The Compass Connector - Wednesday, 1/15/25

Quick Links: School Schedule Weekly Menu Donate Here

Winter Sports Reminders & Updates: How it’s Been and How it’s Going

by Taber Fagan

Last week, many students went skating, studied hard in study hall, or attended other various outdoor activities. The general consensus among the students is that winter sports is a fun break from the school schedule and a nice way to enjoy the brisk weather.

Skiing & riding begins tomorrow! It was scheduled to start last week, but due to high winds, it was sadly cancelled. We are excited to head to Mt. Snow! Reminder to dress warm. Besides the skiing update, all other winter activities will continue as scheduled.

Please note: If you have your own, or have rented skiing equipment, you can conveniently leave it in Brian’s classroom for the season.

Parents - Please fill out the Re-enrollment Questionnaire!

Thank you to those who did this last week. We’d like to hear from the rest of you. Will your child be returning to Compass next year?

Please help us by filing out this three question form even if the answer is no.

This Just In - Senior Plans and Celebrations!

by Dechen Bloom

It’s that time of year when Seniors start to prepare for what they’re going to do after graduation. We have 12 people graduating this year at the end of May, and are excited to share some of their plans for their future.

• Torin (far left) is planning to study engineering at the Vermont Technical College.

• Owen has applied to Elon University in North Carolina and Temple University - the Tokyo, Japan campus.

• Nevaeh (not pictured) has been accepted to Keene Beauty Academy and has decided to attend it.

• Taber is taking advantage of the 802 Opportunity grant at the Community College of Vermont.

• Dechen has been accepted to Keene State College. He is waiting to hear back from a few other colleges, but will likely attend KSC.

• Lola (not pictured) has been accepted to and will attend Keene State College. 

• Morgen has been accepted to University of Vermont, Vermont Technical College, and Keene State College. He is waiting to hear back from a few more before deciding.

  Congrats to all our seniors! Keep us informed as you make decisions beyond Compass. We want to celebrate with you as you head to college or the workforce.

---

Community Circle: January’s Theme

by Jacksyn McAllister

This month's community circle theme is centered around music. Music has brought people together for hundreds of years and thanks to apps like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple, music is accessible to everyone, at all times.

Lou and Brian are leading the conversations about what music means to us, how we use it in our daily lives, and what a tool it can be for communicating our feelings.

Brian runs the morning karaoke wellness group and […] Lou also teaches the music ELO on Mondays. He loves to see people sing who may not be confident in front of other people. He believes that having fun while singing is all that matters and that you leave with a smile on your face.

It’s been so fun to listen to students and teachers from our community get up and share their voice with us this month!

Breaking News!

by Benny Holder

As of 9:17 AM this morning, January 15th, 2025, the pepper puzzle has finally been completed! After almost half a decade, Rachel’s puzzle has finally been finished for the first time, thanks to the help of many individuals in the community.

On the Calendar - Winter 2024

• Thursdays: Winter Sports (dress warm!)

• Cookie sales on hold until Feb. 13th

• Monday 1/20 - NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King Jr. Day

---

Main Phone Line 1-802-428-3868

Compass School , 7892 U.S. 5, Westminster, VT, 05158, United States

The Compass Connector for Wednesday, 1/8/25

Quick Links: School Schedule | Weekly Menu | Donate Here

A Note from the Head of School

Welcome Back.  Happy New Year!

Yesterday, when I walked through classes, I was inspired by Rachel’s lesson on latitude lines and climate.  Meanwhile Gabe was giving a lesson on the three branches of government and what is happening right now in Washington D.C.  Ryan was discussing with students how Buddhist philosophy recommends coping with the emotion: anger; and right next door to Ryan’s classroom students were singing during music appreciation.  Always a pleasure to see learning in action.  Kudos to our staff for teaching so many relevant topics. 

Two important details regarding schedule to communicate:

First, on Monday, January 13th and Tuesday, January 14th, some staff will be completing a Restorative Practices training online.  The school day will run as normal, yet there will be different adults covering certain classes after lunch so that the teachers can log in and participate in this virtual training.  This course is being taught by the International Institute for Restorative Practices (IIRP), more information about that graduate school is available here: https://www.iirp.edu/.  Restorative Practices is the framework Compass School uses for responding to matters of discipline.  Building upon the school’s longstanding commitment to educating the Whole Child, Restorative Practices is designed to put the students at the center of the learning process.  Purposefully, the point is to engage all parties in dialogue and shift the punitive feel to discipline that I’ve observed in other school settings.  I will be participating in this training as well, and I am looking forward to the positive growth Restorative Practices will continue to bring to our culture of teaching and learning. 

