Spring Break Next Week!

April 10 through April 14.

Have Fun!

Upcoming & Notable

* Retention and Transfer fees have been eliminated *

* Carmichael Book Sale has been discontinued *

• Sibling Enrollment and Academy Transfer Deadline: Friday, April 7
• Spring Break - Monday, April 10 - Friday, April 14
• Early Ordering - Monday April 10 - Wednesday, June 7
• LP8 Ends - Friday, April 21
• CAST Science Test - (5th & 8th Graders) Wednesday, April 26, from 10 to 12 @ Grace Church in Jackson.
• SBAC Make-Up Testing in Rescue & Carmichael - Tuesday, April 25 - Thursday, April 27

• LP9 Ends - Friday, May 19
• Field Day - Friday, May 26 - Detert Park in Jackson, 9:30 to 12:30
• 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Friday, May 26, 12:30 to 1:30 - Details to follow
• Memorial Day - No School - Monday, May 29
• Graduation Ceremony - Wednesday, May 31st

• Last Day of School - Wednesday, June 7th
• Book Return - Thursday, June 15th - 9:00 to 11:30, Grace Church in Jackson

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 4/3
CT Professional Development in Carmichael

Tuesday
Ione
Austin & Dylan - 10:00
Alexis & Tyler - 12:05
Gage - 2:30

Wednesday
Jackson Library
Isabeau & McKenna - 11:00
Wyatt - 1:30
Emily - 2:30

Thursday
Ione (Clark's)
Jezreel - 12:00
Jaye - 1:00
Hunter - 2:05
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Friday

Office Day

Enrollment Deadlines

Sibling Enrollments
If you currently have a Visions student and are enrolling a sibling, the deadline is April 7th. Online application link.

Academy Transfers
If you would like to transfer to the Independent Study or EDGE academies (high school only) the deadline is also April 7th. (Let me know asap, so I can point you in the right direction.)

*Students who wish to continue homeschooling with Visions do not need to do anything. We will sign your Master Agreement during our LP8 or LP9 meeting.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 3/27
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Joseph - 12:05
Tiffany & Madison - 1:10

Wednesday
Ione
Grace D. - 11:00
Bonnie - 12:10
Charlotte - 1:30
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35

Thursday
Ione - Clark's
Leila - 11:00
Lucas - 12:05
Ione
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Friday
Office Day

Upcoming & Notable

* Retention and Transfer fees have been eliminated *

* Carmichael Book Sale has been discontinued *

• First Day of Spring - Monday, March 20
• SBAC Testing in Rescue - Tuesday, March 21 - Friday, March 24 - (1:00 - 4:00)
• Parent Meet-up in Galt - Wednesday, March 22, Real Life Church - 9:30 to 11:00 am
• LP 7 Ends - Friday, March 24
• Last day to order curriculum, computers and vouchers - Friday, March 31
• For other ordering deadlines click here

• Spring Break - Monday, April 10 - Friday, April 14
• Early Ordering - Monday April 10 - Wednesday, June 7
• LP8 Ends - Friday, April 21
• SBAC Make-Up Testing in Rescue & Carmichael - Tuesday, April 25 - Thursday, April 27

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 3/20
Office Day

Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00

Wednesday
Office Day

Thursday

Ione - Clark's Corner
Zora - 11:00
Madelynn - 12:30
Gage 1:30
Billy - 2:30

Friday
Office Day

Student Budget Increase Information

From the Wire...

