Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Visions Home School Student Shares Talents With Telemundo

/in

Visions Home School Student Shares Talents With Telemundo

Visions Home School student Osamirho S.M. recently shared her musical abilities, her future gymnastics journey, and how she keeps her family at the center of it all with Telemundo.

Visions has given her the flexibility and opportunities to be involved in multiple activities and her parents helped her find her love for music during family jam sessions where they sing and play instruments together including the guitar, piano, and percussion. Learning multiple subjects became a normal part of Osamirho’s life early on as she watched her older brother Malcolm, also a Visions student, take part in gymnastics.

“My parents were both athletes and my brother started before me because he’s older and he inspired me to do gymnastics,” says Osamirho. “I would hear his stories of learning to do crazy things and I thought, ‘I want to do that too!’”

Osamirho credits her parents for providing her with the opportunity to practice her passions in both music and gymnastics. For many Visions’ students, flexible schedules make it easy for them to take time to learn more about their passions and interests. Students can thrive in an environment that best suits their educational and personal goals.

For 10-year-old Osamirho, she is excited to explore and grow more in her passions, “I would like to go to college for gymnastics and the Olympics. But I also love cooking! I would love to be a chef like my mom.”

Osamirhos’ Perseverance

“When I see my parents, I see myself, because it’s [also] like when I’m in gymnastics, there are times where you are tired and don’t want to keep going,” says Osamirho. “But, sometimes you wouldn’t know how far you could go if you didn’t try.” 

Osamirho’s story of perseverance, shows that this practice reveals unexpected potential. Without pushing beyond one’s comfort zone, one may never discover the true extent of their capabilities.

Thank you Osamirho for sharing your story with others, we are #VisionsProud of you and your family. Best wishes on your ongoing musical, gymnastics, and culinary journey!





Watch Her Interview Here!

It’s Good To Be Visions: A Mid-Year Review

/in

It’s Good To Be Visions: A Mid-Year Review

Visions is one of the largest and oldest nonclassroom-based schools in Northern California. As we reflect on our 25th year, it’s incredible to see everything we are working on and have accomplished to better serve our 7,500 students and 500+ staff. Join us as we recap why It’s Good To Be Visions.

Enrollment & Retention

Steady growth in enrollment including growing waiting lists and a notable decrease in withdrawal rates reflects our continued efforts to enhance student satisfaction.

Diversity – Visions Serves ALL Students

Visions takes pride in creating an inclusive environment where students from all backgrounds, abilities, and identities are able to find opportunities to thrive. We are committed to serving every student through personalized support, culturally responsive teaching practices, and programs designed to meet diverse learning needs.

Graduation

Visions now holds FOUR graduation ceremonies a year. We are grateful to the families that turn to Visions to accomplish and receive their high school diplomas. Last year we celebrated over 1,300 graduates and this year we will celebrate an additional 1,500. #VisionsProud

Assessments

Our Assessment team at Visions works hard to ensure that we meet our rates in both ELA and Math. Visions is achieving similar results to comparable school sites within the San Juan Unified School District.

Instructional Program Improvements

As we continue to grow as an education entity, we are proud to continue to make improvements in the way we teach our students. Each year, we open the opportunity for not only our students, but for our staff to grow. We applaud these new initiatives being implemented in and around Visions In Education.

Social Opportunities & Support Services

In response to previous withdrawals, changes due to the pandemic and family concerns about low social opportunities, Visions added more support services for students. We added additional counselors, more mentoring opportunities, in-person social events, and community engagement opportunities through student organizations. Since 2022, Visions has added 55+ clubs, offering a mix of communities for students of all ages to participate both in person and virtually including newly established sports clubs and the Newspaper Club.

Partnerships

We are excited to continue to work with continuing and new partnerships that will showcase the great work being done at Visions In Education. These partnerships increase the face value of our school by putting our school alongside organizations that are working diligently within the communities that we serve.

Business Services Improvements

In order to best serve our students, Visions focuses on efficient solutions that bring actionable change for our communities. By being committed to continuous improvement we are able to allocate more funds and resources to students.

25th Year

To celebrate 25 years of serving students – we began the school year with a celebration of our impact. The history of Visions has been slowly explored throughout the year as we looked back on past logos, staff videos, photos, and student spotlights. Expect more to come! As we move to our new building – we are excited to continue to celebrate the work of Visions.

Recognizing Our Students

Visions has spoken to over 130 students and graduates to compile a consistent source of student spotlights. These stories range from all of our offered academies and explore the wide range of ways that students are using Visions to support them outside of their academics.

