Entries by Justina Janas

Visions Wins Award from the Russian American Media

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Women accepts award on stage with two presenters

Visions Wins Award from the Russian American Media

Visions is proud to be recognized once again by the Russian American Media for our Home School program!

On November 1, Superintendent Jody Graf proudly accepted the award for “Best Home School Program” at The Best by Russian-Speaking Community Awards Ceremony. 

Members of the community are asked to vote for their favorite organizations and businesses. Best Awards are given to the organizations that receive the most votes. We are so thankful for the support of our students, families and the Russian-speaking community.

About the Russian American Media
The Russian American Media, also known as RAM, is a community-based organization that connects the Russian-speaking population in California. They curate several publications including the Russian Time Magazine and the Russian Observer Newspaper. They also hold many events throughout the year like the International Kids Festival and the Multicultural Business and Career Expo. Learn more at www.russianamericanmedia.com.

Photo credit: Sandrey Photography

Student Spotlight: High School Student Shoots for his Goals

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Action photo of a Visions student playing soccer in a field

Student Spotlight: High School Student Shoots for his Goals

When asked about Yahari Guadarrama-Sandoval, his teachers and peers all use one word to describe him; hardworking. Whether it’s on the soccer field or in the classroom, Yahari has impressed everyone who meets him with his work ethic and attitude. But working hard doesn’t always get you ahead if you aren’t given the tools for success and Yahari found himself struggling to reach his goals in traditional school. 

“I wasn’t really doing that well in school,” Yahari said. More than anything, he lacked the support from teachers and fellow students in a traditional school setting. Yahari needed a safe, supportive learning environment and a personal relationship with his teacher to achieve his educational dreams. At Visions In Education, Yahari was introduced to teacher Simone Kunst who helped him get back on track. 

“She’s a really, really good teacher,” Yahari said. “She really helped me and pushed me to get better.” 

At Visions, Yahari also had the opportunity to take part in the Success Through Education Mentoring (S.T.E.M.) program in partnership with U.C. Davis. For more than three years, Yahari has partnered with experienced students from U.C. Davis who provide students with educational mentorship and a first-hand account of life as a college student. Visions’ flexible schedule also allows Yahari to participate in a local soccer league and help his parents out while staying on top of his schoolwork. Yahari’s hard work and dedication recently earned him a SleepFirst Student of the Week award, distinguishing him as an exceptional student in the Sacramento area. 

“He does right by his family and works hard to get the grades that he does,” said Yahari’s principal Shannon Alward. 

What’s Next?

Yahari graduated from Visions in spring of 2020. Inspired by his time in the S.T.E.M. program, he plans to go on to U.C. Davis and major in business. He credits his time at Visions with changing how he looked at school and helping him focus on his schoolwork and personal goals. 

“It was a really cool experience,” Yahari said. “The teachers here really help and support you to get you where you want to be.”

Visions Honored with APLUS+ Exemplary Sustainability Award

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Visions staff accepts award at APLUS+ conference

Visions Honored with APLUS+ Exemplary Sustainability Award

We are proud to share that Visions is the 2019 APLUS+ Pioneer Award Winner for Exemplary Sustainability. This award recognizes our 20 years of stability and service to students and families. The award was presented to Visions staff at the annual APLUS+ Network Conference in San Diego.

“Visions In Education has been proudly serving students for 20 years,” said Chief Operations Officer Tom Tafoya. “We are honored to be recognized for our growth and accountability by APLUS+, an organization that empowers and supports schools like ours.”

About APLUS+

APLUS+ stands for the Association of Personalized Learning Schools and Services. They are dedicated to supporting schools that offer flexible and individualized learning options to students. This association supports over 65 public charter schools in California that collectively enroll more than 70,000 K-12 students.

Visions In Education is proud to be an APLUS+ member school and we thank them for honoring us with a Pioneer Award. #VisionsProud

Graduate Spotlight: Aspiring Judge Gets a Head Start on College

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Female grad in cap and gown

Graduate Spotlight: Aspiring Judge Gets a Head Start on College

When Victoria Kebets was eleven years old, she had the opportunity to sit in on a trial case that changed her life. Sitting in a courtroom, watching judges and lawyers try a case, she was inspired to take up a career in law and started looking into becoming a lawyer. 

To do that, she needed a personalized education plan; one that would offer a choice of curriculum, and support her goals. But traditional public schools didn’t offer the support Victoria needed, and after a search, Victoria’s family found Visions In Education. 

