Entries by Ellie Fazzi

Meet Your Mentor: Visions’ Classified Staff Mentorship Program

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The group of student mentees and staff mentors gather together for a group picture.

Meet Your Mentor: Visions’ Classified Staff Mentorship Program

Visions In Education is proud to offer a Classified Staff Mentorship Program, a unique initiative designed to expand students’ support networks by connecting them with trusted adults across the Visions organization.

This program pairs students with classified staff mentors who provide guidance, encouragement, and practical support as students navigate their academic journeys and prepare for life beyond high school. Through consistent mentorship, students gain help with goal-setting, problem-solving, and understanding the resources and systems available to support their success at Visions.

How Students Benefit

  • Personalized Support – Mentors work one-on-one with students to address challenges, set goals, and build confidence.
  • Academic Guidance – Students receive help navigating coursework, school procedures, and strategies for success.
  • Social & Emotional Growth – Students build resilience, problem-solving skills, and stronger connections with caring adults.
  • Trusted Mentors – Staff mentors come from diverse backgrounds and are trained to provide meaningful, student-centered support.










Why Join?

By connecting with a classified staff mentor, students gain more than just guidance – they gain a trusted ally, an advocate, and a resource for both academic and personal growth. This program strengthens connection, belonging, and preparation, helping students develop the confidence and skills they need to thrive in school and beyond.

Take advantage of this opportunity to build meaningful relationships and expand your support network – your mentor is ready to help you succeed!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game! Superintendent Olmos Throws First Pitch at Sacramento River Cats Game

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Visions Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos wears a custom blue and yellow Visions baseball jersey and stands next to the Sacramento River Cats mascot Dinger and Visions staff Lisa Adams.

Take Me Out to the Ball Game! Superintendent Olmos Throws First Pitch at Sacramento River Cats Game

On May 6, Visions students stepped out of the virtual classroom and into the ballpark for an unforgettable day at the Sacramento River Cats’ AAA School Days event! Designed to combine education with entertainment, this annual program welcomes local schools for an interactive experience centered on the importance of character, attendance, and academic success.

Throughout the day, students participated in engaging activities that brought learning to life beyond the virtual classroom setting. The event featured a pre-game assembly, opportunities for player Q&As, and the excitement of a student parade around the field – giving students a chance to celebrate teamwork and school spirit in a fun and memorable way.

“It was so fun to see so many of our students chatting, catching up, and enjoying a great day together at the ballpark watching the River Cats!” said Betty Brady, Assistant to the Superintendent.





Representing Visions on the Mound

Adding to the excitement of the day, Visions Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos had the special honor of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch before the game! As students and staff cheered from the stands, Dr. Olmos took the field to help kick off the event, creating a memorable moment for the entire Visions community.

“Throwing out the first pitch is a moment I’ll never forget,” said Superintendent Olmos. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to share such a special experience with our Visions community.”

Thank You Staff and Student Sports Fans!

Thank you to all of the students and families who attended and helped make the day so special! Your enthusiasm, school spirit, and participation contributed to the exciting atmosphere at the ballpark and made the event a memorable experience for everyone involved.

We would also like to extend a special thank you to Lisa Adams, Events Coordinator, for her hard work and dedication in organizing this memorable experience for students and staff. From coordinating logistics to ensuring the day ran smoothly, Lisa played an important role in making the event such a success. Her efforts helped create a fun, engaging, and meaningful opportunity for students to connect, learn, and make lasting memories together.

Opportunities like these are a wonderful reminder of the strong sense of community that makes Visions such a special place. Until next year… go River Cats!

Celebrate With Us! National Charter Schools Week is May 10-16, 2026

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The words "Celebrate National Charter Schools Week 2026" with a Visions logo at the top.

Celebrate With Us! National Charter Schools Week is May 10-16, 2026

This year, Visions In Education joins more than 8,000 public charter schools across the country in celebrating National Charter Schools Week – a time to recognize the value of school choice, flexibility, and personalized learning opportunities for students and families.

The 2026 theme, Building the Workforce of Tomorrow, highlights how charter schools prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experiences needed to succeed in college, careers, and beyond.

Making a Difference

Visions reflects the core principles of public charter schools: free and open access for all students, personalized learning tailored to individual needs, and strong accountability for student success. Explore the stories below to see how charter schools like Visions are making a meaningful difference for students, families, and communities.




