Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Home School Promotions 2025: Celebrating Our 8th Grade Graduates

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Home School Promotions 2025: Celebrating Our 8th Grade Graduates

Visions In Education is proud to announce the successful completion of three promotion ceremonies for our Home School Academy, honoring the remarkable achievements of our 8th grade students. We celebrated the promotion of our dedicated students who have demonstrated an exceptional commitment to their educational journey.

Each ceremony highlighted the core values that make Visions In Education unique: our commitment to school choice and a flexible, personalized approach to education. Throughout the celebrations, students expressed heartfelt appreciation for their credentialed teachers and counselors, who were present to witness this important milestone as each graduate walked across the stage.

Words of Wisdom 

“Don’t let high school slip by without participating in all that high school has to offer. You might join a club, have an opportunity for an internship, or make new friends. Take challenging classes! Maybe you want to start a new job or take a community college class. There are so many great opportunities for you.” – Edwina Cirelli, Home School Academy Principal.

Hear Principal Cirelli below as she delivers her final speech before retirement. Congratulations on a long and illustrious career!

“Tonight is a time to reflect on the significant moments. When you taught your student to read, to work out a complex math problem, to appreciate good music or to fall in love with science. Your students are learning and excelling and in large part; thanks to your instruction and steadfast support.” – Morgan Lynch, Home School Academy Principal. 

“Each of you sits here tonight at the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. It is the end of middle school, a time of incredible growth and self-discovery. It’s where you began to creatively explore new interest, develop deeper relationships and dream about future possibilities and professions… the hard, the highs, the lows, have helped you shape who you are becoming.” – Julie Cole, Home School Academy Principal

Hear Principals Lynch and Cole as they deliver their speeches for the Class of 2025 below!

“At Visions In Education, we do things a little differently, some of you studied fractions while at the kitchen table, wrote essays with a cat in your lap, and turned science experiments into full blown kitchen takeovers. Guess what? You didn’t just learn. You thrived.” – Heidi Perry, Home School Academy Principal.

Hear Principal Perry deliver her speech for the Class of 2025 below!

Next Stop: High School

Each graduate received well-deserved recognition from teachers, parents, and peers as they prepared to embark on their high school journey. Many of our Visions students will continue their education within our community, choosing between our Independent Study and University Prep academies for their high school years.

Supporting Tomorrow’s Leaders

As these rising 9th graders face important decisions about their educational future, Visions In Education remains committed to supporting the next generation of leaders, scholars, and accomplished student-athletes. We are excited to see where their journeys take them and are proud to have been part of their foundational educational experience. Congratulations!

View the full photo gallery from our Home School 8th Grade Promotions on Facebook!



Pleasant Hill


Citrus Heights


Lodi

Online Middle School Celebrates First 8th Grade Graduating Class

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Online Middle School Celebrates First 8th Grade Graduating Class

On May 22, Visions In Education proudly marked a significant milestone with the first-ever Online Middle School (OMS) 8th grade promotion ceremony. Families and staff gathered to celebrate the achievements of this pioneering class. This celebration honored students who have successfully completed their middle school journey through our newest online academy.

Visions is proud to announce the promotion of 100 students at this year’s ceremony.

The inaugural promoting class represents the culmination of dedicated effort, academic excellence, and personal growth. These students have demonstrated that our flexible, online approach provides the individualized support necessary for educational success in today’s rapidly changing world.

Speaking Your Language

“The grit, the grind, the glow up, total main character energy. This class didn’t just pass, you ate and left no crumbs.”- Brian Albright, Online Middle School Principal.

Hear Principal Albright use more Gen-Z dialect to congratulate our OMS promoters:

“No cap”, Principal Albright also emphasized the importance of continued growth and seeking support when needed. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I need help,’ that’s not weakness; that’s wisdom.”



VIEW THE FULL PHOTO GALLERY FROM OUR ONLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL CEREMONY ON OUR FACEBOOK

Next Up: Finessing High School

The ceremony highlighted not only academic achievements but also the personal development and resilience each student has gained throughout their educational journey. These qualities will serve them well as they transition into high school and continue developing into confident young leaders.

Many of our OMS students are continuing their journey in our Independent Study and University Prep Academies, which provide pathways that align with their individual goals and learning preferences.

Congratulations!

The 411 on Jobs: Helping Our Students Get Work-Ready

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The 411 On Jobs: Helping Our Students Get Work-Ready

At Visions, we have a dedicated team of counselors who provide a variety of services to our students. One of their focuses is helping students prepare to enter the workforce, whether that be landing a part-time job during high school or securing a career after graduation. From resumes to interviews, our counselors help students prepare for every step of the job search process.

“Visions students have more flexibility to work at a job that is interesting to them, and we give them the option of earning credits through our Employment Skills class,” says Independent Study Counselor Megan Goudy. “But we noticed that many of our students didn’t know where to start. The counselors received various questions throughout the fall on the topic, which was the inspiration for this series.”

