Entries by Justina Janas

Grad Spotlight: Bilingual Artist Found Flexibility At Visions

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Linda Graduate Spotlight female online high school graduate smiles at camera in blue cap and gown holding diploma

Grad Spotlight: Bilingual Artist Found Flexibility At Visions

Linda R. found Visions in 8th grade while researching schools that offered flexibility and extra support. She knew she needed a school that would help her pursue her various interests and goals.

Linda took honors courses and began exploring her interest in healthcare by earning her CPR certification. She’d always had an interest in the medical field but also wanted time to pursue her artistic interests including painting and manicuring. At Visions, she was able to pursue both her academic and personal interests in our online high school program.

“Visions helped me tremendously, they offered tutoring, college classes, driver’s education, honors courses and the tools I needed to achieve my goals,” said Linda.

Linda is also bilingual and was awarded the California State Seal of Biliteracy for mastering both Spanish and English. This award recognizes high school graduates who are able to proficiently speak, read and write one or more languages in addition to English.

Teacher And Counselor Support

Linda credits much of her success to her teacher, Don Bisio and counselor, Julie Winalski. Don always liked to start each week with motivational quotes to inspire his students. Julie provided the additional support Linda needed to prepare for college.

“Julie is an incredible counselor. She always makes time for her students,” said Linda. “During my senior year, she helped me and my other classmates tremendously.”

Linda graduated in 2020 and is moving on to pursue her degree in nursing at California State University, Sacramento. #VisionsProud

Graduate Spotlight: Student Accelerates His Learning At Visions

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Male online high school graduate smiles at the camera wearing a blue cap and gown

Graduate Spotlight: Student Accelerates His Learning At Visions

When Jeremiah C. was in third grade he read his science textbook in 24 hours. At that moment his parents realized they needed to find a school that could fit his advanced needs. Fast forward nine years and he is proudly graduating from Visions’ online University Prep high school program.

Learning at the Speed of Light

At Visions, Jeremiah’s teachers encouraged him to dig in and learn more about the topics he studied. His flexible high school schedule allowed him to pursue his various interests while also accelerating his learning. 

Jeremiah woke up early each morning to attend seminary class, participated in various Shakespeare productions, helped plan and lead a week long camp and served as an intern at SeaQuest Folsom and the Sacramento County Election Office. During his senior year he served as the President of the Visions’ chapter of the California Scholarship Federation. He also joined his local First Robotics team and competed nationally. During his two years with the team they were awarded various honors including the Creativity in Engineering award which came with a $5,000 NASA sponsorship!

“He just didn’t fit the traditional school model,” said Jeremiah’s mom, Brenda. “We liked that Visions was flexible with creative ways to ‘show-what-you-know’ beyond just workbooks and tests but still held him accountable and challenged him to progress and grow at his accelerated pace.”

Jeremiah worked closely with his teachers, principal and counselors to find ways to get ahead. He took AP Calculus and participated in Visions’ community college program by taking Physics at Cosumnes River College. This experience helped him prepare early for his college career. Being able to learn at home also gave him the time to advance in his studies while also enjoying his hobbies like kayaking, mastering complex board games and solving Rubik’s cubes.

What’s Next?

Jeremiah will be attending UC Santa Barbara in the fall to pursue a degree in Physics. After a year of school he plans to take a break to serve on a two year mission for his church. In the future he hopes to work at CERN, a European research organization that studies subatomic particles. 

Student Spotlight: Student Author Starts a New Chapter

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Female student smiles at the camera

Student Spotlight: Student Author Starts a New Chapter

Many young writers dream of publishing their first book, few can claim to be a published author before they even start high school. But Visions 8th grade student, known as Allie Kat*, has been writing since she was ten years old. She is the proud published author of multiple children’s books. 

“My friends moved away a few years ago,” Allie Kat said when asked why she started writing. “[My book characters] were immediately my friends.” 

At the urging of her mother, Allie pursued her passion and turned her first writing project into her first story. As she made the transition into middle school, Allie and her family looked for a flexible choice that would allow her to pursue her writing career. This eventually led her to Visions In Education and credentialed teacher Megan Edens. 

