Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

The Heart Of Visions: A Spotlight On The Human Resources Department

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Group photo of Visions HR department dressed up as cowboys

The Heart of Visions: A Spotlight on the Human Resources Department

At Visions, there is a group of seven women who make up our Human Resources Department – a Director, two analysts, and four assistants. Sometimes they’re Barbies, other times, they’re cowgirls. They’re Soup Day chefs and Santa’s little elves, and most significantly, they are the people behind the people and the support system of our organization.

“My role involves overseeing the key functions of the department, including recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, compliance, health benefits, and performance management,” explains Donna Glenn, Director of Human Resources. “My team is exceptional in their field, bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise. Together, we collaborate to foster a positive workplace culture by organizing activities and events that engage and support our team members.”

HR employee holding a wrapped gift

As a department centered around recruitment, hiring, benefits, and more, Human Resources is truly unique in its operations. While our other departments – Enrollment and Student Services, Ordering and Assessments – primarily support our students, HR’s main focus is supporting our staff.

“My top responsibilities are credentialed staff and teacher recruitment along with onboarding teachers, counselors, social workers and classified staff. It’s really fun to meet all of the new hires and watch them grow in the organization!” says Hillori Dalton, Human Resources Assistant.

Our other Human Resources Assistant Jamie Snyder supports Hillori in this work, providing job advertisement, applicant screening, interview preparation and other important event coordination.

“I coordinate Visions’ annual Career Fairs and University Career Fair, FRISK and ACSA training for managers, and new hire StrengthFinder assessments,” says Jamie.

HR is also responsible for tracking important staff information and remaining in compliance with state regulations, a body of work that Administrative Assistant Terry Sovulewski is heavily involved in.

“My core responsibilities include tracking TB and credential expirations, assigning and tracking mandatory training, employment verifications, and updating policies and procedures in the employee handbook,” says Terry.

While a large focus of this team’s work is on recruiting and hiring, there is also an emphasis on supporting staff after they’ve joined the organization.

“I am the benefits point of contact for current employees in regards to health benefits plans during open enrollment, their new hire period, or if they experience a life event,” explains Giuliana Carillo, Human Resources Analyst. “I also help administer the Leave of Absence program and assist employees who resign or retire from the organization.”

“My core responsibilities are credential analysis, staffing, salary placement, leave balances, leave of absences, policies and procedures, and employee communications,” adds Cruz Ambrosini, Human Resources Analyst.

Administrative Assistant Dao Gordon’s position is unique in that she supports both the HR Department and the Superintendent’s Office. Her body of work, along with HR tasks like hiring, onboarding, and managing our Visions All-Stars program with her team, includes overseeing our Alumni Hall of Fame, an initiative launched this year to recognize and celebrate our distinguished alumni.

“The Alumni Hall of Fame program recognizes and honors our outstanding alumni who have distinguished themselves professionally and/or personally. The program was launched last August on the occasion of Visions’ 25th Anniversary,” Dao explains. “We believe that Visions alumni have made great impacts to our communities over 25 years, and they deserve to be honored.”

Visions staff Dao Gordon posing in a human-size Barbie box
Visions HR staff dressed up as Barbie
Visions Director of HR Donna Glenn

Leading & Learning

Although many of the department’s practices are tried and true, and consistently indicate why we often have no vacancies at the beginning of the school year and little turnover at the end, the team is always looking for ways to improve. Whether it be bolstering our hiring efforts, expanding our benefits, or offering supplemental education opportunities for staff, HR maintains a strong focus on getting 1% better every day.

“Our HR team truly embodies the ‘1% better every day’ motto through our continuous to growth, learning, and improvement. Whether it’s refining our processes, enhancing employee experiences, or staying updated on the latest HR trends, we are always looking for ways to make incremental improvements,” says Donna. “We encourage open feedback and actively seek our opportunities to streamline workflows, support our staff more effectively, and enhance our organizational culture. By focusing on small, consistent improvements, we make a big impact over time, creating a more efficient, responsive, and positive environment for everyone.”

