National Read Across America Day

Tomorrow is National Read Across America Day!

https://nationaltoday.com/national-read-across-america-day/

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP7 Agenda - Testing Prep

Monday 3/1
Office Day/Teacher Meetings

Tuesday
Virtual
11:00 - Tiffany, Madison & Logan

2:00 - Jasmine, Roxie & Fiona

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Charlotte

3:00 - Ella

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Jaxon, Sarah & Paul
2:00 - Savannah

3:30 - Jezzy

Friday
Office Day

Assessment Update (Grades 3-8, and 10-12)

Visions teachers will set up tests for their students, and monitor them remotely.

Testing schedules with signup options will be available soon. 

Visions testing window is March 8 - May 21. 

What you will need:

A device (Windows computer, Mac computer, or iPad) with a camera, a microphone and the secure browser. The secure browser is a computer program that will allow a student to take CAASPP and ELPAC tests. When the secure browser is running, it is the only program allowed to be open during testing. The secure browser does not access any personal information on the computer and can be uninstalled once the student has completed testing.

Parents/Guardians need to download and install the secure browser by Friday, March 26 (Before Spring Break). Although, sooner is better! Download links with written and video instructions can be found here:

• A Windows Computer
• A Mac Computer
• An iPad (OS 14.3 and up)

If you need a device to test on, fill out the Chromebook Request for Assessment Use Form and one will be mailed to you. 

Quick Links 

Caaspp Official Videos

How to take a test remotely (for students and parent/guardians)

Who is testing?

Language Arts and Math

• All students in grades 3-8 and 11 

Science

• All students in grades 5 and 8. 
• Students in grades 11 and 12 who have not taken it yet.
• Students in grade 10 who are in their last science class.

Curriculum Fair

From the Wire:

https://wire.viedu.org/save-the-date-home-school-curriculum-fair-week-starts-april-5/

Save the Date: Home School Curriculum Fair Week Starts April 5!

Ordering your own curriculum is one of the biggest advantages of home schooling, but with so many options available it can be difficult to decide which curriculum to order. To assist Home School families in making knowledgeable decisions, Visions annually hosts Curriculum Fairs where parents and teachers are able to research curriculum and speak to company representatives. As Covid-19 continues, we’re unable to host the event at a physical location, but we’re excited to announce our plans for the 2021 Virtual Curriculum Fair Week!

NEW THIS YEAR: A WEEKLONG EVENT

Yes, we said curriculum fair “week”—that’s because this year we’re making it a weeklong event where our Curriculum Partners will host webinars throughout the week of April 5-9! 

A variety of Partners will present an informative webinar about their curriculum and then open the floor to parents and teachers for questions. We know we can’t replicate speaking to representatives in person, but this is the best possible way to learn more about the curriculum partners you’re interested in while also being able to take advantage of Q&A sessions.

DO YOUR RESEARCH: AN INFORMATION-PACKED CURRICULUM RESOURCE

We will also once again provide a virtual curriculum resource with curriculum information, pricing, videos, web links, FAQs, and special offers provided by participating Curriculum Partners. When combined with participating in webinars, the information-packed resource will give you everything you need to make curriculum decisions before early ordering begins on April 19.

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

The webinar schedule will be published as we get closer to the date. At that time, families and teachers will be able to sign up for the webinars of their choosing. The Virtual Curriculum Fair Resource will be published on opening day of the Virtual Curriculum Fair Week on April 5. So keep your eye on the Wire—signs ups and more information to come!

Share of the Week

Action Academy Children's Business Fair

Information from the site:

Do you believe in the entrepreneurial spirit? The Children’s Business Fair is an opportunity for children to launch their very own startup business! Kids develop a brand, create a product or service, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at our one-day marketplace. 

We will host the 1st annual Children’s Business Fair in Jackson, CA (location details coming soon) on May 15th 2021 from 10am-1pm

This event is sponsored by Acton Academy Amador County, the Acton School of Business, and the generous support of our donors and volunteers.  We all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation.

