From the Wire...(edited)
Visions is excited to invite Home School families to join us for autumn fun and harvest games at our biggest event of year.
To be held in Sacramento on October 13, the Harvest Festival gives kids the opportunity to participate in a multitude of games and activities that include tossing games, fishing booth, cake walk, face painting, crafts, bowling, and a whole bunch more. Kids will receive tickets at each booth to exchange for prizes at the end of the event.
Carnival-style cotton candy and popcorn will also be available for the day that is topped off with a barbecue lunch of hot dogs and chips.
How to Register
The Sacramento-area festival will be held at First Baptist Church, 4401 San Juan Ave, Fair Oaks, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This is a no-fee event, but we need a people-count to help us plan for games, food, and staffing. Register your family by filling out the registration form on the Harvest Festival – Sacramento page.
Don't forget to bring a completed Field Trip Permission Form to the event.
We Need Help - Student Volunteers Needed
To make this a fun and successful event for kids, we’re calling on 8-12 grade students to volunteer. Students will get to be a part of the excitement of the day with duties that include running a game booth or activity (with CT supervision), craft oversight or face painting, and helping with event set up and tear down.
This is the best kind of community service because it helps put a smile on kids’ faces. This is also a great opportunity to meet other students from your area with a free lunch and snacks provided. AND volunteers will be entered for a chance to win a raffle prize!
To sign up to volunteer, fill out the Volunteer Opportunity Form here.
Monday, October 9, 2017
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 10/09
Office Day
Somerset
Yarrow & Alder - 3:30
Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex M. - 11:00
Somerset
Maya - 1:30
Wednesday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Ione - Clark's
Jackson Library
Emma - 11:30
Austin - 12:30
Connor - 12:30
Wyatt - 2:00
Friday
Office Day
Somerset
Yarrow & Alder - 3:30
Pollock Pines
Alex M. - 11:00
Somerset
Maya - 1:30
Wednesday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Ione - Clark's
Hunter - 12:15
Lilly - 1:20
Jezreel - 2:30
ThursdayLilly - 1:20
Jezreel - 2:30
Jackson Library
Emma - 11:30
Austin - 12:30
Friday
Harvest Festival
Monday, October 2, 2017
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 10/2
Office Day
Tuesday
Ione
Wesley - 11:00
Austin - 12:15
Grace & Faith - 1:30
Plymouth
David - 3:30
Wednesday
Jackson Library
Billy - 11:00
Ione - Clark's
Leila - 11
Lucas - 12:05
Charles & Ella - 1:30
Friday
Office Day
Tuesday
Ione
Wesley - 11:00
Austin - 12:15
Grace & Faith - 1:30
Plymouth
David - 3:30
Wednesday
Jackson Library
Billy - 11:00
Isabeau & McKenna - 12:05
Emily - 2:30
ThursdayEmily - 2:30
Ione - Clark's
Lucas - 12:05
Charles & Ella - 1:30
Friday
Office Day - Available for questions!
Sunday, September 24, 2017
FAME
Fine Arts Mini Experience
Join us at the Amador Center (Grace Fellowship – 8040 S. Hwy 49, Jackson, 95642) for fun and informative sessions about music and art. This event is open to grades K - 8+. Each FAME session includes a lesson about an artist and a musician, which will be followed by a hands-on art lesson with materials provided for each student. This is a relaxed atmosphere where students and parents can come together to meet other families. Kirstin Leggett will be sharing her talents with us for this event.
Class Time: 9:30 - 10:45
Cost for four classes: $20 – Enroll in Launchpad Event ID #24715
Each lesson consists of:
- Introductory segment (skit, presentation, etc.)
- Information about a selected composer and artist of same genre, timeline
- References to elements of art (line, texture, composition, etc.)
- Large reproductions of featured art, featured music, pictures of artist/composer
- Individual student art projects emphasizing the same featured concepts
Class #1 – October 4:
(FAME IV "St. Louis Blues" by W.C Hardy, and "Marilyn Monroe"
by Andy Warhol Lunch provided (open to all students.)