Not only does this continuous improvement culture help our staff develop, but it also helps drive HR’s own commitment to growth and learning.

“I really enjoy being part of the HR team. I’ve been learning a lot from all team members, and I really appreciate it,” says Dao. Hillori adds, “I feel very lucky to work in my department! I am always learning something new from my team.”

A Passion for People

The nature of HR’s work is to look outward to support our staff and organization. However, their internal bonds as coworkers, collaborators, and cheerleaders for our Visionaries are just as strong.

“The HR team is amazing. Each personality and strength fits together to make the most collaborative team I have ever worked with,” says Cruz. “We are here to offer support to employees no matter what they are going through and strive to be a valuable resource to employees.”

“I really enjoy being part of the HR team,” Jamie adds. “I feel we have a quick turn around to help employees receive the information and services needed to succeed.”

“I’m so fortunate to be working alongside some of the hardest working HR people I’ve ever worked with,” says Giuliana. “I love being able to work with and support the greatest influencers in our students’ lives!”

What Giuliana said rings true – one of the strongest pillars of this department’s work is supporting and uplifting our people. With good staff and teachers come successful students and a strong culture, each a crucial component of Visions’ quarter-century of success.

Group photo of Visions HR staff

At Visions, we understand that life is full of significant moments – from birth of a child to the challenges of a wedding, a divorce, or even the loss of a loved one. Throughout all of these times, our HR team is a constant source of support for our staff. HR is often the first place employees turn when they face personal or professional difficulties, and the work that they do is nothing short of incredible,” Donna shares. “Our HR team provides a steady presence and a listening ear during some of the most challenging moments in life, all while maintaining a positive and compassionate attitude. Their ability to offer guidance with empathy, care, and professionalism is a testament to their strength and dedication. I am extremely proud of the HR team for their unwavering commitment to supporting our employees, no matter the circumstance.”

Sharing Our Story: COO Tom Tafoya Interviewed On BuyQ Podcast

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COO Tom Tafoya interviewed on the BuyQ Podcast graphic

Sharing Our Story: COO Tom Tafoya Interviewed On BuyQ Podcast





Listen Here

BuyQ’s Charter School Insider: Lessons from the Nation’s Top Charter School Operators podcast is dedicated to highlighting the “behind-the-scenes” business of running a successful charter school.

On December 19th, 2024, Visions’ Chief Operations Officer Tom Tafoya sat down with Charter School Insider host Daniel Casselli to discuss how Visions seamlessly manages the purchase and distribution of learning materials, resources, technology, and services as a non-classroom based charter school. This is no simple task as Visions serves over 7,500 students, in nine counties, across 9,200 square miles.

From recounting ordering challenges that Visions faced in its infancy to illustrating how we’ve streamlined our processes over the past 25 years with systems like LPAD and integrations with Amazon, Mr. Tafoya gives insight into how Visions continues to get 1% better to meet the needs of our staff, students, and families by using best practices.

“For us to grow and serve our students, we have to be able to resource them with materials, books, supplies, and services,” says Tafoya in the episode. “Having multiple programs in multiple modalities is complicated, but it’s also fun to solve these types of situations and develop solutions to meet the needs of all these students.”

Listen to the full episode here!

About BuyQ

BuyQ is a group purchasing organization devoted specifically to charter and private schools. Originally founded in 2012 as an initiative of the Colorado League of Charter Schools, BuyQ is now an independent, mission-driven company focused on serving schools throughout the country. Learn more here.

Samuel Smalls Joins Visions In Education Board of Directors

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Visions Board Member Samuel Smalls
Visions Board of Directors group photo

Samuel Smalls Joins Visions In Education Board of Directors

On December 19th, the Visions In Education Board of Directors approved Samuel Smalls to join the Board. Mr. Smalls will fulfill the remainder of retired Board Member Tom Knox’s term through June 30, 2025. 

Samuel brings more than thirty-three years of experience in business management, government relations, public policy making, and board experience in the Sacramento area. A graduate of Harvard University with Honors, Samuel currently works as the Treasury and Debt Manager for the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, overseeing finances for an organization that provides water to more than 19 million Californians. 