Whether an entrepreneur is famous like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey or they are one of the thousands of unsung business owners across this country, these are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs and serve their communities.

Here is a link to the website: Action Academy Children's Business Fair

Thanks to Jenny Pike for sharing!

Learning Your Way Contest

 https://wire.viedu.org/learning-your-way-video-contest-open-for-submissions/

“Learning Your Way” Video Contest Open for Submissions!

Ready for your close up? Visions wants to hear how you make learning personal! Enter our “Learning Your Way” Video Contest and be entered for a chance to win up to $300 in gift cards!

Contest Overview
Create a 30 to 60-second video explaining why personalized learning works for you and be eligible to win up to $300 in gift cards! Currently enrolled students in all grades and academies are eligible to participate. Visit our YouTube channel to see winners from years past. 

Submission Dates
February 16 – March 8 (deadline)

Prizes

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

Requirements

• Final submitted video should be compressed to 50 MB or less.
• Horizontal video format preferred.
• Video should be between 30 and 60 seconds in length.
• Only one entry per student will be accepted.
• Entrants must submit the permission form. If they are a minor (under 18) the form must also be signed by their parent/guardian. Signed forms can be photographed/scanned and uploaded with video submission. 

Forms can also be mailed to:
Visions In Education (Attn: Ben Drahmann)
5030 El Camino Ave
Carmichael, CA, 95053

Video entries & permission forms must be received by 4:30 p.m. on March 8 to qualify.
Entrants must review and agree to the official rules and regulations.

Get Creative
Looking for video ideas?

• How do you learn “your way”?
• What does your way of learning look like?
• Tell us how you’ve taken advantage of personalized learning to achieve your goals.
• Share your unique story.
• Ask your teacher and/or counselor to participate.

Winner Selection Process
Finalists will be chosen by a panel of Visions staff members and announced on March 16. 

Submit Your Video
You will need to upload your completed permission form and your video (preferably compressed to 50 MB or less). If you have any questions or issues please email bdrahmann@viedu.org.

SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO HERE!

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP7 Agenda - Assessment Preparation

Monday 2/22
Teacher Meeting

Tuesday 
Virtual
9:00 - 10:00 - Teacher Testing Meeting

11:00 - Willow H.

2:00 - Wyatt

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Lucas & Elias
2:00 - Camryn

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Skyler

12:00 - Jacob

1:00 - Baruch & Ana

Friday
Office Day

Upcoming & Notable

 

President's Day - No School: Monday, February 15
LP7 Begins: Monday, February 22

Deadline to Add a new Community Partner: Friday, March 12

Add/Drop Deadline (High School): Friday, March 19

LP8 Begins: Monday, March 22

Sibling Enrollment/Academy Transfer Deadline: 4:30 pm, Friday, March 26
Spring Break - No School: Monday March 29 - Friday, April 2

Ordering Deadline for Curriculum, Computers & eVouchers: Friday, April 9

LP9 Begins: Monday, April 19

Spring Assessment Update (Grades 3-8 and 11)

I know many of you are anxious about testing at home this year. 

There is a teacher meeting scheduled on Monday, February 22, that will provide Visions teachers with more information about how the Caaspp will be administered. In addition, I have signed up to be a testing coordinator this year, and am attending training this Thursday. This should allow me to access all the information needed to support at home testing. I will update you as I get more information. Stay tuned!

In the meantime, you can access the standard Caaspp practice tests at: https://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html. Click on "Student Interface Practice Training and Tests" and log in as a guest user and guest session. The challenge with these practice sessions is that they don't provide immediate scores, or hold your place in the testing. However, they are a good way to get an idea of what kind of questions will be asked. 

Practice test scoring guide is available here: https://www.caaspp.org/ta-resources/practice-training.html

Please feel free to contact me with questions.

Free Essay Contests For Middle and High School Students

Attention all Middle (5th-8th Grade) and High School (9th-12th Grade) Students: WriteAtHome is hosting three FREE essay contests with up to $1,000 in scholarship prizes!

