Dear Compass Community,

In 1943, Dr. Abraham Maslow defined love and belonging as critical elements in our journey toward self-actualization. Self-actualization can also be defined as reaching our full potential. When our scholars feel loved, they feel safe and cared for, and they can achieve anything. When our teachers love their jobs and feel they are loved by their community, they are more likely to thrive. In past articles, I have discussed the importance of connection at Compass.

Over the past few months, I have observed how much love is present in this organization, and it starts with our families. Almost half of our Compass families have more than one child enrolled at Compass. In speaking with families, I hear that they cherish the connection that their children have with each other as they learn together, even when they are at different grade levels. Our parents, who also serve as learning coaches, play a crucial role in this dynamic. Of course, our learning coaches love their children, so the learning environment is based on love.

Recently, I got to hear from several families who attend our learning center in Orange County. They spoke about how much they love Compass because this system of personalized learning, which tailors education to each child's needs, strengthens the connection they have with their children and their community. Our families are the heart of Compass, so we are a school based on the love between family members.

Our supervising teachers often stay with families for multiple years and are able to form deep relationships with their scholars as they watch them grow. Our teachers often share that they love their families and spend much of their instructional time creating learning opportunities that best meet each scholar's needs.

While we look to the standards for guidance on what is included in these experiences, the power of the personalized learning model is rooted in the teacher's commitment to providing the most engaging and relevant learning experience for each scholar because they truly care about them and have their best interests at the center of all that they do. Our scholars achieve their full potential when this instruction is provided in a caring and loving environment.

What an amazing year of growth for our AVID Scholars. We have been busy exploring life lessons, financial literacy, and researching all the things we are passionate about as we use our creativity to share our learning in a new way! These AVID scholars have spent time reflecting on their growth and how the topics discussed in AVID will help them prepare for their futures. I couldn’t be more proud of them for their willingness to collaborate, take risks, and learn how to lead their peers in and out of the Zoom room. I would like to thank all of them for a fantastic year together, and I can’t wait to pick up where we left off next year! I am always looking for new middle and high scholars to join our class!

-Andrea Lomeli, AVID Coordinator/Elective Teacher

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

I am a supervising teacher and I am new this year!

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

I believe in a personalized education where parents and teachers are partners.

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

For scholars: Try your best in everything you do. Perfection doesn’t exist, but being proud of yourself is a success story in itself.

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

For learning coaches: The most important role you will play in your child’s education is being their advocate.

Share one thing about you that very few people know.

I moved to Spain to teach English 10 years ago.

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

We like to go to the beach, do small outdoor adventures, and travel. And I do lots of reading!

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

Writing is an absolute priority, and learning how to dissect texts so that it is digestible to scholars.

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, the counseling team at Compass wants to shine a spotlight on our NAMI (NCHS) Club. This club, in partnership with the National Alliance on Mental Illness, has been instrumental in raising awareness and providing support within our community. Throughout the year, our NAMI leadership team has shown exceptional dedication, from facilitating club meetings to participating in our impactful Ending-the-Silence Presentations, reaching scholars, parents, and staff alike. Under the guidance of Mr. Duarte, counselor and club advisor, we have cultivated a space for vital discussions around mental health, and we're excited to continue this important work with the NAMI scholar leadership team next year. Here is a message (Passcode: m8.V7@5o) from our NAMI Club in support of Mental Health Awareness Month.

As we mark Mental Health Awareness Month, the NAMI Club and the counseling team are committed to offering resources and support. Whether you're seeking information or assistance for yourself or someone else, don't hesitate to reach out to a Compass counselor. We believe in the power of sharing resources and fostering open dialogue to promote mental well-being. Let's spread the word on the importance of mental health and finish the school year strong as we approach June!

In addition, our ongoing efforts in mental health advocacy, the Counseling team is thrilled to announce the release of our latest podcast episode, "Framing Your Future: Exploring Post-Secondary Pathways and Decision-Making." Hosted by Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg, this episode delves into the various post-secondary options available after high school. From practical tips to navigating decision-making processes, scholars of all grade levels will find valuable insights. Tune in to Firebird Chat for more enriching discussions, and don't forget to visit the Counseling Services Department’s Padlet to get involved and share your feedback.

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to learning coaches and scholars for a remarkable year of growth. As we head into summer break, we wish you all a restful and rejuvenating time. We eagerly anticipate continuing our support in the fall, ready to embark on another journey of learning and development together.

What is your job title and what are a couple of the things you do at Compass Charter Schools? How long have you worked for this organization?

I am in my sixth year as the College Career Readiness Counselor at Compass Charter Schools. In this role, I support scholars in college and career planning, obtaining work permits, and concurrent enrollment.

