ASVAB Test Available for 10th -12th Grade, March 21

The ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) is the most widely used multiple aptitude test battery in the world, developed and maintained by the Department of Defense. Over half of all high schools nationwide participate in ASVAB testing.

• The first step for a student towards a career is to spend some time finding out about you. Grades and test scores are only part of the picture. 
• Students get to know themselves better. They are able to think about what they are good at, what they enjoy, what kind of personality they have, and the values they possess. They can learn more about themselves and the world of work. 
• Identify interests and skills. 
• In today’s world, where there are hundreds of careers to choose from, it’s a smart idea to spend some time looking closely at the options before they decide.

Date: Thursday, March 21, 2013 

Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm 

Place: Visions’ main campus (map) (Professional Development Center)

Doodle 4 Google Art Contest for K-12

2012 Google 4 Doodle winne

Doodle 4 Google, now in its sixth year, is an annual program that invites K-12 students in the United States to use their artistic talents to think big and redesign the Google homepage logo for millions to see. This year, Google asks students to exercise their creative imaginations around the theme, “My Best Day Ever…”

One talented student artist will see their artwork appear on the Google homepage, receive a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for their school along with some other cool prizes.

The deadline for contest entry is March 22, 2013. Get an entry form and learn more at the Google 4 Doodle Web site

CASH for College!

 

Deadline for applying for Financial Aid is 

MARCH 2.

Seniors planning on attending college next year need to fill out their FAFSA ASAP! The California Student Aid Commission is holding financial aid workshops.

To get help go to:

http://www.calgrants.org/index.cfm?navId=16

and find a CASH for college workshop near you.

Note from the Visions Office (Posted on Wednesday 2/6)

Report Cards To Be Mailed Today
Expected Arrival Within the Next Week

Dear Visions Students and Families,
Due to a delay in ordering and receiving envelopes, report cards for fall semester are being sent out via San Juan Unified School District mail today, February 6, 2013.

Parents and students should receive report cards for fall semester sometime within the next week.

Thanks, Michael Brubaker
Attendance and Accountability Manager

Important Notice for Students Applying for Financial Aid & Cal Grant

In order to be considered for a Cal Grant for college, students must complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) and have their high school GPA verified by the March 2, 2013 deadline.


Visions will submit all 12th grade students’ GPA electronically, however students must do the following for the California Student Aid Commission to match and record students’ GPA to their corresponding FAFSA:

• Students must use the name that appears on their social security card; 
• All student’s demographic information entered on the FAFSA must match Visions’ Launchpad records (full name, address, phone number, student’s date of birth, e-mail address guardian’s last name and e-mail address). 
• Please take some time and review your records in Launchpad. Contact your teacher as soon as possible to change any inaccurate information, discrepancies will cause delays.

Are you an 11th Grader? Interested in taking the EAP?

EAP Test is Great Opportunity for 11th Graders to Assess Math and English Skills
11th grade students have the opportunity to take the Early Assessment Program (EAP) beginning on March 4th. The Early Assessment Program (EAP) measures student English and math skills toward the end of their junior year to let students know in advance if they are ready for college level work.

How the EAP Helps 
The EAP allows students, their teachers, their parents, and colleges to know exactly how well prepared 11th-graders are for college-level work. Furthermore, it gives high school students a chance to polish their skills before enrolling in college.

If students elect to take the EAP math and English tests, they will receive an EAP status at the beginning of their senior year informing them whether or not they are ready to enroll in for-credit math and English courses.

 If a student is not ready, he or she can take advantage of senior year to prepare for college.

• It’s a one-time test for 11th graders to assess college readiness with writing and ELA skills. 
• It’s set up as a basic writing assessment that will require multiple paragraph writing (for example; 5-paragraph essay). 
• It works in conjunction with the 11th grade STAR multiple choice test (meaning that the student takes both the writing and the multiple choice portions for a complete assessment). 
• More information is located here. 

Benefits of testing: 

• A student who performs at a proficient level may be placed into “normal” credit level courses in participating community colleges and CSUs for English without having to take the school’s internal assessment. 
• A student can get a better understanding of how their current English skills match up to college expectations. 