Class#2 – November 1:
(FAME IV) "The Four Seasons: Spring" by Antonio Vivaldi, and
"Woman in Blue" by Jan Vermeer
Gingerbread Houses December 6: Additional Fee - $15.00 - **Please enroll in Launchpad - Event ID #24713
- Gingerbread Houses from 9:30 – 11:30
- Party & Talent Event following at 11:30
- Refreshments provided
Class #3 – April 4:
(FAME IV) "Ritual Fire Dance" from El Amor Brujo by Manuel
de Falla, and "Portrait of a Woman" by Pablo Picasso

Class #4 – May 9:
(FAME V): "Air" from the "Water Music Suite" by
Frederich Handel, and "Breezing Up by Winslow Homer
Lunch provided (open to all students)
If you have any questions, please contact Traci Muldery, CT (209) 217-6538.
Homework Help for Grades 6-12
Visions Offers FREE Virtual or Phone Homework Help for All Students in Grades 6 -12!
This hotline allows students to receive tutoring if they are unable to travel to one of our sites for face-to-face tutoring.
INSTRUCTIONS
Click here for step-by-step instructions on how to use the Homework Hotline for both telephone and virtual tutoring.
REQUEST TUTORING
Please submit a request through the form below and you will get a call back (usually within 30 minutes) to schedule your tutoring session.
Homework Help Form
Policy for use of this service:
This service is to help students who encounter difficulties working through their homework. This service is not for students who need extensive help with their homework; students who need additional help must contact their CT and arrange for other support.
This service is only for students in grades 6-12. Students in grades 6-8 must have a parent present in the room to speak with the tutor.
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 9/25
Ione
Luke, Alex & Jacob - 11:00
Jasmine & Roxie - 2:00
Tuesday
Ione
Joseph & Alex - 11:00
Tiffany, Madison & Logan - 1:00
Wednesday
Ione - Clark's
Jaxon - 12
Ione - Home
Thursday
Personal Day - I will be available for help and questions, but responses may be delayed.
Friday
CT Meeting
Ione
Luke, Alex & Jacob - 11:00
Jasmine & Roxie - 2:00
Tuesday
Ione
Joseph & Alex - 11:00
Tiffany, Madison & Logan - 1:00
Wednesday
Ione - Clark's
Jaxon - 12
Ione - Home
Charlotte - 1:15
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35
Personal Day - I will be available for help and questions, but responses may be delayed.
Friday
CT Meeting
Monday, September 18, 2017
Amador County Farm Day

Each year, Amador County Farm Day hosts nearly 400 students to teach and show them the diversity of products that are made from agriculture. Students spend the day learning about farms, ranches, and how food gets to the table. They also learn about the biodiversity of Amador’s regions, from timber forests to croplands. There are several interactive stations that satisfy state curriculum standards, demonstrating to the children how agriculture gets from the farm to their forks.
http://ucanr.edu/sites/AmadorFarmDay/
Sutter's Fort Registration Now Open
From the WIRE...
Up for an Unforgettable Experience: Sutter’s Fort Registration Now Open
Experience what life in early-California felt like at the historically immersive Sutter’s Fort Environmental Living Program.
For 24 hours, students and parents will have the unique opportunity to portray characters of 1840s California while partaking in various trade activities and entertainment. Open to K-8 students and hosted by Sacramento’s Sutter’s Fort, the overnight program will make the era that defines California history come to life!
One parent per family is required to attend with their student and to work at a station assigned by the group coordinator. In order to fully capture the Gold Rush experience, families are invited to come dressed in period clothing.
The cost to participate is $140, payable with student funds. There is also an opportunity for 9-12th grade Home School students to attend as an apprentice who works at a station, the cost of which is $80, also payable with student funds. There is no fee for participating parents.
To learn more and to register, fill out the enrollment form on the Sutter’s Fort Environmental Living Program page (note: do not register on the living history website!).
Up for an Unforgettable Experience: Sutter’s Fort Registration Now Open
Experience what life in early-California felt like at the historically immersive Sutter’s Fort Environmental Living Program.