Click Here for Contest Details!

Guidelines

Contestants will be responding to different essay prompts depending on their grade. Submissions must be the student’s original work and follow WriteAtHome’s submission guidelines. 

Contest entries must be received by 9:59 PST on March 1 to be considered for entry. Submissions will be reviewed and winners for each age bracket will be announced on April 15. 

• Class of 2021 Scholarship Contest – must be graduating in spring/summer of ‘21 

• Middle School Essay Contest Information

• High School Essay Contest Information

Note: This contest is not operated by Visions In Education and information is provided as a courtesy to interested students. Please direct questions or concerns to WriteAtHome.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP6 Agenda - Spring Work Samples

Monday 2/15
President's Day - No School

Tuesday
Office Day

Wednesday
Office Day

Thursday
Caaspp Coordinator Training

Friday
Teacher Team Meetings

Just a cool idea...

 

https://kidsactivitiesblog.com/137133/how-to-make-shadow-art-with-kids/

Did you know?

That Visions offers non-emergency support to families?

If you have a concern regarding:

• Food Insecurity
• Mental Health/Social-Emotional Struggles
• Safety Situation
• Lack of Shelter (Housing)
• Physical Ailment
• Death of a family member or friend
• Other personal or circumstantial issues

You can fill out the Non-Emergency Support Form housed on the Wire.

Upon a student or family member filling out the form, the Student Services team will reach out or get the appropriate person to contact them directly.

Spring Assessment Update

I will continue to post updates on the assessments as I get them. Here is the latest from Christopher Smith, the Assessment and Evaluation Manger at Visions:

Spring Assessment Update 2021
Visions is planning on assessing students this year, as a waiver for testing has not been granted by the state and federal government. We are looking to complete these assessments safely, so below is some general information about each assessment. More specific information will be rolled out over this month.

CAASPP Assessments (Smarter Balanced and CAST [Science])

• All assessments will be completed virtually
• Details on how this will be accomplished will be coming out in the coming weeks.
• Smarter Balanced Assessments grades assessed is 3-8 and grade 11.
• CAST grades assessed are 5, 8, and once in grades 10, 11, or 12.
• This means we will have to test all 12 graders this year unless they took the CAST two years ago as a 10th grader.
• The assessment window will be open longer than in the past to allow for flexibility on when students test.
• The computer adaptive section of the Smarter Balanced English and math tests has been shortened for this year.

Physical Fitness Testing (PFT)
PFTs were canceled for the 2020-21 school year.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP6 Agenda - Spring Work Samples

Monday 2/8
Lincoln's Birthday - No School

Tuesday
Virtual
12:00 - Uriah

3:00 - Billy & Ary

Wednesday
Virtual
1:00 - Hunter

2:00 - McKenna

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Elijah & Hazel

1:00 - Akira

2:00 - Jonah

4:00 - Jette

Friday
Office Day

Meeting Reschedules

 

A note about rescheduling meetings...

I truly understand that things happen in life. We get sick, we have challenges, we sometimes need to reschedule meetings. It happens to me, too. 

I can usually accommodate a few reschedules without a problem. However, I had a total of 14 student meetings cancelled or rescheduled in January alone. As you can imagine, that is a huge challenge for me, even with the ability to hold our meetings virtually. When I have so many family meetings to reschedule, that means I am working evenings and weekends to catch up on my other tasks and responsibilities. 

Please don't get me wrong, I don't expect anyone to keep a scheduled meeting when faced with events that make it unfeasible to do so, and I don't want anyone to feel bad for rescheduling for a valid reason. 

I'm just asking that meeting reschedules are kept to a minimum, and only to those times when it really is unfeasible to meet. If you do need to reschedule our meeting, please try to return my attempts to do so promptly and understand that you might need to fit in a time slot that convenient for me. I promise I will do the same.

Thank you.

African American History Month

If you are looking for some resources to help you teach this topic, check out this link: 

African American/Black Heritage Month Resources

Sibling Enrollment Opens Today

Priority applications for sibling enrollment and academy transfers open today for next school year.