To recap, the EAP is a great tool to: 

• Possibly skip the otherwise required college English and/or mathematics placement tests. 
• Identify the need for additional preparation in English and math and adjust senior-year coursework to prepare for college while still enrolled in high school. 
• Save time and money by avoiding college remediation courses that do not count toward a degree. 

If you are interested in taking the EAP, please let me know by next Friday, February 15 so I can sign you up. Thanks!

Applications Available for Two Visions Scholarships

Supported by Akademos, the Achieving Beyond Scholarship is open to all graduating seniors.

The Steve Phelps American Dream Scholarship is open to motivated graduating students who have both attended community college and were employed while enrolled at Visions.

Students interested in applying for either scholarship can download an application from the Visions e-Handbook (https://ehandbook.viedu.org/node/200).

Applications should be submitted to Visions' Counseling Department at 4800 Manzanita Ave. Carmichael, CA 95608 no later than March 1, 2013.

Visions to Host FAFSA Workshop for College-Bound Students on February 20th

Visions’ counselors will be hosting a Financial Aid Workshop (FAFSA) to assist grads with their FAFSA and online community college applications for the spring semester on Wednesday, February 20th, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the PDC room.

We encourage students to bring parents with copies of their 2012 income tax returns or have students bring that information with them and know their social security numbers as well as their parents. Please see the flyer for more information.

Welcome Back

I hope you all had a great winter break!

Here are some reminders:

• This week is the last of Semester One. 
• This Friday is the last day to submit any work for your Semester One grades, Semester 2 begins Wednesday, January 16. 
• Monday, January 14, and Tuesday, January 15 are teacher work days.
• If we don't meet this week, you will have to submit all outstanding semester 1 work electronically, either through launchpad, or email by 5pm on Friday.

Please check your grades as soon as possible and make sure you are up to date with all of your work. Let me know asap if you have any questions about semester 1 grades or work so we can take care of them before the semester ends.

Thanks!

Join the Visions Bowling Club

Compete against other local high schools by representing Visions

in Education in a weekly bowling competition!

Teams consist of 3 bowlers per team.

The league is divided into four divisions: North, South, East and West.

Each division competes and the winners of those divisions play against

each other. The top two divisions play against each other and one

comes out the over all victor!

League runs from February-May on Mondays (matches) and

Wednesdays (optional practices) from 3:30-5:30pm and rotates each

week for 11 weeks between Diablo Valley Lanes on Monument Blvd.

and Clayton Valley Bowl on Clayton Rd. A schedule will be provided.

Other local high schools that participate:

Carondelet, Clayton Valley, College Park, Concord High, De La Salle,

Ygnacio Valley High, Berean High School

Sign-ups begin in January.

Cost:

Visions pays for the league for students in the ISP.

Homeschool- New students: $100.00 ($70 league, $20 shirt fee, $5 awards fee,

$5 USBC sanction card, practices, matches and free shoe rental) (Diablo Valley

Bowl is working on becoming a vendor)

Contact Cyndee Gutierrez for more information: 4viedubowling@gmail.com

Upcoming Important Dates

Winter Break
Monday, Dec 24 - Friday, Jan 4 (School is back in session Monday, 1/7)

End of Semester
Friday, January 11

Teacher Work Days
Monday, January 14 & Tuesday, January 15

Happy Holidays!

Visions In Education Offers FREE Homework Help for students in the 9-12 Academy! 

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (except vacation weeks)

What: A tutor available to help you.

How: Submit a request through launchpad, and get a call back. (usually within 10 minutes)

Click here to view the flyer.

Visions Offers Tutoring in Concord!

Visions is now offering tutoring and study hall in Concord!

• Where: Concord’s New Life Church, 3525 Chestnut Ave. Concord, CA 94519.
• When: Tuesdays, 9:00-3:30
• What: Live tutor with laptop and wi-fi, adjacent room for student meetings

Click here for the flyer.

I have also placed a link to the tutoring site and schedule flyer on the right under links so you can access this information whenever you need it. 