Next, with this specific announcement, I invite all to take it as a kind reminder to get check ups with your family physician as needed.  Thanks to a routine check up a few months ago, I am able to get in front of a medical matter and live a healthier life long term.  That being said, the procedure I need to undergo means that I will be taking medical leave from January 29th through March 4th. Closer to the date of this extended absence, I will communicate more about protocols and who is responsible for what during my medical leave. With so much to do in the next two weeks, I wish to communicate this detail today so that all are in the know and aware of my upcoming change in availability, especially during  the first two weeks of my absence.  I will work remotely as much as possible.

Compass School is fortunate to have a robust Leadership Team, which consists of Gabe Allen-Fahlander and Louise Hodson as Assistant Heads of School, Sandra Stromberg as Director of Student Services, and Lyssa Singleton as the Director of Business Operations.  2025 has arrived, and Compass School is off to a great start. Wishing you all a very healthy and happy new year. 

Be well,

Kendra

Winter Sports Begins

**Important Updates - Please read**

Our winter sports season begins Jan. 9. Every Thursday we will have a group of skiers/boarders, skaters, and students who stay at Compass for outside adventures.

Ski & Board at Mt. Snow - This program begins NEXT Thursday on January 16th. As a result of the frigid temperatures and intense windchill our program start date has been delayed. Sign up for this program closed in the Fall. There are no more spots available. For tomorrow: please dress in layers for warmth as you’ll be outside after lunch! Bring a hat, gloves, and maybe even extra clothes in case you get cold or wet.

Skating in Brattleboro - This program begins tomorrow! Skaters need to have returned a signed bright yellow permission slip with a $20 payment for the season. Please pack water, lunch and snacks for the afternoon. Skaters leave Compass at 12:10pm. Students can be picked up at 2:15 at the rink or return to school for a regular dismissal time.

Staying at Compass - Yes! We will spend much of the afternoon outside doing fun, wintery, activities with (or without) snow. Please dress in layers for warmth! Bring a hat, gloves, and maybe even extra clothes in case you get cold or wet.

Re-enrollment Season is Approaching

Will your child be returning to Compass next year? We know it seems like a long way off, but budget planning for the next school year is already underway and we'd like to hear your family's plan so we can get a rough look at 2025/26 numbers.

Please help us by taking two minutes to fill out this three question form and we hope to see you all back in September! 

Giving Day in Review~Your Editors Favorite Moments

Carter’s Favorite Moment

“My favorite Giving day moment was, coming into school and seeing Santa.”

Dechen’s Favorite Moment

“This was one of my favorite Giving Day gifts! It’s small and compact, while also being very creative and full of stuff to look at.”

Cookie Fundraiser Returns in February

Do you look forward to the selection of homemade goodies at pick up every Thursday? We appreciate all your support and want you to know that cookie sales are on a break and will resume in February.

We will resume on Thursday, February 13th.

Mark your calendars to buy a sweet treat for your sweetheart!

On the Calendar - Winter 2024

• Thursdays: Winter Sports (dress warm!)

• Cookie sales on hold until Feb. 13th

• Monday 1/20 - NO SCHOOL Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The Compass Connector for Wednesday 12/18/2024

Quick Links: School Schedule | Weekly Menu | Donate Here

A Note from the Head of School

Kendra Rickerby

This week is the 7th and 8th graders Presentation of Learning.  I am always so impressed by their poise and thoughtfulness when speaking from a podium.  A big shout out to Gabe, Brian and Rachel for coordinating so many meaningful learning opportunities for middle school age students.  

Likewise, last week’s Yuletide Market reflected this staff’s dedication to build community and celebrate the holidays.  The live music was so much fun. It was great to see and hear Ron, a former teacher here,  Aaron, the father of an alum, and Lou, the parent of two alumni and one current student perform !  WOW!  That jam session was bar none worth the price of admission.  I hope we can have more festive celebrations in the months to come.

On Monday, January 13th and Tuesday, January 14th, some of our staff will be taking a Restorative Justice Training Session.  Completion of that professional development learning will certify our staff in facilitating what I view as “rupture and repair” (the title of a podcast a friend recently referred me to). Ultimately with this Restorative Justice training, we seek to strengthen community and expand perspectives.  Know in advance that on Monday, January 13th and Tuesday, January 14th, there will be project-based opportunities and a different daily schedule.  

We are two days away from December break.  Students return on Monday, January 6th.  Staff will be here the Friday prior.  Yet, please know this is a two week vacation from school.  I hope students have their reading lists and some good movies to watch.

Wishing you all a very healthy and happy holiday.  The next Compass Connector will be in the new year.  25 years into the 21st century, I hope you all have a happy new year too.

Be well,

Kendra

Compass in the Winter

This stunning photo was captured by Dechen Bloom just before the Yuletide Market began.

Fundraising Event was a Great Success!

