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Entries by Ellie Fazzi

Visions High School Communities Celebrate End of the Year

May 28, 2024/in News

Visions High School Communities Celebrate End Of The Year

As the 2023-2024 school year comes to a close, Visions In Education high school students and faculty gathered from all over our Northern California service area for end of the year celebrations in five different locations. Reminiscing over the past year of growth and memories, students were treated to free food, thrilling games, contests, projects, and performances from our talented student body.

The evening kicked off with students signing in and setting up their projects, tuning their instruments, and taking a seat with food and crafting projects. Students and family members had the chance to walk around to view the wonderful art, history, science, and social projects before the performances started. Drawings decorated the walls as members of our staff looked on in appreciation for our students’ hard work and creativity.

Events such as these are great opportunities for students and families to check in with their Visions instructional teams. Visions regularly hosts events throughout the school year that enrich and broaden our students’ education while providing socialization opportunities with other students.

Setting the Stage

Excitement filled the air as performers and presenters filled the room with student interests. As conversations sparked, knowledge was shared, and this socialization is essential to creating community-building.

Halfway through the events, students showcased their talents! Students were able to sign up to perform their choice of talent on stage in front of a live audience of friends and family. Performances varied from musical voices and instruments to dance ensembles.

Between performances, teachers shared stories of their time spent with students and wished our graduating seniors well as they embarked on the next phase of their educational journeys. Following the performances, the evening began to wind down as students participated in activities such as making their own vanilla ice cream.

See more pictures in the photo gallery below of our End-Of-Year Celebrations.

As the community celebrated with each other, there was a tangible sense of camaraderie in the air and excitement for the end of the school year. Thank you to our talented students and dedicated events team who bring these events to life. Visions will continue to bring events like these to our communities and we can’t wait to see you all for more in the 2024-2025 school year!

Clubs, Partnerships & More: Expanding Our Students’ Education

May 13, 2024/in News

Clubs, Partnerships & More: Expanding Our Students’ Education

At Visions, there are so many ways that we supplement our students’ education. Through clubs, support services, community partnerships, enrichment activities and more, our students develop a well-rounded education while also exploring their interests.

In the 2023-24 school year alone, we went from 3 to over 50 student clubs, expanded from 150 to more than 600 Enrichment Vendors, and held hundreds of in-person opportunities like regional events, field trips, high school dances, and more. We also introduced our first ever sports clubs – soccer and basketball – and continue to partner with organizations in our community like 916 Ink to provide different educational experiences for our students.

Learn more about all the ways that Visions enriches the lives of our students in the video below!

The Visions Difference

We have numerous ways that students can get involved and expand their learning, including:

Over 50 student clubs
Student organizations like Find Your Voice, STEM, and more
Partnerships with more than 600 Enrichment Vendors
In-person events such as regional events, field trips, dances, and more
A $3,000 budget for our Home School Academy and a $1,500 budget for our Independent Study and University Prep academies

Want to learn a new language? Join a club! Interested in developing relationships within your community? Check out our student organizations! Have an idea for a Directed Project? Use your funds to get started! Whether you’re a dancer, a musician, an artist or an athlete, we make sure to provide opportunities outside of school where our students can nurture their hobbies. Check out the photos below to see for yourself!

See You Next Year!

Regardless of age, academy or interests, we ensure that all students are given the opportunity to receive a rigorous education while also pursuing their passions. As we begin close out the 2023-24 school year, we are always looking to make more of these fun and engaging opportunities available to our students – expect even more in the 2024-25 school year!

A Space for All Students: How Visions’ eSports Club Creates Community

January 17, 2024/in News

A Space for All Students: How Visions’ eSports Club Creates Community

At the eSports Club championships in December, you could feel the anticipation of another first place title on the line. Students and staff gathered in the Visions Boardroom to watch the club members battle it out with each other and St. Brendan High School in their game of choice – Super Smash Bros.

There were new and old faces in the room – current students, former club members, and even families. Last year’s champion and former student Lenny Muse attended with his friend and old eSports Club teammate, Haylynn. Together, they cheered on their old squad.