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

I love the aspects of college and career, and how it is always evolving. It is especially rewarding to help scholars plan for what is next after high school. There are so many possibilities and it is amazing to see each scholar’s unique passions and interests.

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

It is never too early to start thinking about college and career! There are many great opportunities available to middle and high school scholars. The earlier you start planning, the more aware and prepared you will be.

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

I love spending free time with my dog and cat (Penny and Noodle), outdoor activities, yoga and painting.

We're thrilled to share the list of impressive college acceptances received by our Class of 2024. We celebrated Decision Day on Thursday, May 30 at noon in the counseling learning lab. Let's come together to celebrate these achievements and the bright futures ahead!

We also would like to commend the 71 scholars who have excelled in our counseling program and have been awarded the 'Finding Your Compass’ Award. The following outstanding scholars have demonstrated exceptional commitment and growth, attending five or more direct counseling sessions during the 2023-24 school year:

Scholars closed out the year with visits to Sherman Library and Gardens, Blackhawk Museum, Disneyland, the Gardens at Heather Farms, Lincoln Memorial Shrine, Pretend City, Getty Center, iFly San Francisco, the Grammy Museum, Oakland Zoo, Universal Studios for 8th and 12th Grade Grad Bash, Connolly Ranch, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Alcatraz! We look forward to another amazing year of field trips in our 2024-25 school year!

Our virtual scholar workshops are quickly wrapping up for our 2023-24 school year! Since March, scholars have designed their own pint of ice cream with our Ben & Jerry’s workshop, competed in a STEM Challenge, completed community service, a slimy science project, and a poetry slam! We’ve also celebrated Asian Pacific Heritage and Jewish American Heritage Months. Scholars will close out the year with a Dino Dig virtual field trip, scholar social hour, our annual CAASPP rally, and our Pride Month Assembly!

Our Scholar Clubs have been full of activity and excitement, buzzing with creativity and discovery throughout the school year! From the hands-on experiments of the Cooking Club, where our youngest scholars mastered the art of making pico de gallo and pizzas, to our older culinary enthusiasts working alongside a chef and crafting mochi, the aroma of learning has been as delightful as the foods they've created.

In the Genders & Sexualities Alliance Club, discussions on bullying and LGBTQ+ history have opened up important conversations, empowering scholars with strategies to handle bullying and an appreciation of the journey toward inclusivity. Meanwhile, the NAMI on Campus High School Club has woven a tapestry of understanding around diversity and self-care, engaging scholars in creating multicultural self-collages and learning grounding techniques that connect well-being with academic success.

Our Arts & Crafts Club has seen younger scholars diving into versatile art projects, from clay flower bowls to freestyle art, while the older group took inspiration from Alma Thomas to produce vibrant eclipse paintings. This exploration of artistic expression has mirrored the journeys taken by our Virtual Field Trips Club, from the bustling streets of New York to the enchanting landscapes of Thailand, enhancing our scholars' global perspective.

The LEGO Club's journey to outer space and the Book Club's exploration of award-winning literature have sparked imagination and curiosity. Stories & Snacks Club turned snack time into an interactive learning session with a Dr. Seuss theme, blending culinary skills with literary enjoyment.

The Music Club filled the air with melodies and performances, and the National Honor Society welcomed new members. Each scholar stepped confidently into leadership and community service roles.

Our Minecraft Club's scholars designed an entire theme park, showcasing their ability to collaborate and innovate within digital landscapes. This spirit of teamwork and creativity has been echoed across all clubs, where scholars have steered meetings, delivered speeches, and undertaken service projects that shape their world.

As we draw close to the end of the school year, we reflect on these vibrant moments with gratitude. The engagement and leadership skills developed here in our scholar clubs program are just the beginning. To all our scholars who have participated and left their mark, thank you for making this year truly unforgettable!

Chef Logan with ZEF BBQ in Simi Valley surprised the Cooking Club!

Scholars with the Stories and Snacks Club make some delicious creations!

The TK-5 Awesome Artisits Club shares some beatuiful artwork!

Check out this beautiful drawing from the 6-8 grade Drawing Club!

From the very start of the school year, our Learning Coach Academy has been more than just a series of meetings; it’s been a vibrant, weekly touchstone that reinforces the Compass mission and values every Tuesday. We’ve tackled a wide range of important topics, all carefully chosen to empower our learning coaches with the tools they need to effectively support their scholars.

This year, we’ve navigated through a diverse lineup of sessions, such as "Journey Together: Navigating Learning with Understanding and Support," "LC Testing Tips," and "Active Minds, Active Bodies: Integrating Physical Education into Independent Study." We've also covered "Focusing on What We Can Control vs. What Is Out of Our Control," "Providing Support: Best Ways to Assist Scholars in Their Learning Journey," and "Recognizing and Celebrating Milestones." These discussions have been crucial in broadening our understanding and enhancing our approach to meet the varied needs of our scholars.