By Dechen Bloom

The Yuletide Market last Friday was a big success! People came from around our local communities and ranging from nearby towns as far away as Connecticut! Vendors sold crafts such as paintings, soaps, hats, shirts, and much more.

Former Compass School teacher Ron Bos-Lun came to play music on his guitar, and a few Compass School alumni also came to visit.

There were also some delicious breads, soups, cookies, and cakes made by Cher, as well as s’mores by the bonfire outside. Thank you to all who attended! We raised $1,322 dollars for the Junior class trip and other school field trips.

Former Compass School teacher Ron Bos-Lun

Reminder: Giving Day is This Friday!

by Benny Holder

Hello, Compass community! Just a reminder that Giving Day is just two days away! Finish up your gifts, prepare to give, and we’ll see you on Friday, December 20th for gift-giving and festivities! We encourage you to think about how you’ll present your present.

Also, prepare yourself for other Giving Day activities:

• Gather those clothes you never wear for the clothing swap!

• Warm up those vocal chords for caroling!

• Flex that artistic ability by making some cards!

• Prepare yourself for some Broomball!

• Spruce up that pine tree by making some custom ornaments!

Winter Break Dates: Monday 12/23/24 - 1/6/25

We hope you and your families have a wonderful break filled with travel, celebrations, and memory making. Please remember that our first day back to school is Monday, January 6th.

Winter Sports Begins in the New Year

by Taber Fagan

Exciting news! Winter sports begin after our holiday break. A lot of people are excited about winter sports, but we’ve been waiting for confirmation on when they start. Winter sports are starting on Thursday, January 9th, and will be continuing until February 13th. Many students are excited about skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating but there will be other winter related activities happening at Compass for the rest of the community. Depending on the weather we might go sledding, play broom ball, or build a snowman!

So get excited! Get pumped! It’s finally winter!!!

New Teacher Feature Meet Hannah Labarre!

By Carter DeCoste and Jacksyn McCallister

Hannah is a new teacher at Compass who joined us in Trimester 2. She teaches 11th &12th grade Anatomy at Compass and helps Rachel with her math workshop class. Hannah wanted to become a science teacher because she grew up with fantastic science teachers and had a mom who worked in the medical field. Hannah has taught social studies, physical education, and art and was a cross-country coach. She is also a co-advisor for Rob’s 9th-grade advisory. 

Like most of our faculty, Hannah has many outside hobbies, including jogging, canoeing, swimming, art, and baking. Hannah came to Compass because she had previously worked at another smaller school and she thought Compass would be a good fit. She also had a connection to our community because she knew Louise and said she was a strong woman who she remembered from all those years ago. We welcome Hannah to the Compass faculty team and are excited to have her in our community.

On the Calendar - Winter 2024

• Thursday, 12/19 - Middle School Presentations of Learning (POLs)

• Friday, December 20th, Giving Day

• Winter Break: 12/23 - 1/5

• Monday, January 6th - First Day Back from break

Compass Connector for Wednesday 12/11/2024

Quick Links: School Schedule | Weekly Menu | Donate Here

A Note from the Head of School

Kendra Rickerby

Hope to see you all this Friday night’s the Yuletide Bazaar.  This is a fundraiser for travel and other field trips.  Speaking of fundraising, we’ve launched this year’s fundraising push and will be doing more in the months to come.  

If you haven’t already please make a video, no more than 30 seconds. To help get you started with this video, consider using these prompts: 

(1) share your favorite thing about Compass School 

(2)  tell us about how your life has been impacted by Compass School

(3) explain an important lesson Compass School has taught you. 

Once you’ve recorded this video, please upload it here: https://share.vidday.com/e/t-gwp5pz
Can you help us locate some alumni?  Do you know anyone who has graduated in the past 23 years?  If so, would you please email their contact information, including email, mailing address and phone number to development@compassvt.org.

Another way to help with this fundraising cause is to assist in helping us network new donors.  Do you know anyone who has stocks to donate?  Donating stocks can help avoid capital gains.  Compass School welcomes being the recipient of stocks. We also welcome meeting with anyone who is interested in investing in the future of education here at Compass School. 

Please share my email address and the school mobile number: 802-428-3868 with any business or community member or potential donor.  

All these fundraising efforts will be put toward operating costs for next year that includes bolstering our bucket of financial aid resources. 

Looking forward to Giving Day next week on Friday, December 20.  In the meantime, here is a link to Compass School’s website, with a donate button included at the top of each page. 

Be well,

Kendra

---

Inclement Weather Reminders

Winter is here! The snowy and icy weather has begun to make its way through the Northeast. Wondering if we have school? There are three ways that you can find out.