For 24 hours, students and parents will have the unique opportunity to portray characters of 1840s California while partaking in various trade activities and entertainment. Open to K-8 students and hosted by Sacramento’s Sutter’s Fort, the overnight program will make the era that defines California history come to life!
One parent per family is required to attend with their student and to work at a station assigned by the group coordinator. In order to fully capture the Gold Rush experience, families are invited to come dressed in period clothing.
The cost to participate is $140, payable with student funds. There is also an opportunity for 9-12th grade Home School students to attend as an apprentice who works at a station, the cost of which is $80, also payable with student funds. There is no fee for participating parents.
To learn more and to register, fill out the enrollment form on the Sutter’s Fort Environmental Living Program page (note: do not register on the living history website!).
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 9/18
Ms. Bryon at Professional Development in Carmichael
Tuesday
Ione
Charlotte - 11:00
Khloe & Sadie - 12:00
Grace & Faith - 1:30
Wednesday
Office Day
Thursday
Office Day
Friday
Ms. Bryon at Professional Development in Carmichael
Tuesday
Ione
Charlotte - 11:00
Khloe & Sadie - 12:00
Grace & Faith - 1:30
Wednesday
Office Day
Office Day
Friday
Office Day
Monday, September 11, 2017
Enrichment Activities
Visions enrichment activities in Galt, Fairfield and Carmichael are now open for registration. Theatre and concert events often have their own dates for registration. See the HUB for more information.
Remember, if there are no activities or events near you, you can purchase a voucher for enrichment vendors in your area.
New this year - you can get reimbursed for up to $500 in non-vendor educational activities.
What will be approvable?
Sservices provided by vendors not contracted with Visions In Education (not in Launchpad or on the Vision’s website). Services will be reimbursed only AFTER the completion of services. Eligible services must meet these criteria:
- Service is an enrichment activity (may supplement a core academic class).
- Service is provided by an individual directly to the student.
- Service must be in support of a course on student’s MA.
- Exclusions - non-instructionally related services, religious services, or services provided by family members or Vision’s employees. In addition, expenditures are not allowed for team sports fees, enrollment and/or registration fees of any type, or for materials or equipment fees.
Not Sure?? - If you want to confirm that your request will be approved prior to the service being provided, please submit an email to voucherquestions@viedu.org listing the following:
- Student name, student ID #
- Vendor name, phone # and vendor website
- Complete description of the service being provided and services dates
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 9/11
Office Day
Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex M. - 11:00
Somerset
Maya - 12:45
Yarrow & Alder - 2:00
Wednesday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Ione - Clark's
Jackson Library
Emma - 11:30
Connor - 12:30
Emily - 1:30
Wyatt - 2:00
Friday
Office Day
Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex M. - 11:00
Somerset
Maya - 12:45
Yarrow & Alder - 2:00
Wednesday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Ione - Clark's
Hunter - 12:15
Lilly - 1:20
Jezreel - 2:30
ThursdayLilly - 1:20
Jezreel - 2:30
Jackson Library
Emma - 11:30
Connor - 12:30
Emily - 1:30
Wyatt - 2:00
Friday
Office Day
Sunday, September 3, 2017
School Work Sample Packets
To simplify the submission of the "official" fall and spring work samples, I have created/compiled work sample packets. You can download and print these to submit to me at our LP2 meeting, or earlier if it is convenient.
School Work Sample Packet Instructions:
1. Download and print the appropriate work sample packet below*
2. Have your student complete the worksheets
3. Grade/comment in a different color than the student worked
4. Please do not put dates or LP#s on worksheets
5. Please leave upper right corner blank for label
6. Submit to me at LP2 meeting or earlier if it is convenient
*If you can’t download and print, let me know and I will print and mail the packet to you. Color printing is not necessary.
