,603, exceeding our goal by over $100! 

Gift requests this year were minor and many families requested small toys, basic necessities like food and diapers, and items of clothing. Many students on our list this year were in-between homes, escaping troubled living situations, or simply trying to make ends meet in difficult circumstances. The donations our staff generously provided went a long way towards making December a little brighter.

“Volunteering to wrap presents for our students brings joy not just to them, but also to the volunteer. There’s something special about spreading holiday cheer through the simple act of wrapping presents and I am proud to join my colleagues in doing so,” says Jessica Johnson, Speech Therapist.

“I love working with my colleagues in support of our students,” says Victoria Soria, Curriculum Coordinator for the Home School Academy. “It is especially heartwarming to wrap gifts so thoughtfully chosen for students during the winter season. I love that we do this every year!”

From donations to wrapping to delivery, thank you to our staff for coming together to give the gift of joy to our students and families. We wish you all a happy holiday season!

Student Spotlight: How One Senior’s Future is Taking Flight

In a navy cap, black sunglasses and green over-the-ear headset, Hunter sits in the cockpit of a plane flying over clouds and looking out over the horizon.

Student Spotlight: How One Senior’s Future is Taking Flight

On June 15, 2023, seventeen year old Hunter S. made his first solo flight in the cockpit of a Cessna 172R. With no instructor and different flight performance characteristics, Hunter had to acclimate to variances in weight, speed and timing, but with almost 50 hours of training under his belt, he knew he was ready for the journey.

“I started my private pilot training in December of 2022 at Advanced International Aviation Academy in Sacramento,” Hunter shares. “It was a crazy time to start flight training with all of the weather we had, but I’m glad I was able to get started. I also just flew my first solo cross-country in August 2023 from Sacramento Executive (KSAC) to Modesto (KMOD) and back.”

In the beginning of Hunter’s flight training, he was flying three times a week, two hours per flight session, and going to in-person ground school three times a week for three to four hours, all on top of his regular school schedule. As a student in the Home School Academy, Hunter was able to balance these commitments to school and training thanks to the flexibility of Visions and the support he received from his credentialed teacher, Heather Himmelmann.

“I really like having Heather as my CT,” says Hunter. “She’s easy to talk to and has been helpful throughout my time with Visions. She was a lot of help in the beginning, especially since home school was new to myself and my mom.”

Being in the Home School Academy means more freedom and more agency for Hunter to set his own schedule and complete his education on his own time. Originally coming to Visions to participate in dual enrollment as well as begin his flight training, Hunter has found the runway to success in both his education and his future.

“I like being able to do my school work on my own schedule, and that is allowing me to complete my flight training now instead of waiting until I graduate from high school,” Hunter explains. “One of the really cool things about being home schooled is that I can have Aviation as a class and get high school credit while I’m in flight training. I am also able to take some community college courses while still in high school.”

A Birthday Wish

At Visions, Hunter has been able to pursue his high school diploma, start flight training and get on a fast-track to his career. Hoping to one day get his commercial pilot certificate and A&P (airframe and powerplant) certificate, Hunter is already miles ahead in his professional journey.

“Visions has been a great experience for me. I am grateful for the opportunities that Visions has provided and that I have been able to start my flight training while still in high school,” shares Hunter. “It is a great opportunity to be able to have my private pilot certificate before I graduate and puts me ahead on my career path. It has also been nice to be able to already have started my college courses before graduating high school.”

On November 14th, Hunter took the Federal Aviation Administration written exam and passed with an 87%. Soon, he will be able to take his checkride (practical exam) and officially obtain his private pilot license before his 18th birthday.

In a navy cap, black sunglasses and multi-colored sweatshirt, Hunter sits in the cockpit of a plane and gives a "thumbs up" to the camera.
In a cap, glasses, a black shirt and jeans, Hunter stands next to a plane on the runway with his gear and a book in his hand, giving a thumbs up to the camera.

From Sky to Land

When Hunter’s not flying through the clouds, he’s flying over mountains, racing his cross-country mountain bike as a member of the Hangtown Composite Mountain Bike Team. He’s also involved with his local Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) 512 Chapter, volunteering at pancake breakfasts, helping out with the Adopt-a-Highway program and mentoring kids who are interested in aviation in the Young Eagles program.

“Young Eagles is a program that takes kids up for their first flight [and] also provides information and a ground school program to get kids started on their ground training if they decide to pursue their private pilot certificate,” shares Hunter. “The Young Eagles program is how I got started in my journey to becoming a pilot.”