1. Check your email. You’ll receive an email from Kendra either the night before or in the early morning.

2. Check your texts. You’ll receive a text from the main Compass phone line. Put this number in your contacts so you won’t miss it. 802-428-3868

3. Check the internet. We report closings to WCAX online. Bookmark this page and look for Compass School on the list.

---

Compass’ Holiday Bazaar is This Friday!

Compass is a focus on family school and we have a festive family event this Friday, the 13th from 5pm to 9pm. Please come to the Junior classes Yuletide market and Winter family celebration. There will be artisans and crafters to finish your holiday shopping, Cher’s homemade food and live music. There will also be a room showing a movie where your kids can relax while you enjoy dinner and shopping. Then join us for s'mores around the bonfire. This is a fundraising event for the Global Connections program and the Spring 2025 Junior class trip to Puerto Rico.

Presentations of Learning are Next Week!

An Invitation to attend from The Middle School advisors

Brian, Gabe, and Rachel

Middle school students have begun working on preparing their Presentations of Learning (POLs). Students will share their work during school on Wednesday, 12/18 or Thursday, 12/19. The presentations ask students to share about themselves and reflect on the school year so far.

We strongly value and encourage parent/family attendance, and hope there is a time that works for you to join us for your student's presentation. They typically last 5-10 minutes with a brief Q&A afterwards. 

Please follow this link to view available times and reserve one for your student: POL Signup

We hope you can join us as we celebrate each student's growth! Please reach out to us with any questions you may have.

Landmark College Announces Summer Skills Transition Program

by Dechen Bloom

Next summer, Landmark College in Putney will be hosting a few different programs designed to help soon-graduating students be more prepared for college. It’s an opportunity to get a feel for what college life is like ahead of time and learn how to improve on helpful skills like memory, organization, motivation, reading, and writing. For options, there’s a 5-day online boot camp as well as two different on-campus programs. Financial aid is available to qualifying students. More details about the many Summer 2025 options HERE.

Senior ‘Teacher’ Feature

By Carter DeCoste and Jacksyn McCallister

This week we feature Morgen Parker-Houghton. While a senior at Compass, he is also a teacher here. Morgen is a teaching assistant in Rob’s Algebra 1 class and his students enjoy learning from him.

While Morgen TAs for Algebra 1, he is also part of our Dual Enrollment program with CCV. He’s completed college level classes including precalculus, calculus, statistics, and will be taking physics in the spring semester.

Outside (and inside) of school Morgen likes to play Magic the Gathering and enjoys mountain biking.

When Morgen grows up, he wants to be an engineer. He’s applied to a number of colleges and has started receiving acceptances. Morgen’s hoping to get into and attend his first choice, Skidmore College.

Holiday Events Out and About

By Taber Fagan

There are tons of fun events happening this weekend around the southern Vermont area! You better get pumped cause this weeks gonna be an action packed experience!

In Brattleboro: This Friday will be one of (if not the) last Gallery Walk. It will be happening this Friday, December 13th. From firsthand experience, I know that this is a fun event where you can get your Christmas shopping done.

In Keene: The Outdoor German Holiday Market will be happening this Saturday in Keene, NH on December 14th; this Saturday. Fellow columnist Carter DeCoste has informed us that this event is a traditional celebration of German culture and history, so make sure to stop by! 

That’s all the big events happening this weekend in Southern Vermont. Next week, there might be more Christmas centered events, so stay tuned!

On the Calendar - Winter 2024

• Every Thursday - Juniors sell soups, bread, cookies, brownies & T-shirts for their Global Connections Trip!

• Friday, December 13th, Compass’ Yuletide Market, 5pm - 9pm

• Wednesday & Thursday, 12/18 & 12/19 - Middle School Presentations of Learning (POLs)

• Friday, December 20th, Giving Day

• Winter Break: 12/23 - 1/5

• Monday, January 6th - First Day Back from break

Compass Connector for Wednesday 11/20/2024

Quick Links: School Schedule | Weekly Menu | Donate Here

A Note from the Head of School

Kendra Rickerby

This week we are picking names for Giving Day.  For those who are new to our community, Giving Day distinguishes Compass School in the most beautiful ways.  On this day, students and staff give a handmade gift to the person they pick this week.  The handmade gift is personalized to the recipient’s passions and favorite things.  This non-denominational tradition resembles the spirit of the holidays. It is truly one of the most remarkable traditions I’ve ever seen in a school setting.  

During community circle each day this month, Sandra and Rob have done a great job leading lessons and activities that highlight the essential role gratitude plays in our daily lives and this community.  Giving is an indication of gratitude too.

Next week is Thanksgiving break, there is no school Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.  Compass School will be on holiday break for the entire week.  When we return on December 2nd, that day marks the beginning of trimester 2.  December 3 happens to be Giving Tuesday, an international moment where non-profits organizations across the globe make an appeal for fundraising. 

