Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Celebrating Filipino American History Month

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Filipino American History Month graphic

Celebrating Filipino American History Month

Each October, we recognize Filipino American History Month. FAHM commemorates the first recorded presence of Filipinos in the United States, dating all the way back to October of 1587. After being proposed by the Filipino American National Historical Society board of trustees in 1992, Filipino American History Month is now recognized annually and globally, and honors the significant role that Filipinos have played in our country’s history.

Resources & Information

Across the globe, communities come together during this time to celebrate the rich history and cultural legacy of Filipino Americans. Learn more below!

October Is Bullying Prevention Month

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Bullying Prevention Month graphic

October Is Bullying Prevention Month

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, a time to end bullying, promote kindness and acceptance, and unite for inclusion. Join us in ending bullying and changing our culture.

Resources & Getting Involved

“Allowing students to be involved in bullying prevention efforts has a great impact. Students feel empowered by being directly involved in analyzing bullying issues, creating ideas to help solve the problem, and enact creative solutions. Student-led bullying prevention initiatives give students self-efficacy and a sense of agency with leadership.” – PACER.

See below for some important resources and ways that you can show your support:

Hear from alum Angel, who shared her story about finding Visions after struggling with bullying in this article and video.

Celebrating Student Connections: Virtual Club Day 2025

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Laptop graphic with Visions logo

Celebrating Student Connections: Virtual Club Day 2025

We are thrilled to announce that 68 student clubs participated in this year’s Virtual Student Club Day! On Friday, September 26, at 2 p.m., Visions’ students logged in to connect with enthusiastic club advisors who were eager to welcome both new and returning members through dedicated Zoom sessions. The energy and excitement from our advisors made for a truly memorable event.

Still Time to Get Involved

If you were unable to attend Club Day at the beginning of the school year, opportunities are still available! We invite you to explore our Student Clubs page on The Wire and reach out directly to advisors of clubs that align with your interests. It’s never too late to become part of the many vibrant student communities.

Making Friends From Home

Our club offerings are organized by grade level, making it simple for students to discover clubs tailored to their age groups. For students interested in athletics, we encourage you to visit our Student Athletics Wire Page, where you’ll find comprehensive information about our sports programs, including schedules for games and events.

Ron Thomas, Associate Director of Equity & Student Engagement, said, “The Regional Club Liaisons and the marketing and communications department were significant contributors to this event. All the club advisors stepped up and were both eager and excited to meet potential new club members and share all the wonderful things about their clubs!”

Regardless of where students are in their educational journey, participating in student clubs can boost enthusiasm for learning while creating meaningful opportunities for connection and socialization. Many students who attend in-person events report feeling more comfortable and confident thanks to these virtual spaces that empower them to explore their interests and express themselves authentically.

Gratitude To Community

We extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated club advisors who invested their time in coordinating Zoom sessions and creating welcoming spaces for student exploration. We also commend all students who joined us in launching the 25/26 school year with this outstanding virtual event. Your participation makes our community stronger and more connected.

Commitment To Improvement: Chief Operations Officer Tom Tafoya Interviewed On Studer Education’s Podcast

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Getting 1% Better Every Day podcast graphic featuring COO Tom Tafoya

Commitment To Improvement: Chief Operations Officer Tom Tafoya Interviewed On Studer Education’s Podcast

Chief Operations Officer Tom Tafoya was recently featured on Studer Education’s Accelerate Your Performance Podcast, where he got to share more about Visions and our commitment to improving how we serve our students and families each day. The episode, titled, “Getting 1% Better Every Day,” explores how Vision’s collective dedication to enhance systems and processes ultimately allows us to provide a better educational experience for our students.





LISTEN HERE!

Striving for Excellence

At Visions, our commitment to students begins with our staff and how we work together. We believe that hiring the right people—those who are deeply committed to our mission of continuous improvement and supporting students —is the foundation for success.

This commitment is reflected in the talented individuals who choose to work here. Tom shares, “I have tech guys that could be working in Silicon Valley… They choose to be here because of the mission.” Our team members not only bring expertise but also a personal connection to our students’ experiences. Many of Visions staff see themselves in the students we serve. “We were those kids,” Tom explains. 

That shared passion translates into action: refining enrollment processes, hiring social workers and counselors, and expanding enrichment opportunities such as student activities and clubs. It’s also about fostering strong collaboration between the business and instructional sides of our organization.

“It’s the combination of building systems that can support the delivery of great instructional services and supports and programs—it’s that partnership.”

