Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Get To Know IS & UP Curriculum Coordinator Kristen Manchester

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Photo of Kristin Manchester smiling

Get to Know IS & UP Curriculum Coordinator Kristen Manchester

Hello Visionaries,

My name is Kristen Manchester and I am the 9-12 Curriculum Coordinator at Visions, supporting our Independent Study and University Prep Academies. I spent the first 23 years of my career in education working as a middle school English and history teacher for the San Juan Unified School District. In addition to teaching, I was the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program Coordinator. In my role as MYP Coordinator, I developed and facilitated professional learning for all teachers around IB pedagogy, unit planning, and program implementation. I was also a Program Leader for the IB Educator’s Network. My work with IB included reviewing curriculum and IB documentation as well as conducting program evaluation visits for IB schools around the country.

International Baccalaureate logo

Since joining the Visions team in February, I have engaged in reviewing both courses and curricula, supported with course submissions for A-G requirements, facilitated professional learning, and redesigned the Curriculum Corner to better support our 9-12 educators. Thank you to our Marketing team for the training on Wire updates. In October I will be joining a team from the PLI Department to present at the Charter School Development Center 2025 Conference. I look forward to collaborating with, supporting, and learning from more Visions educators this upcoming year.

The Curriculum Department within PLI at Visions In Education provides professional learning, coaching and consultation, and curricular review to ensure all students have access to a guaranteed-and-viable curriculum through the CA State standards and frameworks. Through this work, I have become skilled in curriculum design and implementation, professional development, standards alignment, collaboration, and curriculum articulation.

University of California graphic

Get To Know PLI TOSA Ashley McDonald

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Photo of Ashley McDonald smiling

Get To Know PLI TOSA Ashley McDonald

Hi Visionaries,

My name is Ashley McDonald and I am one of the Professional Learning & Innovation TOSAs here at Visions In Education. Over the summer, as part of the CA State Board of Education’s Math Materials Adoption process, I reviewed K–8 math materials to ensure alignment with the California State Standards, integration of the CA Mathematics Framework, and a focus on accessibility and equitable access for all learners. In addition to this curriculum work, I supported incoming families at Visions by hosting New Family Orientation Zoom webinars. I also had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Solution Tree PLC Institute, where I deepened my understanding of professional learning communities and strengthened my collaborative practices.

The PLI TOSA Team at Visions provides professional learning, coaching and consultation, and instructional best practices action research to ensure 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. Through this work, I have become skilled in relationship building, community partnerships, team collaboration, curriculum adoption, standards alignment, facilitating data-driven discussions, and leading engaging professional learning opportunities.

Materials for instructional staff and leaders
Materials for instructional staff and leaders
Certificate presented to Ashley McDonald by California Department of Education

Visions Club Rush: A Night Of Fun, Friends, And New Opportunities

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Students at Club Rush event

Visions Club Rush: A Night Of Fun, Friends, And New Opportunities

Just a few years ago, Visions offered only three clubs. Today, we’ve grown to more than 70 student clubs and sports programs—and the number keeps climbing!

On Thursday, September 4, Visions hosted its second annual Club Rush event, welcoming high school students and families to explore the wide range of extracurricular opportunities available this year.

The event gave students and parents a chance to meet our dedicated Club Advisors, ask questions, and get excited about everything from sports and speech and debate to world cuisine and comic books. As they moved from table to table, students filled out bingo cards, collected passport stamps, and entered a raffle for a chance to win exciting prizes!

It wasn’t just about the clubs—it was also a night of community. Students reconnected with old friends, made new ones, and ended the evening with glow sticks and dancing.

Clubs are an amazing way to explore your passions, connect with peers, and make lasting memories. If you missed the in-person event, don’t worry—our Virtual Club Rush will be held on September 26! In the meantime, check out our Student Clubs page on The Wire to find a club that sparks your interest.

A big thank-you to our incredible Club Advisors and administrative team for making this event possible. We’re excited to see what this year holds for Visions clubs!

Collage of photos from Visions Club Rush event

Visions Student dance at club rush

Visions students talk with Club Advisors at Club Rush 2025

Visions students are encourages to mingle at Club Rush 2025

Visions students pose for a picture at Club Rush 2025

Visions students participated in a dance party at the end of Club Rush 2025

Visions students are encourages to mingle at Club Rush 2025

Visions students are speaking with a Visions Club Advisor at Club Rush 2025

Example of table setups at Club Rush 2025

Superintendent Steve Olmos speaks to a staff member at Visions Club Rush 2025

Girls Golf Club sign at Club Rush 2025

September Is Suicide Prevention Month

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National Suicide Prevention Month graphic

September Is Suicide Prevention Month

As we observe National Suicide Prevention Month and World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, we recognize the critical need to address the challenges of suicidal ideation among our youth. The impact of this issue extends throughout our community, affecting us all.