Hunter’s personal and professional endeavors have taken off since coming to Visions, and he is excited to continue pursuing his goals. When asked if he could describe his experience with Visions in a few sentences, Hunter said, “Doing high school through Visions’ Home School Academy has been a great experience for me. To be able to start my flight training while still in high school has been a great experience and I’m looking forward to all of my future education, flight training and aviation adventures.”

Showing Up for Staff and Students: A Spotlight on the Instructional Support Team

All instructional support staff, including Office Coordinators, Charter School Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, stand together in a line in front of Visions' office building.

Showing Up for Staff and Students: A Spotlight on the Instructional Support Team

“Over the past 23 years, which all seem like a few blinks of an eye, I have witnessed our student population grow from 100 to nearly 7,000 students. Over the years, every staff member at Visions, regardless of credentials or classification, has contributed to the school’s success. Each year when students cross the stage at graduation, I am reminded of the reason Visions came to be. Visions’ founder worked on the Attendance Review Board, and she wanted an alternative to traditional and continuation schools. She felt too many students were slipping through the cracks and dropping out of high school. I wholeheartedly believe that she would be ecstatic knowing how many students’ lives we have positively impacted over the years and would be pleased with the direction that Dr. Olmos is steering us. I hope to hear about the success of Visions for many more years to come.” – Nancy Legalsi, Administrative Assistant to Sarah McFarland, Director of Instruction for the Independent Study and University Prep Academies and Mariah Ernst-Collins, Counseling Manager and 23-year Visionary!

There is always so much happening here at Visions. From PLC conferences to PD days to in-person events, there are a plethora of opportunities made available to both our staff and our students. Behind every occasion is a member of our instructional support team, which includes Charter School Secretaries, Administrative Assistants and Office Coordinators. As true support staff does, this team works tirelessly behind the scenes to make each and every one of our Visions events come together beautifully.

“I help with Find Your Voice, graduation, clubs, dances, curriculum fairs and the Project and Performance Fair as needed. I plan 8th grade promotions, all Home School field trips, weekly regional events, TK community events, facility layouts and [I] continuously work with LPAD, families and vendors,” explains Christina Jonsson, Charter School Secretary for the Home School Academy and a member of our amazing Events team. “The best part [about] working events is [that] my principals trust my creativity, and my work days are a blend of moving and grooving and screen time.”

“In my role as…Administrative Assistant, I support the Director of Student Services, Matt Patterson and Jamee Block, our EL Coordinator,” shares Angelica Gallardo. “I’m also responsible for coordinating all aspects of graduation, from grad checkouts to the actual graduation day ceremony.”

Not only does a majority of the group plan these events, they also attend them, working with other Visions staff and interacting with students and families. In these moments, they are able to see their hard work come to fruition and how all of their efforts truly serve our students.

“Seeing our students at our events is honestly the highlight of my job. There is nothing like seeing them socialize and find new friendships in person!” says Mariana Rivera, Charter School Secretary for the Independent Study and University Prep Academies and another member of our Events team. “Seeing the dances and events all come together…reminds me why I choose to do what I do.”

“I’ve…been able to witness first-hand why we do what we do,” echoes Georgina Rios, Administrative Assistant to Dr. Micah Studer, Chief Academic Officer. “All the student engagement, whether it be at a dance or graduation, seeing their joy brings so much happiness to me.”

Behind the Scenes

Aside from event work, this group is also responsible for a high volume of administrative work, including scheduling meetings, creating agendas and presentations, coordinating conferences, tracking spending, processing reimbursements, preparing legal documentation and more.

“As a Secretary to the Special Education Department, I have a mix of various responsibilities pertaining to assisting all levels of staff in our department,” says Hannah Blackledge. “I help our Special Education Teachers with connecting to our NPA Service Providers, helping them find the perfect fit for our families. I work with our Administrative Assistant, Yesenia, in keeping our student information regarding services and providers up-to-date. I also perform various updates and tasks for our management team to keep our processes clear and efficient.”

Lyubov Rusu-Carp, Office Coordinator II for the SPED Department, emphasizes the amount of the work done with student records, including requesting, receiving, processing and archiving documentation. In this department especially, there is a student-centered aspect of their workload, which makes the duties of this support team even more necessary.

“My responsibilities…include preparing contracts, processing ISAs to start services for our students, ordering supplies and testing materials, and providing parents with general information when needed. I ensure all the students’ services are in order and set per their case manager’s direction,” explains Yesenia Gonzalez, Administrative Assistant for the SPED Department. “Our department services all students from TK all the way to age 22 if they have an active IEP, while providing support to their individual needs.”

