Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Service & Stewardship: Director of Student Services Matt Patterson Joins the Nehemiah Leaders Program

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Service & Stewardship: Director of Student Services Matt Patterson Joins the Nehemiah Leaders Program

“1% better every day” is more than a motto at Visions In Education – it’s how we grow in learning, services, and success.

Director of Student Services Matt Patterson embodies this mindset, participating in the 16th class of the Nehemiah Leaders Program, a transformative experience focused on leadership, equity, and community-building.

“The Nehemiah Leaders Program is a 10-month, cohort-based leadership development program focused on building diverse, equity-centered leaders across the Greater Sacramento region,” Director Patterson explained. “The program emphasizes adaptive leadership, systems thinking, and understanding how influence, power, and relationships shape communities and organizations.”

Through monthly seminars, retreats, and applied learning, Director Patterson is learning how to lead through complexity, navigate organizational change, and build alignment across diverse perspectives.

“The learning directly supports my role at Visions by helping me lead more strategically, center equity in decision-making, and create systems that better support students and staff,” shared Director Patterson. “I plan to apply these skills by leading with greater intentionality – particularly during times of growth and change. This includes strengthening collaboration across teams, building sustainable systems, and supporting the development of leadership capacity within our organization so the impact extends beyond any one role.”

Rooted in Community

The Nehemiah Leaders Program has deep roots: beyond a strong network of alumni supporting current cohorts, Visions In Education’s Board Member Terrence Shelton is an alumnus. In addition, Board Member Shelton’s wife currently serves as CEO of NELP and sits on its Board of Directors as a graduate of the program herself.

“Knowing that Board Member Terrence Shelton is a graduate of the Nehemiah Leaders Program (along with his wife) and that his wife serves as the CEO and on the Board highlights the strong alignment between the program’s values and Visions’ mission,” said Director Patterson. “It reinforces the importance of shared leadership, community relationships, and long-term commitment to service. Board Member Shelton continues to be connected to NELP, as he is one of their lead facilitators and brings incredible passion, strengths, and experiences to support me and my cohort members in our learning and leadership journey.”

As Director Patterson shared, NELP alumni are deeply engaged, supportive, and generous with their time and expertise. Former participants serve as mentors, sounding boards, and thought partners for the cohort as they move through the rigorous program, offering perspective grounded in real leadership experience. Being part of this network provides ongoing encouragement, accountability, and connection to leaders who share a commitment to service and community impact.

“One of the most impactful aspects of the Nehemiah Leaders Program is the community it builds,” Director Patterson exclaimed. “The relationships formed through the program continue well beyond the 10 months and create a lasting network of leaders committed to equity, collaboration, and positive change.”

Recognition & Responsibility

Participation in NELP isn’t open to volunteers – candidates must be nominated. Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos nominated Director Patterson, recognizing his leadership potential at Visions.

“Being nominated by Superintendent Olmos is a meaningful honor. It represents trust in my leadership and confidence in the work we are doing at Visions, which is absolutely humbling,” Director Matterson shared. “I view the nomination as both recognition and responsibility – to continue leading with integrity, collaboration, and a strong focus on improving outcomes for students.”

“Matt is an incredible talent. I knew he would be a great fit for NELP where both he and the organization would benefit from his skills,” Superintendent Olmos shared. “I am very proud of Matt for accepting the challenge and now others are getting to see just how gifted he is.”

Upon completing the program, Director Patterson will receive a certificate of completion and join the Nehemiah Leaders alumni network. He’s excited to bring the program’s insights into his work at Visions.

“I am grateful for the investment in me as a leader and learner by the organization and look forward to applying my learning to the work I do to ultimately support our students, staff, and families in the greatest way that I can.”

Celebrating National School Choice Week 2026

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Celebrating National School Choice Week 2026

National School Choice Week is considered the largest celebration of educational options in America. From January 25-31, 2026, we’re raising awareness of the different types of schools and education options available for parents.

Visions In Education is proud to be a public charter school that offers school choice and flexibility in our Independent Study, University Prep, Home School, and Online Middle School programs. Check out our Alumni Hall of Fame or Success Stories pages to hear more about how students can succeed in a school of choice.

Get Involved!

