Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Visions Featured In Comstock’s Magazine

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Comstocks article featuring Visions

Visions Featured In Comstock’s Magazine



READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE ON PAGE 88-90

Visions In Education is proud to be featured in the October 2025 edition of Comstock’s Magazine. In this comprehensive article, Jennifer von Geldern explores the evolution of hybrid learning with insights from educational leaders at the forefront of the hybrid charter school landscape.

The feature examines the origins and development of hybrid learning models, highlighting how today’s charter schools are delivering alternative educational services to meet diverse student needs.

Visions’ Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos spoke to the student population that thrives in these flexible learning environments: “Our students are incredibly diverse. They include teen parents, athletes, artists, students with health needs and those seeking a safer or more flexible learning environment.”

With more than 25 years of experience in distance learning, Visions has cultivated deep expertise through careful preparation, strategic planning, and thoughtful implementation. 

Leading the Way in Hybrid Learning

When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted unprecedented demand for virtual learning options, Visions was uniquely positioned to serve families – having refined these educational models for years.

At the center of this success is our in-house platform, the LPAD Student Support System™, a custom-built student support system developed by Visions, for Visions. Dr. Olmos noted, “We already had systems in place and have since invested even more in technology. We have a custom-built student support system that makes it easy for families and staff to communicate, track progress and manage resources, and are constantly improving how we teach and support students online.”

This commitment to continuous improvement underscores Visions’ leadership in the hybrid learning space. Thank you Comstock’s Magazine for amplifying the need for flexible learning options and opportunities for future generations of families to learn more about the school choices that are available to them. 

Recognizing LGBTQ History Month

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Rainbow graphic that reads "LGBTQ History Month"

Recognizing LGBTQ History Month

October is LGBTQ History Month – a time to honor the trailblazers, advocates, and everyday heroes who have shaped the movement for equality and inclusion. This month serves as both a celebration of progress and a reminder of the ongoing work toward acceptance and justice for all.

LGBTQ History Month also encourages us to learn, listen, and lead with pride – to celebrate diversity not just in October, but every day.

Additional Resources & Information

 

A Place For Every Learner – The Simmons Family’s Visions Experience

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A Place For Every Learner - The Simmons Family's Visions Experience

With five sons, finding a single school or educational program that could meet the needs of each individual child was no easy task for the Simmons family. But when they found Visions, that changed.

“Visions has helped our sons in so many different ways,” shares Mrs. Simmons.

Visions offers a flexible and supportive learning environment, with multiple curriculum options and four unique academies tailored to different age groups and learning styles. Whether a student thrives with structure, needs more independence, or requires special support services, Visions provides the resources to help every child succeed.

For the Simmons family, this has made all the difference. Their younger sons benefit from personalized support, while their older sons are thriving in Visions’ growing athletics program, playing basketball and learning essential life skills like teamwork, discipline, and leadership.

Visions also ensures that students with special needs are fully supported, offering services like speech therapy and occupational therapy, so every learner has the opportunity to thrive.

One of the most important lessons the Simmons boys say they’ve learned is independence. At Visions, students are empowered to manage their own schedules and workload, giving them the space to learn at their own pace while preparing them for the future.

“As we become adults, I think that’s something that we’re going to really need,” one of the older sons shares.

For the Simmons family, the experience has been transformative. “I would recommend it to anyone who is looking to homeschool their children and provide the best, most robust education to their children,” says Mr. Simmons.

Get To Know TK-8 Curriculum Coordinator Kaylee Song

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Kaylee tabling at a Visions in-person event

Get To Know TK-8 Curriculum Coordinator Kaylee Song

Since stepping into the Curriculum Coordinator position in February 2025, Kaylee has drawn on a wide range of experience as a teacher, instructional leader, and curriculum designer. She began her career teaching upper elementary in Sacramento, where she developed and implemented curriculum to meet the needs of each student. She supported colleagues as the site PBIS Facilitator, Induction Support Provider, and mentor for teacher candidates. As a member of the PLI Department, Kaylee has continued this work by leading professional learning for educators, instructional leaders, and staff to ensure all students have access to a guaranteed and viable curriculum. This week, Kaylee is joining a team from the PLI Department to present at the Charter School Development Center 2025 Conference on our Comprehensive Systems of Support.

As TK-8 Curriculum Coordinator, Kaylee partners with the Home School and Online Middle School Academies to strengthen instructional practices and learning through curricular review, coaching & consultation for instructional leaders, and professional development. Above all, Kaylee is excited about helping ensure every student has access to high-quality instructional materials, paired with comprehensive support that helps educators use them with confidence. With expertise in standards alignment, educational equity, and instructional design, she is passionate about building capacity in educators and fostering collaborative learning communities that empower and provide opportunities for students to thrive.

Student Spotlight: Roping The Way To Greatness

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Jackie M poses with rodeo awards

Student Spotlight: Roping The Way To Greatness

In Visions In Education’s Independent Study Academy, students are encouraged to follow their passions, and Jackie M. is a shining example of what it means to dedicate yourself fully to a dream.

Jackie enrolled at Visions two and a half years ago to take control of her learning and allow more time for her true passion: rodeo. She practices six days a week and says, “Rodeo consumes my whole life, which I am grateful for.”

“Rodeo is a lifestyle not just a hobby. I also want people to know that our animals always come first. We treat them like athletes in and out of the arena.” 

Her horse, Rango, a 15-year-old American Paint Horse, is more than just a partner in the arena. Jackie describes him as her “best friend and biggest motivation to keep going every day.” Together, the pair compete in rodeo events, with Jackie focusing on breakaway roping and beginning to train in team roping as well.

Breakaway roping is a fast-paced event where a cowgirl on horseback ropes a calf around the neck, with the goal of breaking the rope in the fastest possible time. Team roping, on the other hand, requires two riders to work together to rope a steer as quickly as possible. Jackie has only been competing for four years, but her hard work has already paid off. She recently won the breakaway roping event at the Oakdale Rodeo, where the Mayor of Oakdale presented her with a championship buckle.

Her teacher, Mrs. Rold, proudly calls her a “rodeo champion,” and Jackie is quick to credit her school for supporting her goals. “I like my teacher a lot, she is very nice and is always there to help me,” she shared. “Coming to Visions was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself and I am forever grateful for the teachers, counselors, and principals that make this possible.”

Jackie M. rides her horse in competition

Following Her Dreams

Looking ahead, Jackie hopes to combine her love for rodeo with a career in sports medicine. She plans to become a Rodeo Sports Medicine Doctor, caring for the athletes, both human and animal, who inspire her every day.

Jackie’s journey reflects the spirit of Visions students everywhere: determination, gratitude, and the courage to pursue what matters most.

Jackie M. on her horse while participating in competition
Jackie M. poses while attending a rodeo competition
Jackie M. poses with horse and ribbons while attending a rodeo competition

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