At Visions, Victoria’s family was able to choose the curriculum that would support her career ambitions while offering her a flexible environment that allowed her to pursue her interests. Victoria took full advantage of numerous enrichment activities, including piano, voice lessons, and the Find Your Voice writing program. She also found the support of an experienced teacher and mentor in JeanAnn Walth. 

“She’s inspiring,” Victoria said. “If she can’t find the answer to a question, she refers me to someone who can.” 

In her nine years as a Visions student, Victoria demonstrated remarkable initiative and drive, enrolling in American River College when she was just fourteen years old! Because Visions reimburses students for community college materials, Victoria was able to take college classes (including a number of advanced classes) while excelling in high school. Thanks to her hard work and focus, Victoria now has a headstart on her college career!

What’s Next?

Victoria only has one more year of community college to complete before transferring to a four year university. She intends to pursue a law career and hopes to one day become a judge. When asked about her success, she credits the support of her teacher and family as well as a relaxed environment where she was able to learn at her own pace

“Give homeschooling a try,” Victoria said. “Studying at home is more positive environment.”

Graduate Spotlight: Rising Artist Nurtures His Vision

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Male student smiling at the camera holding a guitar

Graduate Spotlight: Rising Artist Nurtures His Vision

Darrin Patchell has had a lifelong love affair with art. Since he was in second grade, his family and teachers have been impressed with his artistic skills and tenacious work ethic. But while Darrin found his passion for art early in life, finding a school that fit him wasn’t as easy.

“Sometimes I had great teachers who took the time to get to know me,” Darrin said. “Other times I felt like they gave up on me or like I was a burden.”

Not satisfied with traditional schools, Darrin and his family went looking for a school that would support his interests and offer a personalized education plan. His search brought him to Visions In Education, where he found a safe, supportive environment to learn in.

“Visions has been so much better. Everyone treats me like a person and I feel valued.”

With the help of Visions’ Resource Center, Darrin’s family was able to choose and order curriculum that supported Darrin’s growth as a student. Additionally, Darrin was able to enroll in enrichment activities that let him focus on his love of art and discover a new appreciation for playing the guitar. Most importantly, Darrin found the support of a credentialed teacher that supported his goals.

“My teacher [Jennifer Kerr] always has something positive to say about my art and my skills in guitar,” said Darrin. “She is always proud of me and makes me look forward to presenting my work to her.”

What’s Next?

Now a proud graduate of the Class of 2019, Darrin is excited to move on to junior college while taking more advanced art classes. He’s looking forward to publishing his first book and hopes to someday put his skills to work as an illustrator. When asked what he would say to someone who isn’t sure if home school was a good option for them, he had this to say:

“If you are struggling or aren’t happy because you feel lost or bullied in public school,” Darrin said. “And if you are willing to do the work to be successful, then you should definitely give homeschooling a try.”

 

Visions student's painting of a person with blue skin and orange hair
Visions student's drawing of two airplane jets

Drumroll, Please! Here are the Winners of the #VisionsFirstDay Raffle!

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Collage of Visions First Day contest winners

Drumroll, Please! Here are the Winners of the #VisionsFirstDay Raffle!

Thank you to all of our students and families that shared their #VisionsFirstDay photos on Facebook and Instagram. This year we had an impressive 200 entries!

It was great to see all of our eager students, parents and teachers in their home classrooms, working on their Chromebooks, opening new curriculum and just enjoying the new school year!

See all of the great submissions here on Facebook.

Raffle Winners

Congratulations to the following gift card raffle winners!

Contest Rules Reminder: Photos must be posted on your personal Facebook or Instagram account using the hashtag #VisionsFirstDay in your main feed (we might miss your story posts). To be eligible for the raffle participants must be enrolled at Visions and have a public Facebook and/or Instagram account so we can see the submissions. By using the hashtag (#VisionsFirstDay) you grant Visions permission to use and repost your photos. If you don’t see your photo in the Facebook album, your account was not publicly visible. If you’d like your photo added to the album please email it to marketing@viedu.org.

Summer Graduation Inspiration – Photos & Video Now Available

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Summer grad posing on stage with Superintendent Jody Graf

Summer Graduation Inspiration - Photos & Video Now Available

On August 14, we proudly graduated 45 summer school students! 25 graduates participated in our intimate graduation ceremony and celebrated with family, friends and Visions staff.

Get Inspired

Each student shared a few sentiments that were read aloud as they crossed the stage.

Watch this short video to hear their stories.

