Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Enrichment Vendor Fairs Return After Nearly Six Years!

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Enrichment Vendor Fairs Return After Nearly Six Years!

This year, Visions In Education brought back the return of our Enrichment Vendor Fairs. These fairs serve as an opportunity to learn more about programs that students enrolled in Visions can use dedicated enrichment funds towards enhancing their learning experiences. 

Three Fairs, Three Communities

Our Vendor Services team and a dedicated planning committee worked hard behind the scenes to bring three fairs to families in Gold River, Concord, and Lodi. Our first fair, at our main office in Gold River, filled the space with vendors eager to connect with families. Concord and Lodi also saw strong turnout, with families meeting approved vendors who serve their nearby communities.

Ordering Services Manager, Melissa Pytlak, led the charge to help ensure the events had all the support needed to be successful, “Overall these three events were a tremendous success; seeing the engagement and enthusiasm from our Visions families was very rewarding for the project team. It was truly a joy to lead such a creative and dedicated project team and to revive enrichment vendor fairs for the Visions community.”

Kristin Shumaker, Vendor Support Analyst, spoke about what the fairs provided for interested families, “The Enrichment Vendor Fairs were an opportunity for Vendor Services to become 1% better in serving our families and enrichment vendors. The fairs provided an opportunity for our enrichment vendors to connect with our students and families to showcase their services, and it was especially exciting to watch the interactions between the enrichment vendors and our students,” Shumaker added that working in-person was a positive change from supporting virtually,  “[And personally] after three years of supporting our enrichment vendors, it was nice to finally meet and talk to some of them face-to-face!”

The Faces Behind the Programs

The fairs gave families a chance to meet more than 70 approved vendors face-to-face across all three events. Parents could ask questions, learn about each program’s classes and services, and find out whether it was the right fit for their child.

Meanwhile, students joined live demonstrations, got creative with art activities, and tried out new skills, all while discovering something they might love.

Pytlak shared appreciation for all of our participating vendors and the Visions team that rallied together to support the events, “I also want to share sincere gratitude for all of our enrichment vendors that participated and set up amazing and engaging stations. We truly couldn’t have done it without support from both vendors and the Visions community of families, teachers and staff.”

Enrichment Vendor Fair Concord
Enrichment Vendor Fair Concord
Enrichment Vendor Fair Gold River
Enrichment Vendor Fair Gold River
Enrichment Vendor Fair Lodi
Enrichment Vendor Fair Gold River
Enrichment Vendor Fair Lodi
Enrichment Vendor Fair Lodi

Options for Every Student

Home School students are provided a $3,500 annual budget to purchase a school year’s worth of curriculum as well as enrichment activities and supplies while Independent Study, University Prep & Online Middle School students receive $2,000 to spend on enrichment activities supported. 

We’re proud to partner with more than 600 enrichment vendors across our nine county service locations. Whether your child is curious about coding, music, art, foreign language, science, or driver’s education, or would rather spend time on horseback riding, martial arts, tennis, dance, or gymnastics, there’s a vendor ready to help them explore it.

Missed the Fairs? You Can Still Explore!

Our enrichment vendors page lets you search by category and location to find vendors near you in the subjects your family is excited about.



EXPLORE OUR ENRICHMENT VENDORS TODAY
Thank you Organizing Team
Thank you to our Visions staff team, Melissa Pytlak, Kristin Shumaker, Julie Yoder, Julie Cole, Andrea Leuschen, Lisa Adams, Soren Gutierrez, Justina Janas, Ronaldo Gomez, and Ron Thomas, who gathered for concurrent meetings to help organize these events and bring them to our communities. We are excited to provide more opportunities to connect with our enrichment vendors in the near future! 

Visions Spiritwear Is Now on Amazon!

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Visions Spiritwear Is Now on Amazon!



SEE OUR NEW SPIRIT STORE HERE

Get ready for a whole new way to show your Visions pride. Visions spiritwear is now available on Amazon!