Visions is pleased to share with our Home School Academy families that for the 2017-2018 school year we plan to add the following enhancements for our students:

• Annual budgets for each student will be increased to $2,000
• For the 2017-2018 school year we are offering a parent educator bonus of $200 per household, for completion of a Visions’ sponsored parent training to augment student budgets
• For the 2017-2018 school year, for completion of approved student assessments, to prepare for testing administered in the spring, we are offering a student assessment bonus of up to $100 per student to augment student budgets
• Continued free dual enrollment for students taking courses at a community college, students may receive a reimbursement of up to $500 per year of additional funds for approved expenses
• Parents may be reimbursed from student budget(s) for attending approved conferences, up to $250 per year per student
• No Retention or Transfer fees for curriculum items families wish to retain over the summer after the school year ends
• Purchasing Matrix has been simplified to provide greater purchasing options
• Expansion of our enrichment/service vendor providers (est. of 1,200-1,300 vendors for next year) to include driver’s training and gym memberships
• Extension of our purchasing deadlines to later in the school year

We will continue to offer great teachers, seamless ordering systems, enrichment activities, vendor fairs, field days and other extracurricular opportunities for our students and families.

We know our partnership with you is one of the most important decisions you make as a parent educator. Please know that we will continue to work hard to make available the best programs and opportunities that we can for your student(s). Please look for more detailed information to follow around these exciting new enhancements for the 2017-2018 school year. Thank you for the confidence you have in Visions.

Upcoming & Notable

• SBAC Testing in Jackson - Monday, March 13 - Wednesday, March 15 - (9:00 - 12:00)
• SBAC Testing in Rescue - Tuesday, March 21 - Friday, March 24 - (1:00 - 4:00)
• LP 7 Ends - Friday, March 24
• Last day to order curriculum, computers and vouchers - Friday, March 31
• For other ordering deadlines click here

• Spring Break - Monday, April 10 - Friday, April 14
• LP8 Ends - Friday, April 21
• SBAC Make-Up Testing in Rescue & Carmichael - Tuesday, April 25 - Thursday, April 27

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 3/13
Testing - Grace Church

Tuesday
Testing - Grace Church
Emily - 12:00

Wednesday
Testing - Grace Church
Charles - 1:15

Thursday

Jackson - Burger King
Billy - 11:15
Jackson Library
Emma - 12:30
Connor - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30

Friday
Office Day

New Vendors for 2017-18

Here is the list of the new and deleted vendors for next school year.

New Vendors:

• Adventure to Fitness (Grades K  -6+)
• Art for Kids Hub (Ages 4 - 8+)
• Brainy Box (Ages 4 - 9)
• Center for Lit (Grades 5-12)
• Craftsy (K-12, although I think this looks better for older kids)
• Family Literacy (Grades TK-5)
• Freedom Driving School (Teens)
• Great Courses Plus (Courses look appropriate for High School, maybe middle school)
• Groovy Lab in a Box (Ages 8+)
• Interact Simulations (Grades 3 - 12)
• Jason Learning (Grades K - 12)
• Know Yourself (Ages 7 - 12)
• Logic of English (Grades Pre-K +)
• New Path Learning (Grades Pre-K - 12)
• Reading Eggs (Ages 3 - 13)
• Scribe Tutorials (Grades 5 - High School)
• Squilt (All Ages)
• Stanford Gifted & Talented (Grades K - 12)
• Tablet Class (Middle & High School Math)
• Touch-Type Read and Spell (Grades K - 3+)

Here is a link to the  Vision's document with descriptions of the services and plan prices.

Deleted Vendors:

• Britannica School - VIE is purchasing a Britannica School license
• California Driver Ed Course - Replaced with Freedom Driving School
• Family Time Fitness - Replaced with Adventure to Fitness
• Homeschool Programming - Products have become obsolete

Upcoming & Notable

• Rescue Project Fair - Wednesday, March 8 (Flyer)
• SBAC Testing in Jackson - Monday, March 13 - Wednesday, March 15 - (9:00 - 12:00
• SBAC Testing in Rescue - Tuesday, March 21 - Friday, March 24 - (1:00 - 4:00)
• LP 7 Ends - Friday, March 24
• Last day to order curriculum, computers and vouchers - Friday, March 31
• For other ordering deadlines click here

