Entries by Justina Janas

Student Spotlight: High School Student Shoots for his Goals

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Student Spotlight: High School Student Shoots for his Goals

When asked about Yahari Guadarrama-Sandoval, his teachers and peers all use one word to describe him; hardworking. Whether it’s on the soccer field or in the classroom, Yahari has impressed everyone who meets him with his work ethic and attitude. But working hard doesn’t always get you ahead if you aren’t given the tools for success and Yahari found himself struggling to reach his goals in traditional school. 

“I wasn’t really doing that well in school,” Yahari said. More than anything, he lacked the support from teachers and fellow students in a traditional school setting. Yahari needed a safe, supportive learning environment and a personal relationship with his teacher to achieve his educational dreams. At Visions In Education, Yahari was introduced to teacher Simone Kunst who helped him get back on track. 

“She’s a really, really good teacher,” Yahari said. “She really helped me and pushed me to get better.” 

At Visions, Yahari also had the opportunity to take part in the Success Through Education Mentoring (S.T.E.M.) program in partnership with U.C. Davis. For more than three years, Yahari has partnered with experienced students from U.C. Davis who provide students with educational mentorship and a first-hand account of life as a college student. Visions’ flexible schedule also allows Yahari to participate in a local soccer league and help his parents out while staying on top of his schoolwork. Yahari’s hard work and dedication recently earned him a SleepFirst Student of the Week award, distinguishing him as an exceptional student in the Sacramento area. 

“He does right by his family and works hard to get the grades that he does,” said Yahari’s principal Shannon Alward. 

What’s Next?

Yahari graduated from Visions in spring of 2020. Inspired by his time in the S.T.E.M. program, he plans to go on to U.C. Davis and major in business. He credits his time at Visions with changing how he looked at school and helping him focus on his schoolwork and personal goals. 

“It was a really cool experience,” Yahari said. “The teachers here really help and support you to get you where you want to be.”

Visions Honored with APLUS+ Exemplary Sustainability Award

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We are proud to share that Visions is the 2019 APLUS+ Pioneer Award Winner for Exemplary Sustainability. This award recognizes our 20 years of stability and service to students and families. The award was presented to Visions staff at the annual APLUS+ Network Conference in San Diego. “Visions In Education has been proudly serving students […]

Graduate Spotlight: Aspiring Judge Gets a Head Start on College

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Female grad in cap and gown

Graduate Spotlight: Aspiring Judge Gets a Head Start on College

When Victoria Kebets was eleven years old, she had the opportunity to sit in on a trial case that changed her life. Sitting in a courtroom, watching judges and lawyers try a case, she was inspired to take up a career in law and started looking into becoming a lawyer. 

To do that, she needed a personalized education plan; one that would offer a choice of curriculum, and support her goals. But traditional public schools didn’t offer the support Victoria needed, and after a search, Victoria’s family found Visions In Education. 

At Visions, Victoria’s family was able to choose the curriculum that would support her career ambitions while offering her a flexible environment that allowed her to pursue her interests. Victoria took full advantage of numerous enrichment activities, including piano, voice lessons, and the Find Your Voice writing program. She also found the support of an experienced teacher and mentor in JeanAnn Walth. 

“She’s inspiring,” Victoria said. “If she can’t find the answer to a question, she refers me to someone who can.” 

In her nine years as a Visions student, Victoria demonstrated remarkable initiative and drive, enrolling in American River College when she was just fourteen years old! Because Visions reimburses students for community college materials, Victoria was able to take college classes (including a number of advanced classes) while excelling in high school. Thanks to her hard work and focus, Victoria now has a headstart on her college career!

What’s Next?

Victoria only has one more year of community college to complete before transferring to a four year university. She intends to pursue a law career and hopes to one day become a judge. When asked about her success, she credits the support of her teacher and family as well as a relaxed environment where she was able to learn at her own pace

“Give homeschooling a try,” Victoria said. “Studying at home is more positive environment.”

Graduate Spotlight: Rising Artist Nurtures His Vision

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Male student smiling at the camera holding a guitar

Graduate Spotlight: Rising Artist Nurtures His Vision

Darrin Patchell has had a lifelong love affair with art. Since he was in second grade, his family and teachers have been impressed with his artistic skills and tenacious work ethic. But while Darrin found his passion for art early in life, finding a school that fit him wasn’t as easy.

“Sometimes I had great teachers who took the time to get to know me,” Darrin said. “Other times I felt like they gave up on me or like I was a burden.”

