Entries by Justina Janas

Black History Month Staff Spotlight: Special Education Teacher Ken M.

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Visions In Education special education teacher, Ken, smiles at the camera

Black History Month Staff Spotlight: Special Education Teacher Ken M.

To recognize Black History Month we are sharing voices from the Visions community. In this Staff Spotlight we interviewed Special Education teacher Ken Mewborn.

Hello, my name is Ken Mewborn, I am a Special Education teacher at Visions In Education supporting students and families with their educational needs.

How did your upbringing play a role in your career path/education?

I had teachers and coaches that encouraged me to go to college on an athletic scholarship. College and the education it gave me opened my eyes to endless possibilities.

What is your favorite mantra?

“You will know what you want to do, once you start doing something.”

What motivates you to come to work each day?

Knowing that I am contributing to students and families in a positive and encouraging way.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

It means awareness and recognition for the positive accomplishments of African Americans everywhere, past and present.

Tell us about a moment in Black History that influenced or shaped your career/life.

I can’t remember the name of the individual, but when I was a member of the Black Student Union in high school, a man held six different careers in order to prove that a Black man could do different professions. I have also been successful in various professions including factory work, the Air Force, law enforcement, entrepreneurship (real estate/mortgages), education, and more to come.

How do you plan on observing Black History Month personally and/or with your students/colleagues?

Attend events either in Vallejo or Sacramento. Watch National events on television.

Any book or documentary recommendations for educating ourselves on Black History?

Watch movies like Hidden Figures, Selma, Just Mercy, and 42 (the Jackie Robinson movie). These are movies based on real people and real life events, and they are entertaining.

Who is an inspirational Black historical figure who inspires you and why?

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.

Malcolm X, because he changed his life twice for the better. Once in jail from a criminal to a follower of Islam. Then later from a racist person to one who accepted everyone, no matter what their skin color.

Martin Luther King Jr. gave his life for the cause of freedom and equality. This means we can all do a lot more.

What’s a fun fact about you?

My last name had to be corrected on my birth certificate from “Newborn” to “Mewborn”. This mistake still happens today.

Anything else you would like to share?

We all need to continually grow in our knowledge and understanding of other people.

Click here for Black History Month learning resources.

February Is Black History Month

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Black History Month graphic

February Is Black History Month

Each February, we honor the contributions of African Americans who have helped shape our nation. Black History Month recognizes the heritage and important role these leaders play in the story of our country.

Black History Month Staff Spotlights

Meet some of our very own Black leaders!

Introducing Home School Vice Principal Beyonka Marshall! She supports our Bay Area homeschoolers and lives by the saying “Black History 365”. Read her spotlight here to learn how her heritage helped her become a successful educator. 

Introducing Special Education Teacher Ken Mewborn! His favorite mantra is, “You will know what you want to do, once you start doing something.” Read his spotlight here to learn more about his background and what inspires him.

Always Be Learning

It is important to always be learning and understanding how this culture has impacted our history. Below is a library of resources to support your ongoing education not just this month but throughout the year.

Reading Lists

Teens & Adults: choose from this list of 81 new books by Black authors.

Children: use story time to educate on Black History by picking a book from this list.

Free Online Events

February 22 at 3:45 p.m. – watch Paola Velez create a Dominican recipe that reflects and embodies her identity as an Afro-Latina chef. Register here (registration required).

February 23 at 2 p.m. – join this webinar to learn how President Abraham Lincoln welcomed African Americans to the White House during America’s most divided era. Register here.

Activities & Resources

Build on your knowledge using these activities and resources for grades K-12.

Video Break 

Learn how February became Black History Month.

Student Spotlight: Published Author Starts A New Chapter

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In our Independent Study program, Alivia created a personalized learning plan that allows her to finish school while pursuing her writing.

Student Spotlight: Published Author Starts A New Chapter

Since she was seven years old, Alivia has loved telling stories. Starting off with short pieces of fiction, she eventually began taking on more lengthy projects that explored her personal struggles and became an author. 

“I love being able to escape into a world that I can control,” says Alivia. “It just makes me so happy to write!” 