Expect to receive a flurry of emails in the month of December asking for donations to help us sustain Compass School.  As you are all aware,  Compass School’s Board and staff are working hard to stabilize the school’s financial future.  Please consider donating to that cause this holiday season.  Please also help spread the word and share the forthcoming emails and links.  Thanks always for your support and consideration.

On a slightly different note, on Monday, January 13 and Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 some of our staff will be participating in Restorative Practices training. This professional development opportunity is made available through Compass School’s Equitable Shares monies, which is a small sum of funds we receive from federal grants.  I am mentioning this now because on January 13 and 14 there will be a special schedule with guest educators to help free up the staff who will take this online course for most of the workday. The goal of this professional development is to build staff’s capacity for addressing conflict and facilitating the conversation that helps the community mend and grow.  

Happy to explain the long-term goals of using Restorative Practices further during the “coffee talks” this week.   On Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 and on Friday from 1:30 pm to 3:15 pm, my calendar is blocked off to be available to meet with parents and guardians.  Please feel welcome to drop by.  

Enjoy break, and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families.

Shout Outs & Gratitude

by Lola Saccardo

Our MINDSET shifts on the wall in the entranceway!

Everyone loves to feel appreciated and that is why we do shout-outs every week for our students and staff! Throughout the week people write accommodations to make people feel valued and to show that even little things matter. On Wednesdays we pick shout-outs from a container during Community Circle and read them out loud.

Every Wednesday Cher, our chef, gets at least 2 shout-outs for her amazing, homemade cooking. The Shout-out container is a great resource if someone is having a bad day. They get to hear lovely things about themselves on a different day.

Trimester 2 Extended Learning Opportunities

At Compass we value learning and mastering proficiencies beyond the classroom in many ways. We start everyday with Wellness activities, have extended learning opportunities, and prioritize service to both our school and our community. The options for these are updated every trimester and students can choose to explore a new topic.

Some of the new learning opportunities starting when we come back to school in December are: Neurographic Art, Game Design, Podcasting, and Rockingham Rec!

Thank You to Our Leadership Team

L-R Sandra Stromberg, Louise Hodson, Kendra Rickerby, Gabe Allen-Fahlander

In the spirit of gratitude, we’re featuring our leadership team. These four work tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure our school runs efficiently everyday.

As head of school, Kendra is tackling the often invisible work of raising funds and supporting our staff so we can do our best job.

Gabe and Louise make a great team as Co-Assistant Heads of School. Please reach out to them with any questions or ‘shout outs’ of your own!

As the Director of Student Services, Sandra makes sure every student has a clear pathway to learning that works for them.

Thank you for all you do. We appreciate you!

2025-26 FAFSA is Open to All!

Have you been waiting for the FAFSA application to open? Great news, the’ve opened the app early!

Colleges and career schools use the FAFSA form to determine how much financial aid you're eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans.

REMINDER - FREE Courses Available!

Have you ever wanted to increase your digital skills but felt like you didn’t have the time or money to take courses? We’re thrilled to announce that Compass is partnering with a local rural digital hub to offer courses for free!

The Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) is located in Springfield, VT. They are at the forefront of empowering digital companies to flourish in rural settings. Part of their mission is to provide relevant, workforce training to high school students and adults.

Cara will be at BRIC on the morning of Wednesday, December 4th to lead a tour of the facilities and to learn more about the 3 month, online courses that earn you or your children a Google Workforce Certificate in one of 8 digital content areas companies are hiring for. Email Cara if you’d like to join the tour with, or without, your student!

On the Calendar - Winter 2024

• Every Thursday - Juniors sell soups, bread, cookies, brownies & T-shirts for their Global Connections Trip!

• Friday, 11/22 - LAST DAY of Trimester 1

• Thanksgiving Break - 11/25 - 11/29

• Monday, December 2nd - First Day of Trimester 2

Main Phone Line 1-802-428-3868

Compass School , 7892 U.S. 5, Westminster, VT, 05158, United States

Compass Connector for Wednesday 11/13/2024

Quick Links: School Schedule | Weekly Menu | Donate Here

New to the Compass Connector? Welcome!

by Dechen Bloom

If you’ve recently joined our mailing list and just started getting our newsletters you may be looking for information from past mailings. If you’ve missed any of the previous newsletter entries, you can come here to the “Compass News and Events” section every Thursday.

A Note from the Head of School

Last week ended with Sandra walking into my office to say that she thought we had one of the best College Days ever.  When she spoke these words to me, I turned my head to watch a student walk through the parking lot juggling the butternut squashes they won in one hand and the other carrying a bundle of college brochures.  That morning began with a presentation from Patrick Rogers, a representative from Vermont State University and Jessi Herron Krauss from the Vermont Student Assistance Corporations.