  

Semester 2 Meetings

Just an early note that the meeting schedule for next semester will require some changes. I have a number of students graduating and will be getting a few new ones. Others will be working around a community college schedule that can be rigid.

Please begin thinking about any days and times that you will absolutely NOT be able to meet so I can do my best to accommodate everyone. I will be setting up next semester's schedule at our f2f meetings between Thanksgiving and Winter Break.

Thanks!

Important Upcoming Dates

CAHSEE - English 11th and 12th Grade Students
Tuesday, Nov 6 

CAHSEE - Math 11th and 12th Grade Students 
Wednesday, Nov 7

End of LP3 
Friday, Nov 9

Veteran's Day Holiday 
Monday, Nov 12

Teacher Workdays 
Monday, Nov 19 - Tues, Nov 20

Thanksgiving Holiday 
Wednesday Nov 21 - Friday, Nov 23 

Who:
11th and 12th grade only

Where:
Northgate Christian Fellowship, 2201 Lake Herman Rd., Benicia

When:
English Portion - Tuesday, November 6
Math Portion - Wednesday, November 7
Plan to arrive at 9:45

Spring Classes

It is time to plan your classes for Spring. At our next face to face we will  take some time to plan your Spring Master Agreement. Meanwhile, take some time to think about what electives you might like to take.

November CAHSEE

Who:
11th and 12th grade only

Where:
Northgate Christian Fellowship, 2201 Lake Herman Rd., Benicia

When:
English Portion - Tuesday, November 6
Math Portion - Wednesday, November 7
Plan to arrive at 9:45

Do you want some help?
Go to the tutoring center in Concord tomorrow with your practice tests or come to the online Math review through Elluminate tomorrow or next Monday. See the Visions CAHSEE site for more info.

Deficiency Notices

A deficiency notice is a notice sent out by Visions when a student has at least one grade that is a D or an F. All students with a D or F in the LP2 progress grades will be receiving one in the mail.

Since we discuss your progress at every meeting, and your LP2 grades have been posted, those of you getting a deficiency notice in the mail will not be surprised.

If you have ANY questions about grades or progress, of if there is something I can do to help, please don't hesitate to contact me.

And remember...
You can get homework help by phone through launchpad, and there is a tutor available to you on Tuesdays from 9 to 3 in Concord. (See the Homework Help Flyer and Tutoring Flyer links on the right)

LP2 Progress Grades are Posted

To see your Progress grade:

• Log in to Launchpad 
• Click on My Progress Grades 

Your Engrade grade may be different from your Progress grade as it may include work that has been done in the new LP. Let me know if you have any questions!

ALEKS Math breaks after Mac update – how to fix

Posted on the CT Blog by: Tony Cervo

Apple released an update to Mac OS X on Wednesday that removes the Java plugin from all Mac-compatible web browsers (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) That means the next time you try to access ALEKS, you’ll see an error message that says “Missing Plug-in”.

Luckily, the fix is easy. Simply click the little down-arrow icon next to the warning message, then wait a minute while the Java plugin is re-installed. ALEKS should then start working again.

If you’re wondering why Apple decided to make this move, here’s an excellent article that goes into all the details. The short answer, though, is security. From the article:

Over the past five years or so, Java has emerged as one of the most widely exploited software packages. This is due to its wide availability on computers running Windows, OS X, and Linux and because of the ease hackers have in exploiting vulnerabilities.

This Week's Meetings

Monday

Online

Jaysen - 12:00

Alex - 1:00

Jalila - 4:00

Tuesday

Antioch Public Library

Haven - 12:00

Anthony - 1:00

Armani - 2:30 
Jeremiah - 4:00 (home)

Wednesday

Starbucks - Port Chicago Hwy., Concord

Katie - 11:30
Brandon 1:00
Starbucks - 2190 Main Street, Oakley
Alex M. - 3:00
Brianna - 4:00
Allison - 5:00

Thursday

Benicia Public Library

Ana - 11:30

Jalila - 1:00

Audrey - 2:30

This week's meetings

Tuesday

Allison - Phone 3:00

7 p.m.
Benicia - Visions Celebrates Success  
Northgate Christian Fellowship
2201 Lake Herman Road
 
Wednesday

Benicia Public Library

Sara - 11:30 p.m.
Natalie - 1:00 p.m.
Donovan - 2:30 p.m.