Together with Independent Study Counselor Kiely Anderson and Independent Study/University Prep Counselor Estrella Rosales, Megan led a session on the basics of finding and researching jobs. After noticing opportunities for growth, as well as increased student interest in additional support, what began as a single session evolved into a comprehensive “411 on Jobs” series to provide continued support to students. These sessions included an introduction to job searching basics, guidance on crafting and improving resumes, tips on what to wear, and mock interviews to provide real-time practice for students.

“Students were looking for guidance and support,” explains Kiely. “Our goal was to equip them with a foundational understanding of the job search process—including how to find opportunities, build strong résumés, prepare for interviews, and present themselves professionally.”

Putting in the Work

From fast food to retail to hospitality, our students expressed interest in a variety of jobs. Students Maria C. (11th grade, Independent Study) and Bassam I. (12th grade, University Prep), participated in three out of four sessions of the series, joining Nehemiah G. (9th grade, Independent Study) and Nia S. (11th grade, Independent Study) for in-person mock interviews.

“We had a total of 47 different students from grades 9-12 participate in at least one of our sessions. We have a solid foundation for this series and hopefully it can become a staple our students can look forward to,” says Estrella. “We focus on the academic side of school but we want to include more opportunities for students to develop their personal and professional skills that extend beyond the classroom.”

The counselors plan to offer this series again next year to give new Visions students and those who will be ready to find a job the same opportunities to learn. Thank you Kiely, Megan, Estrella, and our Counseling team for your continued commitment to preparing our students to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

Our in-person mock interview participants!

Nehamiah G.

Bassam I.

Nia S.

1% Better: Our 25th Year In Review

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1% Better: Our 25th Year In Review

Visions In Education has successfully served Northern California for 25 years on the strength of small improvements that build on each other over time. We call this our 1% Better philosophy and our staff and teachers pride themselves in looking for new ways to serve our families every day. 

Take a look at the video below to see some of the biggest wins our school has racked up over the past year.

1% More Wins!

We couldn’t fit all of our wins in the video (if we did, it would be hours long!) so take a look through our gallery of accomplishments below. These aren’t even all of the leaps and bounds our team has made this year and each staff member has contributed their own 1% Better improvement that has helped Visions thrive. 

Thank you to our amazing Visions community for another year of getting 1% better every day!

It’s Good To Be Visions: Celebrating Our School And Staff

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It’s Good To Be Visions: Celebrating Our School And Staff

Our 25th Anniversary has been a meaningful journey filled with stories, celebrations, and reflections on what it truly means to serve students for a quarter of a century. Reaching this milestone is a rare achievement for a charter school, and it has inspired us to look inward – toward the heart of our communities – to understand how we’ve cultivated such a strong and enduring culture of success.

In our It’s Good to Be Visions video, staff share why they choose to be part of the Visions community—whether it’s to champion students, build deeper connections with families, or be part of something greater than themselves. Hear directly from our Visionaries below:

With Gratitude

To our past Visionaries – both staff and families – you have helped shape our school into what it is today. Thank you for trusting us to educate, empower, and inspire.

A special thank you to all the families and staff who contributed to this video: Kennedy Family, Montoya M., Sherral H., Erika B., Melinda L., Connor P., Christie B., Brittney P., Sam M., Mitch W., Lesley S., Dan A., Brian R., Erin B., Robert K., Kristin S., Krissy C. and James U.

As we look ahead to the next 25 years, we are reminded each day: it’s good to be Visions!

Congratulations To Our Spring 2025 Visions All Stars!

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Pictured: Spring 2025 and Fall 2024 All Stars

Congratulations to Our Spring 2025 Visions All Stars!

Our fourth round of Visions All Stars were presented with their awards at our annual End of the Year Gathering on May 20th. The winners were selected by their fellow staff based on how well they embody Visions’ Values: 

  • Learning – Supporting a learning environment that continuously motivates all individuals to excel.
  • Relationships – Creating and maintaining meaningful relationships among students, families, teachers, staff, and community partners.
  • Integrity – Conducting ourselves with honesty and responsibility.
  • Accountability – Demonstrating a personal and institutional accountability for student learning, ethical conduct, and adherence to mandates, policies, and procedures.
  • Innovation – Challenging ourselves to create unique ideas and innovative solutions in a technology rich environment.
  • Respect – Promoting a school community that appreciates the value of students, families, colleagues, and cultures.
  • Service – Dedicating ourselves to delivering excellent service.

During the nomination process, staff were invited to send in some kind words explaining what makes our staff All Stars; see the gallery below for a full list of our winners!

Congratulations Spring 2025 Visions All Stars: Melissa Meyer, Amanda Blackwell, Melissa Hopkins, Mark Sheu, Sarah Grassinger, Hilary Brugger, Brian Reneck, Kerstin Brunckhorst, Lily Nichols, Leah Favro, Estrella Rosales, Carlos Palomo, Veronica Kane, and Georgina Rios, who represent our Home School, Independent Study, University Prep, Special Education, Certificated Non-Teaching and Classified communities. 

Congratulations Fall 2024 Visions All Stars: Mica Clements, Lisa Kawazoe, Amy Corcoran, Taylor Bartosh, Sarah Fernandez, Amy Salvatori, Patrice Boyan, Alyssa Lowrie, Christine McKnight, Susan Miller, Gabriella Slaughter, Noreen Snyder, Teri Woody, Jamie Snyder, and Betty Brady who represent our Home School, Independent Study, University Prep, Special Education, Certificated Non-Teaching and Classified communities.

