Entries by Ellie Fazzi

Farewell Board of Directors Member Vanessa Belair!

Female board member poses with award, graphic includes "thank you" message and Visions star logo

Farewell Board of Directors Member Vanessa Belair!

As mentioned last month, Visions Board of Directors member Vanessa Belair ended her service on our Board of Directors last Thursday at our June 22nd meeting.

Member Belair has served Visions with distinction since July of 2021, offering her educator’s perspective on critical issues. She has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence in education; her insights, expertise, and tireless efforts have helped to shape policies and decisions that have positively impacted the lives of our students.

“I selfishly want to stay,” said Member Belair. “But I know it’s not best for the organization. I cannot wait to see the amazing things that will happen; thank you all so much. This has been a legitimately incredible experience.”

“[Member Belair’s] experience as a charter leader and a teacher has left an indelible mark on this organization,” said Board of Directors Chairperson Mark Holman. “This has been a critical time, and [her] wisdom and insight were of incredible value.”

While we are saddened by her departure, we wish Member Belair all the best and extend heartfelt thanks for her service, support, and dedication to Visions these past several years.

Visions board members and Superintendent pose in front of frame decorated wall to say goodbye to exiting female board member

Visions In Education Appoints Sandra Morales To Board Of Directors

New board member Sandra smiles at the camera, graphic includes text "welcome board member Sandra Morales"

Visions In Education Appoints Sandra Morales To Board Of Directors

Visions In Education is thrilled to welcome Sandra Morales to our Board of Directors! Board Member Morales was confirmed at our June 22nd Board Meeting to serve the remaining year of former member Vanessa Belair’s three-year term.

“[Member Morales’] combination of skills and experiences will be invaluable to us as we continue to work together in the future to build our educational and interpersonal success,” said Board Chairperson Mark Holman at the June Board of Directors meeting. “We are very excited to have her on the team.”

“I’m excited to be here,” said Member Morales after she was formally confirmed to the Board of Directors. “And happy to learn more about the work that you do supporting children.”

About Board Member Morales

Board Member Morales comes to Visions with a long resume of educational, analytical, and advocacy experience. As a partner at Education Advocates, Member Morales has served as a lead consultant for the Education Coalition, the California Institute of School Improvement, and the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA).

As an advocate, Member Morales successfully advocated for a new $1 billion funding model for county superintendents of schools that provides assistance to districts not meeting performance standards. Recently, Member Morales and her firm advocated for a 100% increase in state funding for CTE Programs statewide, offering students more opportunities to explore careers while still in school.

Our Board of Directors is an all-volunteer board that serves our school and our students without compensation. Visions is grateful to Member Morales for donating her time and wealth of educational expertise to help better our school. Welcome to Visions, Board Member Morales!

From Call Center to Center Stage: A Spotlight on Office Staff Member Raeshon

From Call Center to Center Stage: A Spotlight on Office Staff Member Raeshon Minnifield

Raeshon is many things – a student, an employee, an artist and a creator – but he isn’t defined by any one identity. A lover of EDM and Andre 3000, Raeshon has had a passion for music from an early age. Over the years, he has seen this passion manifest into another identity altogether – DJ and music artist Robot.Ray(); – and has taken the stage at clubs, parties and fashion shows to show off his artistry.

“I’ve been making music since I was sixteen, dabbling in FL Studio on my cousin’s laptop,” shares Raeshon. “Then five years ago, I got into DJing. I started to think of everything I could mix together and found out how therapeutic it is to chain songs together.”

A major stress reliever for Raeshon, crafting his songs reminds him to let go and tap into his creative side. Now, he produces, remixes and shares his music with family, friends and his community, and is even working on his first extended play (EP).

“I have three of the six songs in a place where I’m comfortable releasing,” says Raeshon. “I’m going to do one song a month before the full release, which will most likely be next summer.”

Although he hasn’t officially decided on the title of his EP yet, Raeshon keeps going back to one name: Hard Drive. A student at American River College, Raeshon is studying computer science, something he focuses on while also working in the Enrollment Department and making his music. He credits the amazing staff here at Visions for setting him up to pursue these different paths.

“Visions has really helped support me as a person,” says Raeshon. “Soren, Rick and Tom have been really supportive and have put me in a position to be successful.”

