Ronaldo Gomez, Author at Visions In Education

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Entries by Ronaldo Gomez

Celebrating Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month

September 16, 2025/in News

Celebrating Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month

Each year, Visions In Education takes part in commemorating National Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month. Americans observe Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month from September 15th to October 15th by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of those whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. This month and beyond, we honor the rich diversity and enduring impact of Hispanic and Latino communities across all aspects of American life.

Events & Resources

Hispanic Heritage Month – History.com
Hispanic Heritage Month Resources – National Museum of the American Latino
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Upcoming Hispanic/Latino Heritage Month Events

Get To Know IS & UP Curriculum Coordinator Kristen Manchester

September 16, 2025/in News

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.

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.

Get To Know PLI TOSA Ashley McDonald

September 16, 2025/in News

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.

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

September 10, 2025/in News

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!

September Is Suicide Prevention Month

September 10, 2025/in News

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

September 5, 2025/in News

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!”

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 Hosts First-Ever Senior Sunrise

August 26, 2025/in News

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.

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.

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

August 26, 2025/in Student Spotlight

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.”

Visions Students Experience College Life At CSU Sacramento

August 20, 2025/in News

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!

Grad Spotlight: Remaining Resilient In The Face Of Illness

August 19, 2025/in Student Spotlight

Grad Spotlight: Remaining Resilient In The Face Of Illness

At 15 years old, Maria D. was living a normal teenage life – church, friends, her sweet sixteen around the corner. She was looking forward to getting her driver’s license and starting a new chapter. She had church camp and social events and dreams.

Instead, Maria’s 15-year-old life was about her constant discomfort and frequent bruising, her pale complexion and fatigue. It was defined by the pain in her head, legs, and arms. It was turned upside down by a single blood test and a quick phone call from her doctor.

Fighting with Grace

Leukemia, a two-year treatment plan, and a “home/hospital” program – that’s what Maria’s steps into young adulthood looked like. She lost her confidence and her faith, and had so many questions constantly running through her mind: “What’s the name of that chemotherapy?”. “When is my next spinal tap?”. “What about school?”.

In the midst of her health battles, Maria and her family found Visions, enrolling her in our Independent Study Academy to accommodate her need for a flexible learning experience. What could have easily derailed her educational journey and plans for the future became something that empowered Maria, and school became something she could turn to in the face of her hardships.

“With chemotherapy…I had to stay at home so much, wasn’t able to go shopping, visit church, or attend big gatherings,” she reflected. “Visions helped me focus my thoughts onto school. I had something to keep my mind occupied with and that helped a lot.”

In Maria’s corner was not only her family, but her credentialed teacher, Alison Sampson. Miss Sampson was her guide, her friend, and her number one fan, an admirer of Maria’s work and perseverance.

“She was the most responsible and academically advanced student I had. I knew I could always count on Maria for submitting high-quality work and keeping in communication with anything that was going on,” Alison remarked. “She is impressive already without knowing her cancer story, and the fact that she has had such a hardship is truly inspiring.”

“I feel really thankful that Miss Sampson admired my work and persistence. She was truly the best teacher,” Maria shared. “She will always be remembered by my family and me for helping me get through school with such flexibility, passion, patience, and kindness.”

Envisioning a Future

Maria credits many things for helping her through such a difficult time – God, gratitude, and her mom’s cooking. But she also praises Visions for helping her feel like a normal teenager, one who took culinary classes and art, explored language, and got her driver’s license.

“Visions helped me feel like a student again.”

Now, Maria looks forward to continuing to learn and grow as a young adult. “I try my best to learn new things and challenge myself, because I know the version of me in the hospital bed was crying for a chance at it.”

As a cancer survivor, Class of 2025 Visions graduate, and advocate for sharing her story, Maria has big dreams for the future, including attending Sierra College to pursue a career in the medical field. She praises the nurses and doctors who were by her side during her diagnosis, treatments, and everything in between, and she hopes to return the favor by working with patients going through a similar journey.

Simply put: “My plans for the future are to help others,” she remarked.

When asked what advice Maria has for other students, she expressed the importance of remaining diligent and utilizing resources that are available. Furthermore, she stated how critical it is to ask questions and not be afraid to lean on support from teachers and counselors.

For students who may be battling an illness, or even simply looking for a space where there is more flexibility to learn at your own pace, Maria encourages enrolling in Visions.

“If I had to restart high school all over again, I would choose Visions every time,” she stated. “Whatever you’re going through, know that there’s a past version of you who would be so proud of how far you have come. It is easier said than done, but you have to pick your hard. Do it tired, do it scared, do it with no confidence, but take that step and try your best. Everyday isn’t promised and anything can happen.”