Celebrating Our Staff

Our Human Resources Department hosts monthly themed events for all staff, featuring contests and photo opportunities to foster colleagues’ connections. These activities create a fun atmosphere that enhances workplace relationships and company culture. Each year we recognize our Visions All-Stars at our annual “Soup Day” event – a space to recognize and celebrate our Visionaries!

Visions has compiled a total of over 20 Department Spotlights, and is always working to find solutions in an ever changing world. We are proud to be leaders in the charter school space and to support our staff in bringing and introducing new ideas that can help support our school systems while offering advice and tools on behalf of Visions. Thank you staff for driving our need to be “1% Better”.

To celebrate the great things happening in and around Visions, we introduced a virtual notes of gratitude Kudoboard, where staff can celebrate personal wins, life updates, and share appreciation to team members within the school that have helped in one way or another.

It’s good to be Visions!

Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed November 26th-29th for Thanksgiving

/in

Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed November 26th-29th for Thanksgiving

Visions’ main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Tuesday, November 26th-Friday, November 29th, 2024 in observance of Thanksgiving. Students are off Monday, November 25th-Friday, November 29th, 2024 for Thanksgiving recess. We will resume operations during regular business hours on Monday, December 2nd.

On behalf of everyone at Visions In Education, we hope you and your family have a safe, restful and happy Thanksgiving!

Student Spotlight: The Goals That Matter

/in

Student Spotlight: The Goals That Matter

 

Javier M. doesn’t waver when asked what his favorite part of playing soccer is – scoring goals. As a center midfielder, he’s used to putting the ball in the back of the net, and at only 12-years old, he’s got even more goals ahead of him.

The first time Javier put on a pair of cleats was at the age of three, the origin of his love for the game. He continued to play as he got older, training every week with the director of the Sacramento Republic Academy, Eder Quintanilla. Eder saw something special in Javier and eventually recruited him, giving him a spot on their U13 Academy team. Javier now wears bigger cleats and a maroon jersey with the number nine on the back, still as dedicated to soccer as he was at three years old.

“My best accomplishment right now has been making it to the Sac Republic team,” says Javier. “My dream is to become a professional soccer player.”

To compete at such an elite level, Javier knows he has to stay on top of skills. Between his schoolwork, he sprinkles in short training sessions in the mornings and afternoons in addition to his regular practices.

“We have to get to training at 4:30 p.m. with a 5:00 p.m. start,” explains Javier. “We do a quick warm up and do some passing drills. Then we will do some possession drills, which is when we have two teams and one team tries to keep the ball and the other team presses. We then do some finishing drills, or one versus one and drills to goal. Then we finish it off with a scrimmage at the end.”

Between practices and additional training sessions, Javier is excelling in our Online Middle School Program. A Visions student since the fourth grade, he initially enrolled in our Home School Academy after returning to traditional public school post-pandemic.

“I felt like I wasn’t doing anything productive at [traditional] school, so we started looking into home school and we found this great program and decided to pull me out and go here,” says Javier.

After two successful years of homeschooling, Javier’s credentialed teacher Jennifer Tam presented the option to transfer into our Online Middle School program, where 7th and 8th grade students are taught by Visions teachers online from the safety and comfort of home. Now, Javier is working independently and at his own pace while also learning time management, something his mom Maribel continues to remind him the importance of.

“A typical day in Online Middle school is usually when I start school at 8:30 a.m. I usually start with Science and complete my lesson for the day, sometimes two if I want to get ahead. Then I go to history, then…English. I finish it up with math and art. But on Tuesdays and Thursdays I have 9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. meetings, then I go train for soccer for 30 minutes and have lunch. Then I sit down and continue my work. I usually finish my day around 2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.”

After school, Javier hits the field with his teammates, even working in extra trainings as his schedule allows.

“Extra soccer trainings are very important for my development and to stay sharp,” explains Javier. “[Visions] has…allowed my schedule to be more flexible, so I can attend strength and conditioning and go to private soccer sessions.”




Off The Pitch

If he’s not training or doing his schoolwork, you can find Javier collecting soccer and Pokemon cards, playing video games, or practicing his French.

“Visions has allowed me to explore new extracurricular activities such as coding, learning French, typing, and currently I am taking art.”

As mentioned, Javier’s biggest dream is to play professional soccer, preferably for Real Madrid or Arsenal. But he also wants to get his college degree so he can own his own business after retiring from the pros. In the meantime, Javier will continue to focus on school, believing that whatever he chooses to do, his education comes first.

“I balance good grades while also focusing on soccer by focusing on school first and soccer second,” explains Javier. “I make sure I complete my school or am almost done so I can go and train.”