Lindsey Nance, who is new to Visions and still getting settled in her role as Charter School Secretary for the Independent Study and University Prep Academies, is grateful for the way that this support team is able to lean on one another for success, regardless of role.

“Everyone at Visions has made my transition so smooth and memorable,” she says. “Everyone I’ve met, either face to face or via email, has been extremely welcoming and helpful. I feel like that is the best part so far. The staff!!”

Thank Yous

The work that the instructional support team does has lasting impacts, and is crucial to the success of the organization. In this space, no small task is insignificant, and the members of this team truly keep Visions going.

“What people need to know is that our secretaries and assistants provide an exponential benefit to the organization. Their ability to organize the multitude of events, meetings, due dates and details allows us to show up as our best selves and stay focused,” says Dr. Micah Studer, Chief Academic Officer.

“I am so thankful for the outstanding support and dedication provided by the instructional support staff,” adds Jennifer Morrison, Director of Instruction for the Home School Academy. “Their tireless efforts, attention to detail and commitment to excellence have not gone unnoticed. In every task, whether it is administrative assistance, organizing schedules, communicating with staff and families or handling day-to-day operations, their professionalism and efficiency have consistently shone through. Their contributions have been integral to the smooth functioning of our team, and I am truly grateful for the positive impact they have made.”

Congratulations Fall 2023 Visions All Stars!

Congratulations Fall 2023 Visions All-Stars!

Our inaugural Visions All-Stars were presented with their awards on November 29th at our annual Soup Day winter celebration. The winners were selected by their fellow staff based on how well they embody Visions’ values:

  • Learning – Supporting a learning environment that continuously motivates all individuals to excel.
  • Relationships – Creating and maintaining meaningful relationships among students, families, teachers, staff, and community partners.
  • Integrity – Conducting ourselves with honesty and responsibility.
  • Accountability – Demonstrating a personal and institutional accountability for student learning, ethical conduct, and adherence to mandates, policies, and procedures.
  • Innovation – Challenging ourselves to create unique ideas and innovative solutions in a technology rich environment.
  • Respect – Promoting a school community that appreciates the value of students, families, colleagues, and cultures.
  • Service – Dedicating ourselves to delivering excellent service.

Congratulations Hallie Ochoa, Kristin Blaser, Steve Huck, Sara Johnson, Alison Sampson, Anel Birdsall, Kim Grant, Megan Lunny, Melinda Lewis, Jenn Apgar, Dr. Viet Nguyen, Carl Sorensen, Nancy Legalsi and Nick Veret, who represent our Home School, Independent Study, University Prep, Special Education, Certificated Non-Teaching and Classified communities. Thank you All-Stars for going above and beyond to make Visions great!

Student Spotlight: Chasing Dreams on the Circuit

Chase Hand, wearing a black had and all-black racing suit, leans against a black race car with his name and number 27 on it.

Student Spotlight: Chasing Dreams on the Circuit

Seventeen year old Chase H. has been racing go karts since he was five years old. With 40 wins and 120 podium finishes under his belt, Chase is no stranger to success, and he has found just that as a student here at Visions.

“I have been at Visions for four years now,” shares Chase. “I decided to enroll because it allows me to chase my dreams and get a great education at the same time.”

Having been around racing for most of his life due in part to his father, Joey Hand, Chase knew that in order to pursue his dreams, he would need a flexible education. Now a senior in Visions’ University Prep AcademyChase has found the necessary freedoms and opportunities to receive a rigorous education while simultaneously mapping out his future.

“Visions has helped me succeed by allowing me to be flexible around my racing schedule,” explains Chase. “I…focus and get my schoolwork done so I can switch over and get ready to race.”

Click through the photos below! Chase is pictured center in the last photo.

Chase’s Personal Pit Crew

In addition to completing his school work on his own time and working around his race schedule, Chase has had the opportunity to receive assistance from his credentialed teachers, Toby Spencer and Missy Fox. Without their guidance and support, Chase would be navigating both his karts and his coursework by himself.

“It is difficult to balance racing and school. Racing is a sport that takes so much time and dedication if you really want to succeed,” explains Chase. “The two Advocacy teachers I have had, Mr. Spencer and Ms. Fox, have been a great help to me.”

The time and dedication Chase is able to put towards his racing is made possible due to the flexibility of Visions, and has put him on track to an impressive career.

