Dear Compass Families,

Many schools are incorporating safe spaces on their campuses and in their classrooms to ensure that all scholars feel safe and can learn in an inclusive and supportive environment. Safe spaces can protect scholars from bullying and encourage them to take risks. When scholars know they are accepted and supported in their learning environment, they are likelier to try new things without fear of failure or repercussions. At Compass, we create a safe space for our scholars in a virtual environment. Our teachers work closely with their scholars and families and often stay with the same family for several years. This connection allows teachers to identify when a family may be experiencing challenges and connect them to resources. The trusting relationship between parents and teachers lays the foundation for a safe space.

Compass is committed to providing an equitable and inclusive learning environment where scholars and staff respect the views of others. We strive to free our community of bias, discrimination, and intolerance. Creating a safe space allows anyone who feels threatened or otherwise unsafe to seek assistance and support regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, religious affiliation, citizenship or immigration status, veteran's status, or political views. Compass serves scholars across the state, and the virtual environment allows them to interact with scholars they may not have the opportunity to meet in their community. This inclusive framework provides a diverse learning environment where scholars can express themselves and learn about others.

Our counseling department provides services for all scholars, including learning labs with a social and emotional focus. In these labs, scholars can learn about themselves and others and build their skills to improve their mental health and well-being. Our teachers know they can reach out to a counselor if they feel that a scholar needs support with any challenges they may face.

One of our counselors, Mandi Schwartzberg, describes a strategy she uses to provide a safe space for her families, "While speaking with my families, especially during an initial meeting or introduction, I tend to ask open-ended questions to learn more about the scholar. Of the many questions I include, I also ask, "Am I pronouncing your name correctly? Are there any other names you prefer?" I approach each question as neutrally as possible and remain open to their replies. I respect my families and what they share with me; in hopes they can feel comfortable sharing any and all history or struggles related to school. After all, my beliefs do not need to match theirs to provide a non-judgmental environment. The more I accept and know my scholars, the more genuine the connection and the bigger impact I can make in providing resources and support while they navigate school because all scholars matter."

Creating a safe space for scholars and staff is a priority of the Compass leadership team. When asked what a safe space looks like, our Director of Online Learning, Janae Smith, replied, "At Compass, we create a safe learning environment for all scholars and provide opportunities for scholars' voices. We strive to create a space where scholars use critical thinking skills to develop their identities and feel valued and heard. We live by our mission to develop creative, innovative, self-directed learners. I continue to be passionate about my work at Compass because I have found a school that aligns with my teaching philosophy and is inclusive to all learners as we continue to work on personalized learning."

In the upcoming school year, Compass will be developing more supports around the safe space concept and providing professional learning opportunities to expand our services as we celebrate our diverse and inclusive scholars and their families.

Kind regards,

Liz Brenner

Superintendent and CEO

In AVID, we have been celebrating all of the growth we made this year! From Personal Mission Statements to End of the Year Scholar Portfolios, we have truly enjoyed looking back and reflecting on our goals for the year and celebrating all of the challenges we have overcome and new discoveries and friendships made.

AVID is so much more than just an elective; it is a space to learn and grow your passions and interests, as well as learn from and about your fellow peers. We are thankful for our time together and looking forward to another great year in 23-24! We would love to have you join us!

- Andrea Lomeli, AVID Coordinator/Elective Teacher

Click on the link below to learn more!

Scholars learn about paying and saving for college at AVID Financial University.

Tell us a little about yourself, your age, interests, future plans.

I am Elliana, I am 13, and I like to draw, read, and do anything 'creative.' I don't know about my plans because I haven't figured that out yet.

How does AVID at Compass help you succeed in your academic classes?

It helps me push through and try my hardest to achieve my goals.

What is your favorite part of being in AVID?

Getting to know other people in AVID

What is one goal you have set for yourself this year?

To make an animation!

Would you recommend the AVID Elective to other Compass scholars? Why or Why not?

YES! It is a fun elective that helps you learn more about your passion, and you get to meet lots of new people and get to know them!

Snapshot of your favorite academic projects this year!

"Yellow Umbrella & To the Letter" short video, here

Tell us a little about yourself, your age, interests, future plans.