Thursday

Clayton Public Library

Griffin - 11:30 p.m.

Michael - 1:00 p.m. 

Clayton Peet's

Jaysen - 2:30 p.m.

Friday

Concord Starbucks (1170 Concord Ave.)

Alissia - 11:30 a.m.
Alex - 1:00 p.m.
Walnut Creek Public Library
Margaret - 2:30

Extra Credit Question - Science

I can grow my body back in about two days if cut in half. Many scientists believe I do not undergo senescence.

What am I?

Email the correct answer to Ms. Bryon by noon on Friday to earn 1 point extra credit to your course with the lowest current grade. 

Powered by a Google a day, search challenges for the classroom.

This Week's Meetings

Tuesday

Antioch Public Library

Haven - 12:00

Anthony - 1:00

Armani - 2:30

Wednesday

Starbucks - Port Chicago Hwy., Concord

Katie - 11:30
Brandon 1:00
Starbucks - 2190 Main Street, Oakley
Alex M. - 3:00
Brianna - 4:00
Allison - 5:00

Thursday

Benicia Public Library

Ana - 11:30

Jalila - 1:00

Audrey - 2:30

This Week's Meetings

Wednesday

Benicia Public Library

Sara - 11:30 p.m.
Natalie - 1:00 p.m.
Donovan - 4:30 p.m.
Phone
Allison - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday

Clayton Peet's

Jaysen - 10:00 a.m.

Clayton Public Library

Griffin - 11:30 p.m.

Michael - 1:00 p.m. 
Brentwood - Home
Jeremiah - 3:00

Friday

Concord Starbucks (1170 Concord Ave.)

Alissia - 11:30 a.m.
Alex - 1:00 p.m.
Walnut Creek Public Library
Margaret - 2:30

Getting Ready for Online Meetings

This week we will have our meetings online. Please read the following to make sure you are ready.

Return Students:
Before (at least a day before) your meeting time check that you can get into the virtual classroom by clicking on the link that says "Onine Meeting Room" on the right side of this page. If you have no trouble, great! I'll see you at your meeting time. If you can't get in, follow the directions below for first time users.

First Time Users:
Go to the blackboard collaborate first time users page. Follow Steps 1 and 2. Step 1 checks your computer configuration and Step 2 helps you to set up your connection settings and configure your audio. (Steps 3 and 4 are optional.) Once you have done that you will be all set to join my room at your meeting time, just click on the "Online Meeting Room" link on the right side of this page.

Please let me know if you have any questions!

This Week's Meetings (Online)

Tuesday

Online

Haven - 12:00

Anthony - 1:00

Armani - 2:30

Wednesday

Online

Katie - 11:30
Brandon 1:00
Alex M. - 3:00
Brianna - 4:00
Allison - 5:00

Thursday

Online

Ana - 11:30

Jalila - 1:00

Audrey - 2:30

Out Wednesday - Friday

I will be unavailable this week on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. If you need anything those days that can't wait until Monday, please call or email:

Cassie Lazaro, your administrator at:
(916) 971-5333
clazaro@viedu.org

I will answer all emails and texts on Monday or Tuesday.

Reminder: All meetings this week and next week are online.

This Week's Meetings

Monday

Online

Sara - 11:30 a.m.

Natalie - 1:00 p.m.

Michael - 2:00 p.m.

Katie - 3:00 p.m.

Tuesday

Online

Jaysen - 10:00

Alex G. - 11:00

Alissia - 12:00
Griffin - 1:00

Jeremiah - 2:00

Margaret - 3:00

Next week...
(just in case I can't update the blog on Monday :)

Tuesday

Online

Haven - 12:00

Anthony - 1:00

Armani - 2:30

Wednesday

Online

Katie - 11:30
Brandon 1:00
Alex M. - 3:00
Brianna - 4:00
Allison - 5:00

Thursday

Online

Ana - 11:30

Jalila - 1:00

Audrey - 2:30

SAT Study Group

I only got one response to this post so far, and that is not really enough to form a group :) I am reposting this week to see if anyone is still interested!  