Her Story

Unfortunately, due to bullying and her own struggles with mental health, her previous school was no longer a good fit for her. Alivia needed a school with less drama that would support her creative ambitions. In her teacher, Colleen Darling, Alivia found a mentor who supported her unique needs as a student and as a writer. 

“I think what I find the coolest about Ms. Darling is that she’s so compassionate for her students,” says Alivia. “She really cares for them, no matter the circumstance.”

In our Independent Study program, Alivia created a personalized learning plan that allows her to finish school while pursuing her writing and other interests. With her teacher’s support (and editing skills!), Alivia published her second novel, Waves (2021). A story of a teenage girl who copes with the death of her older brother. Her schedule also allows her time to take community college courses, volunteer at a local cat shelter, and participate in Visions’ Find Your Voice writing class. 

Turning the Page

Alivia is on track to graduate in Fall 2022, after which she plans on attending a four year university to study animal care, another great passion of hers. Her goal is to become a veterinarian that helps exotic small animals or cats. Does this mean she’s done writing after school?

“No, of course not!” Alivia says. “When I have time to write I will write, and when I’m working as a veterinarian I will still be brainstorming ideas all day long!” 

Alivia thanks her teacher for her continual support and has a message for those who also struggle with depression: 

“For anyone who is struggling with depression know that you are not alone. Know that you are loved. Know that depression does not define or control you. You just have to believe in yourself; that’s the first step.”

2022 National School Choice Week

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National School Choice Week graphic with Visions 20+ years logo

2022 National School Choice Week

January 23 to 29 is  National School Choice Week! A time to recognize schools, students and families that choose personalized learning. Visions In Education is proud to be a public charter school that offers school choice and flexibility in our Independent Study, University Prep, and Home School academies.

“It’s difficult to underestimate the varied learning needs of students in our nation’s most populous state,” said Andrew Campanella, president of National School Choice Week. “It’s vital that every type of California school is celebrated and explored by parents this week, so every student can access an education that prepares them for a successful, happy future.”

Hear From Students and Parents Why School Choice Matters

“My grandson would not have graduated but for the attention he received from his teacher. She saw what he could not and helped him in more ways than I could list. He received more than a quality education. Their programs give students opportunities they cannot get in traditional school.”

Female shadow silhouette or icon

Rafaela Visions Grandparent

Yahari Visions Graduate

“Being an independent study student taught me to be more responsible and helped me become more independent not only school-wise but also in my life. It taught me to trust myself.” Read her Student Spotlight here.

Faten found an online high school that supported her love of learning, allowed her to pursue her goals and supported her unique needs as a student.

Faten Visions Graduate

“Independent Study is really nice because you can do everything on your own and you can choose some of your classes which makes it more personalized.” Read her Student Spotlight here.

Visions’ Independent Study online high school program provided Isabella a flexible learning plan that took her personal interests into account.

Isabella Visions Student

Get Involved

Social Media – Show your support for school choice by posting one of these badges on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter with the hashtags #SchoolChoiceWeek and #VisionsProud. 

Help Grow Our Community – Share your experience at Visions with friends and family members that may be looking for a school choice option for their student.

Looking To Switch Schools?

If a charter school seems like a good fit for you or your student, fill out the “Get Started” form on this page to receive more information about Visions! Fall 2021 enrollment will begin in February. Program options include:

  • Independent Study (grades 9-12): receive a FREE Chromebook to complete classes online, 1:1 teacher and counselor support, flexibility to work part-time and learn.
  • University Prep (grades 9-12): receive a FREE Chromebook to complete college prep classes online, 1:1 teacher and counselor support, community college opportunities.
  • Home School: parent is the primary educator, provided a budget to purchase supplies and curriculum (currently have a waitlist).

Grad Spotlight: From ESL Student to ESL Teacher

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Giselle worked with her teacher to balance online high school courses while improving her English reading and writing skills.

Grad Spotlight: From ESL Student to ESL Teacher

Giselle G. is a perfect example of what happens when a hard working student connects with a teacher who understands how to help them succeed. 

As a sophomore, her battle with Graves’ disease (an immune system disorder) and requirements as an ESL (English as a second language) student made traditional schools a hard fit for her. Unable to fit a traditional school schedule, Giselle looked for a program that supported her individual educational needs while allowing her to work at her own pace. At Visions, Giselle met credentialed teacher Miguel Garcia who put her on the path to success. 