The deadline to have all required documentation is Friday, March 26 at 11:59 pm.

Enrollment lottery for new incoming students is on Thursday, April 1st.

See the Wire post for more information.

COVID-19 Update - Meetings and Enrichment Services

We have been informed by Visions superintendent, Gary Bowman, that we will continue to work virtually with no face-to-face services for the month of February.

The current plan is to re-evaluate at the end of February. I will keep you updated with information as I receive it.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP6 Agenda - Spring Work Samples

Monday 2/1
Office Day

Tuesday
Virtual
11:00 - Tiffany, Madison & Logan

2:00 - Jasmine, Roxie & Fiona

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Charlotte

12:00 - Wyatt
1:00 - Willow H.

3:00 - Ella

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Jaxon, Sarah & Paul
2:00 - Savannah

3:30 - Jezzy

Friday
Office Day
Virtual
11:00 - Hailee & Lyla

Ordering Deadlines

I know this seems a little early, and I will post reminders about as the deadlines get closer, but I have had a few families ask about the ordering deadlines for this year.

Here is the current information from the WIRE:

Home School Academy – End of Year:
All 2020/2021 Students

• March 12, 2021: Last day to add a new Community Partner.
• April 9, 2021:
• Last day to order curriculum.
• Last day to order a computer or eVouchers.
• April 19 – June 30, 2021: Early ordering for 2021-22 school year. Curriculum and eVouchers (July and August services for eVouchers up to a total of $600).
• June 3-9, 2021: Year-end book returns at offsite locations.
• June 30, 2021: Last day to submit a community college, parent field trip reimbursement.

Don't forget the restrictions on enrichment subscriptions. Most subscription services (Kiwi Co. Raddish Kids, Bitsbox, Art for Kids Hub, etc.) have 12, 6 or 3 month options and need to be ordered for only for the remainder of this school year (that means you'd need to order a 6 mos. subscription now). Some do have individual kits, but not all. See the Ordering Information Google Doc for descriptions, costs, and details of partner offerings.

Upcoming & Notable

Lincoln's Birthday - No School: Monday, February 8
President's Day - No School: Monday, February 15
LP7 Begins: Monday, February 22

Deadline to Add a new Community Partner: Friday, March 12

Add/Drop Deadline (High School): Friday, March 19

LP8 Begins: Monday, March 22
Spring Break - No School: Monday March 29 - Friday, April 2

Ordering Deadline for Curriculum, Computers & eVouchers: Friday, April 9

LP9 Begins: Monday, April 19

Semester 2 Work Samples - Reminder

I will be collecting Semester 2 samples at our LP6 Meeting. Here is the K-8 Spring Work Sample Packets Google Folder.

Important things to remember when compiling work samples:

• Please provide one written sample from each subject. (Don't forget PE and Electives!)
• Samples cannot be from a religious publisher. (i.e. handouts, worksheets with the 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 should be a representation of your student's best work. They should be proud of what they submit.
• Samples cannot be a test or multiple choice, they must show student work. (Except for some instances in TK, samples where student just matches, underlines, or circles items are not sufficient, there must be some written work on the page.)
• Please grade and/or comment on each sample in a different color than your student worked.
• Please make sure that the samples match your LP6 assignments and standard drop downs on your semester plan. You can make your best guess about the standard. I will help you when I collect the samples.
• Please don't put dates or LP#s on work samples.
• Please try to leave the upper right hand corner blank when possible. (The school attaches a label in that area.)
  
  

Thank you!

Please don't hesitate to call, text, or email with questions about work samples.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP6 Agenda - Spring Work Samples

Monday 1/25
Office Day

Tuesday 
Virtual
11:00 - Willow H.