Thanks to our Online Middle School program, Javier is pursuing all of his dreams, both on and off the pitch. We’ll continue to cheer him on and look forward to the day we can get a  jersey with Javier’s name on it!

Recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

/in

Recognizing Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and is dedicated to raising awareness about the experiences of people living with developmental disabilities. This year’s theme is “Creating Pathways to Independence” and focuses on creating opportunities for growth, empowerment, and self-advocacy.

Resources

Get involved during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month by taking a pledge to promote inclusion, spreading awareness, and celebrating success stories of this community! For more information, check out the below resources:

March Is Women’s History Month

/in

March Is Women’s History Month

During Women’s History Month, we honor notable women throughout history – and women all over the world – for their achievements, influence, and lasting contributions to the world. What began as a week-long celebration in Santa Rosa, California in 1978 has since evolved into a month-long celebration of the many ways that women have shaped our world historically, culturally and beyond.

International Women’s Day

Women’s History Month coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8th. This day is celebrated around the world and calls attention to the many achievements of women – past, present and future. Join us this month as we continue to honor and recognize the impact of women across the globe.

Resources

Visions In Education Sends 1,000 Chromebooks To Families Affected By Wildfires

/in

Visions In Education Sends 1,000 Chromebooks To Families Affected By Wildfires

In the wake of the devastating wildfires that left many communities in Southern California reeling, Visions In Education stepped up to help families in the area stay connected. Visions joined forces with representatives from The California Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), Capitol Advisors Group LLC and UPS to donate 1,000 Chromebooks to four Southern California YMCA locations (Southeast Ventura YMCA, Santa Monica Family YMCA, YMCA of the Foothills, and LA Metro YMCA).

As an organization that serves thousands of students throughout nine Northern California counties, Visions In Education knows how technology can connect people. We make use of thousands of Chromebooks and other devices that we periodically update with newer models to provide the best support for our families. Rather than sell the surplus Chromebooks as we have in the past, Director of Technology Uriel Gonzalez saw an opportunity to make an impact and help impacted families in the LA area.

“After seeing the devastation and insurmountable loss due to the Southern California wildfires, I am glad that we were able to do our part to help out those communities,” says Uriel. “This is a small gesture that hopefully goes a long way for those families impacted.”

Superintendent Steve Olmos reached out to Abigail Browning at the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) who connected Visions with Capitol Advisors Group LLC representative Christina Marcellus. Once these connections were made, organizations came together quickly to set up this delivery. Visions’ Student Technology Services team went above and beyond to process and ship 1,000 Chromebooks in a short period of time. This work, undertaken on top of STS’s usual duties, included:

  • Identifying, preparing, and testing Chromebooks for donation
  • Provided hundreds of chargersto ensure successful use
  • Preparing the materials for logistics like boxes, bubble wrap, and tape and packing all the devices
  • Coordinating with UPS to ship these machines free of charge and loading them on to a trailer

“Our STS team meticulously sorted through hundreds of returned Chromebooks and chargers, carefully grading and inventorying each one to ensure we selected the 1,000 best units for donation,” says Student Technology Services Supervisor Nick Veret. “We were fortunate to have the UPS team dedicate resources to our effort, providing us with a large trailer capable of holding multiple pallets for transport.”

The most astounding thing was how quickly this all came together; less than two weeks after we connected with YMCA, a UPS truck left Visions headquarters bound for Southern California thanks to the swift work and cooperation of dozens of people working across the state.

Building Bridges 

A big thank you to everyone in Student Technology Services, including supervisor Nick Veret and STS members James Umiker, Connor Puckett, Hasib Mohmand, Sean Proctor, Rodrigo Guzman Navarro, and Tyler Nguyen for coming together so quickly to make this tremendous act of generosity possible.

This effort would have not been possible without organizations working together to help our students, including California’s Office of Emergency Services, Capitol Advisors Group LLC, and UPS who came together with Visions to quickly put these Chromebooks in the hands of students and families who need them.

Visions hopes that these devices will help families impacted by this environmental tragedy as they rebuild their homes, schools, and communities.

From Curriculum To Community: A Spotlight On The Home School Academy

/in

From Curriculum To Community: A Spotlight On The Home School Academy

As a public charter school, Visions believes in partnering with parents when it comes to their children’s education. To meet the needs of so many parents who want to be in community and collaboration with their students’ learning, we provide a Home School Academy where credentialed teachers and administrators work in partnership with parents.

“In Visions’ Home School Academy, we believe that education is most powerful when it is a true partnership between families and educators,” shared Director of Instruction Heather King. “Our goal is to provide meaningful support, resources, and guidance to ensure that every student thrives in a learning environment that is both personalized and community-driven.”