Thank you All Stars for going above and beyond to make Visions great!

Turning Athletic Aspirations Into Reality

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Turning Athletic Aspirations Into Reality

In the formative stages of athletic development, young competitors are encouraged to dream without limits. Many aspiring athletes envision themselves reaching the pinnacle of achievement: securing positions on elite teams or earning the honor of national representation.

These aspirations initially manifest as distant possibilities, but at what point do they transform into tangible outcomes? For student-athletes, the college recruitment process represents a pivotal milestone that shapes their future trajectories.

We are proud to announce the commitment of the following Visions students who will be continuing their academic and athletic journeys at the next level. Congratulations, Visionaries! 

  • Eden N. – Soccer (Colorado State University)
  • Amy I. – Volleyball (Sacramento State University)
  • Angilee W. – Soccer (Central Wyoming)
  • Nadaul C. – Tennis (UC Davis)





How To Maximize Time

Athletic pursuits require significant time commitments. Visions students benefit from a flexible educational framework that allows them to maintain rigorous academic standards while dedicating sufficient time to athletic development. This balanced approach optimizes training schedules, recovery periods, and mental resilience—all critical components for competitive advancement.

In addition, Visions ensure that each student is paired with both a credentialed teacher and dedicated counselor to provide academic and personal support. This robust support network underscores our commitment to fostering community engagement as a critical factor in early achievement. 

At Visions, we believe that empowering students to direct their educational focus – particularly in areas of personal passion – creates the foundation for success, and we are committed to providing the institutional support necessary for them to thrive.

Interested in hearing about more students? Check out our current and past athletic spotlights below!

Soccer Excellence Leads to Colorado State

Eden’s journey with Visions In Education began when her family discovered the school through a community organization. After learning about the institution’s commitment to student achievement, they decided to enroll. Nine years later, Eden graduates with an impressive 4.35 GPA while simultaneously securing a commitment to Colorado State University, where she will contribute to the Rams women’s soccer program. Read Eden’s Graduate Spotlight here. 

Serving Success At Sacramento State

Amy I. recognized that the athletic recruitment process follows a unique trajectory for each individual. When she considered discontinuing her athletic pursuits, her support network intervened, emphasizing how her dedication had positioned her for success. Amy graduates with an impressive 4.50 GPA; the top of her graduating class. Her experience demonstrates how influential a strong support system can be in a student’s academic and athletic development. Read Amy’s Graduate Spotlight here.

Tennis Standouts Advance To Prestigious Institutions 

In 2024, tennis competitors Saahith and Mason committed to Duke University and Babson College, respectively. Having competed against each other in local and regional tournaments throughout their development, both athletes recognized that advancing to collegiate competition would require strategic adjustments to their academic and training regimens. Learn how Saahith and Mason prepared for the next level with Visions here.

Deep Dive Into A Family Of Swimmers

In 2023 and 2021, we spotlighted the Sears family who had three siblings competing at the Masters University. For the Sears, swimming represents a shared passion and pursuit. When eldest sibling JT received a recruitment offer from The Master’s University swimming program, he established a precedent for his younger siblings, Kylee and Charley, who subsequently followed similar paths. To advance their athletic objectives, the family enrolled at Visions In Education, leveraging the program’s flexibility to enhance their competitive capabilities. Read about Kylee’s journey here and how Charley followed in his older siblings footsteps to success.

Help University Prep Benefit More Student-Athletes

Do you know someone who is currently on their journey to academic and athletic success? Future and current Visions students can start their journey towards higher education in our University Prep Early College Academy. 

We are excited to see the next steps for our athletes and know that they will continue to make their communities proud of them. Good luck on your future endeavors, Visionaries!

STS Closed 5/20 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Student Technology Services (STS) Closed 5/20 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Tuesday, May 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. for an all-staff event offsite. STS will reopen at 1:30 p.m. Thank you in advance for your understanding!

Happy Classified School Employee Week! See All the Shoutouts on Our Kudoboard!

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Happy Classified School Employee Week! See All the Shoutouts on Our Kudoboard!

 




SEE OUR CLASSIFIED STAFF APPRECIATION BOARD HERE

May 18th-24th is Classified School Employee Week, and to celebrate, we’ve been asking our Visionaries to send in shoutouts for office staff and all the great work they do to support our staff and families.

Thanks to you, we now have over 100 shoutouts to share, celebrating everyone from Student Technology Services to HR to Facilities. See all the submissions on our Kudoboard!

Thank You, Staff!

Although Classified School Employee Week is only a week long, the impact that our office staff have on Visions is unending and immeasurable. Thank you classified staff for your dedication, professionalism, and care. It’s good to be Visions – because of you!










Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed May 26th For Memorial Day

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Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed May 26th for Memorial Day

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed on Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume operations during normal business hours on Tuesday, May 27th.

Memorial Day honors those who have given their lives in service of our country. On this day and beyond, we remember all who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that we can live freely.

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