2:00 - Wyatt

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Lucas & Elias
2:00 - Camryn

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Skyler

12:00 - Jacob

1:00 - Baruch & Ana

Friday
Office Day

Upcoming & Notable

Semester 1 Ends: Wednesday, January 20
End of Semester Teacher Workdays - No School - Thursday & Friday, January 21 & 22
LP6 (Spring Semester) Begins: Monday, January 25

Lincoln's Birthday - No School: Monday, February 8
President's Day - No School: Monday, February 15
LP7 Begins: Monday, February 22

Add/Drop Deadline (High School): Friday, March 19

LP8 Begins: Monday, March 22
Spring Break - No School: Monday March 29 - Friday, April 2

This Week's Meeting Schedule

 LP5 Agenda - Report Cards & Spring Plans

Monday 1/19
Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School

Tuesday
Virtual
1:00 - Charlotte

2:00 - Savannah

Wednesday - End of LP5
Teacher Meetings
Virtual

2:00 - Billy & Ari

Thursday
Teacher Work Day - No School

Friday
Teacher Work Day - No School

CAASPP Testing

The most recent information provided by the state is that students in grades 3 - 8 and 11 WILL be tested this year. The state is planning for testing to take place in a virtual environment. 

What does this mean for you?

Well, no one is sure right now. I can honestly say that I have no idea what is going to transpire. However, I do believe that practicing for the state mandated testing would be beneficial to you and your students no matter what ends up happening. 

Why bother practicing for standardized testing?

Because practice testing gives you information about how your student is mastering the grade level standards that are expected. This lets you know what standards your student might need extra help in mastering. How could that be a bad thing? 

It also gives you, as a parent educator, practice in administering the tests. It allows you to troubleshoot technical difficulties, assist your student in understanding the types of questions that may be asked, and also allows you to assess your curriculum to see if it it truly addressing all grade level standards.

In order to support you in this endeavor, I will be setting up official practice tests over the next few weeks through the Caaspp system. You will need a computer, but you will not need a "secure browser" that was required in previous years. Keep looking at future Blog posts for more information.

Until then, you can access the Caaspp practice tests at: https://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html. Click on "Student Interface Practice Training and Tests" and log in as a guest user and guest session. The challenge with these practice sessions is that they don't provide immediate scores, or hold your place in the testing. However, they are a good way to get an idea of what kind of questions will be asked. 

Practice test scoring guide is available here: https://www.caaspp.org/ta-resources/practice-training.html

Please feel free to contact me with questions.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

 LP5 Agenda - Report Cards & Spring Plans

Monday 1/11
Office Day

Tuesday
Virtual
12:00 - Uriah

2:00 - Billy & Ari

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Hailee & Lyla
1:00 - Hunter

2:00 - McKenna

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Elijah & Hazel

1:00 - Akira

2:00 - Jonah

4:00 - Jette

Friday
Office Day
Virtual
11:00 - Jaxon, Sarah & Paul

Report Card Information

Fall semester report card information for our LP5 meeting:

Grades K-5:
Remember, there are no real "grades" for K-5. Report cards just track progress through the grade level standards - based on curriculum and standard completion.

3 = Proficient/At Grade Level Standard (Typical at the end of the year)

4 = Advanced/Exceeds Grade Level (For students who are working at least one grade level above)

2 = Approaching Grade Level Standard (Typical for end of 1st semester)

1 = Beginning/Not Yet Covered (For topics that are not being covered until 2nd semester) 

Plusses and minuses can be used when the numbers don't quite match progress. 

Most students will get 2s in most categories.

• Download (or just view) sample report cards below. Look over the categories and see if you have any questions. 
• Decide if you would like to add optional effort grades and if so, have them ready.
• Write up your overall comments and either email them to me or read them to me at our meeting/check out.
• Have your progress grades ready. (If it is easier, just let me know which ones, if any, are NOT 2s.)
• You don't need to fill out the LP5 progress tab on the semester plan. The report card will count for that.

Grades 6-12:

• Check in on your student's grades and progress, keep close track between now and our LP5 meeting.
• Write up your overall comments and optional effort grades to give to me at our LP5 meeting. 
• Have your final grades updated in your Semester Plan for our LP5 meeting.
• If you student needs more time to finish assignments or improve their grades, they have until January 20th to do so. We just need to keep in close contact so I don't miss anything when submitting report cards.