Are you planning on taking or retaking the SATs soon? If so, there may be other students who would like to create a study group, share prep class info, etc. If you are interested in joining or create a group to prepare for your SATs, click here to fill out this form.
https://docs.google.com/a/viedu.org/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dG1qSUVncGdIUFJUN1NaMDRvbUw5THc6MQ#gid=0

This Week's Meetings

Tuesday

Antioch Public Library

Haven - 12:00 p.m.
Anthony - 1:00 p.m.
Armani - 2:30 p.m.

Wednesday

Concord Starbucks (3373 Port Chicago Hwy)

Katie - 11:30 a.m.

Brandon - 1:00 p.m.

Oakley Public Library

Alex M - 3:00 p.m.

Brianna - 4:00 p.m.

Thursday

Benicia Public Library

Ana - 11:30 a.m.
Jalila - 1:00 p.m.

Audrey 2:30 p.m.

Friday

Phone

Griffin - 11:00 a.m.
Jaysen - 12:00 p.m.

ALEKS Math

Are you in an ALEKS math class and having trouble logging in?

First of all, don't stress. ALEKS has certain system requirements. Once you get these in place things will work. I promise.


Try the following.
Check your system. Do you have what you need installed to run ALEKS?
http://www.aleks.com/support/system_requirements

Do you have JAVA 6, update 30 or later installed?
http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical#install_java

Did you download the ALEKS plug-in?
http://www.aleks.com/faqs/technical#what_is_plugin

Did you try to troubleshoot your problem using the ALEKS troubleshooting page?
http://www.aleks.com/support/troubleshooting

If the above steps did not help, and you can bring your laptop to our next meeting, do that and I will help you with it. If not, CALL ME!

Add/Drop Deadline

Not sure you like your course load? Might be adding (or dropping) a community college course? Just got a job?

Don't worry. We have until October 12 to add or drop classes from your semester 1 Visions schedule. While sooner is always better than later to get organized, we do have some flexibility. Keep in touch with me if you think your circumstances or goals for the semester might change.

Happy First Day of School!

Welcome back! I hope you had a wonderful summer. I sure did. I'm so excited to see everyone and get started on a GREAT school year.

This morning I can feel the beginnings of Autumn in the crisp morning air. It is a welcome change from the stifling heat we have been having here in Livermore, and it reminds me that soon the leaves will be falling, Halloween will come, the rain will return, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I'm sure it will warm up today and feel like summer again, but just now, this morning, I got a taste of Fall, and it was good.

Take a moment to think about what you want from this year. Where do you see yourself at the end of the semester, at the end of the year? What do you want to learn? What do you want to do? Let's make it happen!

Upcoming Meetings

If we do not meet on or before the first day of school, I sent you an email with your work. If you did not get an email or have questions, please let me know.

Wednesday 8/22 (First Day of School)

Benicia Public Library

Sara - 11:30 a.m.
Natalie - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday 8/23

Clayton Public Library

Jaysen - 11:30 a.m.
Michael - 1:00 p.m.

Home

Jeremiah 3:00 p.m.

Friday 8/24

Concord Starbucks (1170 Concord Ave.)

Alissia - 11:30 a.m.
Alex G - 1:00 p.m.

Walnut Creek Library

Margaret - 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday 8/28

Antioch Public Library

Haven - 11:30 a.m.
Anthony - 1:00 p.m.
Alex M. - 2:30 p.m.
Brianna - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday 8/29

Concord Starbucks (3373 Port Chicago Hwy)

Alissia - 11:30 a.m.
Brandon - 1:00 p.m.
Katie - 2:30 p.m.

Thursday 8/30

Benicia Public Library

Ana - 11:30 a.m.
Jalila - 1:00 p.m.

Audrey 2:30 p.m.