Not satisfied with traditional schools, Darrin and his family went looking for a school that would support his interests and offer a personalized education plan. His search brought him to Visions In Education, where he found a safe, supportive environment to learn in.

“Visions has been so much better. Everyone treats me like a person and I feel valued.”

With the help of Visions’ Resource Center, Darrin’s family was able to choose and order curriculum that supported Darrin’s growth as a student. Additionally, Darrin was able to enroll in enrichment activities that let him focus on his love of art and discover a new appreciation for playing the guitar. Most importantly, Darrin found the support of a credentialed teacher that supported his goals.

“My teacher [Jennifer Kerr] always has something positive to say about my art and my skills in guitar,” said Darrin. “She is always proud of me and makes me look forward to presenting my work to her.”

What’s Next?

Now a proud graduate of the Class of 2019, Darrin is excited to move on to junior college while taking more advanced art classes. He’s looking forward to publishing his first book and hopes to someday put his skills to work as an illustrator. When asked what he would say to someone who isn’t sure if home school was a good option for them, he had this to say:

“If you are struggling or aren’t happy because you feel lost or bullied in public school,” Darrin said. “And if you are willing to do the work to be successful, then you should definitely give homeschooling a try.”

 

November Teacher Job Fairs

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Visions In Education is holding three job fairs in November for prospective teachers to meet with faculty and staff. You’ll learn more about our school and meet representatives from our Home School, Independent Study, University Prep, Special Education and Human Resources departments.  Why Attend? Whether you are interested in helping students who are struggling to […]

Drumroll, Please! Here are the Winners of the #VisionsFirstDay Raffle!

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Thank you to all of our students and families that shared their #VisionsFirstDay photos on Facebook and Instagram. This year we had an impressive 200 entries! It was great to see all of our eager students, parents and teachers in their home classrooms, working on their Chromebooks, opening new curriculum and just enjoying the new […]

Summer Graduation Inspiration – Photos & Video Now Available

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On August 14, we proudly graduated 45 summer school students! 25 graduates participated in our intimate graduation ceremony and celebrated with family, friends and Visions staff. Get Inspired Each student shared a few sentiments that were read aloud as they crossed the stage. Watch this short video to hear their stories. See all the graduation […]

Welcome to the 2019-2020 School Year!

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Welcome to the new school year! This is the year that Visions celebrates our 20th year as a charter school. Established in 1999, Visions has the distinction of being California’s 248th charter school. We take great pride in our commitment to continually grow and develop in ways that offer increased support and services to our […]

Share Your Back to School Photos for a Chance to Win a Gift Card

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We want to see your back to school photos and we’ve extended the deadline for the raffle! Share your photos using #VisionsFirstDay by midnight on Friday, September 13 for a chance to win a gift card. See all the details below. Say Cheese! To participate you’ll need to follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Show us what your first day of […]

Graduate Spotlight: Aspiring Biologist Makes a Splash

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Male graduate smiling at the camera with cap and gown

Graduate Spotlight: Aspiring Biologist Makes a Splash

Working with animals has always been Bladen’s passion. An aspiring biologist, he was looking for a way to turn his love of animals into a practical career. Unfortunately, traditional schools didn’t offer Bladen the opportunities he needed to get ahead or grow as a person.

Bladen transferred to Visions in his Junior year for a flexible schedule free of social pressures. Here, he was able to explore his interest for wildlife and develop his professional skills through Visions’ Work-Based Learning Internship program.

“My mom told me about this internship with SeaQuest,” Bladen said. “Immediately, I was like ‘yes, I want to do this.”

Through Visions’ partnership with the SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium, Bladen secured an internship opportunity that gave him high school credit and real-life experience. At SeaQuest, he worked alongside staff and other Visions interns in a hands-on, immersive environment where he learned how to care for a variety of marine animals.

Additionally, Bladen learned practical career-building skills like resume writing, communications, and customer service. Interacting with the public on a daily basis forced Bladen out of his shell, something he credits with helping his anxiety.

“I had really bad social anxiety before SeaQuest; this was almost like a cure.”

Ready for a Career

After the internship ended and he graduated, Bladen was offered a volunteer position at SeaQuest! He’s currently attending Sierra College and plans on using this experience to transfer to U.C. Davis to pursue a degree in Wildlife Biology. Bladen’s experience at SeaQuest also comes full circle as he prepares to mentor the next generation of Visions interns that participate in the program.

“It’s really a growing-up experience,” Bladen said. “I hope more kids take advantage of this program.”

Download and share Bladen’s story here.