Throwback Thursday: Communications Over 25 Years
Before The Wire, Visions communicated our school’s important information through quarterly Visions View newspapers. Comprised of messages from Visions’ founder and former Program Director Linda Gattenbein, legislative news, celebration articles, student stories, graduation info, school calendars, and more, Visions View served as the primary means of communication to our thousands of students in our eight-county service area at the time.
Hot Off the Press
Curious what was making Visions headlines circa 2002? Check out some snippets below!
Since the days of print newsletters, our communication methods have come a long way. Our redesigned website and The Wire now keep our community informed, inspired, and connected. Both platforms have gone through their own transformations over the years — click on the images below and take a look back at our earlier versions!
From 10 to 25
This past year, we’ve been celebrating 25 years of serving students and families at Visions. But looking back at other milestones is important to understanding how we got to where we are today.
While we’re still uncovering the mystery behind the cut out heads (it has “Fred Lamora” written all over it!), the 10th Anniversary Edition of Visions View (pictured below) captures the spirit of that era with heartfelt quotes from alumni and memories from our first decade.
“I came back to show my wife and kids the school that gave me a final chance to make something of my life.”
Jeff Rankin, Class of 2001
“My parents taught me at home when I was growing up. My mother and father got a lot of help from my Visions teacher. I can’t say enough good things about the school.”
Angela Calloway, Class of 2003
“I know I am a little old to be running around in a school T-shirt, but I wear it all the time and I secretly love having people say things like, ‘Oh, you’re a Visions graduate. I bet you’re really proud to have that name on your diploma. I wish I could have gone there.”
Melanie Johnston, Class of 2004
Our 25th Year Impact Report contains similar sentiments from leadership, including Superintendent Dr. Steve Olmos, Chief Academic Officer Dr. Micah Studer, Director of Instruction for Independent Study and University Prep Sarah McFarland, and more. Here’s what they had to say about our strengths, opportunities, and the future of Visions:
“Visions’ greatest strengths are our people—the teachers, staff, students, and families who are at the hearts of our school. Over the years, we have built a culture based on relationships, where educators work closely with students, families and each other. We are deeply committed to meeting students where they are in their personal journey.” – Sarah McFarland, Director of Instruction for Independent Study and University Prep
“We have the opportunity to create academic social-emotional learning programs that our students and our communities need. We can respond to the changing world of education as it evolves; we are not locked in one model. We can try and learn different things to create systems to help our kids.” Dr. Micah Studer, Chief Academic Officer
“[To Visions Students]: You received your education the way you did because people built a solid foundation for you. Giving back generously and holding firmly and courageously to the values that made Visions what it is can be part of your expression of gratitude, helping to preserve what you received for others.” – Mark Holman, Board of Directors Chairperson
“I believe the future is bright for schools like Visions. We are able to meet students where they are, provide individual attention, and work with them to find success. Schools like Visions can lead the way in disrupting the traditional educational system.” – Dr. Steve Olmos, Superintendent/Executive Director