At Visions In Education, we want you to know that counselors and social workers are here to support students and families as needed. Additional resources and support can also be found on our Mental Health and Wellness Page located on The Wire.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

The first step toward intervention and support is awareness. Warning signs of suicide can include:

  • Behavioral: Withdrawing from friends and activities, giving away personal belongings, self-destructive behaviors, increased substance use, sudden mood improvement after depression.
  • Verbal: Expressing hopelessness, worthlessness, or feeling like a burden; talking about death, dying, or wanting to die; making statements such as “I can’t take it anymore” or “I wish I weren’t here.”
  • Emotional: Sudden mood swings, overwhelming sadness or despair, emptiness, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, intense irritability or anger.
  • Situational: Recent loss of a loved one, breakup, bullying or harassment, major life changes, academic or work-related stress, financial struggles, or other crises.
  • Physical: Changes in sleep patterns, appetite, weight, or personal hygiene.
  • Social: Withdrawal from relationships, increasing isolation, disconnection from friends, family, or community.
  • Cognitive: Difficulty concentrating, preoccupation with death, intense guilt or shame.

How You Can Help

If you notice these signs:

  • Initiate a compassionate conversation.
  • Listen without judgment.
  • Encourage professional support through therapists, counselors, and helplines.
  • Involve trusted adults—parents/guardians, teachers, coaches, or mentors.
  • Collaborate on a safety plan.

Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing hopelessness or suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline – Available 24/7 nationwide. Call or text 988 for free, confidential crisis support.
  • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Support groups and resources nationwide. Visit NAMI.
  • Care Solace – A complimentary, confidential service provided by Visions In Education to help you find mental health or substance use providers. Call 888-515-0595 (multilingual support available 24/7).

OMG! Celebrating Our OMS Orientations

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Visions students and families seated at OMS orientation

OMG! Celebrating Our OMS Orientations

Throughout August, our Online Middle School students were invited to attend in-person orientation sessions, where they had the opportunity to meet their teachers, receive their schedules, and set clear expectations for the school year. These sessions played a key role in ensuring that both students and their parents or guardians were well-prepared for a confident and successful start to 2025-26.

We hosted four in-person orientations across our Fairfield, Elk Grove, Citrus Heights, and Concord locations, along with one virtual orientation. In total, over 200 students and their parents participated—an incredible turnout!

“The beginning of the year orientations were a great opportunity for students, parents and teachers to get to know each other and establish some relationships. Students and parents were supported in getting their Chromebooks set up and ready for the first day of school,” shared OMS Principal Brian Albright. “We had a great turnout and are excited for the 25/26 school year!”

Visions students and families seated at OMS orientation
Visions students and families seated at OMS orientation
Photo of Visions staff checking in a student at orientation
Photo of Visions staff checking in a student at orientation
Photo of Visions staff checking in a student at orientation

About the Online Middle School Program

Visions’ Online Middle School program is designed for students in Grades 7 and 8 who want to complete middle school classes in an online setting with direct teacher instruction. With a structured daily schedule, a dedicated homeroom teacher, and funds for enrichment services like tutoring and extracurriculars, our Online Middle School program ensures that our middle school students receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in school and beyond.

For more information, visit the Online Middle School info page on our website.

Visions’ Main Office & STS Closed September 1st For Labor Day

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Labor Day graphic

Visions' Main Office & STS Closed September 1st For Labor Day

Our main office and Student Technology Services (STS) will be closed Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day. We will reopen during regular business hours on Tuesday, September 2nd.

Resources & Information

Labor Day is observed on the first Monday in September to recognize American workers and their fight for workers’ rights, including fair wages, proper working conditions and reasonable hours. To learn more about the history of Labor Day and why we celebrate, see the following resources:

Visions Hosts First-Ever Senior Sunrise

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Visions students gathered at Senior Sunrise in the Visions parking lot

Visions Hosts First-Ever Senior Sunrise

The Class of 2026 alongside their families, friends and Visions staff, came together at 5:45 a.m. on August 22 at our new building to celebrate the start of their final high school year. This early morning gathering provided students with the perfect opportunity to connect with both new and familiar faces as they prepared to embark on their senior year journey.