Samuel’s Board of Directors experience includes local organizations such as membership positions on the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity, the Capital Region United Way Foundation, and the City of Sacramento Inclusive Economic and Community Development Investment Committee. He is also a former Board President of the Sacramento Downtowners Toastmasters and the former President/Chair of the Alternative Family Services Foster Family Agency. 

Samuel is excited to join the Board to contribute to Visions In Education’s mission of preparing each student to succeed in a rapidly changing world. 

“I want to advance the mission of Visions In Education to expand its reach and impact on the next generation of youth in need of alternative platforms to learn,” says Samuel.  

Visions In Education thanks Samuel for joining our Board of Directors and looks forward to working with him in service of our students, families, and staff.

Charter Renewal Secured For Another Five Years!

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Visions leadership at San Juan Unified board meeting

Charter Renewal Secured For Another Five Years!

We are thrilled to announce that our school’s charter was officially renewed by unanimous decision at the San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD) Board Meeting on December 17, 2024. This renewal affirms our commitment to providing high-quality education options and ensures our ability to continue serving our students, community, and staff.

Visions has grown and changed significantly since its last charter renewal in 2017. To prepare for this renewal, we started working on it in July 2022. The outcome of this work was a nearly 1,000-page document detailing our school operations, fiscal management, student outcomes, and much more. We are also proud to be the first charter school to submit for renewal and receive approval since the pandemic.

The new charter term will begin on July 1, 2025, and run through June 30, 2030. This milestone is the result of a collaborative school-wide effort, and we are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support in bringing this project to a successful conclusion.

We also want to express our gratitude to Director of Accountability & Data Services Soren Gutierrez, who managed the project with dedication and expertise and guided our team every step of the way.

We are grateful to our educational partners at SJUSD for over 25 years of support and our community for their ongoing support in preparing students to succeed in a rapidly changing world.

A Career And A Calling: A Spotlight On Soren Gutierrez

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Selfie of Soren and his wife

A Career And A Calling: A Spotlight On Soren Gutierrez

Soren is many things – a New York native, an army vet, a husband, and a dog dad. But he’s been many things before and between, including an Executive Assistant and Project Manager on Wall Street. He’s seen Germany and Iraq, the inside of private jets and more ginger root than he’d care to in his lifetime (you’ll have to ask). His tough exterior is equally matched by his soft center and desire to serve, qualities that have steered his life for over 20 years.

“I started my educational and professional career in the military by attending West Point and serving five years in the Army as an Infantry Officer. I was stationed at Fort Benning (now Fort Moore, Georgia) and in Germany and did a 13 month tour to Iraq in 2006,” says Soren. “After active duty, I worked in New York City for two years as both an Executive Assistant and Project Manager for a very wealthy individual and had an opportunity to actually start a parochial school on his behalf.”

Despite what seemed like an impressive career, Soren struggled with the transition from the military to civilian life. The financial sector wasn’t a fit for him, and although he felt the smallest glimmer of light when he launched the parochial school, he still had a difficult time finding his footing back in society.

“I was in the National Guard in the traditional ‘one weekend a month/two weeks a year’ model and that really helped me transition, especially meeting and talking with the other combat veterans about our experiences,” Soren explains. “After two years, I took a full-time job with the National Guard on a National Guard Disaster Response for the East Coast.”

Unfortunately, with the Disaster Response position came a lot of travel, and Soren was looking to settle down. So, he began seeking other opportunities and found an open position for a Director of Operations with a classroom-based charter school network called Achievement First at one of their Connecticut middle schools. That light that Soren had felt while opening the parochial school flickered a bit brighter, and after two years of working at Achievement First, he decided to continue pursuing his own education. A Master’s in Business Administration and a move to California later, Soren is now in his eighth year at Visions and has become a veteran leader in the organization.

U.S. Army photo of Soren Gutierrez in uniform

“Over the years I have appreciated Soren’s ability to add value to our school by improving our systems, processes and approaches by sharing his lens of systematic thinking and common sense approaches to our work,” says Chief Operations Officer, Tom Tafoya. “He helps take our creative thinking to the next level through this lens.”