You can download/view samples here:
Sample Report Card Google Folder

If you have any questions, or need any help, please contact me.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP5 Agenda - Report Cards & Spring Plans

Monday 1/4
Teacher Work Day

Tuesday
Virtual
11:00 - Tiffany, Madison & Logan

2:00 - Jasmine, Roxie & Fiona

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Charlotte

2:00 - Savannah

3:00 - Ella

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Jaxon, Sarah & Paul

3:30 - Jezzy

Friday
Office Day/Teacher Meetings

Winter Break

Warmest wishes for a wonderful Winter Break!

 Winter Break begins next week and extends through January 3rd.

School Calendars 2021-22 and 2022-23

Visions school year calendars for the next two years are finalized and ready in case you would like to see them for planning purposes. 

Calendars are also always available on the Blog...look at the column on the right side...under "Quick Links" you will see a link to school year calendars.

*Note - These are published from the Wire, so you will need to sign in to Launchpad to view.

School Year Calendar 2021-2022
School Year Calendar 2022-2023

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP5 Agenda - Report Cards and Spring Plans

Monday 12/14
Teacher Meetings

Tuesday 
Virtual
11:00 - Willow H.
12:00 - Sterling & Allie

2:00 - Wyatt

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Lucas & Elias
2:00 - Camryn

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Skyler

12:00 - Jacob

1:00 - Baruch & Ana

Friday
Office Day
Virtual
2:30 - Savannah

Visions Writing Classes Open for Spring

Attention 3rd - 8th Grade Families!

From the Visions Curriculum Team...

We are delighted to offer Visions Families English Language Arts classes for a second semester this year. Our team welcomes students and parents who have not attended fall classes, as well as Credentialed Teachers serving Visions families to attend. We hope that our courses will assist students in learning new skills and Parent Educators in developing additional teaching strategies as we learn together.  

All courses will meet virtually, and students will access materials, links to classes and recordings, and other resources through Writable and a Google Classroom account that we be set up for each registered student with their Visions email. 

After registering your students on this form you will receive a confirmation email from Michelle Sweezey letting you know if you have been enrolled, or placed on a waitlist. We can only take a maximum of 50 students per course to ensure quality offerings. No charges for the writing courses will be posted to your student account until registration is confirmed. Courses will be offered as follows:

Here is the full flyer.

Upcoming & Notable

  

LP5 Begins: Monday, December 14
Virtual Spelling Bee - Tuesday, December 15 (Wire post has been updated!)
Winter Break: Monday, December 21 - Friday, January 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School: Monday, January 18
Semester 1 Ends: Wednesday, January 20
End of Semester Teacher Workdays - No School - Thursday & Friday, January 21 & 22
LP6 (Spring Semester) Begins: Monday, January 25

Lincoln's Birthday - No School: Monday, February 8
President's Day - No School: Monday, February 15
LP7 Begins: Monday, February 22

This Week's Meeting Schedule

 LP4 Agenda - Report Card Prep

Monday 12/7
Office Day/Teacher Meetings
Virtual
3:00 - Billy*

Tuesday
Virtual
12:00 - Uriah

2:30 - Billy & Ari

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Hailee & Lyla
1:00 - Hunter

2:00 - McKenna

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Elijah & Hazel

1:00 - Akira

2:00 - Jonah

4:00 - Jette

Friday
Office Day/Teacher Meetings
Virtual
2:30 - Savannah

Upcoming & Notable

  

Virtual Scholastic Book Fair - Monday, November 30 - Friday, December 4

LP5 Begins: Monday, December 14
Virtual Spelling Bee - Tuesday, December 15
Winter Break: Monday, December 21 - Friday, January 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School Closed: Monday, January 18
Semester 1 Ends: Wednesday, January 20
End of Semester Teacher Workdays - No School - Thursday & Friday, January 21 & 22
LP6 (Spring Semester) Begins: Monday, January 25

Virtual Scholastic Book Fair - This Week!