For years, we’ve partnered with SquadLocker to provide spiritwear and merchandise to our community. Now, we’re excited to expand those options through a new partnership with Amazon. As the first charter school to partner with Amazon’s Merch on Demand program at this scale, Visions is bringing our community new designs and more affordable merchandise.

And the best part? We’re keeping our current SquadLocker Spirit Store open, giving families more choice when it comes to finding the styles, products, and fits that work best for them.

One Page, Three Different Options

Our new Amazon store has three different substores that offer a wide variety of different designs. Navigate between our various stores by clicking on the links at the top of the store

Partnering to Serve Students

As part of a pilot program and in exchange for our feedback, Amazon generously outfitted Visions’ first Flag Football team with brand-new jerseys at no cost. If you saw our team on the field this season, you may have noticed them proudly representing Visions in their new gear.

We’re grateful to our Amazon partners for helping our athletes look like a team while showing their Visions pride.

Questions?

Visit our Spirit Store page to learn more about the differences between the Amazon and SquadLocker stores and find the option that’s the best fit for you.

Visions In Education Starts Our 27th Year Serving 8,745 Students!

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Visions In Education Starts Our 27th Year Serving 8,745 Students!

Visions In Education is starting its 27th year with a record 8,745 students enrolled on the first day of school! This milestone reflects the continued trust families place in Visions and the growing demand for the personalized learning options, programs and support we provide.

Visions In Education student enrollment

A Record Built on Student Support

Our record enrollment is more than a number—it reflects what happens when students and families have access to a school designed around their individual needs.

For the sixth consecutive year, our withdrawal rate has declined as we continue to strengthen the services and supports available to students. From expanding clubs, sports and enrichment opportunities to enhancing our academic programs and investing in the people who support our students, we are continually looking for ways to make the Visions experience better.

This year, we welcomed more than 150 new staff members across instruction and school business to help us continue providing high-quality support as our school community grows.

These investments may seem like small improvements on their own, but together they have made a meaningful difference for students and families. They have helped us build a school experience that families continue to choose—and helped make this our fourth consecutive year of record enrollment.

Demand for Visions remains strong, with a waitlist of families interested in joining our school community. While we are excited to welcome new students when space becomes available, our priority is ensuring we can continue providing the level of service and support our current students and families deserve.

Thank you to our families for continuing to trust Visions In Education. And thank you to our dedicated staff for creating a school where students can learn, grow and thrive in ways that work for them.

8,745 students. One growing community. And a continued commitment to helping every student succeed.

Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos Shares Visions In Education’s Story on FUEGO 101.9

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Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos Shares Visions In Education's Story on FUEGO 101.9

Last month, Visions In Education Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos joined award-winning radio personality Hector Millan on FUEGO 101.9’s popular afternoon show, “Fuego Drive,” to share how Visions continues to make a difference for students and families across Northern California.

FUEGO 101.9 is a regional radio station known for its Latin and Spanish-language programming, reaching communities throughout the area. Dr. Olmos highlighted how Visions’ academic programs help students navigate language barriers, learning disabilities, and social challenges like bullying — while also using the flexibility and safety of a home-based learning environment to build stronger academic routines.

During the conversation, Dr. Olmos spoke about the many resources available to Visions students, including funding for enrichment activities, opportunities to attend community college, and the freedom to build a school schedule that truly fits their lives.

The Visions Difference

Language Barriers: Multilingual learners have access to dedicated support from Visions’ Multilingual Learners Department, which is focused on building an inclusive, nurturing environment for language development, cultural understanding, and academic growth.

Learning Disabilities: Every student learns differently, which is why Visions pairs each student with a credentialed teacher and counselor who can tailor support to their individual strengths and areas for growth.

Community Building & Bullying Prevention: Visions In Education seeks to help facilitate student socialization opportunities such as school dances, field trips, regional events, and community opportunities. Visions students report positive experiences with like-minded peers in a positive and engaging environment supported by Visions staff. 