If you would rather submit samples from your own curriculum, feel free! Just remember:
- Samples cannot be from a religious publisher (handouts, worksheets with publisher’s name on them), handwritten work on blank or lined paper that is from religious curriculum but is not addressing religious themes is fine
- Samples must be of the same state standards as listed on your semester plan
- Samples cannot be a test or multiple choice, they must show student work (Samples where student just matches, underlines, circles items is not sufficient, there must be some written work on the page)
- All instructions above apply
TK/K Work Sample Packet
1st Grade Work Sample Packet
2nd Grade Work Sample Packet
3rd Grade Work Sample Packet
4th Grade Work Sample Packet
5th Grade Work Sample Packet
6th Grade Work Sample Packet
7th Grade Work Sample Packet
8th Grade Work Sample Packet
9-12 Work Sample Folder
Please let me know if you have questions, comments or see any errors. Thanks!
Online Attendance
Attendance is now handled online. Try it now, it's easy!
How to record your attendance:
1) Sign in to Launchpad.
The information on the top of the activity log page defaults to the LP we are in. You won't need to change anything here unless you are reporting attendance for a different LP. (For example: We are in LP2 but you are recording attendance for the last few days of LP1) And even then, you would just change the "Select a Learning Period" drop down menu.
Check the boxes to record attendance. Or even easier, click on the "Check All" box at the bottom!
How to record your attendance:
1) Sign in to Launchpad.
2) Click on the School Pathways icon.
3) Click on "Activity Log"
The information on the top of the activity log page defaults to the LP we are in. You won't need to change anything here unless you are reporting attendance for a different LP. (For example: We are in LP2 but you are recording attendance for the last few days of LP1) And even then, you would just change the "Select a Learning Period" drop down menu.
4) Scroll down to the calendar
5) Scroll back up a little to find the "Save Changes" button. Click it and voila, you are done!
Let me know if you have any questions or need help.
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 9/4
Labor Day - School Closed
Tuesday
Ione
Wesley - 11:00
Austin - 12:15
Grace & Faith - 1:30
Plymouth
David - 3:30
Wednesday
Jackson Library
Billy - 11:00
Ione - Clark's
Leila - 11
Lucas - 12:05
Charles & Ella - 1:30
Friday
Labor Day - School Closed
Tuesday
Ione
Wesley - 11:00
Austin - 12:15
Plymouth
David - 3:30
Wednesday
Jackson Library
Billy - 11:00
Isabeau & McKenna - 12:05
Emily - 2:30
ThursdayEmily - 2:30
Ione - Clark's
Leila - 11
Lucas - 12:05
Charles & Ella - 1:30
Friday
Office Day - Available for questions!
Monday, August 28, 2017
Semester Plans
When working on your semester plans, don't worry too much about the drop down menus for the standards. They look way more complicated than they actually are, and I can help you choose them at our first meeting.
If you have questions about how to fill out your semester plans, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Here is a document with links to the pacing guides for the supported curriculum.
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 8/28
Office Day - Available for questions!
Tuesday
Ione
Joseph & Alex - 11:00
Tiffany, Madison & Logan - 1:00
Wednesday
Ione - Clark's
Jaxon - 12
Ione - Home
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35
Ione - Home
Jasmine & Roxie - 11
Luke, Alex & Jacob - 1
Friday
Office Day - Available for questions!
Monday, August 21, 2017
Welcome Back!
Hello Everyone,
I hope you had a wonderful summer and are excited for a new school year!
School doesn't officially start until Tuesday, August 29th, but there are a few things you can do to get ready.
- Order your curriculum if you haven't done so already.
- Start your semester planning. Semester plans went out on Friday. Let me know if you didn't get yours, or if you have any questions.
- Email, call or text me about any days and times that you can't meet, as well as preferences, so I can work on scheduling meetings. I'm trying to get an initial meeting schedule set by Wednesday evening.
- Contact me with any questions or concerns.
That's about it for now. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.
New This Year
School Pathways
As most of you know, we have a new student information system this year. You will still be using Launchpad for ordering, but all other student records will be handled by School Pathways.
What does that mean for you?
State Standards included in the Semester Plans
Your semester plans look a little different this year. Instead of Learning Units, the State Standards have been added to the drop down menus.
Science, SS, PE and Exploration are not that different than the Learning Units used to be, so you should be able to correlate them with your materials. The main difference is in Language Arts and Math, those are more complex. We can do them together at our first few meetings, if you like.