Visions In Education Students Join Voices for Change Sacramento to Shape the Future of Education

From AI to Engagement: Visions In Education Leads Sessions at 2026 CCIS Conference

Visions In Education Welcomes Leaders and Legislators at Our Annual Open House

Student Spotlight: Rising With Purpose

Hard Hats to Heartbeats: CTE Students Master Real-World Skills

Share the #CharterLove!

During National Charter Schools Week and beyond, we invite you to share your #CharterLove – post on social media, participate in our spotlight series by sharing your story, and help spread the word about Visions to friends and family who may benefit from our programs.

Thank you for trusting us to serve our community for more than 25 years. We’re grateful for the opportunity and look forward to continuing to make a meaningful impact for years to come.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! See the Shout-Outs!

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The words "Teacher Appreciation Week" with the Visions logo next to school supplies.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! See the Shout-Outs!

During Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re celebrating the incredible ways our teachers shape the lives of students. From leading learning to serving as mentors, friends, and guides, our teachers are an essential part of every student’s success at Visions.

To honor them, we asked our families to submit shout-outs for their favorite teachers. Our community exceeded our expectations, sending in over 750 messages of love and gratitude for our Visions educators! We’ve compiled them into a Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 Kudoboard, where everyone can read all the heartfelt messages.



Teacher Appreciation Week 2026 Kudoboard

Thank You, Teachers!

To all of our teachers – thank you for the endless dedication, patience, and care you bring to our students every day. You don’t just teach lessons – you inspire curiosity, build confidence, and shape the leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you for being mentors, role models, and champions for learning – we’re celebrating you this week and beyond! Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

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A green ribbon next to green text that reads "Mental Health Awareness Month"

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month—a time to focus on the importance of caring for our mental well-being, just as we do our physical health.

This year’s theme, “More Good Days Together,” encourages us to reflect on what a “good day” means. It doesn’t have to be perfect or highly productive—it might simply feel calm or manageable. What matters is that you define what “good” looks like for you. 

Check in on your own mental health. Take a mental health test at mhascreening.org. It’s free, anonymous, and confidential. No matter how you’re feeling, remember: more good days are possible, support is available, and you are not alone.

Let’s continue to check in with ourselves and each other—and remember, it’s okay to ask for help. 💚 

Students who are 13+ are also invited to the Wellness Together Mind Out Loud Student Event on May 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. Click here for more information and to register.

Check out these additional resources:

More good days aren’t a solo effort. Check in with others, offer support, and stay connected—because even small moments of connection can ease stress and remind us we’re not alone. Together, more good days are possible.

Take care of yourself and others—mental health matters!

Honoring Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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Red and pink florals with the text "Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month" on a light pink swirled background.

Honoring Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed each May. This month honors the history, culture, and influence of Asian America, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian individuals and groups.

AAPI is celebrated in many ways for many things, and here at Visions, we invite you to find ways to honor and celebrate these diverse cultures.

Information & Resources

For more information about AAPI Heritage Month, see the below resources:

The Story Behind Starri: Celebrating Our Technology Services Team

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The Starri AI logo (a yellow star with a phone in its hand) with the words "Thank You" above and the Visions logo in the bottom left corner.

The Story Behind Starri: Celebrating Our Technology Services Team

At the heart of our organization is a commitment to support, accessibility, and getting 1% better every day for our school community. Our Technology Services team recently embodied that commitment with the launch of Starri AI – a powerful new tool designed to help staff and families find information and resources faster and more easily than ever before.

“Visions has a LOT of information spread out amongst our board policies, Wire, website, and Google docs. At times, finding the information you are looking for was difficult and time consuming,” explained Michael Miller, Manager of Technology. “We wanted to make this information more accessible to everyone.”

Powering Possibility

The Starri AI tool represents an exciting step forward in how we connect our community to the support they need, and is a testament to the creativity, expertise, and dedication of our Technology Services team. From initial concept to development and implementation, their work reflects a deep understanding of the needs of our staff and families – and a passion for working together to build solutions that make a real difference.

“The team provided feedback on design and code reviews,” said Michael. “[Marketing & Communications Manager] Justina Janas and [Chief Strategy Officer] Tom Tafoya really helped bring the branding and personality together and [Business Analyst] Ben Drahmann worked hard on the logos and images.”

We are incredibly grateful for the creativity and hard work that made Starri AI possible – thank you Michael Miller and our Technology Department for bringing Starri to life! This launch is more than just a new tool – it’s a reflection of our continued commitment to supporting student success through forward-thinking solutions.

“While Starri was a technology solution, it was a cross-departmental effort that could not have been accomplished without the care and attention shown by everyone involved.”