No Pressure

Despite his immense ambition, Raeshon tends to not put too much pressure on himself. Instead, he lets his job, his education and his music take him in whatever direction they naturally go.

“I feel like people succumb to pressures from others or are so wrapped up in the day-to-day routine that they forget to have fun,” says Raeshon. “I try not to take things too seriously. People forget that life innately is playful.”

Through the pursuit of his music, Raeshon takes the time to remind himself of the true nature of being a creator, something that encourages expression, exploration and play.

“You don’t really have any direction, you have inspiration and you go from there,” says Raeshon. “Although I take things seriously, I do it only to the point that I impress myself.”

If You’re Reading This

Visions has allowed Raeshon to do many things throughout his five years working here. The skills he’s learned – time management, organization, networking and professionalism – have been especially valuable. But at the end of the day, the thing that matters most to Raeshon is those around him.

“Life is about people. If you’re reading this, you matter. Sometimes people don’t hear that enough.”

Visions’ Main Office and STS Closed Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Vector illustration on white background red and blue text and a star, text says "July 4th We Will Be Closed"

Visions’ Main Office and STS Closed Tuesday, July 4, 2023

Our main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed on Tuesday, July 4, 2023 in observance of Independence Day. We will resume operations during regular business hours on Wednesday July 5, 2023.

Independence Day is observed every year on July 4 and commemorates the birth of American independence.

Behind the Scenes of the Big Day: A Spotlight on the Grad Team

A group of male and female Visions employees smile in front of a blue, yellow and white backdrop that says Visions In Education.

Behind the Scenes of the Big Day: A Spotlight on the Grad Team

This year’s graduation ceremony was full of amazing performances, inspiring speeches and memories that will be forever held by students and families. Everything that comes together on that day, from the decorations to the diplomas, is carefully crafted by our rockstar Grad team, people who work for an entire school year to make just a few hours happen seamlessly.

For some people, like Director of Student Services Matt Patterson, Administrative Assistant Angelica Gallardo and Charter School Secretary Patty Braaten, this wasn’t their first rodeo. For others, like Associate Director of Equity and Student Engagement Ron Thomas, Counselor Sam Webster and Social Worker Beatriz Alcazar, this was their first experience with a Visions In Education graduation. From working with graduates throughout the school year, to helping them through grad checkout, to watching them walk across the stage, our new staff got to see firsthand the incredible feat that is graduating our students.

“I have no idea how Angelica and Patty managed to plan a cohesive graduation, let alone TWO!” says Sam. “So much work and planning goes into it and it went off without a hitch. It was truly a beautiful event!”

The success of the day is also largely attributed to Kevin Wellsfry and the Facilities team, Adam Steffensrud and Brian Hart. As the first ones there and the last ones to leave, they were an integral part of the celebration!

Student-Centered

Although a day as impressive as graduation never comes without its challenges, everyone involved worked to make sure that students’ needs were front and center, including Matt helping a student who didn’t have enough money in their bank account get a cap and gown and Sam assisting a student in need on graduation day.

“There are no words to describe how much I appreciate our social workers,” shares Ron. “Relentless interventions and support has been the motto all year and the graduation ceremony was no exception. A special shout-out to Sam Webster for simply being who she is at her core – someone that refuses to give up on any student regardless of the situation. Thanks for being flexible and in real-time supporting our students during the ceremonies.”

Of course, despite some hurdles, there were so many things to celebrate. And the best part? The opportunity to engage with our amazing students in person.

“I LOVE attending grad checkouts and graduation,” says Counselor Jen Nino. “It’s definitely the best part of the year to interact with all the students I’ve only seen on Zoom and give them hugs and congrats!”

Counselor Rija Gorkhali agrees, stating, “Graduation and grad checkouts are some of my favorite events to attend for many reasons, including finally SEEING the students that we have been working with and talked to a thousand times virtually.”

The Graduation Queen

Angelica has been the mastermind behind graduation for many years now, and those involved have not been shy in expressing their praise and gratitude for all of her hard work.

“I would like to give a HUGE shout-out to Angelica who really is the graduation QUEEN!” shares Counselor Karla Gonzalez. “Without Angelica, grad checkouts and graduation would not be possible! SO much time and detail goes into planning those hectic days, but she manages to take care of everything!”