As the Director of Accountability & Data Services, Soren’s job is extremely multi-faceted. He oversees three different departments in the organization – Enrollment, Assessments, and Internal Data & Systems Services – each with their own bodies of work. From enrolling thousands of new students every year to supporting all local and state assessments efforts to overseeing a team that provides a variety of systems and analytical support to our teachers, principals and staff, Soren’s role is never short of impacted.

“The IDSS Department does a lot behind-the-scenes to make sure systems work for our teachers and families, everything from checking that all of our K-8 students are rostered in i-Ready to reconciling invoices from our Special Education services providers to creating class registration workbooks for our teachers and counselors to easily collaborate and select classes for next semester,” explains Soren. “Given Visions’ large size and scale, there are a lot of opportunities to make things easier and faster, and our team strives to deliver those efficiencies.”

Working closely with SPED, Counseling, Student Services, and Instruction, Soren not only leans on his strong group of managers and analysts, but also his military background and extensive leadership skills to help his teams and other departments in the organization find success.

“We’ve adopted the After Action Review (AAR) process that I used in the military to consistently review the results of projects and initiatives to find out what went well as well as opportunities for improvement,” says Soren. “It’s great to see good ideas come to fruition and get improved over time.”

Soren with colleagues
Soren and colleagues dressed up

An Extension of Service

From serving his country to serving our students, Soren is proud of the path he’s taken to get to where he is. He speaks of his journey with candor and of course, some humor, and remains intentional about how he shows up in every space. For him, working at Visions is an extension of his service, that ever-growing light that’s allowed him to shine from the inside out.

“I believe charter schools are vital to improving education in California and America and that Visions as a nonclassroom-based school has an opportunity to serve countless students that may not ‘fit’ in traditional brick and mortar schools,” says Soren. “I see working for Visions as an opportunity to continue to serve my community.”

Soren is now settled in Auburn with his wife, Cassandra, whom he met while stationed in Germany (and the reason for his move across the country, which Soren says was “the best decision ever”), and their two German Shorthaired Pointers. They share memories of the Elvis Presley festival that took place while they were both in Freidberg, their wedding in Key West, and their early years together on the East Coast. Since then, Soren is proud to say that he has found a career and a calling, his role at Visions representative of his lifelong service.

“For a variety of reasons, my wife wasn’t successful in high school until she was able to do independent study and then she bloomed, and now she has a successful career and not only is the first college graduate in her family, but she also earned a Master’s degree,” Soren shares. “Visions provides that opportunity for so many students and I am so proud and happy to work with our amazing staff and teachers to be a part of it.”





More About Soren

“My father was Colombian (hence Gutierrez) and my mother is of Swedish descent (hence Soren) so I’ve got a unique set of names.”

“Despite completing Airborne and Ranger school, I hate heights, falling and motion – no roller coasters for me!”

“Graduation is the most rewarding and favorite day of the year – it’s a huge event that takes months and months of planning but it is awesome to be there and to see hundreds of our students and families graduate and prepare for their next steps in life. It’s a long day but exhilarating!”

Old photo of Soren Gutierrez
From left to right: Soren’s mom, Ann, Soren, and his dad, Omar.

Holiday Hope Program: A Heartfelt Success

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Holiday Hope gifts

Holiday Hope Program: A Heartfelt Success

Each year, the staff at Visions In Education come together to support families in our community through our gift collection initiative. This year, our goal was to raise over $2,500 to help brighten the holidays for some of our students and families. Thanks to the generosity of our incredible Visionaries, we surpassed our goal, raising a total of $2,904 – more than $400 beyond our target and received over 40 donated gifts!

Previously known as the “Adopt-a-Student” program, we were excited to introduce a new name this year: “Holiday Hope.” This change reflects our broader mission to provide warmth and support during a time of year that can be challenging for many. 

This year’s program was led by Jackeline Ochoa, Charter School Secretary, and Xiomara Whiting, Administrative Assistant. Together, Ochoa and Whiting organized the collection of donations and gifts while coordinating the gift wrapping and delivery dates for our staff. 

