New Blog Pages

I posted a few new blog pages with information about how to find Visions vendors in your area, how to order vouchers, and how to find information about enrichment classes. You can find them at the top of this page.

Please feel free to post a comment on the pages about classes and events that you would recommend to other home school families.

Work Samples Simplified

I think I may have made the idea of gathering work samples much more complicated than it needs to be. Sorry for that.

The basics of work samples:
I will collect work samples at each meeting.
That means only once per LP :)

Work samples should consist of:

• 1 paper sample per subject, per student
• On 8 1/2 by 11 standard size paper, should be consistent with what is noted in your semester plan.
• 1 discussion, demonstration or display sample per subject, per student
• Can be demonstrating a  karate move, playing a song, showing me a model or a project, sharing pictures of a field trip, showing me your progress on a computer program, reciting a poem, summarizing a story, reading to me, showing me how to do a math problem, etc.

Please let me know if you have any questions about work samples or are having any anxiety around them. Thanks!

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 9/15 - First Day of LP2
Office Day

Tuesday 9/16
Ione/Plymouth
Gracyann & Daisy
Leila - 1:30
Jezreel - 3:00

Wednesday 9/17
Camino/Pollock Pines
Sarah - 11:00
Alexandra - 12:30
Charlotte - 2:00
Karter - 3:30

Thursday 9/18
Ione
Phoenix - 11:00
Alex & Lucian - 12:30
Grace - 3:00

Friday 9/19
Office Day

Progress Grades - due Friday

Please use the appropriate form below to submit your LP1 progress grades. If you have any questions, or need any help, please text, call or email me. Thank you!
For students in grades K-5:



For students in grades 6-12:

Semester Plans - due Friday

Have you finished your semester plan?

Your semester plan is your master lesson plan for the semester. This is where you will record the texts and materials you are using for each subject, and how and when you plan to cover them. A semester plan helps you to see the big picture and gives you a structure for your school schedule. The semester plan needs to be completed sometime before the end of LP1 (9/12).

Remember: you do not need to use the format I provided. If you have another way you would like to organize this information, that is totally fine. I just need a copy.

Let me know if you have any questions or need any help.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

"D" Week
D weeks are generally the last week of the learning period and are paperwork/office weeks for me. There won't be any meetings other than make-up meetings on D weeks.

Monday 9/8
Ms. Bryon to attend teacher meeting

Tuesday 9/9
Phone
Jasmine - 9:30
Roxie - 10:30
Plymouth
Michael - 5:00
David - 6:00

Wednesday 9/10
Jackson
Joseph - 11:00
Katrina - 12:00

Thursday 9/11
Office Day

Friday 9/12 - End of LP1
Office Day

An Introduction to Visions Information Systems

Students and parents can access Launchpad, our student information system, anytime, 24-hours a day. A few helpful tools here will allow you to: place orders, keep track of funds, and register for classes and events. We have found that Google Chrome performs better with Launchpad than other browsers. It is free and can be downloaded here. Here is a link to a handy Quick Start Guide that will tell you everything you want to know about Launchpad.

This is the place to check for a collection of curriculum resources. Here you’ll find more information on supported curriculum, pacing guides, project ideas, videos and online resources. Sign in to Launchpad first, then log in to the Hub (Username: homeschool, Password: Home2014!)

TextbookX is the official vendor you’ll use to order adopted curriculum, purchase most teacher editions and shop the marketplace for great savings, up to 60%. To complete your order, use the Flexpay username and password for payment. If an item is offered on TextbookX, you will need to order it there instead of another vendor.

The Visions eHandbook is the internal site for students, families, teachers, and staff. Here you will find policies, procedures, and forms. This site contains resources, including step-by-step instructions and videos to help users comfortably navigate our student information system (Launchpad), as well as the rest of Visions eHandbook. Think of it as place to do a “Google Search” for Visions policies and forms.

The Wire is the school’s communication system, connecting Visions to you. Weekly Newsletters are sent from The Wire to families on Tuesdays, at 10:00am.

Student ID Photo Cards

To request an ID card through Launchpad:

1. Log into your student's Launchpad account.
2. Click the "More Info" link on the left hand side.
3. Click the "My Account" link in the main section on the right.
4. Read the instructions for photo requirements under the "My Photo and Student ID" heading. You can also view the requirements below.
5. Click the "Choose File" button, then browse to the image on your computer.
6. Click the "Upload Photo and Request ID" button.
7. An email will be sent to you when the photo has been approved or rejected by your teacher.
8. Once the photo is approved, SkyQ will create your photo ID and mail it to the mailing address listed in Launchpad.

Photo Requirements

• Photo should be in JPG or JPEG file format.
• File must be under 2MB in size.
• Try to use a plain, white or light colored background.
• Take the photo in a full-face view, directly facing the camera.
• Do not wear a hat or head covering that obscures the hair or hairline, unless worn daily for a religous purpose.
• Your full face must be visible, and the head covering must not cast any shadows on your face.
• Do not wear dark or tinted glasses/sunglasses.

Please think of this photo like a passport or other ID photo. Great examples can be found on the State Department's website.

Your CT must approve the photo. You will receive an email once the photo has been approved or rejected. To request a replacement ID, please contact your CT.

If you have any additional questions, please email studentid@viedu.or or call SkyQ at 916-780-7566.

Upcoming...

