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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.
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