Did You Know...

that you can find out all sorts of useful information on Visions e-Handbook?

Examples:

• Work Permits
• Transcript Requests
• Videos on how Launchpad Works
• Community College Concurrent Enrollment Information
• School Calendars (Including the Student Events Calendar which lists field trips)
• Directed Project info
• Ordering T-shirts and Sweatshirts...

The list is HUGE!

So, if you haven't visited the ehandbook before, I recommend that you check it out.

How do you get there?
Log into Launchpad and click on the e-Handbook link under the Main Menu items:

What to Do Until Your Meeting

Here is the list of tasks for you to do until our first meeting. If you have ANY questions, please text, email, or call me.




New Students: 
Required: Continue working in the Kick Start Packet you received in the mail. You should complete 2 assignments each day until we meet.
Optional: Sign into ALEKS math, do your initial assessment and start on some topics. (Email me for your login info.)

Returning Students

1. Sign in to your Google account. If you don't have one, sign up for one. We will be using Google Docs often this year.
2. Open the Important Information and Expectations document. Copy it to your Google Drive. (File> Make a Copy). Read it over with your parent or guardian. Let me know if you have any questions or comments. (There are very few changes from last year.) If you agree to it, print the last page and bring it signed to our meeting. 
3. Open the Internet Use Agreement Document. (I know that it is for 2012/13, I will update if and when there are changes.) Copy it to your Google Drive. (File> Make a Copy).  Read it over with your parent or guardian. If you agree to the terms, print out the last page and bring it signed to our meeting.  
4. Organize your Google Drive. Make folders for your school papers. Put the docs you just copied into the folder. Spend some time in your drive figuring out how to create documents and share them. Make a "test" document and share it with me.
5. Open your assignment sheet. Look it over. Is it clear? Do you have any questions? Can you see what you need to do and when you need to have it done by? Bookmark it so you will have it handy. Email me with any questions.
6. Sign into Launchpad. Take a look at your classes and your assignments. Make sure you can access everything and let me know if you have any questions.
7. If you have ALEKS math, sign into ALEKS. Take your initial assessment. (Your log-in info is on your assignment sheet.)
8. If you have PE, open your PE log. Begin doing 50 minutes of physical activity today and log it.
9. If you have a directed project, start thinking about what you want to accomplish and how you will show that you have accomplished it. Look on Amazon for materials you might need. Remember, you have $75 (with shipping & tax) to spend.

Following days:

1. Follow your assignment sheet. Make sure you see what is due for our meeting. Plan to complete all work that will be due. Contact me if you have any questions.
2. Make sure to bring the Information and Expectations, and Internet Use Agreement signature pages to our first meeting.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Tuesday 8/27
Oakley Starbucks
Haven 11:00
Jeremiah 12:00
Alex 1:30

Wednesday 8/28
Concord Library - Salvia Street
Katie - 11:30
Brandon 1:00
Levi 2:00

Thursday 8/29
Benicia Public Library
Donovan - 11:30
Kiley 12:30
Sophia 2:00
Halie 3:00

Friday 8/30
Phone
Allante - 1:00
Beatrice - 2:00

Welcome Back!

Summer is over. A new year begins. Wednesday the 21st is the first day of school.

Take a moment to ask yourself what you want from this year. Where do you see yourself in January? May? Do you have any school goals set? Personal goals? Maybe passing all of your classes? Passing the CAHSEE? Getting all As and Bs? Getting into college?

Everything is possible today.

Initial Meeting Schedule

This Week:
Wednesday 8/21
Antioch Public Library 
Allante - 11:00
Talise - 12:00
Beatrice - 1:30 - (home computer check)

Thursday 8/22
Pleasant Hill Public Library
Desiree - 11:00
Isaiah - 12:00
Suzy - 1:00
Charis - 2:30

---

Next Week:
Tuesday 8/27
Oakley Starbucks
Haven 11:00
Jeremiah 12:00
Alex 1:30

Wednesday 8/28
Concord Library - Salvia Street
Katie - 11:30
Brandon 1:00
Levi 2:00

Thursday 8/29
Benicia Public Library
Donovan - 11:30
Kiley 12:30
Sophia 2:00
Halie 3:00

2013/2014 School Year Calendar

Click here for a printable copy.

Friday's Deadline

Friday, May 31, at 5 p.m., is the deadline to get me any work that you want included in your grade. You have up until then to email me late work, corrections, and current work.

Call, email, or text me with ANY questions!!

The Last Week of School

Here we are, at the last week of school. I hope everyone is planning for a wonderful summer, but before you go here is a list of what you need to do this week. :)

---

Today
Continue work according to your assignment sheet. Many of you have a regular school day today.  


Today or Thursday will be the last day you will have your textbooks, so plan accordingly.

Drop of books and work, sign attendance.
•  Benicia Library: Between 11:30 and 12:30
•  Concord New Life Christian Church: Between 1:30 and 3:30

---

Wednesday

Graduation Day!