After the presentation, the 7th and 8th grade engaged in some community service led by Gabe and Rachel.  Community service is an important feature to highlight in the post-secondary placement process. The 12th graders met with Jessi from VSAC to learn more about the financial aid application process and where / how to obtain scholarships for funding their post-secondary pursuits. The seniors spent much of the day being supported by Louise and curating evidence of their learning for the Mastery Transcript that Compass School now uses. 

The 9th, 10th, and 11th graders toured Landmark College and then went to Keene State College, both of which are within commuting distance from Compass School.  We are in the process of inviting other college representatives to visit Compass School and meet our students.  If you have any connections to colleges, universities and/or industry leaders, we welcome guest speakers every week and as much as possible.  

As some of you know, I am also an Adjunct Professor  in Southern New Hampshire University’s graduate program.  My colleague there, Sara Truebridge, has launched EdLinks.  Professor Truebridge is an educational thought leader and national speaker who studies resilience.  This quote of hers resonates with me, particularly this week:

“The question of whether we believe an individual possesses the capacity for resilience is not appropriate.  Everyone has the capacity for resilience.  The appropriate question is whether it has been tapped - and if not, what can we do to tap it?”

I invite parents & guardians to meet with me to discuss what it will take to tap your children’s capacity for resilience. 

Our staff remain dedicated to ensuring access to unique learning opportunities here on-campus and beyond. Yet, I would like to hear from you all what you think we could do differently or more of. In Ann’s class last week students proposed creating a space where they could go and reset their emotions.  In my experience, the library was a focused and studious space where I found calm and often surprised myself with the communication skills I have since developed.  We are looking to create a community where kids have the interpersonal tools needed to reset their emotions without leaving the classroom.

Please consider dropping by my office on Thursday, November 21 from 9:30 to 11:30 am or Friday, November 22 from 1:30 to 3:15 PM. I am blocking that time off on my calendar and welcome hearing from you all about how we can help Compass students stay engaged in class more and develop their capacity for being resilient.

During these “coffee talks”, I am interested in learning from parents / guardians what are the skills you deem most important for your children?

Be well,

Kendra

Kory and Ryan touring industrial machine classrooms at Keene State College.

Middler Schoolers cleaning up the local riverside.

Free Digital Classes = Google Certificates

by Cara Tyrrell

Have you ever wanted to increase your digital skills but felt like you didn’t have the time or money to take courses? We’re thrilled to announce that Compass is partnering with a local rural digital hub to offer courses for free!

The Black River Innovation Campus (BRIC) is located in Springfield, VT. They are at the forefront of empowering digital companies to flourish in rural settings. Part of their mission is to provide relevant, workforce training to high school students and adults.

Cara will be at BRIC on the morning of Wednesday, December 4th to lead a tour of the facilities and to learn more about the 3 month, online courses that earn you or your children a Google Workforce Certificate in one of 8 digital content areas companies are hiring for. Email Cara if you’d like to join the tour with, or without, your student!

Ready for the Holidays?

by Carter DeCoste and Jacksyn McAllister

The holidays are coming fast! Did you mark your calendars yet for our Yuletide Market? Join us on December 13th from 5 pm to 9 pm as the Compass big room transforms into a holiday market.

It's a time when you can shop from a bunch of local vendors. It's open to anyone who wants to come. It could be an excellent place for late-minute Christmas shopping!

We are still looking for vendors! Rent a space for $30$ a table to sell your crafts and goods.  All money made at your table is yours, and all proceeds from tickets and admissions go to the Junior class trip.

Your donation to enter ($20/person or $25/family) covers all the festival has to offer including Cher’s delicious food and an experience to see some fantastic craft artists. Contact sandra.stromberg@compassvt.org if you want to purchase a table or have questions.

Compass Traditions: Giving Day

By Lola Saccardo

Giving Day is a long standing tradition at Compass School.  We come together as a community and build our connections to each other. Next week on Wednesday, November 20th we will draw names from a hat and everyone will fill out a giving day questionaire sharing things about themselves that could become great gifts. I encourage you to challenge your student to get to know their Giving Day person without them finding out who has them!

Gifts have to be homemade and ready by December 20th. You will have about 5 weeks to get to know the person (on the down low), choose and make your gift and you might even make a new friend on the way.

Students Signing Carols for a Local Preschool

Grateful for our Veterans

By Zoey Perry

Veterans Day is a very important holiday to celebrate those who served or are still serving in the United States military. We hope you spent the day off to spend time with your living veterans or mourn the ones that were lost. If you are Veteran, thank you for your service.

On the Calendar - Fall 2024

• Every Thursday - Juniors sell soups, bread, cookies, brownies & T-shirts for their Global Connections Trip!