Cultura Con Visons

Hispanic and Latino students make up an estimated 30 percent of Visions’ student population, and there are many ways for them to connect with their culture and community. Students can find community through student clubs such as Baile Folkorico, Latinx Success, and Latin Art Clubs. 

Whether students prefer to join virtually or in person, these clubs create space for connection, learning, and critical thinking. Research shows that students who find community through clubs and shared interests see a significant drop in chronic absenteeism, underscoring just how powerful a sense of belonging can be.

Learn more about Superintendent Steve Olmos and how his journey to Visions In Education is rooted in his commitment to student success.

Visions In Education Launches its Flag Football Program!

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Visions In Education Launches its Flag Football Program!

This spring, Visions In Education proudly kicked off its first-ever Flag Football program, welcoming enrolled boys and girls from our high school academies to take the field for the very first time. 

Two teams and eighteen dedicated student-athletes represented Visions this season, proving that a brand-new program can make a big impact, bringing students together, building friendships, and showing just how powerful team sports can be in creating community.  

How One Student’s Dream Became A Reality

The program’s story starts with one student’s vision. According to Ron Thomas, Visions’ Associate Director of Equity & Student Engagement, the idea for a Visions Flag Football program was sparked by the passion and determination of Class of 2026 graduate Daniel H. 

What started as a dream of seeing Visions offer flag football turned into an opportunity for Visions to build a program for students over a year in the making. 

Daniel was able to work side-by-side with Visions’ Athletic Director, Sergio Fuentes, to bring his dream to a reality. Transforming his thoughts of benefiting his school community through service into fruition. 

Read more about Daniel and his time at Visions in his Grad Spotlight!

“We launched the program with a Wire post that included an interest form, allowing students from across the organization to express their interest in participating,” said Thomas. “Sergio then organized informational meetings and practices to prepare students for the season while also serving as the team’s coach.” 

Kicking Off The Season

The season began in late April at Cordova High School and promised an interactive experience for students who had little to no experience playing Flag Football. The requirement for participation only being that students have a reliable form of transportation and be enrolled in Visions In Education.

“Beyond the competition, the season fostered school pride, teamwork, leadership, and meaningful connections among students from across our virtual school community,” shared Thomas. “We are incredibly excited about continuing to grow the program and expanding athletic opportunities for even more students in the future.




Planting the Fruits for Next Year

Thank you to Daniel H., whose determination turned an idea into a real program for future Visions students to enjoy. Thank you to Sergio Fuentes, who not only helped bring the program to life but also coached the team through its very first season. And thank you to every one of our student-athletes for showing up, competing with heart, and building a new tradition at Visions from the ground up.

We’re also grateful to the families who supported their students in getting to practices and games, and to the broader Visions community for embracing this new chapter in our extracurricular offerings.

Flag football will make its Olympic debut at the Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, and interest in the sport continues to grow nationwide. Visions is proud to keep finding new ways to involve students in extracurriculars that build community and school pride.

A huge congratulations to Daniel H., Sergio Fuentes, and all of our student-athletes who made this first season possible. Keep an eye out for the sign-up window in the next school year, and stay informed on The Wire!

Visions In Education’s 2026 8th Grade Promotions

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Visions In Education’s 2026 8th Grade Promotions

Throughout the month of May, Visions In Education honored its graduating eighth graders across Northern California in a series of heartfelt promotion ceremonies held within the Perry, Valenzuela, Albright, Cole, and Lynch communities of both the Home School and Online Middle School Academies.

Students gathered with family, friends, and educators to mark not just the end of middle school, but the culmination of years of dedication, growth, and perseverance. For Visions, these ceremonies carry a meaning that goes beyond a single milestone as they are a testament to the collective effort of students, families, and staff who made each achievement possible.





SEE THE PHOTOS HERE!

Online Middle School Celebrates Second Year

This promotion season held special significance for the Online Middle School Academy, now celebrating the completion of its second full year. The evening quickly became memorable when Online Middle School Academy Principal Brian Albright took the stage and delivered a speech infused with Gen-Z slang, adding some colorful language crafted by the younger generation. Hear Principal Albright’s Speech in the video below. 