A heartfelt congratulations to our graduates:

Alexander
 Anastasia
Anthony
Audrey
Jalila
Margaret
Michael
&
Sara

I will be busy with the graduation ceremony in Sacramento all day so I may not be able to return any calls, emails, or texts until Thursday morning.

---

Drop of books and work, sign attendance.
•  Antioch Library: Between 12:30 and 1.
•  Oakley Starbucks: Between 1:30 and 3:00

As of 5 pm on Thursday, all grades will be current. The grades you see on Engrade after 5 will be your final grade if you submit no further work on Friday.

---

Friday
•  Check your grade in Engrade and email me that you have done this and are aware of your final grades. If you have any questions, ask! There should be no surprises (for me or you) when report cards are sent out:)
•  If you haven't done so already, take the survey below. There is one for your parents, too. Responses are totally anonymous and the survey is to help me to see any areas I could to improve on for next year.

---

That's it! The only other thing to do is get ready to have a GREAT summer! I will be calling you the week of August 12th, to check in and set up our first meeting of the 2013/14 school year. School will start up again on August 21st.

Student Survey

Parent/Guardian Survey

This Week's Meetings

Monday
Office Day - LP9 Progress Grades will be posted in Launchpad by 4:30

Tuesday
Antioch Public Library
Anthony - 1:00
Talise - 2:00

Wednesday
Livermore Public Library 
Charis - 3:30

Thursday
Oakley Starbucks
Jeremiah - 12:30
Haven - 1:30
Alex- 3:00
Brianna - 4:00
Allison - 5:30

Friday
Office Day - Good day to request online tutoring or ask for help!

ROP

The Regional Occupational Program (ROP), also known as Career Technical Education (CTE), offers tuition-free career preparation training in more than 100 occupations throughout the regions that Visions serves. Programs include high demand training such as automotive, construction, office computer skills, information technology training (database design, Web authoring, network administration, and computer repair), health occupations (nurse assistant, dental assistant, EMT, etc.), retail sales, careers with children and other occupational areas.

Most of the training is offered on a high school campus and has an “on-the-job” internship at an employer job site in addition to the classroom training.

Now is the time for next year’s 11th and 12th grade students to review the different ROP options that are offered at campuses near them.  To review those options prepared by Visions’ counselors, please visit the link HERE. Considerations for students who participate in the ROP program should include:

• Student is teacher recommended;
• Student is demonstrating good attendance;
• Transportation can be arranged-Visions can assist with bus passes to attend ROP;
• Student demonstrates at least average grades; and in particular,
• Student meets the grade level for the ROP course–some  are only available to 12th grade students, for example, medical and dental ROP courses through San Juan Unified.

Transferring Next Year?

Steps for Transferring to Another School Next Year

If you are planning to withdraw and transfer to another school next year, please read the below-listed actions as soon as possible. This process is for transferring students only and does not apply to graduates.

More information is located on the e-Handbook HERE(please log into Launchpad first).

To Be Shared With Students and Families

Before Withdrawing from Visions In Education:

1. Discuss your plans with your teacher.
2. Determine which school you are planning to attend.
3. Contact the school to make sure they can enroll you.
4. High School students should schedule a meeting with a counselor at the school they want to enter. This will determine if you will be able to attend classes to meet your goal.
5. Confirm acceptance at the new school with your teacher, and finish final business (attendance and outstanding work).
6. Return any Visions computers and other equipment to SkyQ.
7. Return all books to the Resource Center.
8. Come to the Visions main office with your parent/guardian to fill out the withdrawal form. The withdrawal date entered on your withdrawal form needs to be at least one day before your first day of school at your new school.

Great job on getting to the STAR testing! I know it can be stressful. You should give yourself a pat on the back for doing your best.

If you missed a day for some reason, or still have tests to complete, here is the bay area make-up schedule:

Wednesday, April 24th and Thursday, April 25.

1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

New Life Christian Fellowship 

3525 Chestnut Ave. 

Concord, 94519 

Note: This is NOT the same location as most of you were testing at this week, make sure to check the address. All other make-ups will be up at the school office in Carmichael. Please let me know if you need me to share the Carmichael make-up schedule with you.