From the wire...

 

Travel Back in Time or Head to the Future…by Reading a Good Book!

Save the date for Visions Virtual Book Fair! 

• Fair will be open online from November 30 to December 4, 2020.
• There is something for everyone with over 6,000 products including Book Fair exclusives, new releases, value packs and more! 
• Take a moment to click here and browse a few featured items from the 2020-2021 Online Book Fair Interactive Flyer.

Open to ALL Visions students from ALL academies. 

• Purchases must be made with available Visions student funds up to the following amounts:
• Homeschool Academy = $92.80 (pre-tax total for $100 maximum)
• Independent Study & University Prep Academies = $46.40 (pre-tax total for $50 maximum)

Ordering process

• Browse Scholastic products via the Visions Book Fair link starting in mid-November.  Link will be provided prior to the Thanksgiving break.
• Place orders in Launchpad from November 30 to December 4, 2020.
• All orders will be shipped to the student’s home.

Virtual Community Partner Fair (Repost)

In the past, Visions has hosted a Curriculum Fair (now called a Community Partner Fair) in Sacramento at Christ Community Church. However...

From the WIRE:

This year, due to COVID-19, our Community Partner (Vendor) Fair is virtual! Select partners have provided Visions with fun and exciting videos showcasing their virtual enrichment services! 

• Enjoy learning more about the services our Community Partners offer virtually on your time with an On-Demand viewing experience. 
• Pick and choose the partners you are interested in learning more about! 
• Gain special access to exclusive promo codes and discounts 

This resource features select partners who provided Visions with an informative video experience. To view a complete list of over 600+ partners providing virtual services available for eVouchers during this time, please visit our Community Partnerships (vendors) webpage.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP4 Agenda - Report Card Prep

Monday 11/30
Teacher Work Day

Tuesday
Virtual
11:00 - Tiffany, Madison & Logan

2:00 - Jasmine, Roxie & Fiona

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Charlotte
1:00 - Wyatt

2:00 - Savannah

3:00 - Ella

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Jaxon, Sarah & Paul

3:30 - Jezzy

Friday
Office Day/Teacher Meetings

Sly Park Environmental Camp Update (5th & 6th Grades)

From the wire...

Although we cannot offer our usual in-person Sly Park Science Environmental Camp, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) who runs the science camps has come up with a series of science classes students can attend from their home.

Students will learn how to be scientists in their own backyard. They will learn to think, observe, collect and analyze data. As scientists, students will understand the movement of matter, creek ecosystems, forest ecology, and the importance organisms play in ecosystems. With COVID many schools across California will not be able to send their students to Outdoor Education. Our program will give access to the NGSS and Environmental literacy standards that are so relevant today. 

Five, one-hour classes begin on Friday, December 4, 2020 and end on January 15, 2021.

• 5th Grade Classes: 10 AM – 11 AM
• 6th Grade Classes:  2 PM – 3 PM
• Cost: $35 for five classes, deducted from student budgets.

Class sizes are limited.

To sign up, use the following form: Online Science Class Enrollment

Upcoming & Notable

 

LP4 Begins: Monday, November 16
Deadline for Academy Transfers - Friday, November 20
Thanksgiving Break: Tuesday, November 24 - Friday, November 27
Virtual Scholastic Book Fair - Monday, November 30 - Friday, December 4

LP5 Begins: Monday, December 14
Virtual Spelling Bee - Tuesday, December 15
Winter Break: Monday, December 21 - Friday, January 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School Closed: Monday, January 18
Semester 1 Ends: Wednesday, January 20
End of Semester Teacher Workdays - No School - Thursday & Friday, January 21 & 22
LP6 (Spring Semester) Begins: Monday, January 25

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP4 Agenda - Report Card Prep

Monday 11/16
Teacher Meetings

Tuesday 
Virtual
11:00 - Willow H.
12:00 - Sterling & Allie

2:00 - Wyatt

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Lucas & Elias
2:00 - Camryn

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Skyler

12:00 - Jacob

1:00 - Baruch & Ana

Friday
Office Day

Virtual Learning Resources

Many museums are offering virtual tours of their galleries for free! Other companies are providing learning resources as well. Here are just a few...