Visions’ Director of Instruction, Jerad Hyden, captured the moment perfectly in a follow-up message to staff: “Principal Albright, your speech was absolutely a highlight, connecting with students using middle school vernacular was, as they would say, ‘no cap.’ It brought laughter and authenticity to the evening and perfectly captured the spirit of our OMS community.”

Before walking the stage, students were asked to deliver a rose to someone in their life that impacted them during their time spent in middle school. Each rose that was handed out represents the appreciation of the student to those who worked tirelessly to help them reach this day.

For Director Hyden, witnessing the night unfold reinforced everything that makes Visions unique: “It was truly amazing to see the proud families in attendance and to witness the genuine care and connection shared between our staff and students. One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was hearing each teacher speak about their students’ personal accomplishments and memories.”

See photos from our Online Middle School Promotion below






Home School to High School

At our Home School promotions, students were able to celebrate alongside their peers while expressing their joy through musical performances and prepared speeches to help articulate the impressive work being done in our middle school academies. Home School Principal Heidi Perry offered words that spoke to the character of the graduating class.

“What stands out so clearly is the heart of this class,” Principal Heidi Perry said. “Over and over your teachers described you as kind, respectful, funny, caring, creative, and genuine. They spoke about students who helped siblings, supported families, pursued music, theater, arts, athletics, technology, science, writing, entrepreneurship, and countless other passions with enthusiasm and purpose.”

During our first eighth grade promotion held in Lodi, the audience was entertained by promoting eighth grader Gavin P. who performed “Ain’t It Fun” by Paramore alongside his band, Broken Headphones.

See photos from our Home School Promotions below






Attending family and friends in Citrus Heights were also treated to a guitar performance by promoting eighth graders Josiah A. who performed a guitar solo at the Cole community promotion, Milani O. for her vocal performance at the Valenzuela community promotion, and Abigail Z. who delighted the crowd with a violin performance for the Lynch community.

As these students look ahead to high school, Visions In Education looks back on a promotion season that was a celebration of community and a reminder of just how far students can go when they have the right people in their corner. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

Discover Your Best Self: Mindset Academy Mentorship

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Discover Your Best Self: Mindset Academy Mentorship

Success isn’t just about academics – it’s also about confidence, resilience, and mindset.

The Mindset Academy program helps students develop the mental and emotional tools they need to navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Through mentorship, group activities, and one-on-one coaching, students learn how to strengthen their mindset and build habits that support long-term success.

Visions has partnered with professional coach Al Venegas to bring this program to middle and high school students. Together with a team of dedicated mindset coaches, students participate in social-emotional learning activities, mentorship sessions, and small-group discussions.

Students in the Mindset Academy will learn how to:

  • Lead with greater self-confidence
  • Set and achieve meaningful goals
  • Build positive relationships
  • Develop organization and consistency
  • Practice thinking with a growth mindset

Start thinking about ways to level up your future today!

To learn more about all of the mentorship opportunities available at Visions, visit our Student Mentorship page.

College Signing Day 2026

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College Signing Day 2026

On May 13, Visions In Education held its annual College Signing Day ceremony to honor student-athletes from the Class of 2026 who have committed to competing at the collegiate level. The event recognized the dedication, discipline, and academic achievement that made these milestones possible.

Students Earn Collegiate Athletic Commitments

This year, two Visions students signed their commitments to compete at college programs across the country:

Student Achievements

As families arrived, Visions School Counselors spoke about the achievements of both Hannah and Aurelio. Stories of our committed students revolved around the ability to attend practices and team events without missing important curriculum updates with Visions. 

Hannah’s School Counselor, Stephanie Artesi-Wernette, spoke to Hannah’s journey while at Visions to reach her goal of competing at the collegiate level: “You put in twenty-five hours a week and have competed all over the country and even internationally. Hannah is an eight-time state qualifier, nine-time regional qualifier, two-time Western Nationals qualifier, and the 2025 MVP of her team.”