Enhancing Systems for Success

One example of that partnership in action is our LPAD Student Support System™(LPAD SSS). Originally designed to streamline technology orders for students, LPAD has evolved into a comprehensive platform that connects nearly every aspect of our operations. Today, it supports enrollment management, student and parent communications, student events, asset management, and more.

Thanks to vendor integrations and ongoing refinements, processes are faster, more reliable, and simpler for both families and staff, reducing guesswork and eliminating delays. As Tom noted, “Visions was one of the first schools to put this in place.” This innovation exemplifies how we continually adapt to better serve students and families, ensuring systems work hand in hand with people to create the best possible experience. 

About Studer Education

Studer Education partners with school districts to improve student success by developing leaders, strengthening organizational culture, and aligning strategies for continuous improvement.

Visions by the Numbers: Breaking Down the Business

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Visions by the Numbers 2025-26 school year graphic

Visions By The Numbers: Breaking Down The Business

We know we’ve been sharing a lot of exciting updates to kick off the school year, but we wanted to take a moment to break things down even more so you can truly see just how hard our teams have been working to support our staff and families!

1% Better with Buzz

Last year, Visions recognized an opportunity to improve consistency and access to curriculum by providing staff, students, and families with a unified learning management system across all four academies. After thoughtful review and planning, Visions made the exciting move to transition nearly 300 courses into our own dedicated instance within Buzz, a platform that our students have used throughout summer school and into the fall.

Thanks to the hard work of the LMS Team and the incredible collaboration across departments, 295 courses have now been fully transferred, updated, and prepared for the 2025–26 school year. This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement – getting
1% better every day to better serve our students and families.

Buzz graphic

Thank you Sabrina Allgood, Jennifer Irish, Julie Yoder, Nancy Legalsi, Kristen Manchester, Raeshon Minnifield, Lindsey Nance, Randee Ramirez, Eli Sarabia, Carlos Palomo and Kaylee Song for your tireless efforts behind-the-scenes to get this project completed!

See the Numbers

Our teams have also put up some impressive numbers this school year in service to our families – check out some of the facts and figures below!

Visions records data

Attendance & Records Services

  • 5,678 Master Agreements reviewed
  • 1,944 Master Agreement Addendums reviewed
  • 3,306 Cume requests sent
  • 1,927 Cume files received and reviewed
  • 1,600 Transcripts built in PLSIS
  • 520 Immunization Records built in PLSIS

Visions information technology data

Technology Services & STS

  • 3,300 tech devices delivered by Student Technology Services
  • 230 tickets completed by the IT Support Department
  • 3,500 ID cards printed for our students

Visions ordering data

Ordering Services

  • 37,000+ total orders processed – 8,709 curriculum orders!
  • 14,856 orders processed (a new record for the month of August!)
  • 921 Ordering Help forms resolved
  • 647 phone calls answered
  • 13 additional Visions staff who assisted with order processing: Thank you Esmeralda Rodriguez, Yvette Gonzalez, Sabrina Allgood, Jennifer Irish, Erica Wilkins, Silvia Covarrubias, Zeana Webb, Joel Aguilar, Connor Puckett, Brandon Fan, Julie Yoder, Randee Ramirez and Alyssa Lambert!

2024-25: 36,745 orders created and 35,476 orders completed vs. 2025-26: 38,550 orders created and 37,544 orders completed

Visions enrollment data

Enrollment Services

  • 5,913 contacts received
  • 4,796 applications started
  • 3,380 pre-enrolls processed
  • 2,986 students enrolled
  • 7,929 currently enrolled students!

1% Better graphic

Thank you to each of our teams for your continued support and unwavering commitment to our families.

Wishing everyone another 1% better year ahead and remember – it’s good to be Visions!

It's Good to be Visions graphic

Creating Opportunities For Every Learner: A Spotlight On The Equity & Student Engagement Department

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Equity and Student Engagement department group photo at a student event

Creating Opportunities For Every Learner: A Spotlight On The Equity & Student Engagement Department

At Visions, there is a place for every student, no matter their background. At the heart of removing barriers to ensure every student is able to reach their educational goals and succeed is our EASE Department. EASE stands for Equity and Student Engagement, a team dedicated to providing equitable access and supports to all students. 

The EASE Department oversees many critical pieces at Visions, including Career Technical Education, Dual Enrollment, Foster & Homeless Youth Services, and School Social Workers.