*Vendor Insurance*
Visions has required all of our vendors to have insurance. This is a hardship for many, and as a result we have lost many vendors.
The good news is that Visions is going to allow families to spend up to $500 of student funds on non-approved vendor classes and activities. All of the information has not been provided yet, but here is what I have been told:
*This is breaking news and I will provide specifics as I get them! We are supposed to get more clarification at our professional development session tomorrow.
As most of you know, we have a new student information system this year. You will still be using Launchpad for ordering, but all other student records will be handled by School Pathways.
What does that mean for you?
- Better access to student information
- Online attendance records
- Electronic MAs
State Standards included in the Semester Plans
Your semester plans look a little different this year. Instead of Learning Units, the State Standards have been added to the drop down menus.
Science, SS, PE and Exploration are not that different than the Learning Units used to be, so you should be able to correlate them with your materials. The main difference is in Language Arts and Math, those are more complex. We can do them together at our first few meetings, if you like.
*Vendor Insurance*
Visions has required all of our vendors to have insurance. This is a hardship for many, and as a result we have lost many vendors.
The good news is that Visions is going to allow families to spend up to $500 of student funds on non-approved vendor classes and activities. All of the information has not been provided yet, but here is what I have been told:
- You can now receive services from outside vendors as long as you pay out of pocket and submit a reimbursement form
- All activities will need to follow the regular "voucher" rules. (Approved activities that are on the master agreement)
For example, if you would like to take a Karate class for PE, but the provider is not a Visions vendor, you will be able to pay out of pocket for those classes and get reimbursed up to $500 from your student account. (I'm not sure yet if that is a yearly or semester limit, or if there will be limits on how much you can spend on one vendor.)
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Next week will be the first school meetings. Please make sure to call, text or email me with days and times you can NOT meet, as well as preferences, so I can try to set up a tentative schedule on Wednesday. Thanks!
Monday 8/21
Office Day - Available for questions!
Tuesday
Ms. Bryon in Carmichael for PD
Wednesday
Office Day - Available for questions!
Thursday
Ms. Bryon in Carmichael for PD
Friday
Monday 8/21
Office Day - Available for questions!
Tuesday
Ms. Bryon in Carmichael for PD
Wednesday
Office Day - Available for questions!
Ms. Bryon in Carmichael for PD
Office Day - Available for questions!
Monday, June 5, 2017
Semester Plans
Upcoming & Notable
- Last Day of School - Wednesday, June 7th
- Book Return - Thursday, June 15th - 9:00 to 11:30, Grace Church in Jackson
- Virtual Book Sale - Friday, June 23rd (Spreadsheet to be shared via WIRE post June 21st)
- Early Ordering Ends - Thursday, June 29th
Tuesday, August 29th - CTs will begin contacting returning students on Friday, 8/18
Monday, May 29, 2017
Virtual Book Sale
From the WIRE...
Details:
Items for sale
Previewing items
Day of the sale
After the sale
Timeline
NEW VIRTUAL BOOK SALE!
Visions will be holding a Virtual Book Sale next month on June 23, in order to provide an equal opportunity for all continuing Home School families to obtain various returned items at discounted prices. In the past, this event was hosted at our Carmichael Resource Center and therefore it was limited to those families who resided nearby or wanted to make the drive. This new “virtual” format will allow everyone in our nine-county region to participate online via a Google spreadsheet and Google form!
Items for sale
- Miscellaneous used items in only good to very good condition.
- Readers, novels, manipulatives, kits, supplies, resource materials, etc.
- All items are “as is” and not returnable
Previewing items
- A Google spreadsheet will be populated with the ISBN # or SKU #, title, description, and price, as well as a link to the item currently sold online.
- Families will have access to this spreadsheet at least two days prior to the sale.
Day of the sale
- A Google form will be shared with families via a Wire post, allowing them to enter the information of the items they want to purchase on the day of the sale. Each submission will have a time and date stamp verifying who “claimed” the items.
- The quantities in the Google spreadsheet will update in real time, so families can see what items are left when they are submitting their claim requests.