“The friendships they [Lenny and Haylynn] formed while participating in the eSports Club matter to them,” says Matt Mueller, Programmer here at Visions and one of the eSports Club advisors. “Since graduating, Lenny has continued to support the club as an assistant coach. He took the lead in organizing practice sessions outside of our weekly meetings. With his help, the entire team has made great strides throughout the season.”

Like last year, EliteGamingLIVE broadcasted each battle of the championship. After multiple rounds of one-on-one matches, Visions student Stepan G. (pictured in the blue Adidas sweatshirt) took second place overall in the tournament. Click through the photos below!

Replaying the Year

Beginning as a pilot program, the eSports Club has been operating for a little over a year now. Matt and co-advisor Uriel Gonzalez, Visions’ Director of Technology, truly brought their vision of a place where students could gather, play and learn to life. As the club has expanded, Matt and Uriel are proud to continue to provide a space for our e-gamers to grow.

“Clubs provide students an opportunity to socialize consistently with their peers,” Matt shares. “I see three major benefits: developing social skills, gaining personal confidence, and building the sort of support network that is increasingly important for young adults today. And best of all, it’s all driven by the students themselves.”

At Visions, we are constantly creating new opportunities for our students to develop, whether it’s through clubs, student organizations or extracurriculars. Matt, Uriel and the nine current club members are looking forward to another year of growing the eSports community, together. As Matt says, “There are other students…at Visions, hungry for community, brimming with potential, just waiting for their chance to shine.”

Visions’ Soccer Club Finishes Its First Season!

January 16, 2024/in News

Visions’ Soccer Club Finishes Its First Season!

Visions’ inaugural indoor soccer club completed their first full season last month, ending in two exciting playoff games against Marconi and Sacramento Academic and Vocational Academy. Leading goalscorer Juan R. led the team with 11 goals going into the tournament.

Independent Study teacher and coach Kyle Novak, who played for Whitworth University and previously served as the assistant coach for the University of Oregon Women’s Soccer team, was proud to have represented Visions and our students during the season. With only a few players on the team having previous club soccer experience, it was extra special for Kyle to watch the players come together and learn how to play as a team.

“I immensely enjoyed coaching this team. Something I’m impressed with is that we consistently added new goal scorers throughout the season. We didn’t rely on only one to two players to get us points on the board,” shares Kyle. “Something to note is only two of our fifteen players had experience playing club soccer. The rest of the team have developed their skills on recreation teams in the Sacramento area, yet they are competing against charter schools with many players who play on club teams. This speaks to the grittiness of our players. They don’t give up, even when they are out-skilled, and they work together to find ways to win key moments on the field. It’s been so cool to witness their progress over this short season and I’m looking forward to what they can do next year.”

Student-Focused

At Visions, we encourage our students to explore their passions through clubs, organizations and extracurricular opportunities. Ron Thomas, Associate Director of Equity and Student Engagement, helps create more and more opportunities such as these for our students. Through collaboration with other instructional staff and leaders, Ron helped bring the soccer club to Visions, and even attended a few games throughout the season!

“I try to make it out to as many of the events as possible, encouraging our staff to support our students alongside their families,” says Ron.

Like many of our clubs, the soccer club gave students the opportunity to try a new skill, make friends and expand their education. We look forward to seeing what the club will do next season!

Click through the photos below to check out some shots from the final games! See all photos on our Facebook page.

Student Spotlight: How One High Schooler is Redefining “Student Athlete”

January 16, 2024/in Student Spotlight

Student Spotlight: How One High Schooler is Redefining “Student Athlete”

If you asked Jax A. what his current life goal is, he’d say, “Earn my second degree black belt in karate.” If you asked him what his future life goal is, he’d say something quite different – “Make it to the Olympics for snowboarding.”

At only fourteen years old, it may seem like Jax is dreaming big. But with six snowboarding competition wins, two appearances at United States of America Snowboard and Freeski Association nationals, and a first degree black belt in karate already on his resume, his goals don’t seem so lofty.