“It is not hard work, it is heart work,” shared Ron Thomas, Associate Director of Equity & Student Engagement. In his role, Ron designs programs, initiatives, and activities that respond to the diverse needs of all students. As a team, EASE is “rewriting what equitable, student-centered education looks like.”

Readying Students for College & Career

Career Technical Education (CTE) is the bridge between high school and career industry and college opportunities, providing hands-on learning to students. These courses are practical and skill-based, connecting students to real career settings and allowing them to graduate with marketable skills for the workforce or higher education.

Visions’ CTE Coordinator Keenya Powell oversees this important work, including program development, partnerships with colleges, and student support, ensuring students have access to pathways that align with their interests and goals. Keenya expressed, “A big part of my work is making sure students understand their options, get the right guidance, and feel supported as they balance the demands of high school, college coursework, and future planning.”

Visions is committed to supporting students to succeed in an ever-changing world, which is why we offer several CTE pathways, including Game Design, Cybersecurity, and Medical Careers.

Kim Grant, Game Design teacher, shared that she enjoys leveraging her background with technology to support students in a dynamic and innovative learning environment. Cybersecurity teacher Andrea Gautschi shared that teaching Cybersecurity, “helps students become responsible digital citizens who can stay safe online and teach their friends and family to do so as well.” Medical Careers teacher Nancy Ortner expressed that some of her favorite memories while teaching CTE have been watching students, “find their strengths, express pride in their projects, and start to believe in themselves.”

Should students pursue higher education, the opportunity to start earning college credit early through Dual Enrollment saves them both time and money on future tuition. This also allows students to have a smoother transition into college by giving students exposure to collegiate course expectations, study skills, and learning environments before they even graduate high school.

Equity and Student Engagement department group photo at a student event

Building Bridges

The EASE Department also oversees our work with foster and homeless youth. Sam Webster, the McKinney Vento & Foster Youth Liaison, works to ensure that students experiencing homelessness or those in the foster care system have equal access to educational opportunities.

“I work closely with families, students, departments within Visions, teachers, and community partners to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, and academic success,” Sam shared. “This support is critical in promoting the wellbeing and long-term success of some of the most vulnerable members of our school community.” 

The EASE Department also oversees the essential work of our School Social Workers. These individuals focus on the social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students so they are better supported to succeed academically and personally. These services include individual and group counseling, crisis intervention, case management, and connecting students and families with community resources.

School Social Worker Sofia Palma shared, “We also serve as a bridge between schools and families, ensuring communication, access to resources, and wraparound support. Ultimately, our work strengthens the capacity of the entire organization to meet the diverse needs of students and foster their overall well-being.”

When asked what his favorite part of being a Social Worker is, Sergio Fuentes expressed, “One of the best things about being a Social Worker is being able to support students who have experienced significant trauma and see their growth, healing, and resilience.”

Sergio representing the Mindset Academy Mentorship Club and the UC Davis STEM Program at Club Rush!
Kim and Nancy (center) at our Open House event!
Dana and Ron at last year’s End-of-Year Gathering!
Nancy Ortner with a group of students from last year’s Basic Life Support Certification Training!

Consistent Innovation & Improvement 

This team is constantly working with each other and collaboratively with other departments, teachers, and administrators to address and remove barriers to learning in order to create a safe, supportive school environment. 

School Social Worker Dana Fejes reflected on the work the EASE team does to strive to get 1% better each day, stating, “Each member is dedicated to ongoing professional growth and to leveraging every available tool and resource to better serve our students and their families. It’s this shared commitment that fuels our collective impact and continued success.”

The EASE team’s newest Social Worker Hannah Buerger echoed this statement, sharing, “It has been amazing to see how administrators, teachers, and student support staff go above and beyond to get to know families and the circumstances that have brought them to Visions. This team is dedicated to removing barriers for students and helping them to get all of the support that they need.”

Thank you to our EASE team for continuing to build a foundation of equity, support, and opportunity – ensuring that every student has the chance to thrive at Visions, in life, and beyond.

Highlighting Outstanding Results In 2026 Niche Rankings

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2026 Niche Best Schools badge graphic

Highlighting Outstanding Results In 2026 Niche Rankings



VIEW ALL OUR RANKINGS HERE

Niche.com has released its 2026 school rankings, and Visions In Education is proud to share significant achievements across multiple categories. Niche’s comprehensive ranking methodology incorporates data from the U.S. Department of Education and the National Center for Education Statistics, with rigorous verification processes to ensure accuracy and currency.

