Entries by Justina Janas

Student Spotlight: Young Business Owner Makes Her Mark

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Mikaela, a teen student that owns her own business, smiles at the camera in a park

Student Spotlight: Young Business Owner Makes Her Mark

Mikaela D. has what most people consider to be a full schedule. On top of being a young full time student, family member, and friend, she is also the founder of Blaq M’inenz, an all-natural skincare line that focuses on creating safe and effective products for all skin types. 

“The commercialized products in stores contain too many chemicals, most you can’t even pronounce,” says Mikaela. “So after researching, I decided to create a more natural and healthier ingredients for my skin.”

Balancing Act

Managing a business while continuing to grow as a person and stay on top of her schoolwork is a full time job. But Mikaela finds ways to manage her flexible schedule since coming to Visions four years ago in search of a more personalized learning option. At Visions, Mikaela found a school that supported her educational goals while taking into account her personal interests.

“Education is my priority, my schoolwork takes about four to six hours a day,” Mikaela says. But even while focusing on her studies and business, Mikaela finds the time to engage in extracurricular activities, including horseback riding, music and even financial management. Working with credentialed teacher Jessica Kimbrell, Mikaela is able to stay on top of her skincare line while still focusing on her studies.

“Ms. Kimbrell and I have a good relationship, very transparent,” says Mikaela. “She is interactive with us and always tries to find a solution to our concern.” 

Final Touch-Up

Mikaela hopes to continue to grow her business and educate other people about the benefits of natural skincare products in the future. In reflecting on her experience running her business as a student, Mikaela considers it enriching, providing her with a sense of personal achievement in addition to advancing her career goals. 

“It has taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to do,” Mikaela says. “My future is limitless, without boundaries.”

April is Autism Acceptance Month

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Autism Society spread awareness, promote acceptance, ignite change graphic

April is Autism Acceptance Month

“The Autism Society of America, the nation’s oldest leading grassroots autism organization, is proud to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in April 2021 with the ‘Celebrate Differences’ campaign. Designed to build a better awareness of the signs, symptoms, and realities of autism, #CelebrateDifferences focuses on providing information and resources for communities to be more aware of autism, promote acceptance, and be more inclusive in everyday life.”

Special Education Support at Visions

Visions In Education provides appropriate supports and services to students with a wide variety of learning needs which includes autism. We ensure that students with unique needs get the appropriate level of support as outlined in their individualized programs to ensure access to educational activities that provide meaningful benefits. We partner with local agencies and service providers to ensure students have opportunities to move forward in their learning. We are proud to support and promote inclusive learning opportunities and environments for all students! 

Autism Resources

Career Technical Education Available At Visions

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Five online high school students in patient pathway career technical education classroom

Career Technical Education Available At Visions

Being a high school student at Visions In Education has tons of benefits including Advanced Education and Dual Enrollment programs! These programs allow students to learn about various careers, develop soft skills and participate in work-based learning. Students can also start earning college credit while still working towards their high school diploma.

Preparing Students For The Future

Currently Visions is offering a Patient Care Pathway focused on careers in healthcare. Students learn what it takes to thrive in the professional world through partnerships with local employers that offer internships, mentoring, job shadows, field trips and similar opportunities. Since Visions provides students with a flexible schedule, they’re able to take extra classes and participate in these work-based learning opportunities. 

“The Work-Based Learning assignments were really interesting because we got to learn about careers in the healthcare field that some of us might not have known existed. The videos were very helpful.” – Diana, 12th grade Visions Student

Get Ahead With Soft Skills 

Soft skills such as communication, empathy, integrity and responsibility are essential to college/career readiness and are often harder to master than technical skills. Our students are given many opportunities to apply and practice these newly learned skills during the program.

Student Success

Many students have benefited from participating in our CTE programs. Read Alyssa’s story here to see how the Patient Care Pathway helped her plan for life after graduation.

March Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month on colorful custom artwork #DDawareness2021, Visions offers special education services

March Is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

It’s estimated that over 5 million Americans have a developmental disability. Developmental disabilities are defined as a chronic disability that will likely continue indefinitely that results in functional limitations. Affected life activities can include learning, language, mobility, self care and independent living. Autism, Down syndrome, Spina Bifida and Cerebral Palsy are examples of developmental disabilities.

Using this month to recognize those with developmental disabilities fosters inclusion and understanding. Learn more about different disabilities and how you can be an advocate for inclusion here.

Why Inclusion Is Important

Watch this video to hear from people with and without disabilities to learn why inclusion is important.

Congratulations to the “Learning Your Way Video Contest” Winners!

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Learning your way video contest announcing the winners banner with high school teen taking photo

Congratulations to the “Learning Your Way Video Contest” Winners!

We’re excited to announce the winners of our “Learning Your Way” video contest! We had a lot of great entries and we’d like to celebrate all of our students’ great work. Thank you to everyone that submitted entries and supported our talented finalists.

Watch this playlist to see all the amazing submissions

Without further ado, here are the winners!

Winners will be contacted via email this week for further details. Congratulations to all winners and thank you for participating!

Student Spotlight: Future Medical Student Finds Her Path

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Online high school student Alyssa smiles at the camera, working on CTE health courses and earning high school diploma

Student Spotlight: Future Medical Student Finds Her Path

“I’ve always wanted to be in healthcare,” says Alyssa G., a junior student with dreams of helping people for a living. But despite her medical ambitions, Alyssa struggled to find her groove in traditional school settings. Alyssa needed a flexible learning program that allowed her to pursue her interests while completing her high school diploma. She found Visions In Education, where she found some much appreciated career guidance. 

As part of the Career Technical Education (CTE) program, a program for juniors and seniors exploring various career paths, Alyssa learned more about the realities of various medical professions. She learned patient safety and medical best-practices designed to help her get a jump start on her career.

“I learned a lot about myself,” says Alyssa. “It helped me figure out what I wanted to do.” 

Visions flexible schedule allowed Alyssa to work at her own pace while exploring extracurricular opportunities. Alyssa was also able to take automotive classes through Visions’ Automotive Program partnership with American River College where she learned the fundamentals of automotive maintenance. Additionally, Alyssa participated in Visions’ Find Your Voice program that empowers students to find their unique creative expression through writing. On top of all of this, she’s coached by credentialed teachers Lonny Gossett and Nancy Ortner who support her career and academic goals. 

The Prescription for Success

In exploring various career paths, Alyssa determined that she would like to pursue a career as a radiologist! She plans to complete her high school education and then transfer to a college to complete her radiologist’s schooling. She credits her teachers with putting her on the path to success and helping her determine which career suits her best. 

“Visions helped me figure out what I wanted to do with life,” says Alyssa. 

March is Women’s History Month

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Women's History Month is celebrated in march. Text on the background abstract low poly style. Banner, poster Women s History Month in the red, pink, blue colors for social media. (Women's History Month is celebrated in march. Text on the background.

March is Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month commemorates the vital role of women in history. Much can be learned from these historical women and new female trailblazers are popping up everyday. 

Making History: Past, Present and Future

Jamie Anderson – graduated from Visions in 2008. In 2018, she made history as the first female snowboarder to win two medals at a single Olympics. We can’t wait to see what she does next!

Vice President Kamala Harris – first female vice president making her the highest-ranking female official in U.S. history as well as the first African American and first Asian American vice president.

Amanda Gorman – made history by becoming the first US National Youth Poet Laureate. Most recently she read her work on Inauguration Day and at this year’s Super Bowl.

Learn more about historical women in history here.

International Women’s Day – March 8

In addition to the month-long observance of women’s contributions to society, March 8 is a global day dedicated to celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Read more and see how you can get involved here.

Keep Learning

Set aside some time this month to watch videos in this series that includes episodes about Rosa Parks, Marie Curie, Bessie Coleman and more.