• Friday, 11/22 - LAST DAY of Trimester 1

• Thanksgiving Break - 11/25 - 11/29

Main Phone Line 1-802-428-3868

Compass School , 7892 U.S. 5, Westminster, VT, 05158, United States

Compass Connector for Wednesday, 10/23/24

A Note from the Head of School

Kendra Rickerby

Music is a universal language.  Observing Compass students listen to Louisa Stonehill and Nick Burns perform in the big room a few weeks ago fills my cup of joy and keeps me motivated.  

Last week, we were delighted to welcome the Ashuelot Music Series and we hope to see you at their performance at the Bellows Falls Opera House on Sunday, November 3.  Please also consider joining us at Compass for a very special concert with the Sitkovetsky Piano Trio at 2:15 PM on Thursday, October 31.  Bonus points will be awarded to those who show up impersonating a classical musician from the past.  

Here is a link to the Sitkovestky Piano Trio playing Brahms Piano Trio in C minor for Piano, Violin, and Cello, II.  At this website, https://www.bluoceanarts.com/sitkovetsky-trio, you can learn more about their music and travels.

The performing arts are important to the Compass learning community.  Please let us know if you hear of other opportunities to expose our students to such creative and musical talent.  We welcome musicians, artists, and creative thinkers anytime.  

Hope you will be able to join us on October 31 for this unique opportunity right here in our school’s big room.

Be well,

Kendra

P.S. Thank you for using Compass School’s new mobile phone number, 802-428-3868 to report attendance.

Save the Date: December 13, 2024

This year instead of our traditional Fiesta, the Junior class is hosting a Holiday Bazaar. There will be music, food, activities and holiday gifts. The Bazaar is on December 13, 2024 starting at 5:00 pm and ending around 9:00 pm.  It is similar to a winter market and we’re looking for vendors. You can sell homemade crafts and goods. If you make a food item, please list ingredients for those with allergies. It costs $30 for a table space. All the proceeds go to the 11th grade trip to Puerto Rico. Please email Sandra or call Compass at 802-428-3868 if you’d like to be a vendor!

Flyer designed by Benjamin Holder

Music Program Seeking Instruments

by Lola Saccardo

The music class here at Compass would love some donations. We are looking for instruments in good condition. A number of students are interested in learning guitar and other stringed instruments. If they need a simple fix like restringing or tuning, we can easily fix that. Both electric and acoustic would be useful. If you’d rather loan and instrument let us know you would like it back at the end of the year. Contact Lou Vitale if you have anything to donate.

Lou Vitale and a couple of students learning guitar during lunch.

College Application Season is Here!

by Jacksyn and Carter

For college day this year, on November 8, a Vermont State College representative is coming to Compass to present to upperclassmen (Juniors and Seniors) about the many options at our state colleges. For the rest of the day 11th graders will visit and tour a college campus. The seniors will stay behind and work on their college applications and transcripts.

Closer to home, if you are looking for a local college that supports kids who learn differently, check out Landmark College in Putney, Vermont. RSVP for their open house below.

Reminders

Student-Led Conferences are This Friday!

Have you signed up yet? Student-led conferences are an important part of proficiency-based education here at Compass. Please email your student’s advisor to pick a time on Friday, October 25th that works for your family!

——————

PSAT’s This Week for Juniors

On Thursday, October 24th, 11th graders will take the PSAT’s beginning after breakfast and last until lunch. (9:30 - 12:10) Your child’s attendance is mandatory on that day.

——————

Do you Have a Junior Going to Puerto Rico?

Check your email for a Zoom link! We look forward to seeing tonight, Wednesday, October 23rd at 6:15 pm.  The meeting will last between 30 and 45 minutes.

Many thanks!

Ann & Sandra - Junior Class Advisors

On the Calendar - Fall 2024

• Every Thursday - Juniors sell cookies, brownies & T-shirts for their Global Connections Trip!

• Thursday, 10/24 Juniors take the PSATs at Compass

• Friday, 10/25 NO CLASSES - Student Led Conferences

• Tuesday, 11/5 Junior & Senior’s Election watch party

• Friday, 11/8 College Day for Compass Students

• Monday, 11/11 NO SCHOOL - Veteran’s Day

Compass Connector for Wednesday, 10/9/24

A Note from the Head of School

by Kendra Rickerby

I’m thrilled to announce the IT upgrade is close to being wrapped up! Compass School’s new mobile phone number, 802-428-3868, is up and running.

For those old enough to remember that one hit wonder by Tommy Tutone, Jenny, I am singing 802-428-3868.  

Going forward:

• Expect to receive a message from the 802-428-3868 over the course of the next few days. Then please be sure to save this number in your contact list. 

• Communicate absences and/or early dismissals via text to 802-428-3868.  Or, you can email attendance@compassvt.org.  Texting method is preferred. Either way will be received. 

