Entries by Justina Janas

Grad Spotlight: Young Musician Finds Her Groove

/in
Marina smiles at the camera in blue graduation cap and gown; graduating from online high school

Grad Spotlight: Young Musician Finds Her Groove

“As a kid, I always had a passion for music,” says accomplished pianist and Class of 2021 Graduate Marina Neverov. Growing up in a musical family, Marina’s interest in music took shape when she started taking piano lessons more than twelve years ago and has grown with her. But even from an early age, Marina struggled to find a school that suited her needs. 

“I already knew the material that was taught in [First Grade] class because I already learned it in Kindergarten,” says Marina. “This made learning a bit boring for me.” 

Marina needed a flexible learning environment that would allow her to pursue her artistic goals while preparing her for her educational and professional future. Marina came to Visions in 2009 where she has stayed up through her senior year with the support of teachers and counselors.

“My relationship with my teacher and counselor has always been great,” says Marina. “I can tell that they both truly have the best interest of their students.”

With her teacher’s support, Marina continued her education while making time for her music, family, and other extracurricular activities. She graduated from the Russian Language School with excellence and has gone on to take vocal, guitar, and mandolin lessons. Marina also had the opportunity to take community college classes while finishing her high school education. 

“This was a cool experience for me,” says Marina. “I got to experience what college is like and now feel more prepared to go to college full-time after I graduate.”

Turn the Page

Marina is slated to graduate as part of our Class of 2021! In addition, she will be playing a piano piece as part of our virtual commencement address. Following high school, Marina plans on attending a community college for her associate degree before transitioning into a career as a radiology tech. She gives credit to her faith, her family (especially her sisters), and her support system for helping her to get where she is now. 

“Don’t be scared to take on opportunities,” says Marina. “Do your best, be kind, be yourself, live humbly and live passionately!”

Student Spotlight: Young Artist Takes Flight

/in
Home school student smiles at the camera

Student Spotlight: Young Artist Takes Flight

Andriy’s passion for all-things airplanes is plain to see in his art and photography. An accomplished young artist and photographer, Andriy’s artistic interests are a big part of his identity.

“Painting takes an important place in my life,” Andriy says. “It helps me express myself.”

When he was twelve, Andriy’s family decided to find a school that supported his interests and allowed him to pursue his passions while still receiving a quality education. At Visions, Andriy’s family works with teacher Jessica Orender to build a rigorous learning program that prepares Andriy for success in life while allowing him to develop his artistic interests.

“I am thankful for Mrs. Orender,” Andriy says. “She not only helped me academically but was a great supporter of my art.”

As part of the enrichment opportunities available to Visions students, Andriy was able to take art classes that helped him refine his style. Recently, Andriy’s artwork has been featured internationally and has even won international art competitions in Kyiv, Prague, and Madrid! He also runs an Instagram account, @sacramento_planespotter, which shows off his camera skills as he pursues interesting planes in the Sacramento Area.

“Some of my paintings are even based on my photographs,” Andriy added.

Soaring to New Heights

Andriy’s interest in art and photography have inspired him to pursue a career in aviation which he hopes to begin after finishing high school. He hopes to go on to become a pilot in the future and continue to build on the artistic foundation that has already garnered him recognition and success.

“I truly enjoyed studying at Visions In Education because it is a wonderful school!”

Classified and Credentialed School Employee Week

/in
Team building concept. Business team metaphor. Business partners or company employees work together on a project. Young people put together puzzle pieces. Illustration.Vector. Flat. Cartoon. (Team building concept. Business team metaphor.

Classified and Credentialed School Employee Week

The third week of May is designated as Classified and Credentialed School Employee Week. We want to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff for their hard work to support our students and families.

Visions In Education helps thousands of students each year. Our students’ success would not be possible without the dedication and commitment of our office staff, counselors, special education team, teachers, principals, vice principals, directors and managers!

Kudos From Visions’ Leadership Team

The complexities of ensuring each student is educated with the skills and resources necessary to contribute to their family, neighbors, and society while fulfilling their personal goals and ambitions, takes each of you to make happen. Your unique skill sets, talents, experiences, and roles are woven together to provide a healthy and working system that not only provides, but encourages, ensures, and promotes a quality, free public education for all students. We value your purposeful work and dedication as you serve our students and families.

Thank you all for your efforts, especially during this time of multiple transitions into and out of the pandemic world and experience. Your focus on student achievement and ensuring all students receive equitable support and resources will not only make a difference in our student’s lives but influence generations to come.