We know that our Home School families desire inclusion and involvement in their children’s education, and as partners in this learning, our Home School teachers and administrators serve an important role in fostering connection, collaboration, and community for all students.

“As a Home School Principal, my role centers on fostering adynamic and enriching learning environment,” says Principal Morgan Lynch. “My key responsibilities include promoting collaboration, advocating for student success, and cultivating a strong sense of community.”

Our Vice Principals support this core work through things such as data and caseload analysis and individualized education plans, making sure all students have equitable access to their education.

“We ensure that every student receives the appropriate support,” explains Vice Principal Cassie Backstrom. “We facilitate Family Team Conferences to collaborate with families, teachers, and students in crafting a successful and personalized learning experience at Visions.”

“I strive to meet the needs of our students academically, socially and emotionally,” adds Vice Principal and former Visions Counselor Stacy Callman. “Our counselors are actively involved in our Family Team Conferences and provide direct insight to specific coping skills and services that our counseling program offers.”

An additional layer of support comes from Administrative Assistant Hannah Blackledge and Charter School Secretary Anita Cager, whose roles are crucial to the inner workings of the department.

“Being a part of the Home School support team includes so many tasks that support the overall goals of Home School,” Hannah shares. “Working with Facilities to provide our principal teams and teachers crucial collaboration time, utilizing Fiscal’s vast knowledge to ensure our staff and students have the resources they need to succeed, supporting projects with our Curriculum team that make sure we provide top tier courses and materials. Whatever the goals for the Home School Academy are, I am right there to support them.”

“My favorite part of being on the Home School team is helping parents access the information and resources they need, fostering student success, and supporting teachers and administrators in navigating processes effectively,” adds Anita. “It is inspiring to see how much we’ve grown over the past decade and the incredible resources and opportunities we now offer.”





For Our Families

As a school focused on continuous improvement, Visions has adopted a 1% better every day mentality in all areas of our work. We are always looking for ways to better serve our families, and numerous initiatives have been implemented to increase the quality of services to our students.

“We are continuing to target individualized support for students through multi-tiered systems of support and expanding our opportunities through new Synchronous Instruction classes,” says Principal Edwina Cirelli, who’s been with Visions for close to 17 years. “Those classes just keep getting better, with increased use of technology and resources to engage students in learning and integrating Essential Standards and Learning Targets into every class.”

“When I started at Visions, I was excited about all the possibilities for students and families,” says Principal Heidi Perry.“I have found our…families to be very supportive, student focused and engaged in becoming 1% better every day!”

Our services don’t only include academic supports, but social opportunities as well, including field trip offerings, club activities, and community events.

“As part of Visions’ commitment to providing a well-rounded educational experience, both regional events and field trips play an equally crucial role in the social and personal development of our students,” explains Charter School Secretary for the Events team, Jocelyn Torres. “These opportunities provide them with the skills and friendships they will carry with them far beyond the virtual classroom.”

The Team In Teamwork

The foundational tenet of the Home School Academy is that credentialed staff work hand-in-hand with parents to personalize and deliver quality instruction to their students. In doing this, the Home School team focuses on collaboration and teamwork – our parents truly are our partners in this work.

“Our Home School families are the best! They are creative, resourceful, and eager to engage their students,” exclaims Hallie Ochoa, Vice Principal.

“In our Home School Academy, we empower students to grow and succeed,” says Vice Principal Amy Valuenzela. “By celebrating their achievements, providing individualized support, offering meaningful engagement, and working as a supportive team, we create an environment where every student feels valued and prepared to reach their full potential.”

As we reflect on a quarter century of success, we also look ahead to how we can continue to best serve our communities.

“Over the past 24 years, Visions has evolved into a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that demonstrates resilience, dedication, and vision,” says Principal and 24-year Visionary Julie Cole. “Our success over these 25 years has been built on hard work, equity, engagement and a shared commitment to our students.”

Assessment & Evaluation Manager Dr. David Villegas Graduates From The Creciente Latinx Leadership Program

/in

Assessment & Evaluation Manager Dr. David Villegas Graduates From The Creciente Latinx Leadership Program

On February 7, 2025, Visions’ Assessment & Evaluation Manager Dr. David Villegas graduated from the Creciente Latinx Leadership Program. Led by our partners at Youth Development Network (YDN), this 8-month program teaches members of the Latino/Hispanic/Latinx community how to prepare and empower the next generation of Latinx leaders.

“The Creciente Latinx Leadership Program was founded in 2021 by Doni Blumenstock, a lifelong champion of social justice, and Adrian Ruiz, the Executive Director of Youth Development Network,” explains David. “The program seeks to recruit aspiring Latinx professionals in the Sacramento region into a fellowship that provides the skills and support network each fellow needs to become an active local board or committee member.”