From the beginning of the school year to graduation day, Angelica worked directly with students and families to make sure that their big day came true. Without her tireless efforts, students would miss out on one of the core memories of high school.

“Angelica’s leadership, guidance and vision provided everyone that was a part of the process to be the best versions of themselves when it came to fulfilling their roles and responsibilities,” shares Ron. “So much of what she did was inspirational.”

Thank you to our incredible Grad team and all the staff involved for making such a special day come together so beautifully!

Click Through to See More Thank Yous!

Scheduled System Maintenance Saturday, June 17, 2023

Vector icon of a computer screen with orange html code and a blue wrench indicating system maintenance

Scheduled System Maintenance Saturday, June 17, 2023

Visions In Education will be conducting scheduled system maintenance on Saturday, June 17, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The following production systems may be unavailable while maintenance is taking place:

  • Launchpad
  • Logging into Schools PLP
  • Logging into PLSIS
  • Logging into Email
  • Logging into iReady
  • Logging into Zoom

Any users that need to use PLSIS, Schools PLP, iReady and/or Gmail during this time should login prior to 9:00 a.m OR try back sometime after 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Thank you for your attention to this matter,

Visions’ IT Department

Congratulations Class of 2023!

Superintendent looks out into the crowd of graduates from the podium at graduation

Congratulations Class of 2023!

On June 7, 2023, over 1,000 students walked across the stage at Memorial Auditorium in downtown Sacramento to receive their diplomas and officially become high school graduates. After drum rolls and cap tosses, they commemorated this milestone with friends and family, celebrating years of hard work, unwavering support and plans for the future.

This was only Visions’ second in-person ceremony since COVID, and it was graced with some incredible performances, speeches and words of encouragement from fellow students – stay tuned for links to the recordings! Whether it be college, trade school or the armed forces, our graduates seemed ready to take their next steps, like heading off to UCLA, packing up for Cal Poly, furthering their education at Chico State, joining the Marines and more. Thank you to our incredible teachers and counselors who have helped these graduates reach their goals; regardless of their paths, we’re already proud.

Grads, we are so grateful that we were able to celebrate you in such a big way. We have walked this educational path with so many of you for numerous years, and watching you close this chapter of your lives is always something special. Congratulations to the Class of 2023! We cannot wait to see how your lives unfold.


Click the photo to see all the snaps from the big day!


Click the photo to download your Grad checkout image!

Check out what some of our grads had to say about their time at Visions!

Asian female teen with hair pulled back takes selfie in a car
Smiling female teen with long hair takes selfie in her car
Black female graduate holds up her graduation medals wearing a pink dress before graduation

Francine Cruz – Independent Study Academy

“After graduation, I plan on hopefully getting into nursing school! I’d like to thank Visions, especially my wonderful teacher, Mrs. Bonds, for being there for the 2 years I’ve attended Visions. Mrs. Bonds, if you come across this, I thank you so much! You’ve motivated me and pushed me to do my best, especially on times where I would slack off. I thank you so much for helping me and for being so patient as well as believing I could do it!

For someone who lacked high school credits, to graduate early is crazyI would never have done it without the help of Visions. Because not only did Visions help “graduating” happen for me, they also helped me learn the importance of time management and having goals no matter what it is. A skill I will use for a lifetime! So thank you, Visions!

And to my family, I did it guys!!! WOHOOO! I’d like to thank each and every one of you for supporting me every step of the way. I love you dad, mom, and of course my siblings! I would never have made it if I didn’t have the BEST support system! This is just the beginning. And it’s only going to get better from here:)

Class of 2023, WE DID IT!!! Congratulations to each and every one of you! Good luck on your journey!”

Maria Solorio Leon – Independent Study Academy

“I enrolled at Visions because of its incredible schedule. I wanted to start getting ready for college during my senior year, and I tried to prioritize my well-being while working and making money.

I also chose Visions because I wasn’t feeling well at the time, both mentally and physically. As I was growing up, I never felt like I belonged any place, but Visions helped me feel content and at ease. I had a sense of belonging here. This school is an excellent example of how much it cherishes its students.