“Now at the age of seventeen, I have been racing go karts all across the country at the national level. This year I have also started racing Late Model stock cars as I further pursue my career in racing,” shares Chase. “If I had to do it over again I would definitely choose Visions for my education. The people at Visions are all super nice and the flexibility is awesome.”

Want to see Chase in action? Check out his Instagram and his YouTube channel!

Student Spotlight: Charley S. Joins Siblings on The Master’s University Swim Team

Charley Sears, in a navy The Master's University sweatshirt that reads Master's Swimming and Diving, poses in front of a blue backdrop with Visions In Education logos on it.

Student Spotlight: Senior Charley Sears Joins Sister and Brother on The Master’s University Swim Team

Charley Sears is no stranger to the water. At six feet tall, he dominates the 200 meter breaststroke, 400 meter individual medley and 200 meter freestyle. A Home School Academy student and soon-to-be early graduate, Charley capped off his senior year at Visions by signing his National Letter of Intent to swim at The Master’s University.

“I have always enjoyed sports, and honestly, swimming was not my first choice when I was younger, but it is the one that worked well with home school and for our family, and I grew to love it,” Charley shares.

At TMU, the Sears name is familiar. Charley’s older sister, Kylee (pictured center), who was also a Visions student, swims for TMU’s women’s team and currently holds the top swim times in the nation for women in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. His older brother, JT (pictured right), who was the first Visions student in the family, is currently a junior and captain of the TMU men’s swim team.

“My brother and sister inspire me,” says Charley. “So does my oldest sister who doesn’t swim at TMU. I have to praise her, too. [Kylee and JT] are both great students, teammates and athletes. My brother will be a senior next year when I am a freshman. That is the main reason for working so hard to graduate early, so I can attend school and compete in the pool with him.”

Parents Molly and Jody are getting ready to send Charley off to his siblings, and are looking forward to seeing their children’s lives converge once again in this new chapter. Having been the teachers, caregivers, chauffeurs and cheerleaders for all four of their children, Molly and Jody experienced firsthand the value of homeschooling and a flexible education.

“It was an adventure homeschooling all our children, ups, downs and everything in between. I loved it so much and will miss it, though I think I’m ready to be done,” Molly admits. “I find it interesting that [my children] are following similar paths because they are all such different individuals. They each have their own strengths and weaknesses and definitely different learning styles and interests. I love to see the relationship they’ve developed because they were together all [the] time. They respect one another, learn from one another and enjoy one another, and that is something they’ll take with them throughout life.”

Click through the photos below to see Charley on his signing day!

Coming Up For Air

Charley’s typical schedule consists of eight swim practices and two dry-land practices a week. Morning practice takes place from 5:00am-7:00am and evening practice rounds out the day from 4:00pm-7:00pm. As Charley says, home school “fits nicely” between the two.

“Because of the flexibility of being able to make my own schedule for classes, I am not stressed about getting to school on time after morning practice or worried about all the homework I have to do after practice at night. Reducing the extra stress allows me to put energy into swimming or into studying.” 

With such a busy schedule, the family leaned on Charley’s credentialed teacher, Elisa Reuter, to guide and support them through his learning. Elisa, who helped Charley find a way to pursue both school and sports, became one of his biggest fans throughout their time together and was present to watch him sign his letter of intent.

“Charley set his goals high to graduate early in order to swim with his brother. His work ethic and devotion to his education and family is a celebration for all,” says Elisa. “It has been an honor to be a part of Charley’s journey, and I look forward to watching him continue as a student athlete.”

“Mrs. Reuter is a great teacher, and I can tell she cares for me as a person. She doesn’t just ask about school, but is interested in everything I do and how I am handling life,” says Charley.

“Everyone at Visions has been extremely helpful,” Molly adds. “Elisa is easy to work with and has a plethora of great ideas that help parents educate their children. She is a great problem solver, and that is very valuable when we are deep in the trenches of the school year.” 

As they inch closer to becoming empty nesters, Molly and Jody reflect on what Visions has made possible for their children. Without the flexibility, the freedom and the independence that the Home School Academy allowed, Charley, Kylee and JT would not be where they are today.

“Life is busy, and with four children, it can be extremely busy,” Molly shares. “Visions’ home school allowed us to reduce some of the busyness that going to a traditional school would bring. This allowed the kids to focus on their education and left time for them to participate in their other activities without running the family ragged. Visions’ home school provided the framework that we could work within. It was structured enough to provide oversight and direction and flexible enough to allow each child the individuality they needed to succeed.”