• Spring Break - Monday, April 10 - Friday, April 14
• LP8 Ends - Friday, April 21
• SBAC Make-Up Testing in Rescue & Carmichael - Tuesday, April 25 - Thursday, April 27

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 3/6
CT Professional Development in Carmichael

Tuesday
Ione
Austin & Dylan - 10:00
Alexis & Tyler - 12:05
Gage - 2:30

Wednesday
Jackson Library
Isabeau & McKenna - 11:00

Project Fair in Rescue from 3 - 5

Thursday
Ione (Clark's)
Jezreel - 12:00
Jaye - 1:00
Hunter - 2:05
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Friday

Office Day

Testing Update

Where and When am I testing?
All students should be getting a letter in the mail from Visions this week with testing days, locations, times and particular tests. If you do not receive a letter by Friday, please let me know. If we have not already spoken about testing location, you are assigned to Grace Church in Jackson (3/13 - 3/15). Testing at Grace is in the morning from 9 to 12. If you need a change of location, please contact me immediately. The school is planning for equipment and staffing and needs to get assignments set asap. Thank you.

What Tests am I Taking?
All 3 - 8th and 11th graders are taking the SBAC/caaspp test. There is a Language Arts portion and a mathematics portion. Some students complete the testing in two days, often completing one subject per day. The tests are not timed, however, so many return for the third day to finish up. All 5th, 8th and 12th graders will also take the Science test. This test is scheduled for the third day of testing.

SBAC Information

• Grades 3 - 8 & 11
• What Parents and Students Should Know
• SBAC Practice Tests
• SBAC Practice Test Score Guides (Answer Keys)
• Testing in Jackson -  Grace Church, March 13 - 15 (All but 2 of my students)
• Testing in Rescue - Foothills United Methodist Church) March 21 - 24 (1 student)
• Testing in Carmichael - Christ Community Church) March 21 - 24 (1 student)
• Makeups in Rescue and Carmichael - April 25 - 27

California Science Pilot Test CAST - (Replaces the CST)

• Grades 5, 8, and 12 (might be different high school grade next year) will test this year
• The test is computer-based (no longer paper-pencil like the CST was)
• Because this year, and more than likely next year, is a test of the test, no scores will be reported
• Scores are not reported, but the CAST will be counted in our participation reports

Upcoming & Notable

• Last Day to Add/Drop (High School Only) - Friday, March 3
• Curriculum Vendor Fair - Monday, March 6 - (Wire page with vendor list)
• Rescue Project Fair - Wednesday, March 8 (Flyer)
• SBAC Testing in Jackson - Monday, March 13 - Wednesday, March 15 - (9:00 - 12:00
• SBAC Testing in Rescue - Tuesday, March 21 - Friday, March 24 - (1:00 - 4:00)
• LP 7 Ends - Friday, March 24
• Last day to order curriculum, computers and vouchers - Friday, March 31
• For other ordering deadlines click here

• Spring Break - Monday, April 10 - Friday, April 14
• LP8 Ends - Friday, April 21
• SBAC Make-Up Testing in Rescue & Carmichael - Tuesday, April 25 - Thursday, April 27

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 2/27
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Joseph - 12:05
Tiffany & Madison - 1:10

Wednesday
Ione
Grace D. - 11:00
Bonnie - 12:10
Charlotte - 1:30
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35

Thursday
Ione - Clark's
Leila - 11:00
Lucas - 12:05
Ione
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Friday
Office Day

A Bit of Weather & History

Well that was quite a night! I, for one, am tired of this wind and rain and will be super happy to see some sun.

But did you know that in the winter of 1861-62 California was hit with a 43 day storm that put parts of it under water for 6 months?

These two photos are of Sacramento during that flood.

Scientific American has an article about it here. And just Googling "California flood 1861" will bring you lots more information.