I am Devin Rivera, and I am 13 this summer. I am interested in music, mainly punk music. I like bands like Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly, and Green Day. I also like singers like Billy Joel and Luke Combs, although they aren’t typically punk. I also really like stuffed animals and the Muppets. I hope that when I grow up, I can do something with both things, ideally a music career as my sort of ‘brand’ of Muppets.

How does AVID at Compass help you succeed in your academic classes?

AVID allows me to chase my creativity and passions without interfering with my other schoolwork because it is my schoolwork!

What is your favorite part of being in AVID?

My favorite part of AVID is that I am with other scholars who enjoy being creative like me.

What is one goal you have set for yourself this year?

My goal this year was to get through it.

Would you recommend the AVID Elective to other Compass scholars? Why or why not?

I would 100% recommend AVID to anyone interested in it, especially if the other electives aren’t standing out to you, then AVID is the way to go.

Snapshot of your favorite academic projects this year!

Stand-up Comedy with Too

What are your job title and job responsibilities at Compass? How long have you worked for this organization?

This is my fourth year teaching middle school at Compass in our Online Learning Program. I am currently teaching two electives and history, my favorite subject, because it’s my favorite to learn about!

Tell us your “why” for doing what you do here at Compass.

I consider myself a lifelong learner. It is what gets me excited every day. I always want to be learning, growing, and bettering myself. I think a solid education is empowering and opens up doors of opportunity. I want every scholar to grab hold of that same passion, reach their fullest potential, and experience the reward of hard work. Pouring into scholars is my way of giving back to the world. Plus, middle schoolers are just so much fun!

As an educator, is there a piece of advice you’d like to share with learning coaches or scholars?

You are a team with a common goal! Work together. Communicate. Establish healthy routines, but don’t be afraid to try new things. Believe in yourself. Celebrate your successes, and keep pushing forward. Having a growth mindset is key! We at Compass are your biggest cheerleaders!

Share one thing about you that very few people know.

I grew up in Hawaii!

What do you and your family like to do during your free time?

We love to travel. Some of our favorite time together is camping in our travel trailer somewhere out in nature.

How is #AvidinAction present with your scholars/in your class?

I love using AVID WICOR strategies during our weekly learning labs and make it a goal to incorporate a few in every lesson. This makes the content in class more engaging, meaningful, and understandable for scholars. There are so many amazing resources out there for teachers. The options are endless, and keep things fun!

What are your job title and job responsibilities at Compass? How long have you worked for this organization?

I am an Options supervising teacher (ST) and just celebrated my first anniversary with Compass. (Congratulations, Kate!)

Tell us your "why" for doing what you do here at Compass.

I am passionate about learning and am a lifelong learner. I LOVE everything to do with literacy. I think this stems from my six years teaching Kindergarten and 1st grade at brick-and-mortar schools. I firmly believe that building a solid phonics-based, literacy-focused foundation in the early elementary years can positively impact learning in every subject as a student progresses. I enjoy supporting learning coaches (LCs) in finding a curriculum that meets their scholars' learning needs and challenges them to strengthen their reading and writing skills. Like all ST's I have met and talked with in the Options Department, my scholars and their LC's are in my heart.

I look forward to our connection meetings discussing learning, interventions, and overall whole scholar development. I am an AVID fan because it includes strategies to improve connectedness, develop lifelong executive functioning skills, identify and feed intrinsic motivational habits, and encourages looking to the future and planning how to get where they want to go. I feel truly blessed to be a part of the Compass organization.

As an educator, is there a piece of advice you'd like to share with learning coaches or scholars?

Remember that learning can be challenging, teaching children at home can be hard, and sometimes LC's and scholars need someone to listen and relate with so that they don't feel alone in their journeys, and that is what ST's are here to do! Each journey will look different, and that is ok!

Is there a piece of advice you'd like to share with learning coaches or scholars?

Have an open mind regarding learning and what is important to learn. Sometimes something trivial might spark a conversation that could change a scholar's life. ST's have the same motivation as LC's and have the expertise to help find scholars' learning needs.

Share one thing about you that very few people know.