“I have felt very honored to take on this project; it has truly been such a heartwarming experience. The overwhelming support we received from our staff honestly made me emotional,” said Ochoa, reflecting on her first time leading the initiative.

We hope the donations from our staff play a role in making this holiday season a little brighter for those in need.





Springing To Action: Virtually

In order to organize gifts and donations, our Communications Coordinator, Ben D. put together a virtual giving tree where teachers and office staff across our nine counties were able to select specific gifts that were needed. This year, due to the overwhelming support we were able to support 51 families in our community.

Ochoa added, “I am very happy and proud to see how many families we will be able to help this season.” 

From the initial donations to the wrapping and delivery efforts, the collective spirit of giving was a reminder of our Visions’ spirit to serve our community. A heartfelt thank you to all of our staff for coming together to bring joy and hope to our students and their families.

“I truly appreciate Matt and Xiomara for all their hard work and support in making this program a success. I am very proud to be a part of this team!” said Ochoa.

A special thanks to our staff who volunteered their time to wrap and deliver gifts: Keely A., Ellie F., Dulce R., Georgina R., Tom M., Gabby S., Jenn A., Daniel V., Angelica G., Stacy C., Matt P., Jackie O., Zeana W., Jamie S., Mariah E., Krissy C., Karen M, Betty B., and Superintendent, Dr. Steve Olmos. 

Thank you to our HR department for creating and leading this program in previous years. Your organization and dedication was incredibly helpful to make this yet another successful season. 

We wish you all a joyful holiday season and continued success in the year ahead!

Visions In Education Recognized At The RAM BEST Business Awards

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Superintendent Olmos accepting an award for Visions

Visions In Education Recognized At The RAM BEST Business Awards

Visions In Education is proud to continue our support and sponsorship of the Russian American Media’s (RAM) The BEST Business Award Ceremony & Gala, where the community’s most successful companies and individuals are celebrated for their services. 

The BEST Business Award Ceremony & Gala is an annual event that showcases the achievements of individuals, organizations, and volunteers as voted on by members of the local Slavic community. 

This year, Dr. Steve Olmos, Superintendent of Visions In Education, was honored with a “Best Of” Award for his leadership and dedication to advancing educational opportunities for students in the region.

As part of the recognition, RAM founder and CEO Sergey Ivannikov presented Dr. Olmos with a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from the U.S. House of Representatives for his contributions to education and the community. His role at Visions In Education helps ensure that every student in our service area, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.

As a part of Visions’ mission to foster student success, we proudly sponsor the BEST Business Awards each year. Collaborating with community organizations and leaders such as Mr. Ivannikov and RAM helps Visions reach and support a wider network of students and families in our community. 

Thank you to the following Visionaries for attending, further solidifying Visions’ commitment to community involvement: Visions Board Members Clark Shueh and Sandra Morales, Superintendent Steve Olmos, and Chief Academic Officer Micah Studer. 

Visions In Education remains committed to fostering student success through its partnerships with local organizations, including RAM. Congratulations to Dr. Steve Olmos on his well-deserved recognition and to all the nominees and award winners at this year’s The BEST Business Award Ceremony!

We look forward to continuing our partnerships with RAM and other community organizations in our shared effort to create a brighter future for students across the Northern California region.

Student Spotlight: Exploring The World Beyond Books

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Visions student walking on a trail

Student Spotlight: Exploring the World Beyond Books

On an early morning in the rainforest of Costa Rica, 17 year old Lexi A. joined a cohort of volunteers to discuss the day ahead. Their tasks – cleaning cages, preparing food, and caring for re-release animals – were the reason for their shared space at the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary. The day would end with an evening activity of collecting leaves and branches for the sanctuary enclosures, a quick trip out into the trees. Each volunteer there had a distinct role to play, whether they were a veterinary intern, a wildlife care intern, or an orphan care intern, but they all had one thing in common – passion for wildlife conservation.

