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.

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⭐️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.

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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.

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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

Welcome back! Read the latest Compass Connector.

what is the Compass Connector?

The Compass Connector is a weekly email to our community with highlights from the school and surrounding area.

Meet Your New Editorial Team!

Pictured above left-to-right: Lola, Dechen, Raisa, Zoey, Jacksyn, Carter
(Not Pictured: Bennett)

It’s a new year at Compass and we thought you’d like to meet your new editorial team! Together with Cara, we’ll be bringing you the weekly news, events, and important information you need to know to stay connected to the Compass Community.

Hey, I’m Lola, and I’m in 12th grade, so this is my last year here in the compass community. This trimester I will be helping with writing the compass school newsletter. I am very excited to write what compass school is offering and to tell first year parents how we act in this community.

Hello, my name is Zoey and I am in 11th grade, I will be helping with the Compass Connecter.

Hi, I’m Jacksyn and I’m excited to contribute this year.

Hi, I’m Dechen, I’m in 12th grade, and I’m excited to help keep you all informed about various school-related news and events!

Hi, I’m Carter, I’m in 11th grade. I am looking forward to helping plan the Compass newsletter.

Hi, I’m Bennett. I’m in 11th grade, and I’m happy to be here.

Hi, I’m Raisa, I’m in 12th grade and I am looking forward to contributing to this newsletter.

️Special Programing Days

On Thursday and Friday this week (September 26th and 27th), we will have special activities instead of regular classes! *all outdoor activities are weather dependent

7th and 8th grade is hoping to be outdoors locally on Thursday but their plan may change due to weather. On Friday, they will be going to V.I.N.S. and the Quechee Gorge. Please bring extra clothes. For lunch on Friday, they will have to bring food from home.

9th and 10th grade will be making and editing their own films together in groups and presenting them on Friday. The Flash Film Fest is a Compass tradition.

11th and 12th grade will be doing some fun outdoor activities and service work at a few different places nearby. For lunch, students can either bring food from home, buy a bag lunch from Cher ($5), or bring money to get lunch at Allen Bros or the Brattleboro Co-op. Students who live in Brattleboro can be dropped off in town near the end of the school day.

Have you seen what’s in the latest Compass Connector? (Week ending 5/31)

Recent Compass Connector Highlights

The Compass Connector is a weekly email distributed each Friday to our community with highlights from the school and surrounding area.

• A Note from Kendra

  I’ve got the one hit wonder Walking on Sunshine by Katrina and the Waves stuck in my head. This brings back fond memories of walking toward my own high school graduation with a boombox in hand dancing to the lyrics: “ I feel alive, I feel the love, I feel the love that’s really real.”
  
  As I sit down to write this week’s note which is also the culmination of my first year as Head of School, one of my favorite ‘80s songs has taken on new meaning. Back when we were preparing for Giving Day in December, Louise said it best, "At the core of compassion is Compass".
  
  The Class of 2024’s middle school experience ended with an abrupt shutdown of schools due to a global pandemic. Since then these beautiful humans have persevered and earned their high school diploma. We look forward to celebrating them and you all at tomorrow’s ceremony.
  
  This weekly note marks the ending of the 2023-2024 school year. This summer we will be upgrading Compass School’s IT network and transitioning to the use Cisco Meraki products. The next Compass Connector will be sent using that new to Compass technology in the Fall!
  
  As some families are transitioning elsewhere after this year, and new are coming to Compass, I hope all continue to walk in the sunshine and are able to find joy in this weekend’s weather forecast.
  
  Regards,
  
  Kendra

• Saturday, June 1st is Graduation Day

  Please join us to celebrate the 12 seniors who are ready to begin their lives beyond high school!
  
  The ceremony starts at 10:30 am and, weather permitting, we'll be outside.
  
  Please plan to stay for light snacks, conversation, and celebrations cupcakes after the event.
  
  Personalized diplomas are unique to Compass so take a close look at each one to learn more about each of our seniors!

• Community Surveys Extended

  Please help us shape the future of Compass School!
  
  We welcome your insight and invite you to contribute to the fundraising planning process for the years to come. Some of you have already participated in focus groups, work group meetings, and staff have completed the SOAR Template. SOAR stands for strengths-opportunities-aspirations-results.
  
  The SOAR approach is intentionally designed to flip the deficit mentality of a SWOT analysis. In the past when strategic planning, some organizations relied on the SWOT (strengths-weakness-opportunities-threat) approach.
  
  Building on the community’s vision for personalization and compassion, the process of fundraising and development this year is being anchored in this strengths-based approach. All of which aligns with Compass School’s legacy and involvement with the Coalition for Essential Schools.

  With the goal of crafting an inclusive, well informed vision for the future of our organization, please share your perspectives in a 10-15 minute survey.
  
  Employee Survey
  
  Student Survey
  
  Alumni Survey
  
  Donor Survey
  
  Thank you!

• Dates to Remember

  ➡️June 1st - Graduation @10:30 am
  
  ➡️May 28 - June 5th - Project Week
  
  ➡️June 5th - NO SCHOOL Project Exhibition Night - Students arrive at 4pm to set up.
  
  ➡️June 6th - Last Day of School
  

Project Week In-Progress

Thank you to all the parents, community members, friends, family, and board members who came out this week to support our students as they presented their learning in a variety of formats. Your kind words and celebrations of who they are and how they learn made this week even more special.