We continue to appreciate your flexibility as we navigate this transition and look forward to your continued support and focus as we look to serve our students, families and partners this summer and fall.

Visions Has Proclaimed May 12 as Day of the Teacher

/in
Day of the Teacher headline May 12, 2021 Visions In Education 20+ logo

Visions Has Proclaimed May 12 as Day of the Teacher

At the April board meeting the Board adopted Resolution No. 2021-002 proclaiming May 12, 2021, as Day of the Teacher.

From the Resolution

In May of 1982, California adopted a bill that established the Day of the Teacher to be celebrated in May. Throughout the year and especially during this exceptional time amid the COVID-19 pandemic, our teachers continue to support our students and families with their individualized learning endeavors. 

Our teachers deserve to be recognized for their dedication and hard work. Visions teachers inspire, encourage, nurture and touch the lives of students, families, and the communities they serve. Visions recognizes our teachers for their dedication and outstanding work performed on behalf of the students.

Shoutouts

Last week for Teacher Appreciation Week we asked students and parents to share how their teacher has helped them. We received some amazing shoutouts that reflect the great work of all our teaching staff. Enjoy!

It’s National Charter Schools Week!

/in
Two hands creating a heart, National Charter Schools Week

It’s National Charter Schools Week!

May 9-15 is National Charter Schools Week. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the first charter school law, which changed public education and provided new options to help students succeed.

#VisionsProud

Visions is a non-classroom based charter school that has been providing individualized learning since 1999. To recognize National Charter Schools Week we want to highlight a few of the ways our flexible programs benefit students and families.

Personalized learning plans – curriculum choice, flexible schedules, directed projects and access to community college allow students to create an education that fits their goals.

1:1 teacher relationships – students and families work together with a dedicated teacher to reach educational milestones. Our teachers get to know their students and develop deeper relationships.

Student responsibility – as stated in our school values, accountability is a key skill our students learn as they manage their learning. Learning time management and responsibility earlier in life sets students up for success in the future.

Charter schools offer additional benefits as well. The California Charter Schools Association recently conducted a study that outlined other ways charter schools help students – learn more about why charters are important to public education here.

#CharterLove

Share your appreciation for charter schools and school choice by posting about your experience on social media. Download and share these free badges and use the hashtags #VisionsProud and #CharterSchoolsWeek to connect with others in the community.

Thank you for choosing Visions as your educational partner!

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

/in
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Vector banner for social media, card, poster. Illustration with text, tropical plants. Asian Pacific American Heritage Month horizontal composition (Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Recognizing the AAPI Community

In May we acknowledge the accomplishments and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to the world. This month was chosen due to two significant events. On May 7, 1843, the first Japanese immigrant arrived in America, and on May 10, 1869, the transcontinental railroad, worked on by roughly 20,000 Chinese immigrants, was completed.

AAPI Resources

Influential Leaders

Watch this fun video from BrainPOP to learn more about the AAPI community.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

/in
Teacher Appreciation Week in United States. Celebrated annual in May. In honour of teachers who hard work and teach our children. School and education. Student learning concept. Vector illustration

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Our teachers are one of our greatest assets and we thank them for their commitment to our students and families. This last year has been challenging for everyone and we’re so thankful for our amazing teachers that continued educating and preparing students to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Teacher Treats to Help Us Say Thanks

  • Enjoy this Spotify playlist full of uplifting tunes.
  • Check out this Google Doodle created just for teachers and read success stories from around the nation.
  • Treat yourself! Tons of brands including Apple, LOFT, Staples and many more are offering discounts to teachers: see offers here and here.

Ideas for Students & Parents to #ThankATeacher

  • Use flyers and social media graphics from this toolkit to show your appreciation.
  • Send your teacher an e-card.
  • Use the social media hashtags #VisionsProud and #ThankATeacher on Facebook/Instagram and share how your educator has brightened your life.

Again, we want to express our gratitude to all of our exceptional teachers that go above and beyond to serve our students. Thank you!! #VisionsProud 

Grad Spotlight: Where Are They Now? Lizzie A.

/in
High school graduate smiles at the camera in a park

Grad Spotlight: Where Are They Now? Lizzie A.

In 2019 we featured Lizzie in our Grad Spotlight series. We were lucky enough to catch up with her to learn about what she’s been up to since graduating from Visions!

Young Entrepreneur

Lizzie has an entrepreneurial spirit. In high school she founded Team Celebrate, a nonprofit organization that provides birthday parties to youth in foster care. Now she is the Marketing Director of EdVisorly, a startup that helps community college students transfer to their dream university.