Show your school choice spirit! Here are some fun ways to celebrate National School Choice Week:

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting January 29, 2026

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ELAC English Learner Advisory Committee graphic

English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting January 29, 2026

We are excited to invite you to the upcoming English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) meeting scheduled for:

Date: January 29, 2026
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm

This meeting will be conducted virtually via Zoom and the agenda can be viewed here.

About ELAC

ELAC plays a crucial role in shaping the educational experience for our Multilingual Learners. We encourage all parents and guardians of Multilingual Learners to join this virtual meeting to learn more about the English language development program at Visions In Education and help us create a supportive and enriching environment for our students.

We are also looking to add more parent members to our ELAC. If you are a parent of a multilingual learner and would like to join the ELAC, please email ELDdepartment@viedu.org.

Please view the flyers below for more information on joining the ELAC!

English Flyer

Spanish Flyer

Russian Flyer

Ukrainian Flyer

Arabic Flyer

Pashto Flyer

Fall 2025 State Seal of Biliteracy Results Are In – Congratulations Student Honorees!

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Fall 2025 State Seal of Biliteracy Results Are In - Congratulations Student Honorees!

The California State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes graduating Seniors for demonstrating speaking, reading and writing proficiency in English and one or more non-English languages. It acknowledges students for their multilingual strengths and offers both career and college benefits. Proof of the Seal is recorded on student transcripts and signified by a medal to be worn by students at their Graduation Ceremony and a physical Seal decal that is affixed to student diplomas.

This Fall, over 50 qualifying graduates completed assessments in pursuit of the Seal. This is a record number for Visions, aided by 1% Better improvements that included:

  • Expanding the Fall pool to include students who are graduating in the Spring who pre-qualified to assess early,
  • Closer collaboration between Principals, Teachers, Counselors, and Assessment Services on informing students of their eligibility and motivating them to test, and 
  • Partnering with the Sacramento County Office of Education on the early release of their Language Exam materials.

The latter allowed Visions to administer assessments in all languages for which staff are fluent, thereby reducing reliance on a more challenging, online assessment. These efforts paid off! The number of students earning Seals this Fall increased by 126% and the number of total Seals awarded increased by 108%.

Fall 2025 Results Snapshot

43 Students Earned Seals

50 Seals Awarded

9 Languages Represented

Congratulations to the 43 students who earned the State Seal of Biliteracy this Fall! This is a wonderful achievement. Your parents, teachers, counselors and all other Visions staff who supported you along the way are very proud of you and encourage you to seek out opportunities that allow you to use your biliteracy skills in service to others.

Celebrating National Mentoring Month 2026

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Celebrating National Mentoring Month 2026

January is National Mentoring Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the transformative impact mentors have on the lives of students, professionals, and communities. Mentorship provides guidance, support, and encouragement, helping individuals navigate challenges, build confidence, and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Across schools, workplaces, and community organizations, National Mentorship Month highlights the value of connecting experienced mentors with those seeking guidance. It’s also an opportunity to inspire new mentorship relationships, share success stories, and reinforce the importance of giving back through mentorship. Whether through academic programs, career development, or personal growth, mentorship helps individuals unlock their potential and thrive.

Mentorship Opportunities at Visions

Visions offers a variety of student mentorship opportunities, including Success Through Education Mentoring (STEM), the Mindset Academy Mentoring Program, the Bridge to College Program, and Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT), providing students with guidance and support tailored to their goals and interests.

  • Success Through Education Mentoring (STEM) is a University of California, Davis based educational resource program designed to help students plan for life beyond high school. STEM connects students with UC Davis undergraduates from a variety of majors for engaging workshops and mentoring sessions. Through hands-on activities and informative presentations, students not only learn the skills and requirements needed for college and career success, but also build confidence, leadership, and a strong sense of community.
  • The Mindset Academy Mentoring Program emphasizes student empowerment, the importance of mental and emotional wellness, and helping students recognize their unique talents and gifts. Through the program, students develop practical tools to tackle obstacles, seize opportunities, and make thoughtful decisions. Participants learn to lead with confidence, stay goal-oriented and consistent, build positive relationships, and embrace a growth mindset – skills aimed to serve them both in and out of school.
  • The Bridge to College Program helps 11th and 12th-grade first-generation students navigate the path to higher education by providing mentorship, confidence-building, and practical tools for college applications, financial aid, and academic readiness. This program offers student-centered, wraparound support to foster belonging, college knowledge, and preparation for success in higher education.
  • Improve Your Tomorrow is an education-focused nonprofit dedicated to increasing the number of young men of color who attend and graduate from college. Through leadership development, near-peer mentoring, college access support, academic advising, and career preparation, IYT works to remove systemic barriers and close the college opportunity gap for young men of color.