Celebrating Our Drama Club’s Production of “An Absolutely True Story (As Told by a Bunch of Lying Liars)”

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A group of students in costume pose on stage with their drama teacher after their production of “An Absolutely True Story (As Told by a Bunch of Lying Liars)”

Celebrating Our Drama Club’s Production of “An Absolutely True Story (As Told by a Bunch of Lying Liars)”

Everyone has a story to tell – and somewhere within those stories lies the truth. That idea took center stage on Friday, April 17, when Visions’ Drama Club performed Ian McWethy’s An Absolutely True Story (As Told by a Bunch of Lying Liars). The story follows parents trying to determine how a precious vase was broken, with hijinks including Nutella man, a love hexagon, and a pet psychic!

This production marks the third year that the Visions Drama Club has brought a play to life. Under the direction of drama teacher Mr. Chad Fisk, students worked for weeks to rehearse, refine their performances, and transform their ideas into a full theatrical experience. The group was fortunate to use the Clara Auditorium in Sacramento for rehearsals and the final show, giving students the opportunity to perform in a dedicated stage space.

Our staff and students brought energy and creativity to every aspect of the production. Bethany L. took on the role of Mom and also crafted a life-size dog puppet used in the show. Freddie H. played Dad, while his brother Toby impressed audiences by juggling multiple roles, including the unforgettable Nutella Man and a quirky pet psychic. Alexys B., who joined the club in the spring, portrayed Kelly, the daughter at the center of the story. Rei L. played Ava, whose character introduced the idea of the love hexagon, and Judy A. brought humor to the role of Barney, “spreading” a strong enthusiasm for Nutella. Angel M., one of the club’s newest members, stepped confidently into the role of a teen heartthrob.

Behind the scenes, Madalynn C., Rockelle C., and Emmett S. worked tirelessly to ensure everything ran smoothly. From moving set pieces to puppeteering and even unrolling large amounts of duct tape to help bring Nutella Man to life, their efforts were essential to the show’s success. When two cast members were unable to perform, the Drama Club’s own Mrs. Leslie Simpson stepped in at the last minute – taking on the unexpected role of a teenage boy!

“Meeting with this group of students was the highlight of every week for me,” shared Leslie. “I look forward to seeing our theater program continue to grow!”

Beyond the performance itself, the experience of working together stood out as a highlight. Weekly meetings allowed students to collaborate, build confidence, and express their creativity in a supportive environment. As the curtain closed on this year’s production, excitement is already building for what’s next.

Bridge to College: Student Voices From the First-Generation College Journey

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A blue and gold grad cap that says "Anything is Possible" with the text "Bridge to College" and the Visions and Paper Wings logos below.

Bridge to College: Student Voices From the First-Generation College Journey

Bridge to College is a support program for first-generation 10th–12th grade students designed to help them confidently navigate the path to college. In partnership with Paper Wings Creative Consulting, LLC, the program offers mentorship, guidance, and practical tools for college readiness.

With monthly mentor meetings, campus visits with families, peer support, and a dual enrollment opportunity, Bridge to College creates a supportive community that helps students and families feel prepared, informed, and confident about higher education.

To better understand the impact of the program, we spoke with current and former Bridge to College students – hear about their experiences and how the program has supported their college journey:

“The Bridge to College program has helped me a lot in terms of understanding what college life looks like, making it less intimidating. I’ve learned how to pick classes, socialize with peers, and beat self-doubt. I’ve also learned a lot about scholarships and financial aid, which has been really helpful. The mentors are super nice and they’re always asking for our feedback. I feel like this program is helping me feel more prepared for college and more capable of actually succeeding.”

Zjarna M., Grade 11, University Prep Early College Academy

“The Bridge to College program goes over many skills, from the specifics of actually getting into a college, to the payment aspect, to time management and so much more. The Bridge to College program is the reason I feel confident enough to enroll in a college for the next fall semester. I’ve been able to talk to students just like me currently going to college and have gotten the honest details of what college will be like. I believe that everyone who plans to go to college should take this course. The knowledge gained is not limited to the academic aspect. The program has highlighted specific local colleges, their clubs, and appropriate activities that college students partake in recreationally for those who may struggle with friendships. Even people that don’t plan to go to college should go, as the program offers a lot of advice that helps not only in college, but in high school. You’d be surprised how much college truly has to offer beyond academics.”