• Expect announcements re: inclement weather and other reminders to be texted as well as published in this Compass Connector. School closings are also published on WCAX (not quite yet ready to think about snow)

With this IT upgrade comes some improvements to our communication system including a video cam being installed at the front entry.  This allows whomever is carrying the new phone to see who is entering the building.  The front doors will remain locked at all times. There are signs indicating where you can find the buzzer and someone will always be in the main office and/or art room. Please be patient with us as we use our new systems. Someone will come let you in!

Also, Compass School has a new domain name: compassvt.org. If your child is encountering glitches accessing their new email address, please send them to me or Lou Vitale. All emails are now firstname.lastname@compassvt.org. 

Lastly, our Internet connection is now functioning on fiber optics, which provides us with more reliable bandwidth.  Words won’t convey how much we appreciate the donation given last year to make these upgrades.

Thank you for your support.

Regards,

Kendra

Reminder: Mountain Day is Friday, Oct. 11!

by Zoey Perry

We are excited for Mountain Day this Friday at Mount Ascutney! The weather looks like it’s going to cooperate but please remember to dress in layers, pack a hat, gloves and lunch. (unless you ordered a bag lunch from Cher).

If you’re picking up at Compass at the end of the trip, remember that all returning vehicles will be back to Compass by 4:30 p.m.

️New Teacher Feature️

Meet Brian Weber!

by Jacksyn McAllister and Carter DeCoste

Brian came to Compass because of the tight and close community where he can connect more with his students and where people take care of each other. He is a STEM teacher(Science, Technology, Engineering, Math).

He teaches 10th-grade geometry and 11/12 science. He shares the 8th-grade advisory with Gabe and does the coding ELO. Brian likes to play Magic: The Gathering in his free time and with students during lunch.

He also likes to kayak, hike, camp, mountain bike, and anything remote control tech-related like flying drones and RC Cars/ Crawlers.  Brian especially enjoys hanging out with his family.

Thank You For Your Support!

By, Raisa Wentworth

Juniors and Seniors screen printing shirts to fundraise for the Puerto Rico trip.

Starting Thursday, Juniors will be selling cookies, brownies, and personalized T-shirts to fundraise for the Global Connections Program and other Compass community trips. The cookies/brownies are $5/bag, and the T-shirts are $20. The juniors and seniors went to the Wonky Press in Brattleboro this year for a service day. The juniors have decided that they will be going to Puerto Rico for their trip!

On the Calendar - Fall 2024

• Thursday, 10/10 Hireability meets with the 11 & 12th grade

  to learn more about their goals for the future

• Friday, 10/11 Mountain Day! (no regular classes)

• Monday 10/14 NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People’s Day

• Thursday 10/24 Juniors take the PSATs at Compass

• Friday, 10/25 Student Led Conferences (more info soon)

• Tuesday, 11/5 Junior & Senior’s Election watch party

The Compass Connector for Wednesday, 10/2/24

Mountain Day is Coming Soon!

by Zoey Perry

On October 11, 2024, we will be going on a trip we call Mountain Day. It is a Compass tradition! This time we will be going to Mount Ascutney on the Weathersfield trail. It is an all day trip and we would love for you to join us.

We need more parent drivers to help with transportation because we no longer have a bus driver. All parent and guardian chaperones are welcome.

Cher is providing bag lunches for mountain day for $5 or you can bring a lunch from home.

Gabe will be sending out an email with more details including a google form to help us plan so please watch your inbox. If you have any other questions about Mountain Day contact Gabe.

---

⭐️New Teacher Feature⭐️

Meet Rachel Golden-Coup!

by Jacksyn McCallister and Carter Decoste

Rachel said she came to Compass and left the public education system because she felt pigeon holed in her school.

She said, “They expected me to do so much without enough resources and tools to help me. I like the education style of the Compass and that it is a more student-led educational experience. I also like having more of a relationship with my students, giving me more of a community feeling”. Rachel teaches middle school math, middle school science, and fiber arts. For hobbies she likes to walk, doing wildlife photography and generally be outside.

---

Junior Class Begins Fundraising
for their Global Connections Trip

As part of the Global Connections Program at Compass School every 11th grader takes part in a trip later in the school year. Students build deeper friendships while learning about the culture, people, and environment of the place they travel to. A lot of planning and fundraising goes into these trips.

This year’s Junior Class will be selling Cher’s homemade cookies and brownies on Thursday 10/4 at pick up! Cookie flavors: chocolate chip, sugar and oatmeal raisin. $5/bag for a sweet treat your family will love.

---

On the Calendar - October, 2024

• Friday, 10/11 Mountain Day (no regular classes)

• Monday 10/14 NO SCHOOL - Indigenous People’s Day

• Friday, 10/25 Student Led Conferences