Introducing Visions’ Classified Staff Mentorship Program

This year, Visions is piloting a new Classified Staff Mentorship Program, where students will be paired with classified (office) staff who serve as mentors and guides. Furthermore, these staff are being trained and equipped with tools and resources to mentor and support students in a variety of other ways throughout the organization. This program aims to help students navigate their academic journey at Visions and prepare for life beyond school. Mentors come from a variety of backgrounds and receive specialized training from Armoni Easley of Easley Done & Co., ensuring they are well-equipped to support and guide our students.

“For students who haven’t found a consistent mentor, this opportunity will not only help students connect with staff but will give staff the opportunity to grow their leadership and mentoring skills as well. This is a program that, if it had been provided while I was attending school, I would’ve definitely taken advantage of.” – Matt Patterson, Director of Student Services

Happy National Mentoring Month!

Student Spotlight: Supported Today, Prepared for Tomorrow

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Student Spotlight: Supported Today, Prepared for Tomorrow

At Visions In Education, we champion personalized pathways to student success. When Shonnie W. was not receiving the support she needed in traditional school settings, she enrolled in Visions’ Independent Study Academy. Three years later, she is a successful junior, thriving both academically and personally.

The Value of Support

A highlight of Shonnie’s time as a student at Visions has been the strong relationships she has built with her teachers and counselor. “My relationship with my teacher and counselor is great,” she shared. “I am comfortable with them, and they are both very helpful and reassuring.”

That support has made a lasting impact on her experience, something her teachers have also noticed. “Shonnie is an amazing student and individual,” shared Lisa Rainbolt, Shonnie’s teacher. Reflecting on her journey, Shonnie added, “I appreciate all of the help and support given by each of my teachers and my counselor, and I cannot thank them enough.”

Shonnie’s favorite part of being a student at Visions is the ability to complete her school work at a pace that works for her. With support from her teachers and counselor, taking charge of her learning schedule has allowed Shonnie to make substantial progress toward her educational goals.

In addition to her academic success, she has had the opportunity to explore her passions outside of school, including sewing, swimming, and cosmetics. To support the whole child, Visions provides students with funds for activities and connects them to enrichment programs. Shonnie has used these resources to expand her sewing skills. 

Setting Sights on What’s Next

Looking to the future, Shonnie has set goals to attend the University of California, Berkeley or Yale University, and plans to work toward becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. 

When asked for advice, Shonnie said she would encourage students considering Visions to enroll for “the support that you receive from the school.” 

“I would like to give a shout-out to Mrs. Brunckhorst for being an amazing teacher for my ninth and tenth grade years at Visions. I would like to give a shout-out to Mrs. Rainbolt. She has been awesome! I must give a shout-out to my counselor, Jen, who has been with me for three years now. I appreciate all the help and support from each of you, and I cannot thank you enough. One more year to go!!”

Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day

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Visions' Main Office & STS Closed January 19, 2026 for Martin Luther King Jr. (MLK) Day

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Monday, January 19, 2026 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We will resume operations during regular business hours on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Resources & Information

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed every year on the third Monday of January to honor the life and legacy of civil rights leader Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It’s a day that commemorates Dr. King’s advocacy and activism, and celebrates a leader who brought hope and healing to America. For more information about Martin Luther King Jr. Day, please see the following resources:

Get to Know PLI TOSA April Ashton

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Get to Know PLI TOSA April Ashton

April Ashton is an instructional coach and professional learning facilitator who leverages research and data to drive high-impact learning. She holds multiple subject and single subject credentials and has supported caseloads across Visions’ Home School Academy, Online Middle School, and Independent Study programs. Her coaching includes 1:1 sessions, New Family Orientations, SCOE Induction Mentoring, and Family Learning Communities, where she helps educators and families build confidence and apply effective strategies. Her action research in the Science of Reading guides her work in equipping teachers with evidence-based practices that strengthen literacy and student success. In February, April Ashton will present alongside PLI Department colleagues at the California Consortium for Independent Study Conference.

