Upcoming & Notable

 

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

Daylight Saving Time Begins: Sunday, March 14 (set clock 1hr forward)

Deadline to Order Studies Weekly (for this school year): Monday, March 15

Learning Your Way Video Contest Deadline: Monday, March 15

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

Online Curriculum Fair: Begins Friday, April 5

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

LP9 Begins: Monday, April 19

Testing: Monday, April 19 - Thursday, April 22

Testing: Wednesday, April 28

Testing: Monday, May 10

Make-up Testing: Tuesday, May 11

LP10 Begins: Monday, May 17

Memorial Day, No School: Monday, May 31

Last Day of School: Thursday, June 3

Additional Tutoring for All Grades

From the WIRE

Visions Partners with Sac State
to Provide Additional Tutoring for All Grades

Visions In Education is happy to announce more tutoring opportunities as we partner with Sacramento State’s Partnerships to Advance the Value of Education (PAVE).

PAVE is a K-12 academic tutoring and college mentoring program whose goal is to improve educational opportunities for K-12 students and help them achieve their college, career, or life goals. 

Now through May 14, 2021, Visions students will have several Sacramento State tutors available at various times, including some evenings and weekends. This is in addition to Visions’ Homework Hotline tutors who are available all school days from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for our 6th through 12th grade students.

It’s important to note that:

• PAVE Tutors will only be available during the hours posted for each tutor on the PAVE Tutor Profiles doc linked below (hours vary by tutor)
• Tutoring is subject-area specific; please check the tutor’s profile to find the tutor that best fits your tutoring needs
• PAVE tutoring utilizes Zoom; each tutor has their own Zoom link accessible via their profile
• All sessions will be recorded
• Tutoring is available for all grade levels
• Parents are encouraged to be part of the session

To access PAVE Tutors, please review the
PAVE Tutors’ Profiles document–this shows the name of the tutor, the subject areas they tutor, and the days and times of availability.  More tutors will be added to this document as they become available.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

LP7 Agenda - Testing Prep

Monday 3/8
Office Day

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
Testing - 10:00

Ella

McKenna

Madison

Logan

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

Practicing for testing

The best way to prepare for testing is to practice!

You can go to the Caaspp site and do the practice tests on your own at any time. You don't need the secure browser installed to to this.

Practice Tests

https://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/index.html

Scoring Guides

https://www.caaspp.org/ta-resources/practice-training.html

I am also setting up "Interim" testing blocks for Monday, March 15, between 11am and 2pm.

They will be short testing practices in one of the testing sections for Language Arts (Research) and one section for Math (Geometry). These will be set up as "non-standardized" which means you can help your student take the test. You do not need the secure browser to take the Interim tests. You can sign in anytime between 11 and 2 to take the tests. I will be available by phone, text and email that day for questions and help.

Setting up the Interim test blocks requires that I set up and monitor the testing. This means that I need to know if you are interested and if you can attend. If you would like your student to take the Interim tests on Monday, March 15, please fill out this form so I can send you information and updates via email.

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.