Students who focus on a discipline of their choice have the opportunity to enroll in two high school options once they join the ninth grade: Independent Study Academy and University Prep Early College Academy. These two options offer the ability to complete school work at a comfortable pace without falling behind while also supporting independent study skills at a developmental stage that translates into real-world experience. 

Aurelio’s School Counselor, Julie Winalski, spoke about the great example that Aurelio sets for students, making commitments to both athletics and academics: “[Aurelio] has played competitive soccer for thirteen years, trains twenty-five hours a week, and has played for the Sacramento Republic FC Academy for four years while focusing on his academics.”

Next Steps

Sending off our committed athletes into their next stage of their careers, Visions is proud to have supported them during their journeys to discover a new environment that will continue to develop their growth beyond Visions. Their achievements serve as an inspiring example of what students can accomplish through focus, dedication, and the right support system.

Grad Spotlight: Visions Gymnast Commits to Hamline University

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Grad Spotlight: Visions Gymnast Commits to Hamline University

Visions In Education Home School Academy senior,  Hannah D., has officially signed her letter of intent to continue her gymnastics career at Hamline University following a memorable College Signing Day ceremony. 

Hannah has been part of the Visions community since the age of three, proving to be a dedicated student-athlete and one of the final graduating members of the Home School Academy. 

This fall, Hannah will relocate to St. Paul, Minnesota, where she will compete under the direction of head coach Doug Byrnes.

“I’m excited to experience gymnastics in a different environment,” Hannah shared. “I have met the team and am excited to be a part of it.”

Finding the Right Educational Path

When Hannah’s family relocated from Iowa to California, they faced a significant logistical challenge: managing the academic and extracurricular schedules of four children simultaneously. In search of a flexible solution, they turned to Visions In Education on the recommendation of a friend.

“When we decided to homeschool our four children, I was struggling with trying to figure out all of the logistics,” Hannah’s mother recalled. “Visions was so helpful in getting us started and figuring out how to navigate homeschooling.”

For Hannah in particular, the ability to balance rigorous academic coursework with the demands of competitive gymnastics training was essential. Visions’ flexible model proved to be the right fit.

“Visions has given me the time and resources to attend my training without my schedule becoming overwhelming,” Hannah said. “I am so thankful that I am able to continue my gymnastics journey in college.”

The Visions Difference

Hannah’s mother expressed her appreciation for the personalized support her family received throughout their tenure at Visions, noting the meaningful impact of three credentialed teachers over the years.

“We have been so thankful for the amazing support we have received academically, and also for the funding that has allowed our kids to participate in activities and sports that we otherwise wouldn’t have been able to make happen,” she said.

Credentialed Teacher Jessica Kimbrell was singled out for her exceptional dedication to the family over the past eight years.

“She has been so supportive and patient through everything. She has truly cared for all of our kids and still asks about the ones who have graduated and moved on,” Hannah’s mother said. “She has become a monthly fixture in our lives, and it will definitely be strange to close this chapter. We will miss her deeply.”

When asked whether she would choose Visions again given Hannah’s gymnastics demands, her mother’s answer was unequivocal.

“A hundred percent,” she said. “Hannah’s gym schedule has always been very time-consuming. Had she not had the flexibility that Visions In Education afforded her, I think her athletic journey would have looked very different. It makes such a huge difference day to day, as well as when traveling for competitions.”




Words of Encouragement

As Hannah prepares to embark on this exciting new chapter, she carries with her the lasting relationships and legacy she has built throughout her years at Visions. Her teacher and counselor would like to send her off with the following words of encouragement:

“Hannah, it’s been such a joy to witness you grow from the sunny girl doing gymnastics in her living room into the successful, hardworking young woman that you are today. I have been amazed at your work ethic and dedication to, not only your sport, but also your family,” said Hannah’s credentialed teacher, Jessica Kimbrell. “My wish for you as you step into the next chapter of your life is that you achieve all that you ever dreamed of, but also that you never lose sight of your love of true crime, British baking shows, or your family. Thank you for being such a hard working student and may you never have to have a NARP for a roommate.”