“My relationship with Mr. Garcia was great,” says Giselle. “His guidance and advice is what motivated me to step out of my comfort zone and explore different academic fields at a young age.” 

Student Becomes The Teacher

Giselle worked with her teacher to balance traditional high school courses with improving her English reading and writing skills. Not only that, but Giselle also managed to take college classes with her teacher’s support!

“Giselle is a prime example of the tenacious students we have in our EL program at Visions,” says teacher Miguel Garcia. Giselle’s tenacity and love of learning marked her as one of the more successful students in the English Learner program, one others would often turn to for help. 

“Helping other ESL students at Visions came very naturally,” says Giselle. “Their struggles with language learning were very similar to the difficulties I previously had.” 

This experience of helping other students proved to be influential as Giselle prepared to leave Visions and enter the workforce. 

Paying It Forward

“When thinking of my career options in college I thought back to helping students at Visions.” 

Giselle graduated as part of the Class of 2016 and after getting a headstart on college credit at Visions, she went on to Cal Poly to study teaching English. As part of her undergraduate program, Giselle had the opportunity to study at Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea where she began studying a third language! After graduating with her BA in 2021, she returned to Cal Poly for her Master’s program focused on Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). 

Giselle’s language-learning skills have served her well in learning Korean while giving her perspective into the experience of how students learn English. She is currently working to complete her Master’s Degree and eventually intends to transfer to a Doctoral program focused on TESOL. Her ultimate goal is to become a teacher who helps other students learn English in the same way her teacher helped her. 

“I know for sure that I want to teach,” says Giselle. “I want to give students the same guidance I was given by my teachers. Mr. Garcia’s work played a crucial role in bettering me as a student and now as an adult.”

Highlighting Visions’ Partnership with Outschool

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Students building legos on a desk together

Highlighting Visions’ Partnership with Outschool

Since 2017, Visions In Education has partnered with Outschool to offer our students and parents online group classes led by independent teachers. With thousands of online enrichment activities to choose from, Outschool has helped connect Visions students to valuable educational resources and opportunities, even as in-person enrichment opportunities became limited in 2020.

“We partner with vendors who support or enhance our ability to offer more electives and enrichment programming. The attitude and overall messaging we want from our community partners is ‘hey, we’re in this together to support every student,” says Michael Brubaker, Director of Operations at Visions In Education.

Outschool’s partnership with Visions has allowed our students the opportunity to explore new interests and support existing passions by learning from qualified professionals. We are proud to work with Outschool to give our students the best opportunities available and allow them the flexibility to learn about the things they love from their own homes.

For more information about how Visions works with Outschool, read this article!

Visions Gives Back

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Young student holding wrapped Christmas presents

Visions Gives Back

Last month, Human Resources organized an Adopt A Student program to give back to our community. Nine students were randomly selected to receive gifts to uplift their spirits. Gift and monetary donations were provided by teachers and staff.

HR collected information about each of the students and went shopping while other staff helped wrap the presents and deliver the gifts. Gifts included toys, clothes, drawing supplies, blankets, household items and books. 

Thank you to everyone that helped spread some cheer including all who donated to support our students along with our delivery elves. Check out these photos to see our happy students and community in action!

Student Spotlight: Racetrack Superstar Drives At His Own Speed

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Doug chose online high school at Visions so he could earn his diploma while having time to focus on his passion for RC car racing

Student Spotlight: Racetrack Superstar Drives At His Own Speed

The cars Doug L. drives might be a little smaller than normal, but his skill behind the wheel on the racetrack always gets him to the finish line. A talented RC car racer, Doug’s hobby has garnered him national success and attention from more seasoned RC enthusiasts. 

So when it came time to look for a high school, he needed to find a school that would allow him to pursue his passion and pair him with a teacher that understands his goals. And that’s exactly what he found with Visions teacher Sandra Trunzo. 

“She’s amazing,” says Doug. “Super easy to talk to and if I need help, I just have to reach out.” 