- Parents will be able to select “pick up” or “ship to” for the items they claimed.
After the sale
- Staff will process the orders in Launchpad with the amounts charged to the student’s 2017/18 budget.
- “Visions Book Sale 2017” will be listed as the vendor.
- Staff will sort, box and mail items to families.
Timeline
- June 21 – Google spreadsheet shared via Wire post for families to view
- June 23 – Date of the Virtual Book Sale
- June 23 & 26 – Orders posted and processed in Launchpad
- Orders will be mailed out as soon as possible
Friday, May 26, 2017
Upcoming & Notable
- Memorial Day - No School - Monday, May 29
- High School 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
- Virtual Book Sale - Friday, June 23rd (Spreadsheet to be shared via WIRE post June 21st)
- Early Ordering Ends - Thursday, June 29th
Tuesday, August 29th - CTs will begin contacting returning students on Friday, 8/18
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 5/29
Memorial Day - No School
Tuesday
Placerville Library
Gage - 1:00
Alex - 2:00
Wednesday
High School Graduation Ceremony in Sacramento
Thursday
Ione
Justin - 2:30
Plymouth
David - 3:45
Friday
Memorial Day - No School
Tuesday
Placerville Library
Gage - 1:00
Alex - 2:00
Wednesday
High School Graduation Ceremony in Sacramento
Thursday
Ione
Justin - 2:30
Plymouth
David - 3:45
Office Day
Monday, May 22, 2017
Curriculum Ideas
What have been your favorite curriculum choices? What has worked well for you? If you know of something that you'd like to share with other home school families, just shoot me an email with the info and I will add it to the new "Curriculum Ideas" page that you can access from the link above.
How about local field trip recommendations? Local co-ops or activities? Books your child/children love? I'd love to create a page for those, too.
Thanks to Shelly Zabawa for the first idea!
Field Day Information - This Friday!
If we are counting the field day as our LP10 meeting, please bring work samples and your filled out draft report cards (K-5). I will have a black crate of folders with student names on them near the sign-in area. Attendance forms will be inside. Please initial the attendance form(s) and place your work samples and draft report cards inside. Grades 6-12, please update your progress tab (grades) and PE log on your semester plan prior to the field day. Remember, you can update grades until the last day of school, just notify me if that is the case so I record them correctly. Thanks!
Field Day in Jackson
Date: May 26, 2017
Time: 9:30 to 12:30
Where: Detert Park
(Information copied from the WIRE)One of the highlights of Visions’ annual events is Field Days, a fun day of field games and activities organized by Visions staff and held at a variety of parks throughout our service area. This is a great opportunity for students and families to get to know and network with other home school families. And for kids to expend some energy!
Games are supervised by Visions CTs and staff, and the day ends with a family barbecue of hot dogs, chips, and lemonade.
You won’t want to miss this day of fun and activities!
Important Details
Come Prepared to Play
- WEAR ATHLETIC SHOES! Students will compete in a variety of field games, so it’s important they come prepared to play. All participating children must wear closed-toe, sports shoes.
- Adults are also asked to wear athletic shoes for a planned child-parent activity.
- Visions will provide water and snacks for participating students.
- While your kids are playing, take advantage of the opportunity to network with CTs, Administrators and other Visions home school families.
- A family barbecue will be offered from 12-12:30. Vegetarian option is available. Please RSVP your food choice in Registration Form below.
- Visit with a Visions curriculum expert and preview some of the newest Home School curriculum for 2017-18.
- Field Days are FREE for all students, siblings, and family members to attend.
- So that we may appropriately plan for food and staffing, please register your student(s) by filling out the Field Day Registration Form.
- To save time on the day of the event, bring a completed permission slip (one per household).
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 5/22
Ms. Bryon at Professional Development in Carmichael
Tuesday
End of Year Prep
Wednesday
CT Meetings
Thursday
End of Year Prep
Friday
Field Day in Jackson
Ms. Bryon at Professional Development in Carmichael
Tuesday
End of Year Prep
Wednesday
CT Meetings
Thursday
End of Year Prep
Field Day in Jackson
Monday, May 15, 2017
Student Budget Update
From the WIRE...