As the Visions community enjoyed a relaxed morning together, students shared donuts, pastries, and juice while parents gathered around the coffee bar. Students and families arrived from across Northern California in order to make the event. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect as everyone watched as the sun rose at 6:15 a.m., creating a memorable backdrop for this milestone moment.

Students expressed how meaningful the event was in building their Class of 2026 community, united by their shared excitement for the year ahead. Daniel H. addressed his classmates, setting the tone for their senior year by sharing real-world advice and explaining how this gathering would establish the standard for everything to come in their last year at Visions. 

“Wherever you are, just embrace your position, Visions is a great school, [do things like], have a good relationship with your teachers, meet new people, and socialize. This could be a great year for all of us. This is a great way to kick off the year,” said Daniel.

Hear more from our student speakers below!

Daniel H. (Class of 2026)

Jessica K. (Class of 2026)

Whether students were starting their very first day at Visions or have been with us since previous years, together everyone united to create our Class of 2026. 

Throughout the morning, students eager to build new friendships were invited to collaborate on a class banner design, with each person adding their own signature or creative touch. The spirit of connection extended beyond the formal activities as students naturally began exchanging fashion tips about their D.I.Y. Class of 2026 jeans and shirts, while one creative student even crafted a Class of 2026 photo frame to share with everyone.

These moments of collaboration and creativity demonstrated exactly what happens when Visions creates the space for connection: students naturally step up and do remarkable things on their own.

Keenya Powell, Visions CTE Coordinator said that this event gave an opportunity for students to experience something never offered at Visions before.

“Watching some of our students bring in their Senior year together was amazing. Many of them thought they wouldn’t get to experience this time honored tradition and realizing that this may be their last ‘first day’ of school had them treasuring the moment,” said Keenya.





VIEW THE FULL PHOTO ALBUM

Visions students watched at the sun creeped over our new building.

Visions seniors gathered to sign their class of 2026 banner

Visions Seniors gather to take a picture in their customized apparel

Visions seniors pose for a picture at Senior Sunrise

A Visions students takes a photo of another student using their photo frame

Sunrise Champions 

It takes a special person to wake up before the sun comes up. We would like to recognize our Visions Sunrise Champions that were moving in the dark setting up before our students arrived.

Visions staff gather for a photo after Senior Sunrise

Thank you to Ron Thomas, Keely Adams, Matt Patterson, Sarah McFarland, Shannon Alward, Gregg Moses, Andrea Leuschen, and Christina Fischer for their support in setting up. The sunrise event successfully launched the Class of 2026 into their final year with a strong sense of community and purpose.

Student Spotlight: The Anatomy Of Success

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Visions Independent Study Academy student Ellie C. sits at her desk

Student Spotlight: The Anatomy of Success

When Ellie C. moved back to California three years ago, she faced an unexpected challenge: missing the enrollment deadline for the traditional public school in her area. Looking for an alternative, her family discovered Visions and enrolled her in the Independent Study Academy.

“It was supposed to be for only a year and then I would go back to public school,” Ellie explained. “But I enjoyed Independent Study so much that I didn’t have the heart to leave.”

For Ellie, the flexibility of Independent Study has been life-changing. “It works for me because I get to do my assignments when I want to. It benefits my workload and stress levels a lot as a student with other things to do,” she said.

This structure allows her to balance her academics with her other commitments and passions.

Difference-Makers

Another highlight of Ellie’s Visions journey has been the strong connections she’s built with her teachers and counselors. 

“My relationship with my teachers and counselors [is] amazing,” she shared. “I would like to give a shoutout to [my teacher] Leslie Simpson. I met her at an end of year event and hit it off immediately. I would also like to shout out [counselors] Rija Gorkhali and Estrella Rosales; they both helped me with my colleges and were just there when I needed some help with my personal life.” 

Miss Gorkhali describes Ellie as a “model Independent Study student,” praising her self-awareness, strong academic performance, and ambitious goals. Those big goals include college and a career in health sciences—a passion that is already shaping her academic path.

The Love of Learning

While completing high school, Ellie is also taking college courses through Sierra College in psychology and health, which align with her love for human anatomy. She has even joined the Career Technical Education (CTE) health pathway at Visions to deepen her knowledge. 

Her enthusiasm for anatomy runs deep—so deep that she has four bone models in her bedroom: a spine, skull, hand, and foot, which she affectionately named Vert, Crane, Carl, and Tala.