“I really enjoy being her student,” Allie Kat said. 

At Visions, Allie Kat is able to work at her own pace and balance being a successful author and student. She is able to keep writing her own work, in a creative writing exploration class and as part of our Find Your Voice writing class that brings young authors together to publish an anthology. Allie Kat has been published multiple times, both as part of collaborations and in her own standalone projects. Her latest book, Adventures of Baby Matzu, is a children’s book that was inspired by her aunt and uncle’s new baby. 

“I didn’t expect it to become a book,” Allie Kat said. “I just got inspired and started writing.” 

The Next Chapter

Allie Kat was recently featured at the Great Valley BookFest and has a number of projects in the works. Including a sequel to Adventures of Baby Matzu. She is looking forward to the challenge of high school and thanks her family and teacher for supporting her in her creative journey. 

*Student’s real name was withheld by request. 

Free Virtual Learning Resources

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Free virtual learning resources text overlaid on image of laptop

Free Virtual Learning Resources

During this unprecedented time where many schools are closed due to COVID-19, Visions In Education is proud to offer programs that allow our students to continue learning. Our Home School, online Independent Study and University Prep programs are already built to offer distance learning to give flexibility to families.

To help other students and families continue learning during this time, we’re excited to provide a collection of free activities and websites for children of all ages.

These Curriculum and Activity Resources for Virtual Learning include a wide array of subjects and are intended to provide meaningful and engaging instruction. Choose your grade level from the tabs along the bottom of the spreadsheet and find resources by subject including:

  • Over 40 virtual field trip options
  • Spanish lessons
  • Coding and math activities using Minecraft
  • A library of over 60,000 free e-books
  • Tons of other science, math, physical education, history and English activities

For even more online tools, visit the California Department of Education’s website here.

Please feel free to share with others that could make use of these valuable resources!

Student Spotlight: Student Fighting Cancer Finds a Way to Give Back

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Independent study high school student, Talon B., smiles at the camera in a red sweatshirt

Student Spotlight: Student Fighting Cancer Finds a Way to Give Back

If you attended our 2020 High School Youth Conference you may remember hearing about Talon Bonanno. Talon is an 11th grade Independent Study student that battled Neuroblastoma cancer.

Although he’s been fighting this high-risk cancer for a few years, his diagnosis hasn’t dulled his light and passion to help others. Talon and his family spend a lot of time at the hospital. During his time in the pediatric unit he enjoys life’s small comforts like playing video games on his Xbox One and watching anything he desires using his Amazon Fire Stick. He brings these items with him to the hospital and realized that many other pediatric patients don’t have the same comforts. 

Drink Chocolate Milk for a Cause

Talon created the #TalonStrongChocolateMilkChallenge (aka #TSCMC) to raise awareness about his fundraiser. His plan is to buy items like video gaming systems and Fire Sticks for every room on the Kaiser Roseville pediatric floor. He hopes to raise enough awareness that he can continue his mission and spread the joy to other hospitals as well.

What’s the Challenge?

  1. Time yourself drinking one cup of chocolate milk as fast as you can. (No dairy? No problem. You can substitute milk with almond milk, coconut milk, etc.)
  2. Take a video of yourself participating in the challenge and post it on social media using the hashtags #TSCMC and #TalonStrongChocolateMilkChallenge to raise awareness. 
  3. Nominate three other friends or family members to take the challenge to help spread the word!

To prepare to take the challenge, check out these clips from Good Day Sacramento! Talon explains the challenge and the Sacramento Metro Fire Department chugs chocolate milk for a good cause.

#TalonStrong

Talon credits his mom and teacher, Amy Salvatori, for motivating him. In the future he hopes to help find the cure for cancer and be a pediatric oncologist. When asked what he would tell other students struggling with health issues while trying to complete high school he said,

“You have to push yourself. If you want to succeed you have to fight. Don’t get down on yourself.”

Visions In Education’s Independent Study high school program allows Talon to complete classes online from home and at the hospital. This flexible program helps him continue his education while making his health his priority.