Upcoming & Notable

• PFT Testing - (Grades 5, 7 & 9) Wednesday, February 22 - Grace Church in Jackson, on the hour at 9, 10, 11 & 12.
• LP 6 Ends - Friday, February 24

• Curriculum Vendor Fair - Monday, March 6 - (New Wire page with vendor list)
• Rescue Project Fair - Wednesday, March 8 (Flyer)
• SBAC Testing in Jackson - Monday, March 13 - Wednesday, March 15 - (9:00 - 12:00)
• SBAC Testing in Rescue - Tuesday, March 21 - Friday, March 24 - (1:00 - 4:00)
• LP 7 Ends - Friday, March 24
• Last day to order curriculum, computers and vouchers - Friday, March 31
• For other ordering deadlines click here

This Week's Meeting Schedule

This is one of those LPs with four school weeks, so there are no regularly scheduled family meetings. I will be doing paperwork, scheduling make-up meetings and working at the PFT testing. I am available for help, or extra meetings, as needed.

Monday 2/21
President's Day - School Closed

Tuesday
Office Day

Wednesday
PFT Testing  (5, 7 & 9th Grade only)
Grace Church in Jackson
Wyatt - 1:15
Hunter - 2:30

Thursday

Jackson Library
Grace B. - 2:00

Friday

Office Day

Rescue Project Fair

You are invited to participate in a homeschool Project Fair in Rescue.  It is open to Visions students of all grades.  This fair will be a wonderful opportunity for students to display their work and for families to connect with each other.   Please bring a completed project to display. Projects may be from any subject area, not just science.

When: Wednesday, March 8th, 2017, 3:00 – 5:00

Where: Foothills United Methodist Church, 3301 Green Valley Road, Rescue, CA 95672

Link to Flyer with information on how to register: Project Fair Flyer

Upcoming & Notable

• President's Day - No School - Monday, February 20
• PFT Testing - (Grades 5, 7 & 9) Wednesday, February 22 - Grace Church in Jackson, on the hour at 9, 10, 11 & 12.
• LP 6 Ends - Friday, February 24

• Curriculum Vendor Fair - Monday, March 6
• Rescue Project Fair - Wednesday, March 8 (Flyer)
• SBAC Testing in Jackson - Monday, March 13 - Wednesday, March 15 - (9:00 - 12:00)
• SBAC Testing in Rescue - Tuesday, March 21 - Friday, March 24 (1:00 - 4:00)
• LP 7 Ends - Friday, March 24
• Last day to order curriculum, computers and vouchers - Friday, March 31
• For other ordering deadlines click here

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 2/13
Lincoln's Birthday - No School

Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00
Placerville Library
Gage - 2:45

Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Madelynn - 1:30
Charles - 2:35

Thursday

Jackson - Burger King
Billy - 11:15
Jackson Library
Emma - 12:30
Connor - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30

Friday
Carmichael/Google Hangouts
Gage -12:30

Voting Open...

Click here for the Wire page with all of the info.

This Just In...

I just heard at our small group meeting today...

Next year's student budget will be increased to $2,000!

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 2/6
CT Small Group Meeting

Tuesday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Alexis & Tyler - 12:05
Gage - 2:30

Wednesday
Jackson Library
Isabeau & McKenna - 11:00
Wyatt - 1:30
Emily - 2:30

Thursday
Ione (Clark's)
Jezreel - 12:00
Jaye - 1:00
Hunter - 2:05
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Friday

Office Day

Testing Info

SBAC Information

• Grades 3 - 8 and 11
• What Parents and Students Should Know
• SBAC Practice Tests
• Testing in Jackson scheduled for March 13 - 15
• Testing in Rescue scheduled for March 21 - 24
• Makeups in Rescue and Carmichael - April 25 - 27

California Science Pilot Test CAST - (Replaces the CST)

• Grades 5, 8, and 12 (might be different high school grade next year) will test this year
• The test is computer-based (no longer paper-pencil like the CST was)
• Because this year, and more than likely next year, is a test of the test, no scores will be reported
• Scores are not reported, but the CAST will be counted in our participation reports
• At our testing sites grades 5 and 8 will take the CAST on Day 1 of testing and then proceed onto the SBAC. Grade 12 will take the CAST on the final day of testing at each site to ensure we have enough chromebooks and space available. 