Posted by Jody Graf
Over the last few weeks we have received great feedback regarding what our families value in support of their homeschooling journey. Overwhelmingly, our parents shared that they value their teacher and they want the maximum amount of funding and flexibility available to support their child’s education. In addition, we heard that our families wanted more control in how they manage their student budgets within a family budget.
As a result of this feedback and fine tuning of our budget, we are excited to share that we will be making the following enhancements to support our Home School families:
Thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
Posted by Jody Graf
Over the last few weeks we have received great feedback regarding what our families value in support of their homeschooling journey. Overwhelmingly, our parents shared that they value their teacher and they want the maximum amount of funding and flexibility available to support their child’s education. In addition, we heard that our families wanted more control in how they manage their student budgets within a family budget.
As a result of this feedback and fine tuning of our budget, we are excited to share that we will be making the following enhancements to support our Home School families:
- TK-8 students will receive $2,600
- 9-12 students will receive $2,800
- A Family Budget (ability to move money between students with no limits)
- Ability to use your student budgets to cover costs for approved conferences you may want to attend (up to $350)
- 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
Upcoming & Notable
- LP9 Ends - Friday, May 19
- Field Day - Friday, May 26 - Detert Park in Jackson, 9:30 to 12:30 (See information below)
- 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Wednesday, May 17, 12:30 to 1:30 - Grace Church in Jackson
- Memorial Day - No School - Monday, May 29
- High School 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 5/15
Office Day
Tuesday
Ione
Joseph - 12:05
Tiffany & Madison - 1:10
Justin - 3:00
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
Office Day
Tuesday
Ione
Joseph - 12:05
Tiffany & Madison - 1:10
Justin - 3:00
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
Office Day
Monday, May 8, 2017
Upcoming & Notable
- LP9 Ends - Friday, May 19
- Field Day - Friday, May 26 - Detert Park in Jackson, 9:30 to 12:30 (See information below)
- 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Wednesday, May 17, 12:30 to 1:30 - Grace Church in Jackson
- Memorial Day - No School - Monday, May 29
- High School 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 5/8
Office Day
Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00
Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Charles - 1:15
Ione - Clark's Corner
Wyatt - 2:30
Thursday
Jackson - Burger King
Billy - 11:20
Jackson Library
Emma - 12:30
Connor - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30
Friday
Office Day
Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00
Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Charles - 1:15
Ione - Clark's Corner
Wyatt - 2:30
Thursday
Billy - 11:20
Jackson Library
Emma - 12:30
Connor - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30
Friday
Office Day
Monday, May 1, 2017
Standards Check (K-8)
Now is a great time of year to be checking for mastery of grade level standards.
Checking the standards now gives you enough time to plan how to cover and/or review standards that your student may not have mastered yet.
Please let me know if you need any help or ideas on how to help your student(s) master any of your standards :)
Here is a link to the Visions folder with the K-8 grade level standards.
I'll be bringing a rough draft copy of your report cards (K-5) to our LP9 meeting for you to fill out for LP10. This is another way to check for areas you want to focus on before the end of the year.
Contact Information Check
Since we are moving to a new Student Information System (SIS) next year, it is super important that Visions has current contact information for you.
All CTs have been asked by the office to verify contact information for their families.
Please sign in to Launchpad and check your address, your phone numbers, and your emails for changes or corrections.
I'm asking everyone to please fill out this form so I can keep track of who I have verified.
Thank you so much for helping me with this!
This Week's Meeting Schedule
Monday 5/1
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
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
Office Day
Monday, April 24, 2017
Changes for Next Year
New Student Information System (SIS) - Visions is implementing a new SIS. We will still have Launchpad to place your orders through, but all of the rest of the student information will be moving over to a new system. This is a good thing. Attendance and most other forms will be a thing of the past as we will be able to do them all online. YAY! Also, you will have increased access to student records (assignments, transcripts, grades, progress, etc.) Please double check all of your contact info on Launchpad. Especially your email address, as that is how Visions will provide your new sign-in information to the new SIS. Please email me any updates so I can get them taken care of. Thanks!