“In just the one year I’ve had the privilege of working at Visions and knowing Hannah, I have witnessed that her dedication in the gym and in school has made it clear she is someone who never does anything halfway,” said Hannah’s School Counselor, Stephanie Artesi-Wernette. “To Hannah: as you head into this next chapter, remember to always show up for yourself just as fiercely as you show up for your team. Wishing you all the fun, joy, and success you deserve as you begin this exciting new journey at Hamline University!”

Visions In Education Students Join Voices For Change Sacramento to Shape the Future of Education

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Visions In Education Students Join Voices For Change Sacramento to Shape the Future of Education

Students from the Visions In Education community recently had the opportunity to participate in the Voices for Change Sacramento Youth Activation and Listening Session, hosted by the Reaching At Promise Students Association (RAPSA), a nonprofit organization partnered with Visions.

The event took place at Sacramento State University’s Welcome Center and brought together youth from historically marginalized communities across California. Its purpose was to empower students to share their perspectives on issues directly affecting their education and futures. Visions students joined more than 40 peers from throughout the state in a series of social activation workshops and a dinner networking session.

Attendees were welcomed by Sacramento State University President Dr. Luke Wood, Public Policy Institute of California President and CEO Tani Cantil-Sakauye, and State Board of Education Member Dr. Alison Yoshimoto-Towery. Each speaker emphasized the importance of advocacy and using one’s voice to create meaningful change.

Cantil-Sakauye encouraged students to speak up consistently and confidently within their communities: “Your voice matters — it matters because people need to hear it often and regularly in order to show up.”

Dr. Yoshimoto-Towery challenged students to reframe their personal hardships as sources of strength and leadership. “The things that I was most ashamed of have been the things that have given me the most strength to lead,” she shared. “Think about how you turn that into a source of strength for you.”

Student Voices Amplified 

Six Visions students attended the event and spoke about their personal experiences on topics such as housing, mental health, and education.

Visions student Valarie G. addressed the growing challenge of rising college tuition costs and the barriers they create for students seeking higher education opportunities. “I respectfully ask, would you consider lowering college tuition costs and promoting scholarship opportunities more prominently,” she said, calling on decision-makers to take meaningful action.  

Visions University Prep Academy student Maribella K. made a compelling case for introducing second-language instruction at earlier stages of a child’s education. Drawing on research in brain development, she argued that high school is too late to maximize language acquisition. “Language activates a part of our brain that would otherwise go untouched,” Maribella said. “If we start at a young age, that’s really when your brain is at its most pliable state and when you learn most.” 

Real Impacts

Each topic carried a weight of importance for the organizers to leave with and contemplate as they will feed into CA’s Governors 2026 Youth Empowerment Commission’s report to the legislature and State Board of Education as per AB-46.

Associate Director of Equity & Student Engagement, Ron Thomas, attended the adult session held on campus where he was able to participate in a discussion with the Governor’s Office of Community Partnership and Strategic Communication and RAPSA on Reaching At-Promise Youth Before the System Does. 

“My session focused on the importance and components of being an Adult Ally. An Adult Ally is a committed advocate who listens without judgment, affirms student identity and lived experience, and uses their influence to remove barriers and amplify youth voice. It is about creating spaces where students feel safe, seen, and empowered to be their authentic selves,” Thomas said. “I appreciated being part of such a meaningful event and look forward to connecting soon.”

Thank You Event Organizers 

Visions In Education extends its sincere gratitude to event organizers RAPSA, the California Opportunity Youth Network (COYN), the California Governor’s Office Youth Empowerment Commission (YEC), and the California Governor’s Office of Community Partnership and Strategic Communication (OCPSC) for creating a space where student voices can shape the future of education in our state.

We look forward to continuing this partnership and expanding access to opportunities like this for more Visions students. We will continue to ensure their stories are heard at every level of decision-making.