🎓Join Us for Graduation Tomorrow!

Please join us to celebrate the 12 seniors who are ready to begin their lives beyond high school!

The ceremony starts at 10:30 am and the weather is looking lovely for an outside ceremony! 

Please plan to stay for light snacks, conversation, and celebrations cupcakes after the event.

Reminder: *Juniors are required attend and need to arrive by 10 o'clock to help set up. 

Personalized diplomas are unique to Compass so take a close look at each one to learn more about each of our seniors!

We're looking forward to a fantastic celebration and hope you'll join us for a special morning.

**Please park only on Compass campus property.

Parents Corner

It's hard to believe next week is our final few days of school for the year! 

➡️Monday, June 3rd is the last day of project week. Your kids will either be on or off campus based on their projects.

➡️Tuesday, June 4th all students are expected back at Compass for the full day of school.

➡️Wednesday, June 5th, NO SCHOOL during the day. Exhibition night begins at 4pm for all students, parents, and community members. Join us! The event will end by 6:30pm.  

➡️Thursday, June 6th - Last day of school for all students

Have you seen what’s in the latest Compass Connector? (Week ending 5/24)

Recent Compass Connector Highlights

The Compass Connector is a weekly email distributed each Friday to our community with highlights from the school and surrounding area.

• A Note From Kendra

  Please help us shape the future of Compass School!
  
  We welcome your insight and invite you to contribute to the fundraising planning process for the years to come. Some of you have already participated in focus groups, work group meetings, and staff have completed the SOAR Template. SOAR stands for strengths-opportunities-aspirations-results.
  
  The SOAR approach is intentionally designed to flip the deficit mentality of a SWOT analysis. In the past when strategic planning, some organizations relied on the SWOT (strengths-weakness-opportunities-threat) approach.
  
  Building on the community’s vision for personalization and compassion, the process of fundraising and development this year is being anchored in this strengths-based approach. All of which aligns with Compass School’s legacy and involvement with the Coalition for Essential Schools.

  With the goal of crafting an inclusive, well informed vision for the future of our organization, please share your perspectives in a 10-15 minute survey by no later than June 1, 2024.
  
  Employee Survey
  
  Student Survey
  
  Alumni Survey
  
  Donor Survey
  
  We are enjoying celebrating students at their roundtables and we look forward to graduating the Class of 2024. Thanks so very much for your contributions and support.
  
  Be well,
  
  Kendra

• Project Week Starts Tuesday

  Contracts are signed and students are ready to spend the next week and a half in a small group or individually learning about subjects that interest and inspire them.
  
  Project week runs from Tuesday 5/28 - Wed 6/5.
  
  Important Dates to Mark:
  
  ➡️Tuesday June 4th - ALL students required to be at school, even if their project is off-site.
  
  ➡️June 5th - NO SCHOOL Project Exhibition Night - Students arrive at 4pm to set up.

• Saturday, June 1st is Graduation Day

  Please join us to celebrate the 12 seniors who are ready to begin their lives beyond high school!
  
  The ceremony starts at 10:30 am and, weather permitting, we'll be outside.
  
  Please plan to stay for light snacks, conversation, and celebrations cupcakes after the event.
  
  Personalized diplomas are unique to Compass so take a close look at each one to learn more about each of our seniors!

• Dates to Remember

  ➡️May 27 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day
  
  ➡️June 1st - Graduation @10:30 am
  
  ➡️May 28 - June 5th - Project Week
  
  ➡️June 5th - NO SCHOOL Project Exhibition Night - Students arrive at 4pm to set up.
  
  ➡️June 6th - Last Day of School
  

Presentations of Learning / Y.E.A.R. Reviews

L-R: Zinth Holder's 7th grade POL, 9th and 11th Grades Y.E.A.R. Reviews

Roundtables

L-R: Cinnamon Lawrence's 8th grade RT, Maggie Breen's 10th grade RT, and Brendan Mathieu's 12th grade RT!

Thank you to all the parents, community members, friends, family, and board members who came out this week to support our students as they presented their learning in a variety of formats. Your kind words and celebrations of who they are and how they learn made this week even more special.

Parents Corner

🎓Junior Parents - Graduation is Saturday, June 1st. Commencement starts at 10:30am. *Juniors are required attend and need to arrive by 10 o'clock to help set up. We're looking forward to a fantastic celebration and hope you'll join us for a special morning.

*Juniors who are taking the SAT's are not required to come.

🎉 ALL PARENTS Wednesday, June 5th Project Exhibitions Please note the change in schedule. There is no school this day. Please have your student to school by 4pm to set up their project week exhibition. Then join us to take a tour of all student's learning transformations! The event will finish about 6:30pm

🧽The last day of school is Thursday, June 6th. We'll be deep cleaning the school followed by a closing circle, and picnic lunch. If we have good weather, we'll go swimming too!

Save the Date: Class of 2024's Graduation Ceremony

Saturday, June 1st is Graduation Day

Please join us to celebrate the 12 seniors who are ready to begin their lives beyond high school!

The ceremony starts at 10:30 am and, weather permitting, we'll be outside.

Please plan to stay for light snacks, conversation, and celebrations cupcakes after the event.

Personalized diplomas are unique to Compass so take a close look at each one to learn more about each of our seniors!