Fun fact: even UFC fighter Urijah Faber has taken the #TSCMC!

Student Spotlight: Meet the Sacramento State ATS Ambassador

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Bailey, female student stands in front of ivy covered wall

Student Spotlight: Meet the Sacramento State ATS Ambassador

Meet Bailey Flath, 9th grader and Ambassador for Sacramento State’s Academic Talent Search (ATS) program. Bailey has been a Visions student since Kindergarten and this past summer she attended the ATS program for the first time. Her enthusiasm and success in the classes earned her the attention of a professor who recommended that she become an ambassador for the program! #VisionsProud  

What is the Academic Talent Search Program (ATS)?

Sacramento State’s ATS program offers summer classes to students in grades 4 through 9. Students take the classes on campus and can choose from tons of different subjects including forensic science, graphic design, Lego robotics, Japanese, engineering, programming, broadcast journalism and much more. Students in the program meet new friends, continue learning over the summer and start thinking about their future college and career goals. 

ATS from Bailey’s Point of View

“[ATS] is a good way for students to try something new,” said Bailey. “You learn more about yourself and what you want to do.”

Last summer, Bailey took Python programming and Photoshop classes. She was able to explore the campus and get a taste of what college classes and life will be like. As the ATS Ambassador, she promotes the benefits of participating in the program, informs students and parents of the opportunity and works with Visions counselors to share information.

Hear from Bailey herself by watching the short video clip below!

About Bailey

Bailey’s family chose Visions so she could focus on her studies and also participate in extracurriculars like dance, soccer and advanced classes. She’s still figuring out what her future plans are, but participating in the ATS program and having the flexibility to explore her interests, like dance, are helping her find her way.

“We appreciate all Visions is about and provides,” said Sharon, Bailey’s mother. “I don’t think there are words to describe just how much you mean to so many families.”

Bailey credits her success to her mother and her teacher of 10 years, Heather Himmelman. 

“[Heather] is amazing,” said Bailey. “She challenges me, keeps me on track and is very helpful.”

March Teacher Job Fair

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Teacher Job Fairs with anniversary logo and image of teacher with student looking at the laptop

March Teacher Job Fair

Visions In Education is holding job fairs for prospective teachers to meet with faculty and staff. You’ll learn more about our school and meet representatives from our Independent Study, University Prep, Home School, Special Education and Human Resources departments.

Why Attend?

Whether you are interested in helping students who are struggling to graduate or those who are already at the top of their class, Visions provides every teacher with rewarding teaching assignments.

We offer competitive salaries and generous benefits including medical, dental, vision, STRS and PERS. Visions is a non-site based school so teachers have the flexibility to meet with students in their community.

Event Details

San Joaquin County
Thursday, March 5, 2020
3 to 5:30 p.m.
Hilton Stockton
2323 Grand Canal Boulevard, Stockton, CA 95207

RSVP

To formally RSVP please email hr@viedu.org or call 916-883-1614 (RSVP not required but encouraged).

About Visions In Education

Visions is a free WASC accredited public school that proudly serves over 6,700 students. Our service area includes Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo counties. Established in 1999, Visions is celebrating its 20th year of serving students.

8th Grader James Grant C. Wins 2019 Spelling Bee

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Male student smiles at the camera after winning the spelling bee

8th Grader James Grant C. Wins 2019 Spelling Bee

On December 11, 26 students participated in Visions’ annual Spelling Bee. The students, in grades 2-8, wowed the crowd with 31 rounds of words! See all the great photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Spelling Bee Champion

8th grader James Grant C. won the bee by correctly spelling “fungi”. He now moves on to take the California Central Valley Spelling Bee online test with the hopes of qualifying for the National Spelling Bee. We wish him the best of luck! #VisionsProud

Runners-Up

7th grader Elissia R. won second place and 6th grader Audrey L. took third. Congratulations to all the participants and finalists!

Fun Facts

The National Spelling Bee was founded in 1925 by nine newspaper companies. The bee reaches 11 million students every year and helps expand their vocabulary and improve spelling.