I want to thank my teacher, Ms. Quintanilla, for consistently looking out for me and ensuring that I completed my assignments on time. She pushed me to complete my tasks and never hesitated to assist me and answer any queries I had. I can sense how concerned she is for her students’ welfare, and she always inquired about our well-being. Thank you, Ms. Quintanilla, for being a part of my senior year.

My time at Visions was fantastic, and it certainly flew by. I want to encourage everyone who is considering attending Visions to do so; you won’t regret it.”

London Young – University Prep Academy

“I was drawn to Visions because of the Directed Projects and the ability to do dual enrollment. I learned to DJ and sew through my Directed Project, and even had the opportunity to DJ Visions’ Winter Ball and Prom with my mom! I also joined Black Student Union and became the first Vice President of the club. For the past year, I’ve been doing dual enrollment at my local community college and joined the California Scholarship Federation.

I would like to thank Julie Winalski, Danielle Singley, and Melinda Lewis for their amazing letters of recommendation. My counselor, Julie Winalski, was beneficial in my whole college application process. She helped me put all of my ideas for my college essays out efficiently. I also would like to thank Danielle Singley, my Advocacy teacher, for always answering any questions I had and helping me succeed in school by teaching me how to manage my assignments using my planner. I would like to thank my Spanish teacher, Melinda Lewis, who was always quick to respond. Her teaching style made me better equipped to get the State Seal of Biliteracy.

My favorite part about being a student at Visions was being able to schedule my assignments for the week and have the time to work on extracurriculars and hobbies. I had the flexibility to grow outside the classroom, while also being successful in all my classes. Joining Visions was one of the best decisions of my life!”

Female student with dark wavy hair standing in front of blank wall
White male graduate in blue cap and flower leis in front of balloons before graduation
Redheaded high school female in a white dress poses in an open field for graduation pictures

Elisa Passarelli – Independent Study Academy

“I enrolled at Visions because it very much allowed me to do schooling that fit me and my own schedule. I am a manager at McDonalds, and I’m getting custody of my two teen sisters while also starting my life with finding a home. All of this was able to happen while I attended Visions because it helped me get school done on my time. Mrs. Kyles, my teacher, was absolutely amazing, understood everything I said, and was there continuously helping any way she could. She most definitely deserves my thanks.

These last few years have been crazy, at the age of 18 doing things that most students or adults don’t do, taking on responsibilities that not many take, sacrificing my own life for my little ones, all while doing school and working. Anything is possible that you put your mind to. Focus on it and you will walk straight towards your goal. Just another achievement marked off my list!”

Edward Golodneac – Independent Study Academy​

“I’m planning to attend college after high school and pursue my career which is to become an electrical engineer! I would like to give a shout-out to my parents for leading me to the right path and always being there for me.

And I would also like to say a huge thank you to my teachers and especially Mrs. Wall for everything that you have done to make my high school experience great!”

Daniela Baker – Independent Study Academy​

“I plan on attending Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee to major in commercial music.

Thank you to my aunt, Cara Larson, and teacher, Mr. Avila, for being patient and always believing in me. And a very special thank you to my mom.”

See Daniela’s performance here along with videos of our other graduation performers.

Visions Main Office and STS Closed Monday, June 19, 2023

Juneteenth. Freedom Day. June 19. Holiday concept. Template for background, banner, card, poster with text inscription. Vector EPS10 illustration

Visions Main Office and STS Closed Monday, June 19, 2023

Our main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed on Monday, June 19, 2023 in observance of Juneteenth.

Juneteenth, or June Nineteenth, was enacted as a federal holiday in 2021 and commemorates the emancipation of slavery in the United States. It’s a day representative of hardship, hope and strength in the black community.

Home School Family Spotlight: Finding a Groove at Visions

Three smiling home school students in soccer jerseys pose with Boba drinks in their hands in front of a wall at their family-owned cookie business

Home School Family Spotlight: Finding a Groove at Visions

The Osadas can be characterized as many things – home schoolers, small business owners, and soccer fans. Although they started out at a traditional public school, they wanted a program that would allow them to explore their passions and family facets, and Visions’ flexibility, enrichment opportunities and unique learning environment provided them the perfect place to do so.