• Tuesday, August 26: All Enrichment Classes Open for Enrollment, info about Enrichment Classes is on the Wire 

• Monday, September 1: Labor Day (No School)
• Wednesday, September 10: Enrichment Classes Begin in Rescue
• Friday, September 12: LP1 Ends

2014/2015 School Calendars

Click here for a printable copy

Semester Plans

Your semester plan is your master lesson plan for the semester. This is where you will record the texts and materials you are using for each subject, and how and when you plan to cover them. A semester plan helps you to see the big picture and gives you a structure for your school schedule. The semester plan needs to be completed sometime before the end of LP1 (9/12).

I have made a template for you and and example of how one parent might fill it out for their 2nd grader. You can view a copy of the template here. The example is here. Please look them over to get familiar with the basic idea.

You do not need to use this format. If you have another way you would like to organize this information, that is totally fine. I just need a copy.

I plan to provide a copy of the template to you during our first meeting, and help you to fill it out. However, if you would like to get started on it now, send me an email or shoot me a text and I will get it to you sooner.

Let me know if you have any questions or need any help.

First Meeting Agenda

• Meet :)
• Approve curriculum, help with ordering (if possible, have your curriculum out and handy)
• Answer questions about vouchers and ordering
• Provide grading policy
• Go over attendance
• Go over work samples
• Collect work samples (2 for each subject per LP)*
• Set up semester plan, discuss assignments and scheduling
• Schedule next meeting
• Answer questions

*If we are meeting the first week of school, I don't expect that you will have 2 samples per subject. I will just collect what you do have and answer questions about work samples for our next meeting :)

This Week's Meeting Schedule

A Group

Monday 8/18
Teacher Work Day

Tuesday 8/19
Teacher Work Day

Wednesday 8/20
First Day of School
Camino/Pollock Pines
Charlotte - 11:00
Alexandra - 12:30
Sarah - 2:00

Thursday 8/21
Ione
Alex & Lucian - 11:00
Phoenix - 1:30
Grace - 3:00

Friday 8/22
Back to School Picnic
Detert Park, Jackson
10:30 to 12:30

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.  

Students and Parents: Please check grades in Engrade today and contact me if you have any questions. It would be a good idea to check them again on Thursday at 5 p.m., as I will make sure that all work received is graded by then. 

Optional - Drop of books and work, sign attendance.
•  Pleasant Hill Library: Between 11:00 and 1:00.
•  Oakley Starbucks: Between 2:30 and 4:30

If you are not done with your textbooks, and need to continue work until Friday, don't stress. There is a Visions book and computer return day on Wednesday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northgate Christian Fellowship Church at 2201 Lake Herman Road in Benicia.

---

Wednesday

Graduation Day!

A heartfelt congratulations to our graduates:

Brandon
Charis
Hope
Katie
&
Manuel

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.

---

Continue to do any scheduled work.

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

---

Friday
•  Noon deadline for any work!

If you have any questions, ask! There should be no surprises (for me or you) when report cards are sent out:)

---

That's it! The only other thing to do is get ready to have a GREAT summer! If you are continuing with Visions, someone will be calling you the week of August 11th, to check in and set up your first meeting of the 2014/15 school year. School will start up again on August 20th.

Gradpoint Demo

Are you curious about the change to Gradpoint for next year?

If you are interested in seeing a sample of a few courses Visions will be using next year, you can use the link below to access our Demo Gradpoint Account.

There is also a short video on this page that gives an overview of Gradpoint.


http://wire.viedu.org/gradpoint-demo-account/

Community College Classes

Are you currently taking a community college or BYU class?

If so, don't forget to request an official college transcript to be sent to Mr. Naz so he can add your credits to your High School transcript.

If you are thinking of taking a college class next year make sure you apply soon. Most colleges will begin fall classes before we do, and you need to have Mr. Naz send you the correct forms.

Email me or Mr. Naz if you have any questions about college classes.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 5/19
Carmichael
Ms. Bryon at Professional Development

Tuesday
Oakley Starbucks
Kissa - 11:00
Jeremiah - 12:30
Alex - 1:30
Concord Starbucks - Port Chicago Hwy
Levi - 3:30

Wednesday
Office Day
Kaylee - ?

Thursday
Benicia Public Library
Alana - 11:30
Donovan - 12:30
Sophia - 2:00
Halie - 3:00

Friday
Office Day

---

Next Week Preview (Final Week of School):
Monday - Memorial Day (Holiday)
Tuesday - Book and Work Drop (Pleasant Hill Library 11-1, Oakley Starbucks 2:30 - 4:30)
Wednesday - Graduation
Friday - Last day of school - deadline for ALL work - 12:00

Happy Mother's Day

Yes, I do know it was yesterday, but I'm one of those people who believes in belated wishes for those special days. It makes them last longer :)

For all the mothers, and aunts, and otherwise motherly adults, a special wish for a happy "Day After Mother's Day" in recognition of all that you do!

Upcoming Important Dates

May
May 21, 22, & 23: Graduate Check Out
May 26: Memorial Day - No School
May 28: Graduation Ceremony for Seniors
May 30: Last Day of School

Check Your Grades

It is getting close to the end of the year. There are only 14 school days left!

Students: Make sure to go to Engrade often and check your grades as the year comes to a close. Have you set a realistic goal as to what grades you want to earn at the end of the semester? Have you made a plan to get there?

Parents and guardians: Please make sure you are aware of your student's progress and contact me if you have any questions! We don't want any surprises at report card time. If you can't log in to Engrade, drop me an email and I will provide you more detailed instructions.

Please note: Your grades are most current directly after our meetings.

www.engrade.com

Use your launchpad user name for BOTH your Engrade user name and password.

Please let me know if you have any questions!