Student Spotlight: Ballet Star Shines Bright

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Home School student participates in ballet performance on stage

Student Spotlight: Ballet Star Shines Bright

Gianna Zahner has been dancing her way through life for years. An accomplished ballet dancer, Gianna was recently featured in the Benicia production of the Nutcracker during an unprecedented year in dance history. 

“There’s a thrill and just overall excitement that comes with dancing for people,” says Gianna. “I love looking out into the audience and seeing the smiles on people’s faces and hoping that I brought a little bit of happiness into their day.” 

Learning From Home

When Gianna was in second grade, her family decided to look for a home school option that gave her more family time and flexibility with her schedule to pursue her academic and artistic interests. Gianna’s family found Visions In Education, where Gianna connected with highly qualified teachers (including her current high school teacher, Stacey Camacho) who helped balance her schoolwork with her ambitions as a dancer as she progressed.

“I have been blessed with three different teachers during my time with Visions,” Gianna says. “I’ve only had my current teacher for about a year but I’ve enjoyed talking together and getting to know her.” 

With her teachers’ support, Gianna was able to customize her learning schedule to account for her dance classes as well as time with her church and her family. She also managed to get a jump start on college and take community college classes at Solano Community College with Visions’ support while still completing high school work!

“I think the important thing to keep in mind when juggling different things is priority,” Gianna says when asked how she managed her schoolwork with her extracurricular activities. 

Next (Dance) Steps

Gianna doesn’t know if she wants to dance professionally yet, but is interested in incorporating her love of dance with her career. She’s considering incorporating dance into her other talents such as photography and writing, perhaps becoming a dance photographer or journalist. Whatever she plans to do, her love of art and dancing will be sure to shine through. 

“I like Visions because I’m able to design my schedule around other important things like my dad’s days off, church, and ballet while still getting school done!” Gianna says. “Thanks again for this opportunity!”

“Learning Your Way” Video Contest – Deadline Extended to 3/15

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Female high school students waves into iphone taking a selfie wearing beanie and sunglasses against yellow background

“Learning Your Way” Video Contest - Deadline Extended to 3/15

Ready for your close up? Visions wants to hear how our students make learning personal! Enter our “Learning Your Way” Video Contest and be entered for a chance to win up to $300 in gift cards!

Contest Overview

Create a 30 to 60-second video explaining why personalized learning works for you and be eligible to win up to $300 in gift cards! Currently enrolled students in all grades and academies are eligible to participate. Visit our YouTube channel to see winners from years past. 

Note: This contest is for currently enrolled Visions students only. 

Submission Dates

February 16 – March 15 (deadline extended) 

Prizes

Grand prize: $300 in gift cards
Second prize: $150 in gift cards
Third prize: $100 in gift cards

Looking for video ideas?

Share how you learn “your way”. What does your way of learning look like? Tell us how you’ve taken advantage of personalized learning to achieve your goals. Share your unique story. Ask your teacher and/or counselor to participate.

Requirements

Students must be currently enrolled in Visions In Education. This contest is not open to graduates, prospective students, or members of the public. 

Final submitted video should be compressed to 50 MB or less.

Horizontal video format is preferred. 

Video should be between 30 and 60 seconds in length. 

Only one entry per student will be accepted.

For more information, see the Wire post (Launchpad login required).

Black History In The Making

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Three African American Visions students, profile photos for Black History Month student success stories

Black History In The Making

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” – Harriet Tubman

Our youth are the future and they’re making history. The California Charter Schools Association recently released a study that illustrated charters are leading the effort to close opportunity gaps for Black students, and there are many lessons to be learned from the successes of our students.

Tarig – improved his grades and graduated to become a successful stage actor.

Tyler – beat a serious illness and became a Junior Olympic gymnast while continuing her studies.

Makenzie – chose Visions to continue her schooling while pursuing her acting career.

Resources

Find diverse books – see yourself represented in the pages of a book.
Education for Life Academy – Black history resources from the origins of human life in Africa to the contemporary period.
My Reflection Matters – online community and learning resources.

Don’t forget to participate in the virtual activities being held by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). See details here.