“My passion for wildlife conservation started when my eyes were opened to the human impacts harming wildlife every day from social media,” explains Lexi, Visions student and wildlife intern. “I actively worked to find out more about what is happening and how I can help.”

Before she was traipsing through Costa Rican rainforests, Lexi was volunteering at her local cat shelter spending time with cats in need. But with a desire to help on an even bigger scale, and still deep in her educational journey, Lexi knew she needed an alternative school model that would allow her time and space to continue her volunteer work. Lexi came to Visions during the second semester of last year, and in our University Prep Academy, has been able to expand her educational and volunteer opportunities.

“It wasn’t until becoming a student at Visions that I have been able to embrace the [volunteer] experience and spend my time learning the way of veterinary medicine,” says Lexi. “I have been able to foster neonatal kittens that need 24/7 attention and bottle feeding every 2-3 hours because of the flexible schedule Visions provided. I have also been able to take college courses that align with my overall goals, such as Introduction to Zoology and Introduction to Mammalogy.”

At Visions, Lexi has the time, freedom, and flexibility to pursue her passion for animal care while continuing her educational journey. With the support from her Counselor, Julie Winalski, and teacher, Toby Spencer, Lexi has also been able to work toward her eventual career path by taking college courses through our Dual Enrollment program.

“My counselor Julie Winalski has been one of the most supportive parts of my high school career. She has not only helped me with enrolling [in] college classes but, she has also guided me through college applications and planning for my future,” Lexi shares. “Toby Spencer, my Advocacy teacher, has been so supportive of my goals and has made himself available for any guidance that I have needed!”

“Working with Lexi has been such a pleasure,” Julie shares. “In every conversation, her passion for working with animals truly shines. She’s already done some impressive work with the Sierra Club, Women in Wildlife, and by founding a new wildlife and conservation club at Visions. I have no doubt she’ll continue to pursue future opportunities with the same confidence and enthusiasm she’s shown as a student at Visions In Education. I’m excited to see where her journey takes her next!”

Getting Involved

Lexi’s love of animals and wildlife care has only expanded since coming to Visions, resulting in her internship in Costa Rica, involvement in the aforementioned organization Women In Wildlife, which works to amplify and connect more women and non-binary persons in the wildlife industry worldwide, and even the founding of her own organization.

“It was through my own research that I learned about the impacts [we] are facing and I decided to create an organization dedicated to youth empowerment in wildlife conservation, animal rights, and environmental justice called Eco Peace Nation,” says Lexi. “This has helped me discover that there are things I can do to help and pushed my passion for helping…animals.”

Her three weeks abroad solidified that belief for Lexi, giving her hands-on experience in one of the fields she’s most passionate about. From eating authentic Costa Rican meals to loving on sloths, Lexi’s work with wildlife in the world is only just beginning.

“This experience taught me so much about wildlife conservation and what really working in the field looks like,” says Lexi. “The vets, interns, volunteers, and staff are all very informed on wildlife conservation and how we can protect these animals in the wild.”

Check out some photos from Lexi’s time in Costa Rica below!








(Wild)life’s Work

Lexi’s desire underneath all that she does is simple – to help. Whether it’s nature, women, or wildlife, Lexi hopes to inspire kids like her to give back.

“I hope to not only inspire women and promote their stories in the industry but also youth, because the issues can feel so far out of reach for many, preventing them from getting involved. I want to change this and promote youth and especially young women in the wildlife field, highlighting jobs, educational opportunities, struggles, and more.”

Lexi is an amazing role model for other students who want to get involved in wildlife conservation, dedicated to sharing her passion and even making it her profession.

“I hope to attend a UC school pursuing a degree in Zoology or Ecology & Evolutionary Biology for pre-veterinary studies. While in college I hope to work in a veterinary clinic or wildlife rehabilitation center and pursue internships dedicated to wildlife conservation before entering vet school.”

But before that, Lexi will be heading back to Costa Rica to continue her work with Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary as a veterinary intern. An extremely selective program, Lexi is excited for the opportunity to work directly in the clinic helping injured and orphaned wildlife.