Reduction of Visions Sponsored Enrichment Activities - Visions will only be holding sponsored activities in Carmichael, Fairfield, Concord and Galt next year. These activities are scheduled to end altogether at the end of the 2017/18 school year. Since such a low overall % of Visions students was able to participate, the decision was made to increase the budget instead so all students could find vendors and activities that were local.
Increase in Budget - Each Visions student will receive $2,000 for curriculum, supplies and vendor sponsored activities next year (+$200). There will also be opportunities to earn extra funds by taking parent educator courses (+$200 per family) and having students participate in interim assessments ($100 per student). (Details TBD - will keep you posted on the particulars as they come.)
Early Ordering
Early ordering has begun! This means that you can order curriculum and supplies for next year to get ahead of the crowd.Things to keep in mind:
- There is a new purchasing matrix. Please refer to it while ordering. Thanks!
- Make sure to fully describe the items you are ordering, I am finding that I need to add or clarify descriptions in the notes box pretty often :)
- Please double check your order before you submit.
- Let me know if you have any questions, or if you need some curriculum suggestions.
Happy curriculum hunting!
Early ordering ends June 7th.
This Week's Meeting Schedule
This week I will be proctoring the CAASPP and CAST make-up testing in Rescue. All meetings usually scheduled for this week have been rescheduled for the last week of the LP.
Monday 4/24
Office Day
Somerset
Grace - 11:00
Tuesday
Proctoring Testing in Rescue
Wednesday
Proctoring Testing in Rescue
Friday
Monday 4/24
Office Day
Somerset
Grace - 11:00
Tuesday
Proctoring Testing in Rescue
Wednesday
Proctoring Testing in Rescue
Thursday
Proctoring Testing in RescueFriday
Office Day
Pine Grove
Billy - 1:00
Monday, April 17, 2017
8th Grade Promotion - Updated Date for Jackson
From the WIRE...
Completion of 8th Grade signifies transition, a moving on from the elementary and middle school years to high school. At Visions we consider this educational achievement a milestone, worthy of recognition by Visions staff and the student’s family.Attire & Important Info
- Casual but nice dress is the suggested attire. Please no formal attire.
- This is not a formal graduation ceremony, so please no activities suggesting anything more than transition to the next tier in a student’s educational journey.
- Refreshments will be served.
- All students will receive a Certificate of Promotion whether or not they attend a ceremony.
How to Enroll
For planning and for processing certificates, sign-up your student on the 8th Grade Promotion Participation Form. Be sure to include the site they wish to attend and number of guests attending.
Available Locations and Dates
- Benicia - Thurs., May 18, 6:00 - 7:00 pm - Northgate Christian Fellowship, 2201 Lake Herman Rd, Benicia 94510
- So. Lake Tahoe - Fri. May 19, 12:30 - 1:30 pm - Lake Tahoe Christian Fellowship. 3580 Blackwood Rd, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
- Carmichael - Wed., May 24, 5:30 - 7:00 pm (Student check-in 5:30, Ceremony begins at 6:00) - Christ Community Church, 5025 Manzanita Ave, Carmichael, 95608
- Jackson (Amador County) - Wed. May 17, 12:30 - 1:30 pm - Grace Fellowship; 8040 So.Hwy 49, Jackson 95672
Upcoming & Notable
- 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 - Wednesday, May 17, 12:30 to 1:30
- Memorial Day - No School - Monday, May 29
- High School 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 4/17
Office Day
Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00
Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Charles - 1:15
Ione - Clark's Corner
Wyatt - 2:30
Thursday
Jackson - Burger King
Billy - 11:20
Jackson Library
Emma - 12:30
Connor - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30
Friday
Office Day
Office Day
Tuesday
Pollock Pines
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00
Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Charles - 1:15
Ione - Clark's Corner
Wyatt - 2:30
Thursday
Billy - 11:20
Jackson Library
Emma - 12:30
Connor - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30
Friday
Office Day
Monday, April 3, 2017
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
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
Office Day
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