Physical Fitness Testing (PFT)

• Grades 5, 7 and 9. Regional PFT Testing available this year.
• PE Testing will be offered on 2/22 at Grace Church in Jackson. The tests will run on the hour from 9 to 12. I will be emailing all 5th, 7th, and 9th graders this week about it.
• More info about the PFT.

School Work Samples Reminder

I'll be gathering official school work samples for semester 2 during our LP6 meeting.

Here is a little checklist to help you prepare.

You will need one sample per subject that:

• matches the assignments and/or learning units on the semester plan

• is on 8.5 x 11 paper

• is an example of student work (not multiple choice tests or quizzes)

• includes a summary if it is an image of a PE, art, music, or directed project sample.
• shows evidence of parent/guardian comments and/or grading.


Remember that I will be placing a sticker on the upper right hand corner of the paper, so please don't put your grades or comments there. Thanks!

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 1/30
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Austin & Dylan - 10:00
Joseph - 12:05
Tiffany & Madison - 1:10

Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Bonnie - 12:10
Charlotte - 1:30
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35

Thursday
Ione - Clark's
Leila - 11:00
Lucas - 12:05
Ione
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Friday
Office Day

Upcoming & Notable

• Fall Semester Ends - Wednesday, January 25
• Teacher Work Days - No School - Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27
• Spring Semester Begins - Monday, January 30

• Lincoln's Birthday - No School - Monday, February 13
• President's Day - No School - Monday, February 20
• LP 6 Ends - Friday, February 24
• Last Day to Order Curriculum - Friday, February 24
• For other ordering deadlines click here

Jackson Tutoring Update

Tutoring hours at our Jackson site are changing.

Beginning the week of January 16 the site will be open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice.

Please visit the Tutoring Flyer to review all of our locations and hours.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 1/16
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School

Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00
Emily - 2:15

Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Madelynn - 1:30
Charles - 2:35

Thursday

Jackson Library
Hunter - 10:30
Billy - 11:30
Emma - 12:30
Connor - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30

Home School Parent Meet Up

From the WIRE...

Dawn Rodrigues is our current Parent Ambassador. The Parent Ambassador is responsible for coordinating local meetups with other families and students. We encourage you to join a meetup to network with local home school families, build a community of support, share ideas and resources, learn best practices from other groups and provide feedback to Visions.

The next meet up is scheduled for:

Thursday, February 2, 2017
9:30 – 11:00
Christ Community Church
5025 Manzanita Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608

This meet up will include a veteran panel of home school parents. There will be a Q&A session and round table discussion. Please join us. Every parent voice is valued!

Please contact Dawn at parentambassador@viedu.org to RSVP and ask questions.

I know this is too far for most of you to attend. I hear that there are future meetups planned closer to area. I will keep you posted.

Upcoming & Notable

• School Resumes - Monday, January 9
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School - Monday, January 16
• Fall Semester Ends - Wednesday, January 25
• Teacher Work Days - No School - Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27
• Spring Semester Begins - Monday, January 3

• Lincoln's Birthday - No School - Monday, February 13
• President's Day - No School - Monday, February 20
• LP 6 Ends - Friday, February 24
• Last Day to Order Curriculum - Friday, February 24
• For other ordering deadlines click here

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 1/9
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Joshua - 11:00
Alexis & Tyler - 12:05
Gage - 2:30

Wednesday
Jackson Library
Isabeau & McKenna - 11:00
Wyatt - 1:30
Emily - 2:30

Thursday
Ione (Clark's)
Jezreel - 12:00
Jaye - 1:00
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Friday

Office Day

Upcoming & Notable

• Jackson Lego Classes - open for enrollment today!
• Winter Break - December 26 - January 6

• School Resumes - Monday, January 9
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School - Monday, January 16
• Fall Semester Ends - Wednesday, January 25
• Teacher Work Days - No School - Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27
• Spring Semester Begins - Monday, January 30

Early Testing Information

It's early days for testing information, so some if it may change. I will update the information as it comes to me.