“I decided to enroll at Visions because of the flexibility,” says Lexi. “[Visions] allowed me to expand my volunteer responsibilities [and] pursue my passion for wildlife conservation while enhancing my educational opportunities.”

“My favorite memory from Costa Rica was getting to know the animals. Specifically, there is a kinkajou named Jimmy who is partially blind and has neurological damage, making him unable to release. My favorite memories with him are being able to train him with food and enrichment. He is nocturnal, but comes out during the day when he sees the other animals being fed, so giving him a snack was very cute.”

Pictured right: Jimmy!


See The Winning Student Spirit Wear Designs!

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Winner graphic

See The Winning Student Spirit Wear Designs!

Thank you to all of the seniors who submitted a spirit wear design! It was great to see so many creative submissions for this year’s Spirit Store swag.

Congratulations to Kennedy R. and Edward P., whose designs were selected to be featured in the Spirit Store! Check them out below!

Kennedy R.

Edward P.

Student Spirit Wear design
Student Spirit Wear designs

The winning students will be contacted by email to receive their gift cards. Congratulations! We hope everyone has a great rest of the year, and thanks again for sharing your artistic skills!

Across The Visionsverse: Visions In Education Alumni Newsletter

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Alumni newsletter collage

Across The Visionsverse:
Visions In Education Alumni Newsletter

Superintendent Olmos with a graduate at graduation

Superintendent Updates

Friends and Alumni of Visions In Education,

My name is Dr. Steve Olmos, and I am the Superintendent/Executive Director of Visions In Education (Visions). Visions is in our 25th year of service, a significant milestone achieved by few other charter schools in the state. In the spirit of reflection, I want to take a moment to recognize all who have made this milestone possible. Without our many staff, families, and students like you over the years, we would not have this story to tell. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for being part of our lifelong community.

We have had a busy start to the 2024-25 school year, including celebrating our 25th anniversary, recording our highest number of students in our history (7,500+), and submitting our charter petition for renewal. Behind the scenes, we are continuing to position ourselves as a positive voice in the charter school community, including sharing our story in Newsweek, presenting at the Amazon Business Reshape and Studer Education conferences, and potentially sponsoring more legislation in the upcoming year. As always, we are putting students at the center of all that we do, laying the foundation for another 25 years of success. I look forward to walking this path with the next generation of learners.

With gratitude,

Dr. Steve Olmos
Visions In Education
Superintendent/Executive Director

Alumni Hall of Fame

Thousands of students have been part of our school community over the past 25 years, and we know so many have gone on to accomplish amazing things in their personal and professional lives. To recognize our distinguished alumni, we launched the Alumni Hall of Fame this year. This program is dedicated to honoring and sharing the stories of alumni who have made significant contributions to their communities and beyond since their time at Visions.

Alumni are encouraged to fill out the form below for a chance to be recognized in the Hall of Fame! Parents/guardians of Visions alumni are also welcome to submit the form here.

Visions grad cap that says "Anything Is Possible"

Group photo of Visions staff at a Street Soccer USA tournament

Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary

This June was the official mark of our 25th year as a school. To celebrate, we’ve been busy sharing our story and highlighting pieces of Visions’ history, and plan to continue commemorating this milestone with both current and former Visionaries. We are proud to have served our community for over 25 years, and hope you’ll celebrate this achievement with us.

Moving On Up

Our construction teams have been busy preparing our new headquarters in Gold River! We’ve ripped up carpet, torn down walls, and are beginning to structure our new offices and training rooms. We hope to officially make our move in the spring of 2025, and look forward to having a more modern and spacious office for our staff and families.
Check out the building!

Visions In Education new building with logo lit up at night

Large book in a binder

Renewing Our Charter

Last month, we submitted our charter petition to our authorizer, San Juan Unified School District (SJUSD), for renewal for a July 1st, 2025 – June 30th, 2030 term. This nearly 1,000 page document details our rules and regulations regarding school operations, fiscal management, student outcomes, and more, and is anticipated to be approved in December 2024. We are grateful to our educational partners at SJUSD and for the opportunity to continue serving our students.