“I compete in several [snowboarding] disciplines. Some are racing the clock turning through gates. I also race head to head in snowboard cross, where you have to fight each other through turns and straightaways to cross the finish line first,” says Jax. “I also compete in rail jam and slopestyle where I have to hit jumps, metal rails, [and] boxes to show off my tricks and style for the judges to score.”

Hitting the slopes for the first time at only five years old, Jax wasn’t always the prolific snowboarder that he is now. After many years of practice, he’s now able to train at a higher caliber, riding 60 days out of the year at Palisades, Mammoth Mountain or Sierra at Tahoe and training indoors on trampolines or roller boards during the summer months.

“I had to start at the bottom of the [snowboarding] teams and work my way up,” explains Jax. “I would ride every weekend, spring break and even train with my coach into the summer break.”

The flexibility of Visions’ Independent Study Academy is what lends Jax the time to train, travel and everything in between. Using planners to stay organized, he’s able to schedule his school work around his training days, something Jax says helps keep him on track.

“I like the ability to have flexible training schedules,” says Jax. “I have had a lot more time to focus on snowboarding, fitness, training and my grades.”

From the Mountains to the Mat

In addition to snowboarding, Jax has been doing karate with Kovar’s Martial Arts & Fitness since he was in kindergarten. As one of our Enrichment Vendors, Kovar’s provides extracurricular activities and hands-on learning opportunities for students like Jax. A current first degree black belt, Jax is using his Enrichment Vendor funds to continue to train with Kovar’s and pursue his passion for martial arts.

“I wanted to learn how to fight and defend myself,” Jax shares. “My goal is to earn my second degree black belt. I also am working towards a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.”

With three more years of high school to go, Jax has remained steady on his course to graduating, hoping to one day start his own snowboarding company and eventually qualify for the Olympics. His teacher, Jessica Wall, who Jax exclaims is the “best teacher ever,” commends Jax’s commitment to his education alongside his big dreams.

“Jax completes his work consistently and communicates well,” Jessica shares. “He is an all-around phenomenal student.”

At Visions, Jax truly is redefining what it means to be a student athlete. A strong academic and athletic competitor, he has been given the opportunity to receive a rigorous education, explore and refine his passions, and pursue his wildest dreams.

“Jaime Anderson from our resort and South Lake [Tahoe] Olympian went to Visions and it worked for her, so I know it can work for me too!”

Want to keep up with Jax? Follow him on Instagram!

Check out some of Jax’s sponsors!

Akova Gear
BC Goggles
Blue Iron
CCE, Inc
Donek Snowboards
Pismo Beach Surf Academy

Senator Niello Recognizes Visions Student For Dedication to Public School Choice

January 16, 2024/in News

Senator Niello Recognizes Visions Student For Dedication to Public School Choice

In September of 2023, University Prep Academy student Tori Berg had the opportunity to present the Golden Apple Award to Senator Roger Niello on behalf of California Parents for Public Virtual Education. This award, which recognizes policymakers who are advocating for parental choice in education, was close to Tori’s heart, as it represented her educational experience and success at a non-classroom based school like Visions.

Excitingly, Senator Niello wrote a personalized letter to Tori and sent it to Visions, thanking her for presenting him with the award and commending her hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence. We were lucky enough to invite Tori, her father, and two of her teachers, Hilary Ducharme and Sarah Grassinger, to join Superintendent Olmos in presenting Tori with the letter.

Visions Stands Up For Public School Choice

Over the past year, Visions In Education staff has met with lawmakers to discuss the importance of charter schools and equitable funding. We’ve had the pleasure of meeting with Senator Niello and many others to highlight how schools like Visions are an important option for families, like the Bergs, that want different public education options.

Congratulations Tori and thank you for continuing to champion school choice and Visions!

Check out Tori’s spotlight and the full story here!

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

January 9, 2024/in News

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.

Making Connections in the Community

December 14, 2023/in News

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

December 14, 2023/in News

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

December 12, 2023/in Student Spotlight

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.

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.”