SBAC Information

• What Parents and Students Should Know
• SBAC Practice Tests
• Grades 3 - 8 and 11
• Testing in Jackson scheduled for March 13 - 15
• Testing in Rescue scheduled for March 21 - 24
• Makeups in Rescue and Carmichael - April 25 - 27

California Science Pilot Test CAST - (Replaces the CST)

• The test is computer-based (no longer paper-pencil like the CST was)
• Because this year, and more than likely next year, is a test of the test, no scores will be reported
• Scores are not reported, but the CAST will be counted in our participation reports
• Grades 5, 8, and 12 (might be different high school grade next year) will test this year
• At our testing sites grades 5 and 8 will take the CAST on Day 1 of testing and then proceed onto the SBAC. Grade 12 will take the CAST on the final day of testing at each site to ensure we have enough chromebooks and space available. 

Physical Fitness Testing (PFT)

• Grades 5, 7 & 9. Regional PFT Testing available this year.
• Tentative testing date of 2/22 at Grace Church in Jackson. More info to follow.
• More info about the PFT.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 12/19
CT's at Professional Development in Carmichael

Tuesday
Ione
Joseph - 11:00
Tiffany & Madison - 12:05
Lucas - 2:00 (Pizza Factory)

Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Bonnie - 12:10
Charlotte - 1:30
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35

Thursday
Ione
Wyatt - 10:00 (Clark's)
Justin - 11:00
Leila - 12:05
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Friday
Office Day

Ski Days

Visions sponsored Ski Days have returned with new policies.

Read all about it on the Wire here. (Sign in to Launchpad to view)
https://wire.viedu.org/visions-sponsored-ski-days-return-new-policies-this-year/

Spring Enrichment Activities

Visions has made available the spreadsheets that summarize the spring activities. They can be found in a Google Drive folder here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7iRyx2JhoIhclRSZFp1bXBNeTQ
(Sign in to Launchpad to view.)

Lego Classes in Jackson
Jackson Lego class registration info will be coming soon. But here is the info I've been provided by Christina Jonsson the enrichment class coordinator:

Dates:  
1/25, 2/22, 3/22
Times:  
K-3    12:10 – 1:30 pm
4-8     1:40 – 3:00 pm

Descriptions:
K-3: STEM FUNdamentals with LEGO, Winter
Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as Motorcycles, Aircraft Carriers, and Rail Racers! Design and build as never before, and explore your craziest ideas in a supportive environment. There is no prerequisite for this course.

4-8: STEM Challenge with LEGO, Winter
Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as Belt-Drive Cars, Rail Racers, and Pneumatic Forklifts! Design and build as never before, and explore your craziest ideas in a supportive environment. There is no prerequisite for this course.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 12/12
Office Day

Tuesday
Camino
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00

Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Hunter - 1:30
Charles - 2:35

Thursday

Jackson Library
Madelynn - 10:30
Billy - 11:30
Connor - 12:30
Emma - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30

Friday
Office Day

Upcoming & Notable

• Scholastic Book Fair - December 5 - December 9 (Picture Day - December 8)
• Gingerbread House Event - December 7
• LP4 Ends - December 16
• Winter Break - December 26 - January 6

• School Resumes - Monday, January 9
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School - Monday, January 16
• Fall Semester Ends - Wednesday, January 25
• Teacher Work Days - No School - Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27
• Spring Semester Begins - Monday, January 30

Math!

At our recent CT small group meeting, math, and how to help teach math was the main topic. The presentation sparked a super involved discussion with people offering up some great ideas. Below are some resources that were shared with us.