This year’s rankings include both national and state-level assessments, providing families with detailed insights into school performance across various metrics.

Visions “A” Rankings

Visions In Education received “A” grades in the following categories:

Diversity (A)

Our comprehensive approach ensures inclusive educational opportunities for diverse families at every developmental stage.

Teachers (A)

Annual investments in professional development, growth opportunities, and resources ensure our educators are well-prepared and enthusiastic about supporting student success.

Administration (A+)

Our educational administration collaborates closely with organizational teams to provide optimal resources and learning opportunities for students.

College Prep (A-)

Visions offers robust college preparation through our University Prep Early College academy, Dual Enrollment programs, mentorship opportunities, and Career and Technical Education options, enabling students to advance their higher education goals while still enrolled.

Charter School Excellence

Visions In Education placed in the top 18% of Best Charter K-12 Schools in America and the top 25% in California.

Niche data
Niche data

Online Education Leadership

Our online high school program ranked in the top 13% of Best Public Online High Schools in America and the top 25% in California.

Niche data
Niche data

Commitment to Diversity

Visions In Education achieved particularly strong results in diversity metrics, reflecting our mission to serve every student who needs our educational services. Currently serving over 7,700 students who are empowered to learn at their own pace, Visions ranked:

  • Top 3% nationally among Most Diverse Public K-12 Schools 
  • Top 5% in California among Most Diverse Public K-12 Schools 
  • Top 3% nationally among Most Diverse Public High Schools 
  • Top 4% in California among Most Diverse Public High Schools 

These rankings demonstrate our commitment to supporting students and families from all backgrounds.

Niche data
Niche data
Niche data
Niche data

These rankings demonstrate our commitment to supporting students and families from all backgrounds.

Continuing Growth

After just two years of operation, the Online Middle School Academy has already established itself as a top performing institution, ranking in the top 20% of all evaluated schools:

  • Top 20% nationally among Best Charter Middle Schools 
  • Top 20% in California among Best Charter Middle Schools 

Niche data
Niche data

We are honored to serve our students and grateful to the families who choose Visions In Education. These annual rankings affirm our commitment to accountability and transparency. We look forward to continuing our tradition of educational excellence and serving our community well into the future.

Student Spotlight: Where Learning Leads

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kai'lea poses in front of art for her student spotlight photo

Student Spotlight: Where Learning Leads

Long before Kai’lea S. began kindergarten, her mom, Maria, knew that homeschool was the right path for her daughter. As an artist and aspiring professional equestrian, Kai’lea had interests that didn’t quite align with the structure of a traditional public school – a challenge many families turn to Visions to overcome.

“I chose homeschooling through Visions because it allowed me to be creative in her educational journey so she could learn at her own pace,” said Maria.

Together, Maria and Kai’lea are able to design a personalized learning experience – selecting from approved curriculum, setting a tailored schedule, and making room for activities like drawing, painting, and Crossfit PE classes.

Kai’lea also takes horseback riding lessons and is involved in equestrian husbandry with Visions’ Enrichment Vendor Dragonfire Farm. On any given day, you can find her riding, jumping and grooming her favorite horse Penny, earning ribbons at derbies, and excelling in her schoolwork.

“I started riding when I was six years old. I was very nervous but I knew that I loved horses so I tried it,” shared Kai’lea. “My favorite part about being an equestrian is spending time with my horse. My other favorite part is Show Jumping. Riding has taught me to be brave and that it is ok to mess up and to always keep trying.”

Kai’lea was even featured on Fox40, where she shared her dream of becoming a professional equestrian – see the clip below! (Kai’lea is featured at 2:35)

Looking Ahead

Kai’lea is now a fifth grader in Visions’ Home School Academy, and has spent the past three years supported by her teacher, Danien Cowan – a trusted guide and key part of the family’s journey with Visions.

“We love Ms. Cowan. She always has a smile on her face. She is knowledgeable and very helpful. She makes us feel like family,” Maria shares. “It’s refreshing to have a teacher that is there for you and listens to our needs. She has been an integral part of our success at Visions.”

“Kai’lea is a joyful, creative, and hard-working student,” said Danien. “We are all very proud of Kai’lea’s dedication to her passions.”

The family intends to continue their educational journey at Visions, where Kai’lea can receive a strong academic foundation while pursuing the passions that inspire her.

“Visions lets me learn at my own speed,” states Kai’lea.