“We always knew we’d become a home schooling family,” says mom Krizy. “With Visions, we appreciated the idea of having a Credentialed Teacher guide us along the way and stipends to help pay for books and classes.”

After making the switch to Visions in 2017, the family got acclimated to the newfound freedom of home schooling. In addition to their studies, students Osiris, Zolia and Milani play competitive sports, take music lessons and perform daily household chores. They even formed their own band, The Osada 3! From singing into hair brushes to performing live in their community, the Osada children have been able to explore their love for music through Visions vendor Leapyear Music.

“Visions has given a tremendous opportunity to The Osada 3, as it’s afforded them a chance to learn music from Raymond Bambao,” says Krizy. “Raymond is a talented musician with decades of experience, and he agreed to become an Enrichment Vendor with Visions to work with my kids.”

Family Functions

Running a household is challenging, but running a home school and a small business on top is even more difficult. Krizy does all three, learning how to foster an independent learning environment for her students while also managing her home and bakery.

“Juggling the responsibilities of being a home school parent to students in three different grades, while also wearing my entrepreneurial hat and still being the ‘homemaker’ has its challenges,” shares Krizy. “But modeling how to learn is one of my favorite teaching techniques, and now my students can manage their own schedules and studies while also learning more practical skills.”

Lessons from a Home School Leader

Krizy likes to call herself the “lead learner,” someone who is learning alongside her students as she teaches. With support from the family’s credentialed teacher, Janis Zelmer, Krizy has found frequent success in her home school approach.

“We navigate lessons with the premise that I can’t learn for them, they have to learn it themselves,” shares Krizy. “I’ve watched my kids make a mindset transformation in home school. Above all the math, science, history and grammar lessons, their most valued lesson was when they realized that they are empowered to discover, pursue and learn almost anything on their own.”

Home school has allowed Krizy to become more in touch with Osiris’, Zolia’s and Milani’s learning styles and interests. By not limiting her expectations of them, Krizy has seen her students reach a higher potential in their schooling.

“I’ve found that home school has given me back the domain to prepare my kids for life skills as well as help develop their learning and life habits,” says Krizy. “A school like Visions is a blessing for my family.”

To learn more about the Osada family, their home schooling journey and their small business, follow their Instagram accounts: @theosada3@homeschoolrecipes and @thewhiptbaker.

Visionaries Share Their Stories

Camera man records smiling Visions student standing in front of a wall of published writing

Visionaries Share Their Stories

The Find Your Voice writing class, offered in partnership with Sacramento nonprofit 916 Ink, is all about expression, self-discovery and storytelling through the written word. Recently, we asked our Find Your Voice students to lend their voices in a different way – on video! In order to showcase all of the incredible things that the class offers, some of our middle school and high school members, teachers and even parents sat down on camera to share their experiences with the class and with Visions. Check out the video below:

“This class taught me it’s not going to be perfect but you’ve just got to try it and keep doing it and you’re going to get better at it.” – Isabella, Visions Find Your Voice Student

“Everyone is a writer when given a safe environment to express themselves.” – Crystal, Visions Teacher & Middle School Class Coordinator

Thank you Ashley, Isabella, Grace, Gabby, Abigail, Jaeda, Christina, Chad and Crystal for sharing your experiences!

We are so proud of our Visionaries for sharing their stories in so many different ways every single day. To learn more, visit the Find Your Voice page here.

About Find Your Voice
This class uses writing to take students in grades 6-12 on a journey of creativity and self-discovery. Students gain new confidence and discover the joy of writing. We proudly partner with Sacramento nonprofit, 916 Ink, to offer this class to our students. Students do not need to consider themselves a “writer” to sign up. The goal is to provide a creative and collaborative environment in which any student can discover their potential as a writer. The cost of this class is covered by your student budget.

About Our Partner, 916 Ink
916 Ink’s mission is to empower students through creative writing. Their programs create published authors, strong communicators and enthusiastic readers. Students increase their confidence, add to their vocabulary, improve their literacy skills and learn to communicate with empathy. Their programs have helped countless Visions students discover themselves and their voices. We are proud to partner with 916 Ink to empower our students to become the writers and changemakers of the future. Learn more at 916Ink.org.