The Mind Institute...Why Is Math So Important?  A great article with no specific reference to Common Core...more of a focus on learning and thinking!

http://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/bid/366158/Why-is-Math-So-Important

US News Opinion Article - training Parents to think about math in new and different ways (speaking to common core standards)

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/knowledge-bank/2015/11/04/everyone-benefits-when-parents-understand-common-core-math-programming

Washington Post: Pros/Cons of Common Core Math

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/common-core-math-can-be-a-mystery-and-parents-are-going-to-school-to-understand-it/2014/11/01/af57efa0-604f-11e4-9f3a-7e28799e0549_story.html?utm_term=.f510388ef82e#comments

The following articles are all taken from youcubed.org.  It’s Jo Boaler’s website/organization.  She is a math professor at Stanford University and much of Friday’s presentation was based on her research and strategies.

Multidimensional Math (including a link to a TedTalk that is really interesting, and longish)

https://www.youcubed.org/multidimensional-mathematics/

Mindset and Math - Again from Jo Boaler (youcubed.org)

https://edsource.org/2016/stanford-professor-urges-teachers-to-rethink-math-instruction/93376

Parents and Math

https://www.youcubed.org/think-it-up/parents-beliefs-math-change-childrens-achievement/

NY Times Opinion Piece by a UC Berkeley Professor:  Psych-based...talks about mindset among other things.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/30/opinion/nudges-that-help-struggling-students-succeed.html?_r=1

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 12/5
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Joshua - 10:30 (Informal Observation)
Alexis & Tyler - 12:05
Rancho Murietta (Burger King)
Gage - 2:30 ish

Wednesday
Grace Church - Gingerbread House Event 9 - 12
Wyatt - During Gingerbread House Event
Isabeau & McKenna - 12:00
Emily - 1:00

Thursday
Ione (Clark's)
Jezreel - 12:00
Jaye - 1:00
Leila - 2:00
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Friday

Office Day

2016 Video Contest

From the WIRE...

Enter the "Why I Love Visions" Student Video Contest

Create a 60 second video explaining why you love Visions In Education and be eligible to win up to $300 in gift cards! Currently enrolled students in all grades and academies are eligible to participate.

Take a look at our YouTube channel to see last year’s videos.

SUBMISSION DATES:
November 16 – December 14

REQUIREMENTS:

• Final submitted video must be compressed to 50 MB or less.
• Only one entry per student will be accepted.
• Entrants must submit the permission and entry form. If they are a minor (under 18) the form must also be signed by their parent/guardian.
• Video entries must be received by 4:30 p.m. on December 14 to qualify.
• Entrants must review and agree to the official rules and regulations.

PRIZES:

• Grand prize: $300 in gift cards
• Second prize: $150 in gift cards
• Third prize: $100 in gift cards

Winners will win gift cards from Amazon, Walmart or Target!

WINNER SELECTION PROCESS:
Five finalists will be chosen by Visions staff and announced on December 22. The finalist videos will be posted to our YouTube page on December 22 and open for public voting until January 13. YouTube subscribers and visitors will be instructed to watch the videos and give their favorite(s) a “Thumbs up” to vote that video as a potential winner. “Thumbs down” votes will NOT count towards the entrants’ score. Winners will be formally announced by Visions on January 16. For more information take a look at our contest flyer.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM ON THE WIRE TO SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO.

Upcoming & Notable

• Scholastic Book Fair - December 5 - December 9 (Picture Day - December 8)
• Gingerbread House Event - December 7
• LP4 Ends - December 16
• Winter Break - December 26 - January 6

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 11/28
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Joseph - 11:00
Tiffany & Madison - 12:10

Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Bonnie - 12:10
Charlotte - 1:30
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35

Thursday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Lucas - 12:05 (Clark's)
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Friday
CT Meeting

Upcoming & Notable

• LP3 Ends - November 18
• Thanksgiving Holiday - November 21 - November 25 (Next week!)
• Student Budget Transfers -
• Budget transfers will be accepted during the month of November (either by email, fax or mail) and they will be processed as they are received. All transfers will be completed by early December so that families may have funds in place for Spring Semester ordering. More info and forms here.