Spring Dance

Visions is Hosting a Spring Dance  for Our High School Students Update-DJ and Photo Booth Booked!  Dear Visons High School Students, It is our pleasure to invite you to Visions' Spring Dance.  Won't you join us for this event? Update! DJ and Photo Booth booked When:   May 3, 2013  Who:   Students in grades 9-12  Where: Christ Community Church (map)  Time: 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm   Cost: $12 (includes refreshments and pictures) Semi-Formal (no jeans, tee-shirts, or flip flops) Sign Up Soon!  To sign up for the event contact your CT. You must be on the Spring Dance RSVP list to gain admittance to the dance. Students not on this list, will not be admitted.   Visions students are permitted to bring one guest if they wish. Guests cannot be over 18 years old and must fill out a Guest Dance Bid which must be turned into the office by May 3, 2013. The Guest Dance Bid form will be emailed to students once they have been added to the Spring Dance RSVP list. See You There Looking forward to seeing you at our Spring Dance. It will be time to have some fun as yet another school year is about to end, don't you think? I hope you can come and celebrate with us. Sincerely, Christina McKinnis Visions In Education Charter School  Links Photo booth-Michael Smith photography Spring Dance flyer Photo Booth at the Dance Photo courtesy Michael Smith photography. Visions will have a photo booth at the dance with props and an attendant to help.  Personalized photo strips will be provided to patrons at the dance! What Does Semi Formal Mean for Girls?    Learn more here about what to wear to a semi-formal dance. And here is a link to tips on how to get ready for a semi formal event. What Does Semi Formal Mean for Boys?   Here is a link for tips on what boys should wear for semi formal dress. Here are tips for getting ready for the dance too.

This Week's Meetings

Remember, due to STAR testing there are no face to face meetings this week. I will be proctoring testing at the Concord site so I may not return texts, calls, or emails right away, but I will get to them ASAP. Thanks for understanding :)

STAR TESTING

STAR testing begins this week. (4/16 - 4/19)

Hopefully, you received the information below in the mail already, if not, please contact me with any questions!


Fair Oaks Baptist Church 
1925 Risdon Rd.
Concord, 94518

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday (as needed)
Grades 9-12 will test Wednesday and Thursday from 1 to 4. Get there 15 minutes early. 
As needed Friday testing will be from 9-1.
Schedule and Map
Allison
Andrea
Brandon
Kaitlyn
Brianna
Jeremiah
Aaron
Alexander M.
Desiree
Charis
Tilea
Sophia


Community Presbyterian Church
2800 Georgia St.  
Vallejo, 94591

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (as needed)
Grades 9-12 will test Tuesday and Wednesday from 12:30 to 4. Get there 15 minutes early.
As needed Thursday testing will be from 9-1.
Schedule and Map
Kiley
Donovan
Emma
Halie

Late Work - Please Read

I have been too lenient about late work this semester and it hasn't helped anyone. It is my own fault. I now have many students handing in work late, and piles of late work to go through and not enough time to do it.

So...

We are reverting to the ORIGINAL late work policy.

AS OF NEXT WEEK, Monday, April 15.

(That means you have one week to get me any late work that you want graded.)

If you do not have your work ready for our meeting:

• DO NOT CANCEL YOUR MEETING! (Work is due on our meeting day regardless of whether you come to the meeting or not.)
• Go forward with your regularly scheduled work. Don't get further behind.
• You can turn in late work, however, it will not be graded, it will be checked for completeness and you will earn a D, (65%) for it.

Exceptions: If you have a parent's or doctor's note explaining a valid reason for the late work, or if we arrange a schedule change in advance, I will accept late work at full credit as long as it is COMPLETE AND ORGANIZED at the next meeting.

This week's meetings

Monday
Online or Phone Meetings
Katie - 10:00
Halie - 11:00
Michael - 12:00
Emma - 1:00

Tuesday

Antioch Public Library

Andrea - 12:00 **
Anthony - 1:00

Talise - 2:00

Wednesday

Livermore Public Library

Katie - 11:00**
Tilea - 12:00**
Margaret - 1:00**
Alex -  2:00**

Thursday

Starbucks - 2190 Main Street, Oakley
Jeremiah - 12:30
Haven - 1:30
Alex M. - 3:00
Brianna - 4:00
Allison - 5:00

Friday
Online Tutoring
By appointment
Office Day

New Make Up Meeting Schedule - Important, please read :)

Here is the problem: 
There have been so many missed meetings lately that it has been a big challenge for me to reschedule them all. (8 just last week!) Yes, 8 meetings to reschedule this week. As you can imagine, I just don't have enough time. To say nothing of the pile of late work and paperwork it entails. I know life happens, but I have to have a better way to manage my workload when meetings are missed.

The Solution: 
One day, one location, every other Wednesday, for make-up meetings.

From now on, all make up meetings will be held every other Wednesday, between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, at the Public Library in Livermore. (1188 S Livermore Ave, Livermore, CA 94550). 

The make-up meeting day will show up on the Blog so you can keep track. The first Wednesday make-up meeting day is next Wednesday April 10.

Please remember: 

• Our bi-weekly meetings are a required part of the Visions in Education Independent Study program. 
• Do not miss a meeting because you did not complete your work! It is important that we meet regardless of your progress so we can fill out required paperwork and so I can help you make a plan to get back on track. 
• Job hours, doctor's appointments, dentist appointments, etc. should be scheduled around our meetings. 

Thank you for your understanding about this.