See all the graduation photos on Facebook. #VisionsGrad #VisionsProud

“Our graduates and their stories of perseverance and resilience are captivating. To a person, they endured some of life’s most formidable challenges to arrive at this day… to don this cap and gown,” said Superintendent Jody Graf. “Thank you for your support; it is because of our teachers, counselors, administrators, and staff that our students achieve their goals and can pursue their dreams.”

Graduate Spotlight: Aspiring Biologist Makes a Splash

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Male graduate smiling at the camera with cap and gown

Graduate Spotlight: Aspiring Biologist Makes a Splash

Working with animals has always been Bladen’s passion. An aspiring biologist, he was looking for a way to turn his love of animals into a practical career. Unfortunately, traditional schools didn’t offer Bladen the opportunities he needed to get ahead or grow as a person.

Bladen transferred to Visions in his Junior year for a flexible schedule free of social pressures. Here, he was able to explore his interest for wildlife and develop his professional skills through Visions’ Work-Based Learning Internship program.

“My mom told me about this internship with SeaQuest,” Bladen said. “Immediately, I was like ‘yes, I want to do this.”

Through Visions’ partnership with the SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium, Bladen secured an internship opportunity that gave him high school credit and real-life experience. At SeaQuest, he worked alongside staff and other Visions interns in a hands-on, immersive environment where he learned how to care for a variety of marine animals.

Additionally, Bladen learned practical career-building skills like resume writing, communications, and customer service. Interacting with the public on a daily basis forced Bladen out of his shell, something he credits with helping his anxiety.

“I had really bad social anxiety before SeaQuest; this was almost like a cure.”

Ready for a Career

After the internship ended and he graduated, Bladen was offered a volunteer position at SeaQuest! He’s currently attending Sierra College and plans on using this experience to transfer to U.C. Davis to pursue a degree in Wildlife Biology. Bladen’s experience at SeaQuest also comes full circle as he prepares to mentor the next generation of Visions interns that participate in the program.

“It’s really a growing-up experience,” Bladen said. “I hope more kids take advantage of this program.”

Download and share Bladen’s story here.

Visions Is Proud to Celebrate 20 Years of Service

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Visions In Education 20th Anniversary Logo

Visions Is Proud to Celebrate 20 Years of Service

We’re excited to celebrate our 20th year of serving students and families!

Visions In Education was founded in 1999. Our mission then, and now, remains the same: to provide a quality education experience that meets the individual needs and learning styles of our students.

“We are delighted to be celebrating our 20th year,” said Superintendent Jody Graf. “It’s rewarding to see how our students have flourished in our programs and have moved on to great things. A special note of gratitude to our teachers and staff for their continued service to students and families.”

It continues to be our central focus to provide our students and families with a positive and meaningful learning experience. We’ve created new programs, systems and opportunities to ensure our services and support are always improving.

As we enter our 20th year, we thank you for choosing Visions and for the opportunity to partner with you in your child’s education.

Let’s Celebrate

Throughout the rest of the year we’ll be sharing lots of memories from our last 20 years including photos, stories, old logos and more. We’ll also be offering some 20th anniversary apparel in August, so keep an eye on our Spirit Store! #VisionsProud

About Visions In Education

Visions In Education is a free public charter school that serves TK-12 students in Amador, Contra Costa, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, San Joaquin, Solano, Sutter and Yolo counties. Visions offers flexible and personalized service in their Independent Study, University Prep and Home School programs.

Visions Students Become Published Authors

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2019 Find Your Voice 3 Book Releases

Visions Students Become Published Authors

How many people can say they are published authors before they even graduate high school? Not many!

Our popular Find Your Voice writing class helps students discover themselves as writers and publish a book. The program is offered in partnership with local nonprofit 916 Ink and at the end of the class students celebrate at a book reading with family, friends and teachers.

2019 Book Releases

Hidden Gems – South Sacramento high school class
Open Windows – Carmichael high school class
Thunderstruck – Vacaville high school class
Lake of Shining Stones – Fairfield & Galt middle school classes

These books will be available for purchase soon on 916 Ink’s website.

Photos & Videos

See photos of our high school student authors on Facebook.

Watch the authors read their work on YouTube:

South Sacramento
Carmichael
Vacaville

Did you attend the book readings? Share your photos on social media using #VisionsProud.

Fun Fact

#VisionsGrad Katie Tat was a writing mentor in the Vacaville class. She graduated from Visions in 2017 and is currently attending college to become a teacher.