Get Your Student ID Card

Student ID Cards May Now Be Requested Remotely

SkyQ will be implementing a new process to request student ID cards remotely.  Students or parents/guardians can request a student ID card via an email sent to studentid@viedu.org. Once the email is verified, SkyQ will generate and mail the student ID card to the mailing address on file.

To request an ID card via email, it must be sent from an email address students/parents/guardians have on file with Visions and it must provide the following:

1. Student ID #,
2. Student birthdate, and
3. Attached student photo.
1. Photo in JPG or JPEG file format.
2. To the best of the student’s ability, photo should be taken in front of a plain white or off-white background.
3. Photo should be taken in full-face view directly facing the camera.
4. Please, do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religious purpose. Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.

Please think of this photo like a Passport or other ID photo.   Great photo examples are available HERE via the State Department’s website.

If you have any additional questions, please email studentid@viedu.org or call skyQ at (916) 780-7566.

School Year Calendar

Click here for a copy of this year's school calendar.

Meeting Schedule

I think I have it worked out! I tried my best to accommodate everyone's preferences. As you can see, it is a bit of a challenge with all of the different locations. Please check your meeting time below and confirm with me by email that you can make it. 

If we meet after school starts on Wednesday, I will send you an email on Tuesday 8/21 with work to do so you don't get behind. Let me know if you have any questions. I am looking forward to seeing everyone!

Monday 8/20

Home visit

Alex M. - 10:00 a.m.

Tuesday 8/21

Home visit

Brianna - 3:00 p.m.
Jaysen - 7:00 p.m.

---

Wednesday 8/22 (First Day of School)

Benicia Public Library

Sara - 11:30 a.m.
Natalie - 1:00 p.m.

Thursday 8/23

Clayton Public Library

Jaysen - 11:30 a.m. (location TBD)
Michael - 1:00 p.m.

Home

Jeremiah 3:00 p.m.

Friday 8/24

Concord Starbucks (1170 Concord Ave.)

Alissia - 11:30 a.m.
Alex G - 1:00 p.m.

Walnut Creek Library

Margaret - 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday 8/28

Antioch Public Library

Haven - 11:30 a.m.
Anthony - 1:00 p.m.
Alex M. - 2:30 p.m.
Brianna - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday 8/29

Concord Starbucks (3373 Port Chicago Hwy)

Alissia - 11:30 a.m.
Brandon - 1:00 p.m.
Katie - 2:30 p.m.

Thursday 8/30

Benicia Public Library

Ana - 11:30 a.m.
Jalila - 1:00 p.m.

Audrey 2:30 p.m.

Getting Ready!

I know, I know. The summer has been way too short. Don't worry, you don't have to start school until Wednesday, August 22, so have a GREAT last week of summer. Teachers begin work this week, however, and we are getting all organized and ready to make sure the year starts smoothly.

I will be calling all students on my caseload either today (Friday), or Monday to check in, confirm courses and contact info. I will also set up our first meetings.

Meanwhile, if you have any questions or concerns, please call, text, or email me. (New students see contact info in the right hand column.)

Wrapping Up

This is our last week of regular face to face meetings. Summer is almost here!

Next week's schedule looks like this: 

Tuesday - Drop off date
Drop off work, books, and sign LP10 attendance

• Benicia 11-12
• Concord 1-2
• Antioch 3-4

Wednesday - Graduation Ceremony

• Email any make-up work and corrections you would like calculated into your final grade BY 5PM.

Thursday - Last day of school. 
Sometime between 12pm and 5pm:

• Check your grade on Engrade. 
• Take the survey that I will post on the blog. 
• Email me that you have done these things and let me know if you have any questions.

 I will be working on grades Thursday and submitting them end of day Friday.

This Week's Meetings

Tuesday

Online

Jalila - 10:00 am
Anthony - 11:00 am

Wednesday

Concord - Starbucks

Brandon - 1:00 pm
Katie - 2:30 pm

Home

Jeremiah - 4:30 

Friday

Benicia Public Library

Audrey - 1:00
Ana - 3:30