Looking ahead, Ellie plans to continue her education and pursue a career in phlebotomy, with an eye on becoming an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

When asked what advice she’d give to other Visions students, Ellie’s answer was simple: “Do your work.”

Ellie C. stands next to a cake
Ellie C. with her family

Visions Students Experience College Life At CSU Sacramento

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Visions students gather for a photo during a visit to CSU Sacramento.

Visions Students Experience College Life At CSU Sacramento

From July 29–31, 25 Visions In Education high school students and seven chaperones participated in the Visions and CSU Sacramento Summer Overnight College Experience—a three-day, no-cost opportunity to live, learn, and explore life on a university campus.

Students stayed in the dorms at California State University, Sacramento, attended daily Presentation Skills classes, and participated in a variety of team-building, recreational, and academic activities. Day two featured an in-depth look at the CSU admissions process, a hands-on Cal State Apply workshop, and a campus tour designed to help students envision themselves as future college students.

Recreational highlights included a planetarium visit, ropes course, sports, and evening social activities. Chaperones, all credentialed professionals, ensured a safe and supportive environment throughout the trip. Students enjoyed all meals on campus and had access to the same facilities as Sac State students.

“This experience gave me a better understanding of what college will be like,” one participant shared. “I feel more prepared and excited about my future.”

The Visions CSUS Summer Overnight College Experience continues to be an engaging way to help students build confidence, explore higher education, and connect with their peers while making lasting memories.

“The students were great. They worked together immediately,” exclaimed CSUS Professor Rustin Vogt. “I can’t believe they all attend a virtual high school. I’d never know it if you hadn’t told me.”

Thank you to our Visions chaperones for making this opportunity happen for our students – CTE Coordinator Keenya Powell, Counselors Julie Winalski, Sander Salguero, Monique Maher, and Megan Goudy, and Social Workers Dana Fejes and Sergio Fuentes. Check out all the photos below!

Visions students and teachers gathered in a circle outside at Sacramento State University.
Visions students in a college classroom listening to a presentation.
Visions student climbing a rock wall.
Visions teachers chaperoning a field trip to Sacramento State University.

Visions students at an outdoor climbing park at Sacramento State University.
Visions students playing basketball at an outdoor court at Sacramento State University.
Visions students in a classroom at CSU Sacramento
Visions students with go kart

Share Your Back To School Photos For The Chance To Win A Gift Card!

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Collage of Visions students on the first day of school with the Visions logo in the center

Share Your Back To School Photos For The Chance To Win A Gift Card!

The 2025-26 school year starts on Tuesday, and we want to see your back to school photos!

A Message from Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos

Welcome students and families to the new school year! I hope you had a restful summer break and are ready to jump into 2025-26. As Visions continues to grow, what better way to come together as a school than to share your Back to School pictures? It’s a great opportunity to showcase your Visions pride and get connected to your school community. I look forward to seeing all of your smiling faces! Wishing you the best for the fall semester and I look forward to serving you for another year of learning and exploration of self.

First Day Photos

The first few weeks of a new school year are always exciting! This year we are inviting you to share your first day photos with the Visions community.

To participate, you’ll need to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Share your back to school smile in a photo on social media using the hashtag #VisionsFirstDay to be entered to win a gift card!

Please make sure that you have a public account so we can see and share your photos. Submissions must be posted by September 17. See additional details below*.

Here are some ideas to help you get inspired:

  • Capture your first meeting with your teacher.
  • Take a selfie showing your back to school excitement.
  • Show off your “home classroom” or workspace.
  • Model your first day of school outfit.
  • Create your “back to school checklist” in a creative way and share via photo.
  • Post a picture of your planner or desk.

Visions student standing in front of a blue car holding a small sign that says "Senior"
Visions students holding a frame around his face that says "First Day of School"
Brother and sister smiling next to eachother.
Visions students sitting at a desk holding a book in front of a laptop.

Take a look at last year’s photos on Facebook for even more inspiration!

*Photos must be posted on your personal Facebook or Instagram account using the hashtag #VisionsFirstDay. To be eligible, participants must be enrolled at Visions and have a public Facebook and/or Instagram account so we can see the submissions (if your account is private we’re unable to see your posts). By using the hashtag (#VisionsFirstDay) you grant Visions permission to use and repost your photos on our websites, social media accounts and for any other Visions marketing purposes. Winners will be chosen based on the creativity of their photo. Photos must be submitted by September 17, 2025 to be eligible. If you have any questions, please email marketing@viedu.org.