As part of the Independent Study Academy, Doug works with his teacher to learn at his own pace while allowing time to chase his passions. As a competitive 10-scale RC car racer, Doug’s hobby takes him all over the country for competitions. His skill on the track has earned him a number of sponsorships from RC car manufacturers and retailers such as Team Associate, J Concepts, and 1Up Racing. 

To accommodate this busy schedule, Doug works ahead to complete his studies while traveling to his next race, learning at his own pace with the support of his teacher. With the help of his teacher and counseling staff, Doug has managed to stay ahead of his studies while racing ahead of his competition!

The Final Lap

After four years of hard work, Doug is on track to be part of our graduating Class of 2022! After school, he first plans on going to a community college to “figure himself out” before deciding what he wants to do next. Whatever his path holds for him, Doug intends to continue to chase his love of racing, either as a pro RC car racer or as an R&D engineer working to make the next generation of racers ever faster. Looking back on his high school experience, Doug thanks his teacher for giving him the freedom and flexibility to go after the things he loved. 

“I really got the freedom to improve,” Doug says. “In racing and in academic life.” 

Student Spotlight: Independent Study Offers Student a Personalized Path

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Visions’ Independent Study online high school program provided Isabella a flexible learning plan that took her personal interests into account.

Student Spotlight: Independent Study Offers Student A Personalized Path

Isabella Paul is no stranger to Visions In Education. From first to sixth grade, her family worked with the Home School Academy staff to provide her a personalized education. But after leaving Visions and spending two years in more traditional schools, Isabella felt like her needs weren’t being met so she enrolled in the Independent Study Academy.

“I wasn’t really learning anything on Zoom with my other school,” says Isabella. “I had been with Visions before. I knew that they would help me learn more but also give me flexibility and the convenience of doing school in my own home which is a plus!”

Visions’ Independent Study Academy welcomed Isabella back to our school and provided a flexible learning plan that took her personal interests into account. Isabella was able to work with her teacher, Tatyana Lazukova, to learn at her own pace while allowing her to pursue her interests, including baking, exercising, and spending time with her loved ones.

“For me, doing independent study is super beneficial,” says Isabella. “I love getting to do schoolwork around my schedule so that I can do the things that I enjoy but also still get school done.”

This includes participating in career planning activities like the Career Technical Education Patient Care Pathways program which gives students access to college courses designed to prepare them for a career in the medical field. This program also includes in-person first aid training and certifications.

“I feel like I am learning a lot about what the healthcare field may include and I am learning about lots of different careers!”

Looking Ahead

With the support of her teacher, Isabella is on track to graduate early and begin pursuing her post-secondary education. While she isn’t sure what the future holds for her specifically, her time in the Healthcare Pathway program has warmed her to a career in the medical field. Isabella thanks her teachers for helping her achieve her goals and instill in her the skills necessary to succeed outside of school.

“Independent Study is really nice because you can do everything on your own and you can choose some of your classes which makes it more personalized,” says Isabella. “Thank you for this opportunity!”

Student Spotlight Bonus

Hear directly from Isabella to learn more about her experience in Visions’ Independent Study Academy.

Students Learn to Save Lives

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Students participated in activities including mock-bandaging and CPR chest compressions on dummies under the supervision of trained CPR professionals

Students Learn to Save Lives

On November 3 and 4, twenty one high school students gathered in Carmichael to learn skills that might one day save someone’s life. 

Led by Independent Study Principal Shannon Alward and Teacher on Special Assignment Nancy Ortner, Visions students learned the fundamentals of CPR and basic first aid as part of Visions’ Career Technical Education Patient Care Pathways program.

“I’m planning on doing something in the healthcare field,” says 10th grade Independent Study student Isabella P. “So this is really helpful.” 

Students participated in activities including mock-bandaging and CPR chest compressions on dummies under the supervision of trained CPR professionals with CPR with Heart. In addition to earning credit towards their CPR certification, this course also fulfilled a requirement for the CTE Patient Care Pathways program. 

“Students were really excited to meet Ms. Ortner in-person,” says Independent Study Principal Shannon Alward. “They really enjoyed having the chance to meet each other and learn valuable, life-saving information.” 

Check out our Facebook photo album to see the students in action!