I started teaching at 15 when I taught riding lessons to pay for horse shows. I then learned how important it is to present information in different ways if a learner does not understand a concept the first time and that humans all learn differently.

What do you and your family like to do during your free time?

We enjoy camping, fishing, gardening, and watching movies.

How is #AvidinAction present with your scholars/in your class?

I teach K-3 lessons in my teaching team, so I work to include grade-level appropriate and virtually accessible AVID strategies in my studies. I also encourage my LC's to use AVID strategies at home, but I think educating LC's and ST's about the whole AVID program and how to use it in our virtual world is the first step. AVID can be a powerful and positive driving force in our school's culture.

The Counseling Team is excited to announce that Compass Charter Schools will be partnering with Top5 Colleges for the 2023-24 school year to support our college-bound scholars! This will be a great resource for college exploration and financial aid awareness. Check out this quick introduction video from Top5 Colleges, and be on the lookout for more information in the fall!

We have also added Mental Health related books to the Counseling Services Virtual Office. Scroll down to find age-appropriate books for yourself and/or your scholar on various topics. You will find access to YouTube and Epic links for read-aloud and audiobooks for many readers, along with free access to audiobooks and Ebooks available through Hoopla.

Thank you learning coaches and scholars, for a fantastic year of growth! We wish you a relaxing summer break and look forward to continuing to support you in the fall!

What are your job title and job responsibilities at Compass? How long have you worked for this organization?

My job title is “counselor,” I serve scholars with last names Mi-R in grades 6-12 with academic, social-emotional, and career/college support (alongside Ms. Olson, our College/ Career Counselor.) I have been with Compass Charter Schools since 2016.

Tell us your “why” for doing what you do here at Compass.

I have always been a “helper,” and this is the most rewarding career. I love to support scholars, stand alongside them during that uphill middle/high school experience, and see them through until graduation. Knowing you make a lasting impression and imprint on emerging adults is a huge honor.

Is there a piece of advice you’d like to share with learning coaches or scholars?

Invite flexibility and grace into your school day. Our program offers flexibility--so incorporate brain breaks and moments to be together as a family in the middle of the day if you are able. Pay attention to how you handle stress together as a family because that is a significant learning curve during schooling. The content and the diploma at the end are important, but more importantly, modeling flexibility, grit, grace, and healthy coping will be the most valuable and memorable for your scholar.

Share one thing about you that very few people know.

I competed nationally in tap dance- and qualified for world competitions in Germany during middle school.

What do you and your family like to do during your free time?

We enjoy exploring outside spaces- parks, trails, beaches, and museums. Anything together.

This year was our sixth annual Decision Day celebration, where we highlighted the post-high school plans of our soon-to-be graduates. Our scholars have amazing journeys ahead of them, and we couldn't be more proud!

We closed out the 2022-23 school year with a bang! Scholars visited the San Diego Zoo, Jelly Belly Factory, Kidspace Museum, Disneyland, Medieval Times, Jr. and Senior Grad Bash, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and Blackhawk Museum! We hope you have an amazing summer break and look forward to seeing you in September for new exciting adventures!

Our year of fun continued with our Virtual Scholar Workshops! Since March, scholars showed their talents in our Spring Talent Show, participated in several community service projects, learned the Art of Poetry, hung out together during Scholar Social Hour, and celebrated several heritage months, including Asian Pacific Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, and LGBTQI+ Pride Month. We also celebrated CAASP participation with our first-ever CAASP Rally. S many memories were made this school year, and we can’t wait to make many more!

Our scholars had a great end to their scholar club meetings for the school year!

Our learning coaches enjoyed attending our weekly live Learning Coach Academy sessions! They most recently learned some helpful Google Drive tips and tricks, IT and Engagement end-of-year tips!

Our scholars have achieved so much this year, and we held four ceremonies on June 6 to celebrate our scholars who received awards during the 2022-23 school year! Awards and accomplishments that were recognized included Finding Your Compass, Good Samaritan Award, Scholar of the Month, Firebird of the Year, Core Values (ARTIC) Awards, and Honor Roll from Semester 1!