The Professional Learning Team at Visions In Education provides professional learning, coaching & consultation, as well as instructional best practices and action research, to ensure that all Visions educators can provide students with high levels of learning. Our team is staffed with grade-level, subject matter, and educator competency expertise to ensure Visions staff have access to comprehensive support. April Ashton is skilled in leveraging educational technology and data to inform instruction, streamline workflows, and improve student outcomes. She is committed to helping teachers and family partners confidently implement effective strategies that meet diverse student needs outside the traditional classroom.

Student Spotlight: Pursuing Her Passions

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Student Spotlight: Pursuing Her Passions

At Visions In Education, students are empowered to learn at their own pace while diving deep into the passions that make them who they are. For students like Home School 8th grader Fiori A., this is key.

Fiori enrolled at Visions in 6th grade to access a curriculum and support system that would help her meet her learning goals, especially in math, after she had fallen behind at her previous school. Working at her own pace, met with the right curriculum and support from her teacher, has made all the difference for Fiori. When asked about her relationship with her teacher, she shared, “[Ms. Allen has] been one of the best parts about Visions for me. She always lets me express myself, share my thoughts and schoolwork, always making sure I’m on the right path.”

Dancing Toward Her Dreams

Being a student at Visions has allowed Fiori to make progress academically while pursuing her passions. “Visions gives me time during the day to practice my creative interests while still staying on track academically, which makes school feel more personalized and enjoyable for me,” Fiori shared

Fiori is especially passionate about dance. She has been training since the age of 9, steadily strengthening her technique, confidence, and discipline. Her commitment has led to remarkable opportunities, including five consecutive summers at the prestigious Debbie Allen Dance Academy Summer Intensives.

That training opened the door to a milestone she describes as “a dream come true”: auditioning for Debbie Allen’s Hot Chocolate Nutcracker. “[Finding] out Mrs. Debbie Allen herself wanted me in her award-winning production was the best news I have ever received,” Fiori recalled. She was cast in an impressive four roles, an achievement that reflects both her talent and tireless work. This month, she continues to grow as a performer while rehearsing for The Nutcracker Bird with the Berkeley Ballet Theater.

Building Confidence Through Creativity 

Fiori’s creativity doesn’t stop at dance. She has also been sewing for five years, and last summer, she brought her skills to the runway when she designed, created, and modeled her first three-piece suit in a fashion show. In addition to dance and design, she loves to sing and act, and plans to keep developing each craft with hopes of one day building a career in the performing arts. With her determination and hard work, she is sure to be successful. “She is dynamic, respectful, organized, creative, and accomplishes her goals,” shared Ms. Allen, Fiori’s teacher.

Since enrolling with Visions, she has also strengthened her writing skills. She has enjoyed writing since she was young, explaining, “What I enjoy about writing is how it lets me express my ideas and thoughts into a story.” Through expanded curriculum options and elective courses at Visions, Fiori has had the opportunity to explore new writing styles and expand her horizons as a writer. She’s also had increased support from her teacher, receiving personalized feedback that has helped her grow even more. “From my very first year at Visions, Ms. Allen has given me feedback on my writing which not only supports my creativeness but also strengthens my technical writing abilities,” she shared.

The Power of Support

Fiori has made impressive progress in her academic and personal goals since enrolling with Visions, including overcoming her struggle with test anxiety. When she used to take a test, she explained that she faced a racing heart and fear that would bring her to tears. Now, she can take tests calmly and confidently. When explaining what helped her overcome this fear, she shared, “What helped me get to this point is Visions and having supporters like Ms. Allen, my mom, and other teachers I have met in Zoom classes. They have helped me overcome my test anxiety and realize I can do anything I set my mind to.”

When asked what she would share with a student considering Visions, Fiori shared, “If you’re coming to Visions, be prepared to have the best years of schooling ever, and to meet amazing new people. Always remember to work hard and do your best. Your teachers at Visions will always have your back.”

Happy Holidays! Winter Break is December 22, 2025 – January 2, 2026

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Happy Holidays! Winter Break is December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Monday, December 22, 2025 – Friday, January 2, 2026 for winter recess. Classes will resume on Monday, January 5, 2026. Some Enrollment and STS staff will be monitoring messages and emails during the break, but responses may be delayed.

On behalf of everyone at Visions In Education, we wish you a merry and magical holiday season!