“Homeschooling allows Kai’lea the freedom to be able to train, ride, and compete,” Maria began. “If I had to choose [schools] again, I would choose Visions.”

kai'lea participating in a jump competition with her horse, Penny.
kai'lea poses with her flower pot and winner ribbon
kai'lea poses with her horse Penny and winning ribbons

Congratulations To Our 25/26 #VisionsFirstDay Gift Card Recipients!

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Visions First Day graphic with Visions logo

Congratulations To Our 25/26 #VisionsFirstDay Gift Card Recipients!

Thank you to all of our students and families for sharing your back to school photos! It was great to see so many happy faces ready to learn.



SEE ALL THE SUBMISSIONS IN OUR PHOTO ALBUM

See all the photos in the #VisionsFirstDay photo album on Flickr above!

Winning families will be contacted by email. Congratulations! We hope everyone has a great year and thanks again for sharing your memories!

This year we have 6 winners! View their photos below!

2025 Visions First Day winner Cole B.
2025 Visions First Day winner Charley O.
2025 Visions First Day winner Nia A.

2025 Visions First Day winner Kailey H.
2025 Visions First Day winner Albert P.
2025 Visions First Day winner Albert P.

Authorship, Leadership, And His Life’s Work: A Spotlight On David Doyle

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Photo of author with book

Authorship, Leadership, And His Life’s Work: A Spotlight On David Doyle

David Doyle is known as many things – Independent Study Academy Vice Principal, former San Jose State University football player, an avid (and in his own words – “not very good”) golfer, and most importantly, “G-Pop”, which he’s affectionately called by his granddaughter.

Many of his worlds have collided here at Visions – his academic accolades, including a B.A. in Administration of Justice and an M.A. in both Educational Counseling and School Administration, his love of sports, and his deep commitment to student advocacy, representation, and success – culminating in one of his proudest achievements: his debut novel, Parker.

“I first created the story in 2010 as a screenplay, but over time, working in education, I realized the importance of giving students books where they could truly see themselves. That’s when I decided to turn it into a novel,” David explained. “After years of developing the story, I finalized the outline in 2020 and dedicated the summer of 2024 to finishing the manuscript. On release day, Parker became an Amazon bestseller and has continued to receive powerful feedback from readers.”

The novel has an element for everyone – sports, family, identity, and what it really takes to chase a dream. As David proclaims, “Parker embodies the students I’ve taught, the athletes I’ve coached, and even parts of myself. It’s one of my proudest accomplishments.”

Making a Dream Work

The themes woven throughout Parker are a meld of David’s personal experiences and professional roles. Through his work, he ensures that all students have the academic and social-emotional support necessary to succeed – a dedication to their well-being in school, at home, and in life.

“I love calling students and supporting them. I love the student events and being silly with the kiddos,” he began. “Independent Study is unique in that our students come from many different walks of life and each has their own reasons for choosing this path. Every student has an amazing journey, and we have the privilege of meeting them where they are and getting them to the finish line. What more could we ask for?”

This dedication is strengthened by David’s leadership team and the extraordinary teachers in the Doyle/Patel community; their “in office” Wednesdays, bonding time at student events, and student-centered collaboration helps nurture one of David’s primary goals in leadership: building a strong team chemistry that reflects in the way we serve our students and families.

“Shout out to the entire Visions team,” David said simply. “Teamwork makes the dreamwork.”

More About Parker

Parker now has an official book trailer, and although the novel has already amassed hundreds of readers, there’s one in particular that stands out to David.

“I am extremely grateful to our Superintendent, Dr. Steve Olmos, for being one of the first to read my manuscript and for endorsing Parker. His support meant a great deal to me.”

“Parker is a high interest novel that deals with many themes that young people are dealing with today. As a former middle school teacher, I see so many ways I could have used this book in my classroom to help my students deal with their many life challenges,” said Superintendent Olmos. “Parker’s character was relatable. I really appreciated that the book’s entire focus was not solely on football, but also on being a good student, friend and person. And above all, it was about family.”

The official cover of David's debut novel, Parker.
David signing autographs at his book launch party.
One of Visions' former students, Mackenzie Lee-Foster, celebrating Parker.

David’s array of achievements – former D1 athlete, community leader, and Amazon bestselling author – are undoubtedly impressive, but it’s his heart and his character that will compose his life’s work.

“I’m someone who loves to laugh and bring joy to others,” David began, “and I am very grateful for everything I have, never forgetting where I came from.”

Read this featured article on David in The Stockton Record, and get your copy of Parker on Amazon. To learn more about David and his work, please visit his official website.