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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