David and a cohort of 19 fellows met weekly to engage in different types of professional learning, including networking, strengths-development, and project-based learning. These lessons were designed specifically to educate them about the Latinx community in the Sacramento region and the issues this community faces.

David with his cohort.

“From week-to-week, sessions led by Latinx leaders, many of whom were fellows from earlier Cohorts, advanced our understanding of negotiation tactics, implicit bias, what it means to have executive presence, how to practice facilitative leadership, and how to navigate imposter feelings,” says David. “This learning experience was supported by directed readings from books that included Bargaining for Advantage and Crucial Conversations, an Inspiration Speaker Series with talks by prestigious Latinx leadership such as Julissa Arce, the author of You Sound Like a White Girl, and other community-building events.”

Each fellow was also paired with an Apoyado, or “mentor”, who met with them regularly to share their experiences, challenge their thought processes, and provide them with advice. In partnership with his Apoyado Robert Medina, Director of Policy and Advocacy for Sobrato (pictured right), David was taught how to be a better leader, learner, and community member.

“Through Creciente I sharpened my skills as a leader in everything from strategic planning and making informed decisions, to navigating challenges, solving problems, having difficult conversations and receiving constructive feedback. The ability to do that well will make me a better partner in the work that I am doing here at Visions with staff at all levels,” David shares. “Beyond that, I feel my philosophy, the way I approach work and challenges, has evolved. I’m more open today to leaning into challenges with authenticity and grace, knowing that feelings of discomfort are my brain’s way of telling me that I am growing. Most importantly, I made connections with people who, in sharing their experiences, opened my eyes to my culture and the privilege I experience, and provided me with a sense of belonging.”

David will be applying the skills he’s learned in the Creciente program to his new positions as Board Member on the City of Lincoln Library Advisory Board and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee, councilmember on the Placer County Child Care Advisory Board, and commissioner on the Placer County Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Commission. Congratulations David and thank you for your continued efforts to get 1% better for our communities!

David and Robert (Apoyado) at the ceremony.

Student Spotlight: Cosmetics Entrepreneur Finds Her Shine

/in

Student Spotlight: Cosmetics Entrepreneur Finds Her Shine

For 8th grader Anaya B., a typical day looks like this: wake up at 7:00 am, eat a good breakfast, complete the day’s schoolwork, head to tennis practice, and finish the day playing video games with her cousins. 

In between her daily activities, Anaya runs her own business, Anaya’s Cosmetics & More, selling products like lip gloss and lip scrubs. As a third generation business owner, Anaya has followed in the footsteps of the women before her to continue a legacy of entrepreneurship.

“My main inspiration is that most of the women in my family like my mom, grandmother, and sister all own their own businesses and I wanted to follow in those footsteps and create my own business as a sign of independence and maturity.”

Anaya officially launched her company at the recent Children’s Business Fair in Suisun, where she won the award for “Most Business Potential” and sold over $250 in product!

“The ‘Most Business Potential Award’ is an award given to a kid with enough business skills to have the potential to have a long lasting business with a good profit and career,” Anaya explains. “It honestly meant a lot to me to earn that award considering I didn’t have a lot of faith in myself at the time since it was my first time selling anything after opening my business. It gave me a lot of confidence to keep pushing myself and my business to get bigger and better.”

You Glow Girl

Playing sports, starting companies, and winning awards might sound like a lot for an 8th grader, but coming to Visions helped Anaya focus on what was most important to her – working at her own pace, maintaining a social life, and pursuing her passions.

“I enrolled at Visions because I work much better independently but I also didn’t want to be completely alone and have the option to be able to connect with other kids my age.”

In the Home School Academy, Anaya receives support not only from her family, but from her teacher, Haley Milliken-Callan, who keeps Anaya moving forward on her academic and entrepreneurial path.

“I think I have an amazing relationship with my teacher. She helps me a lot and is amazing at explaining and also communicating with me and my brother, making us feel comfortable with her,” Anaya shares.

“Anaya’s energy is contagious and anyone would be honored doing business with her,” says Haley. “I am proud to be her teacher!”

At Visions, Anaya has also been able to expand her education through work with one of our vendors, The Discovery Hub, where she explores forensics (her favorite subject), biology, and creative writing with her $3,000 budget. Anaya would eventually love to become a professional tennis player and a forensic scientist, both things that are becoming more and more possible thanks to Visions.

“I would like to say a big thank you for all the amazing opportunities I am given now and in the future,” says Anaya. “I hope to one day repay Visions for their amazing grace.”