Student Spotlight: Student Cracks the Code for Success

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Female student posing and smiling for the camera

Student Spotlight: Student Cracks The Code For Success

Morgan Y. is interested in a lot of different things. From her first commercial acting gig at two years old, she applies herself to her numerous personal and academic pursuits. But when the time came to choose a high school program for their student, Morgan’s family wanted a flexible program that would allow time for her numerous interests.

“Visions just seemed like the best option,” Morgan said.

Morgan enrolled in Visions’ University Prep Academy, a program designed for students with ambitions of attending a four year university. Under experienced teacher Tracy Jones, Morgan is able to make her school life work around her busy extracurricular schedule.

“I know what I’m going to do for the day, the week, and the month,” Morgan said. “Tracy makes sure I’m on the right track.”

Getting Ahead

Morgan took community college classes starting her sophomore year, getting a jumpstart on college credits and learning the skills necessary to excel in a university classroom. In addition to sitting as the Vice President of Visions’ California Scholarship Federation, Morgan also acts, models and figure skates. She swims on a local team, tours as a professional Polynesian dancer, programs computer systems, and volunteers her time at Big Brothers/Big Sisters and Honor Our Troops.

Morgan most recently took part in the Girls Who Code program at Twitter’s headquarters. An event designed for girls interested in pursuing careers in computer science. Inspired by her time in this program, Morgan taught herself Swift (Apple’s programming language). She developed a wi-fi app for iPhones with fellow Visions student Chase Forsberg called “WiFi Fuze”.

Looking Forward

At seventeen, Morgan graduated from Visions in the summer of 2020. Her hard work has afforded her a wealth of college opportunities, but her goal is to attend Stanford. She intends to go on the accelerated track, getting her undergraduate degree in Computer Science and her MBA in five years. She believes that her time as an independent study student has equipped her with the self-direction necessary to succeed in a college setting.

“I was allowed to pursue a lot of things I couldn’t have done at a regular school,” Morgan said.

Student Spotlight: Student Goes For Gymnastics Gold

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Female gymnast smiling at the camera holding 1st place award with gold medals

Student Spotlight: Student Goes For Gymnastics Gold

When Tyler Turner was seven years old, her family knew she had been bitten by the gymnastics bug. The more gymnastics YouTube videos she watched, the more her parents realized they needed to get their daughter into a proper gymnastics class. Unfortunately, a very different bug nearly destroyed Tyler’s dream of becoming a gymnast. 

“I thought it was a stomach bug,” Tyler’s mother Corrin said. Unfortunately, Tyler had contracted Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare disease that attacks a person’s nervous system, leading to paralysis. Instead of learning gymnastics, Tyler had to learn to walk again, going through a long, difficult road to recovery before she could even consider her gymnastic dreams. 

Healing & Growing

Enrolling at Airborne Gymnastics came with new challenges as the rigorous thirty-two hour per week training schedule made traditional schooling impossible. Tyler needed a flexible home school option that would allow her to learn in her own time. A friend referred Tyler’s parents to Visions where they found the support of credentialed teacher Channel Lewis. 

“We love Ms. Channel,” Corrin said. “She’s been really helpful.” 

With the freedom and flexibility to do schoolwork whenever she wants, Tyler threw herself headfirst into gymnastics training. She’s competed with the Northern California State Gymnastics Team and, this past April, she beat out gymnasts from four other states to become Junior Olympics Level 7 State and Region 1 Champion! She also qualified out of 4,000 other gymnasts for national testing, making it to the top 45 out of 300+ for National A Camp. 

Next on the Parade

Now that she’s found her footing, Tyler shows no signs of stopping any time soon. She plans on climbing the Junior Olympic ranks with the goal of becoming a college level gymnast. Her gymnastics team is going to Paris very shortly where she will compete with young athletes from around the world. Only three years after a rare disease threatened her dreams, Tyler is proof that hard work, dedication, and just a little flexibility can make anything possible. 

“She’s kind of my hero,” her mother said.