We had such a fun time at our virtual scholar celebration ceremonies for our Kindergarteners and 5-graders on June 13! Elizabeth Brenner, our Superintendent & CEO, hosted the ceremonies, and we acknowledged our promoting scholars! We also welcomed authors and guest speakers to each event. Barbara Hicks spoke at our Kindergarten Celebration, and Wendelin Van Draanen spoke at our 5-Grade Culmination.

We are having a wonderful time celebrating our graduating 12-Grade scholars and promoting 8-Grade scholars! We are celebrating 83 graduating seniors and 200 promoting 8-graders from Compass Charter Schools this year. We celebrated our San Diego 12-graders and 8-graders on Wednesday, June 21, followed by our Los Angeles 12th and 8th graders on Thursday, June 22, and will conclude with our Yolo 12th and 8th graders on Friday, June 23. Our celebrations have been full of smiles, encouragement, reflection, and celebration. We are so proud of all our scholars have accomplished this year, and we love the opportunity to be loud and proud about all their achievements during our scholar celebration season! Congratulations to all of our scholars for their achievements and successes this school year!

Special education has added two new instructional aides to our team recently. Haley Maldonado and Odalis Hernandez. Welcome!

We are also working on adding new materials to support our scholars who require a functional modified curriculum for the 23/24 school year.

And we are also happy to announce that we will have dedicated providers for some special education-related services!

-Amy Foody, Director of Special Education

What are your job title and responsibilities at Compass? How long have you worked for this organization?

I have been a SPED Instructional Aide with Compass for over three months. I collaborate with Education Specialists to hold SAI sessions, substitute for SAI sessions, and take on special projects as needed.

Tell us your why for doing what you do here at Compass.

My Mom is a kindergarten teacher who has always inspired me and my love for education. I love learning and want to positively impact others' educational journey. I had the privilege of working with special needs scholars while getting my bachelor's degree, and I found immense joy in witnessing their progress. Their determination, resilience, and unique perspective truly inspired me. After my student teaching was finished, I knew that working with special needs scholars was where I wanted to be.

Is there a piece of advice you'd like to share with learning coaches or scholars?

A piece of advice I would like to share with scholars is to be kind and patient with yourself. Learning can be challenging at times, but it is important to remember that everyone learns at their own pace. Education is a journey that requires time and effort. Showing up and putting forth your best efforts is already a huge accomplishment!

Share one thing about you that very few people know.

I am teaching myself how to play piano! I learned to read music in high school when I played the clarinet in our school's band. I recently started wanting to play an instrument again and decided I would teach myself how to play the piano. It has been an interesting journey, but I'm making progress each day.

What do you and your family like to do together during your free time?

In our free time, you will catch us hiking nearby trails, going to farmers' markets, and doing anything we can with our two dogs, Daisy and Lilly!

What are your job title and job responsibilities at Compass? How long have you worked for this organization?

I am a Special Education Instructional Aide, and my responsibilities at Compass are providing SAI Sessions to scholars and helping with projects. I have been working for this organization for three months.

Tell us your "why" for doing what you do here at Compass.

I am working towards my Education Specialist teaching credential in special education. My "why" for what I do at Compass is that I love working in the education system and seeing scholars grow.

Is there a piece of advice you'd like to share with learning coaches or scholars?

I would like to share advice with the learning coaches or scholars: never give up and try your best no matter what!

Share one thing about you that very few people know.

Something about me that very few people know is that I did taekwondo growing up. I started in first grade and did it up to 7th/8th grade. I loved it, and I would travel to go to tournaments with some of my teammates.

What do you and your family like to do during your free time?

My family and I enjoy playing board games or walking with our dogs during our free time.

Compass Charter Schools is a non-profit charter school. Your donation helps enhance and expand the Compass Experience for our scholars, learning coaches, and staff.

The easiest way to give is online at https://www.compasscharters.org/giving/.

If you can make a gift, the Compass family will benefit greatly.

Do not forget to check if your company will match your donation to Compass. It is an excellent way to SUPER-SIZE your donation! Thank you!

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Email: info@compasscharters.org
Website: www.compasscharters.org
Location: 850 Hampshire Road, Suite P, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CompassCS/
Twitter: @CompassCS