Science
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has some online courses and family friendly science activities.
The Nature Conservancy has lots of online field trips with teacher guides.
Take a tour of the International Space Station.
Explore the world's largest cave with National Geographic.
Check out the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History webinars and teaching resources.

History
Studying Ancient Egypt? Take a virtual museum tour of The Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum.
Learning about Immigration? Scholastic has a page of fun things to see and do.

Art & Music
Recording Academy Grammy Museum has some amazing music resources including a music fundamentals series and a mini lesson on vocal training.
Interested in animation? Check out the Boston Museum of Science's Science Behind Pixar Exhibit.
Or visit the Van Gogh Museum and the Art Institute Chicago both have exhibits to share and activities to do.

Have a source you'd like to share? Just let me know an I'll post it on the Blog.

Upcoming & Notable

Veteran's Day - School Closed: Wednesday, November 11
LP4 Begins: Monday, November 16
Thanksgiving Break: Tuesday, November 24 - Friday, November 27
Virtual Scholastic Book Fair - Monday, November 30 - Friday, December 4

LP5 Begins: Monday, December 14
Virtual Spelling Bee - Tuesday, December 15
Winter Break: Monday, December 21 - Friday, January 1

Martin Luther King Jr. Day - School Closed: Monday, January 18
Semester 1 Ends: Wednesday, January 20
End of Semester Teacher Workdays - No School - Thursday & Friday, January 21 & 22
LP6 (Spring Semester) Begins: Monday, January 25

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP3 Agenda - Standards Review

Monday 11/9

Office Day/Teacher Meetings

Tuesday

Office Day/Teacher Meetings

Wednesday

Veteran's Day - No School

ThursdayVirtual
11:00 - Jaxon, Sarah & Paul

3:30 - Jezreel

Friday
Office Day/Teacher Meetings

Election Day Tomorrow!

This is such a great opportunity to discuss ideas such as: government, history, environment, immigration, law, equality, freedom, wealth, handling confrontation & disagreement, as well as the concepts of power and control with your students. Here are some online resources that might have something of interest:

How to talk to kids about election 2020 - William & Mary College

Teacher Planet - Election Day

Free Elections Worksheets from Teachers Pay Teachers

PBS Learning Media - The Election Collection

10 Activities That Teach the Presidential Election Process - We are teachers.com

Scholastic Election Collection

Education World - Primaries, Voting & Elections

PLP Technology Goal Resources

Many students and parents are choosing to increase Keyboarding Skills as their technology PLP goal. Here are some resources shared by other teachers to check out:

Free Resources
typing.com
typingclub.com
Dance Mat Typing
https://www.learntyping.org/

Paid Resources
Keyboarding Without Tears (K-5, $9.99 for a year license)
Learn to Type Typing Skin - covers the keys so you aren't tempted to look

Another common technology goal is Internet Safety. Here are a few resources to help with that:

Common Sense Education's Digital Citizenship Curriculum - Free Lessons for K-12

If you have others that you would like to share, please email them to me and I will add them!

Cool Things - Science

Last week two really cool things happened...

For the first time ever, a Ram's Horn Squid was filmed in it's natural environment

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/31/science/rams-head-squid-cephalopod.html

A giant coral reef, taller than the Empire State building, was found in Australia's Great Barrier Reef

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/30/science/great-barrier-reef-new-coral.html

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP3 Agenda - Standards Review

Monday 11/2
Office Day/Teacher Meetings

Tuesday
Virtual
12:00 - Uriah

3:00 - Billy & Ari

Wednesday
Virtual
11:00 - Hailee & Lyla
1:00 - Hunter

2:00 - McKenna

Thursday
Virtual
11:00 - Elijah & Hazel

1:00 - Akira

2:00 - Jonah

4:00 - Jette

Friday
Office Day/Teacher Meetings