Mason M., Grade 11, Independent Study Academy

“The Bridge to College program prepared me for success after graduation in various ways, but the main one that stood out to me was the mentors. We got to speak to actual, current students who ended up in college either right after high school or when their lives led them there. We spoke each meeting about how our lives would change once we got there but also not to fear what was ahead of us. Speaking to these mentors made me realize two things. One of them was that college wasn’t anything to be afraid of. The other being that I had a support system, waiting to help me out as I started my process of becoming a student. Through their information and now as a mentor myself, I have seen firsthand how this program has given me endless opportunities to grow.”

Gianna S., Class of 2025, University Prep Early College Academy

These reflections highlight the heart of Bridge to College: building confidence, knowledge, and a sense of belonging for students as they prepare for life after high school. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections with peers currently in college, students gain both practical tools and reassurance that they are not navigating this journey alone.

As Bridge to College continues to grow, it remains rooted in its mission to empower first-generation students and their families with the support they need to take their next steps toward higher education with clarity and confidence.

Listening to Learn: Celebrating Student LCAP Listening Sessions

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Multicolored speech and thought bubbles on a teal background with the Visions logo in the center.

Listening to Learn: Celebrating Student LCAP Listening Sessions

In March, Visions In Education hosted Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP) listening sessions for parents, guardians, and students. These sessions provided an important opportunity for our community to share what’s working well across our programs, as well as where we can grow. This feedback plays a key role in shaping next year’s LCAP and guiding our continuous improvement efforts.

This year, we gathered valuable insights from our Student Council and Student Advisory groups. This feedback, along with insights from our student and parent/guardian LCAP surveys, is helping inform and refine our priorities for the year ahead.

Our Student Council and Student Advisory groups highlighted several strengths across their Visions experience, including:

  • Strong support networks through friendships, clubs, and study groups
  • Access to academic help like tutoring, math lab, and online tools
  • College and career readiness opportunities, including dual enrollment and counseling support
  • Engaging programs and activities such as clubs, field trips, and student voice initiatives
  • Diverse enrichment options like career speakers and CTE pathways
  • Students feel heard and supported in smaller, more personal settings

Our Student Council and Student Advisory groups also identified opportunities for growth in the following areas:

  • Expand academic offerings, including more course variety and practical life skills classes
  • Increase access to events and connection opportunities beyond the Sacramento area
  • Offer more diverse field trips, college tours, and student-centered experiences
  • Improve event planning, including scheduling, venues, and inclusivity
  • Strengthen communication on how student feedback is used
  • Create more consistent opportunities for student voice and recognition
  • Grow athletics and in-person engagement, including peer tutoring and CTE events

Board Member Sandra Morales also attended the listening sessions with our Student Council and Student Advisory groups, reinforcing the importance of student voice in guiding the work of Visions.

“At Visions In Education, we are intentional in our role as youth developers, ensuring students have meaningful opportunities to share their thoughts, opinions, beliefs, and passions. By elevating student voice, we affirm that young people are not just participants in their education, but partners in shaping it,” explained Associate Director of Equity & Student Engagement Ron Thomas. “Our student leaders care deeply about their school community and consistently show up as powerful change agents. When given authentic platforms to lead and contribute, they bring insight, creativity, and lived experience that strengthen our organization.”

Guided by Community

The feedback gathered from our LCAP survey is essential in shaping and refining our goals for the upcoming school year. Based on this input, we are focusing our discussions on:

  • Expanded Leadership: Ensuring more coordinated and equitable student opportunities across regions.
  • Student Support: Providing targeted support for students’ social, emotional, and civic growth.
  • Expanded Career Pathways: Expanding career and technical education programming, ensuring more students have access to career preparation.
  • Strengthened Curriculum Support: Enhancing curricular coherence, instructional support, and individualized learning plans.
  • Enhanced Communication and Feedback: Focusing on creating centralized communication structures and inclusive feedback systems.

Please stay tuned for more information when we share our official LCAP findings this May.

Thank You, Educational Partners!

Engaging educational partners – such as parents/guardians, teachers/employees, students, and community members – is a vital aspect of creating an effective LCAP. This collaborative approach ensures that the plan reflects the diverse needs and priorities of the community it serves. We are grateful to our Student Council and Student Advisory members for sharing their voices and helping shape a stronger, better Visions for the years ahead.

“Hearing directly from our students allows us to move beyond assumptions and make informed decisions on what they really want to see from Visions. Their feedback plays a critical role in shaping our LCAP priorities and ensures that our goals and actions reflect the real needs and aspirations of the students we serve,” explained Jamee Block, Associate Director of State & Federal Programs. “While our Student Council and Student Advisory groups provided a strong and meaningful opportunity for engagement, we are committed to hearing from an even broader group of students in the future.”