• Scholastic Book Fair - December 5 - December 9 (Picture Day - December 8)
• Gingerbread House Event - December 7
• LP4 Ends - December 16
• Winter Break - December 26 - January 6

The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks

Google recently released The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks program which takes individuals on guided virtual reality tours through some of the National Parks.

The program is an great way for students to begin to utilize virtual reality and gives them an amazing experience while also learning about our National Parks. (Headphones recommended)

https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/

Interactive Periodic Table

Are you studying the Periodic Table? Does it seem a little overwhelming and hard to follow?

If so, check this out: http://elements.wlonk.com/ElementsTable.htm

It is an interactive periodic table with pictures and words that is fun for adults and super kid friendly.

Do you know of other great educational resources to share? Email me and I'll post them on the Blog.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

This is one of those LPs with four school weeks, so there are no regularly scheduled family meetings. I will be doing paperwork, scheduling make-up meetings and attending other school meetings, but am available for help, or extra meetings, if needed.

Monday 11/14
Office Day

Tuesday
Camino
Alex M. - 1:00

Wednesday
Office Day

Thursday

Office Day

Friday

Office Day

Enrichment Activities Flyer

Visions has created a new flyer with information about Enrichment Activities.

Gingerbread House Event

From Traci Muldery...

Hi Everyone,

It's that event that everyone loves - the Gingerbread House Event, coming on December 7. This is the time when students enjoy creating their own decorative touches to their Gingerbread Houses. Parents even get involved in the decorating.  We supply everything, houses, icing, candy, extra candy...and we take care of the mess.

To enroll in this event is easy.  Just go on Launchpad --->orders---> New order (bottom or order page)--->More ordering options---> check VIE Activities/ Classes----> New screen will appear.  Go to the last box under event and put in Event # 22068.  The event should appear.  Click the green button on the left, enrolling your child, and the hit finished at the bottom of the page.

FAQ's: 

My funding is low, can I still participate?
Yes, Visions events are okay, and are not denied because of the funding guidelines regarding use of funding after purchasing curriculum.

What happens if it snows that day or my child is ill that day, and I can't get to the event ?
We  will definitely miss you at the event, but will have your child's house ready so that you can pick up at a later time.

Can my family enroll after the cut-off date of Nov. 15?
I believe we will extend the date, just go ahead and try enrolling or call or text me at 209-217-6538 if you have problems enrolling.    The reason for the cut-off date prior to the event is that it gives time to plan on getting the houses and having them ready for our students.

Is there an age limit?
No, any students enrolled in Visions can participate in grades K-12.  In the past, many of our high schoolers have enjoyed this event as much as our younger children-  and some are already enrolled for this year's event.

What is the Talent Show?
Following the Gingerbread House Event, we will do a little seasonal celebrating with cookies and refreshments.  Students that would like to perform will be given a chance to do a little entertaining.  In the past, students have done such things as playing an instrument, singing, doing dance routines, magic tricks, telling jokes, karate moves, etc. You do not need to enroll for the talent show, just show up around 11:30 or plan on staying if you attended the Gingerbread House Event.

If you have questions, feel free to contact your CT or email me at tmuldery @viedu.org. or call or text me at  209-217-6538.

Hope to see you there!  Traci Muldery

Link to Flyer

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 11/7
Office Day

Tuesday
Jackson - Starbucks
Emily - 11:00

Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Hunter - 1:30
Charles - 2:35

Thursday

Jackson - Burger King
Billy - 11:20 *
Jackson Library
Emma - 12:30
Connnor - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30

Friday
Office Day