After graduating early from Visions, Lizzie continued attending community college but had her sights set on a university. After two years she transferred to the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business, but found the transfer process surprisingly difficult. 

“Throughout my two years of community college, I ended up taking many classes that didn’t transfer and I wasted lots of time and money on unnecessary classes,” said Lizzie. “Unfortunately, I am not the only student to face these problems. Only 18% of aspiring transfer students successfully transfer to a four year university.”

Based on this experience, she was drawn to EdVisorly. Starting out as an intern she’s climbed the ranks to Marketing Director. She works alongside other former community college students who are passionate about improving the transfer process to give everyone a fair chance at a college education. 

A Bright Future Thanks To Personalized Learning

“Visions gave me the flexibility and the freedom to carve out my own path, and encouraged me to be different and to accomplish my goals,” Lizzie said. “I could not be more grateful for my time at Visions and I cannot speak more highly of their teachers and students.”

Lizzie plans to continue her entrepreneurial endeavors during and after university. Team Celebrate continues to thrive with a great group of volunteers that work hard to raise the spirits of foster children. If you or your student is interested in planning your college adventure, EdVisorly recently opened up a waitlist for Seniors to sign up for support. 

We’re so proud of Lizzie’s work and we look forward to seeing her future business endeavors.

Video Bonus

Hear directly from Lizzie to learn more about EdVisorly and how Visions helped her prepare for life after high school.

Opportunities To Celebrate National Volunteer Month

/in
Stylized volunteers help charity and sharing hope isolated flat vector illustration. Cartoon abstract social team or group with humanitarian support. Donation and aid community concept (Stylized volunteers help charity and sharing hope isolated flat

Opportunities To Celebrate National Volunteer Month

April is National Volunteer Month! Countless organizations and nonprofits depend on volunteers to provide important services. Volunteering is a great way to help your community, meet new people and make a difference.

Find Opportunities Near You

Want to volunteer but not sure where to start? Visit volunteermatch.org to find opportunities in your area by topic. They also have virtual opportunities so you can help from the safety of your home!

Engage also allows you to find volunteer opportunities and organizations in your area. Get started here.

Scholarship Opportunities & Volunteer Hours

DoSomething.org is tailored towards youth volunteers 25 and younger. Choose to complete different volunteer campaigns for chances to win scholarships and earn volunteer hours!

Teachers Come Together To Provide Math Support

/in
Teen girl online high school student wear headphones studying from home writing in workbook solving equations learning math sits at desk. Teenage school pupil learn online on laptop, close up over shoulder view.

Teachers Come Together To Provide Math Support

For many schools, the transition to full distance learning was a big adjustment. Luckily, at Visions, we were equipped to face this challenge and our teachers rose to the occasion by creating new ways to interact and engage with students virtually.

Virtual Math Webinars

A group of Independent Study teachers realized that many high school students struggle with math. Direct instruction is known to help students improve their skills by allowing them to work together and ask questions in real-time. So this group of teachers came together to create webinars that provide different levels of support for various math classes.

During each webinar students are provided direct instruction using a variety of tools including doc cams, digital whiteboards, graphing boards, online graphing/scientific calculators and online protractor extensions. Work is done in groups, the webinar is recorded for future reference and office hours are available for students to ask additional questions.

Measuring Success

Student participation in the webinars exceeded expectations. Initial data shows a connection between higher webinar attendance and improved grades. Most importantly, the students are engaged and feel they’re receiving the extra support they need. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

“I like how in-depth Mrs. Fischer goes into the lessons. It really helps me understand the material. And I also like the recording of the class so I can go back if I’m stuck on anything.” – Elayasi, Grade 10

“It helps me understand what I’m going to be learning for the week and helps me get my work started.” – Joseph, Grade 10

“They explain how to do the problems in a way I can understand.” – Emmanuel, Grade 9

Dedicated Teachers + Motivated Students = Success

Who: Kudos to Amy Salvatori, Christina Fischer, Heather Bentley, Miguel Garcia, Adam Myers, Sara Branch, John Morris, Brandon Kim and Kim Bonds. Thanks to Principal Aaron Colburn and Vice Principal Elisavet Barajas for supporting this initiative.
What: Separate webinars for high school math classes including – Integrated Math 1A, Integrated Math 1B, Integrated Math 2A, Math Foundations A and Math Foundations B.
Where: Zoom
When: Every Monday at 1 p.m.