As we approach the close of the academic year, we’re excited about our upcoming sessions on "Discovering AI," "IT Tips for the End of the School Year," and "Planning for Summer." These topics are specifically chosen to help us wrap up the year smoothly and kick off summer with a great start.

We want to extend a huge thank you to all of our learning coaches. Your dedication has not only built a strong community but has also profoundly impacted the lives of our scholars. We are looking forward to finishing this school year together with enthusiasm and celebrating our collective accomplishments!

It’s always the right time to jump into the Learning Coach Academy! If you’re new around here or a seasoned veteran, now is the perfect moment to get involved. Joining LCA means gaining invaluable insights and tools that will tremendously enhance your ability to support your scholars. We invite all learning coaches to join us on this enriching journey of learning, growth, and community building. We can’t wait to welcome new faces into our warm and supportive Academy!

Our scholars have achieved so much this year and we held four (4) ceremonies on June 6 to celebrate our scholars who received awards during the 2023-24 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 are looking forward to such a fun time at our virtual scholar celebration ceremonies for our Kindergarteners and 5-graders on June 4! Elizabeth Brenner, our Superintendent & CEO, will host the ceremonies and acknowledge our promoting scholars! We also will welcome authors and guest speakers to each event. Rebecca VanSlyke will speak at our Kindergarten Celebration and Wendelin Van Draanen will speak at our 5-Grade Culmination.

We are looking forward to having a wonderful time celebrating our graduating 12-Grade scholars and promoting 8-Grade scholars! We are celebrating 112 graduating seniors and 205 promoting 8-graders from Compass Charter Schools this year. We will be celebrating our San Diego 12-graders and 8-graders on Wednesday, June 12, followed by our Los Angeles 12th and 8th graders on Thursday, June 13, and will conclude with our Yolo 12th and 8th graders on Friday, June 14.

We anticipate that our celebrations will be full of smiles, encouragement, reflection, and celebration. We are so proud of all that our scholars have accomplished this year, and we are so grateful for 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!

Why did your family choose to learn from home instead of a traditional school building?

We decided to come to Compass because our daughter Chelsea was behind on reading, writing, math and spelling. We saw that she wasn’t being helped but rather being held back. We wanted the opportunity to homeschool and see how working on one one would benefit her.

Does learning from home help your scholar achieve their goals?

Compass has opened so many opportunities for Chelsea. When she was in the school setting she wasn’t at all interested in reading, but now she has read so many books and is interested in learning. She’s improved in reading and is improving in math. She’s very motivated to learn!

We know that when learning at home each day is different, but what is a typical school day like for your scholar?

Every morning we get up and enjoy having breakfast together and then we read a devotional and we dive right into language arts. We do history together and enjoy watching videos that pertain to the lesson of the day. Chelsea learned how to log in to her SAI class and to her PE class on her own and enjoys her classes with her teachers. We have lunch together and we read together.

What has been your greatest joy in schooling your scholar at home?

Our greatest joy in schooling Chelsea at Compass has been seeing her improvement in the areas where she needed help, it’s a joy to be with her everyday and learn things about her. We cook together. We’ve learned about her interests and seeing her grow everyday is a big joy.

Share a challenge that you have experienced as a learning coach and how you have worked to overcome the challenge.

We haven’t encountered any challenges yet because homeschooling her was what we needed and is the best decision we made. It’s been a wonderful journey because of the help we receive from her teachers Mrs. Shore, Mrs. Shannon, Ms. Kris. They have been amazing with us and always are there to help and guide us with our questions.

Why did you decide to school from home with Compass Charter Schools?

We were recommended to Compass by a friend and we are very happy we joined.

How does Compass support your scholar?

Compass is very supportive in always responding to our messages. Her teachers are always available to give support in areas where she needs more assistance. Compass supports with funds to get all the necessary materials we need for Chelsea. That is a huge help. With this help Chelsea is able to take other extracurricular classes and get to learn and enjoy doing other things than math and reading. It’s an opportunity to learn anything she wants.

What do you enjoy most about being part of the Compass family?

We enjoy Compass because it has been an amazing journey. The portal is easy to log into and submit her work with no difficulty.

Share a piece of advice you’d give to a parent thinking about taking their child out of school to school at home?

My advice to parents is to take a chance with homeschooling because it comes with many opportunities to learn about your child and to help your child in the areas they need help in. I believe strongly that they will improve with working with them one on one.

What do you, your scholar and the family enjoy doing together during your free time?

We enjoy going on field trips. We enjoy eating and watching movies together after we have worked all day. We enjoy discussing with the other family members what we have worked on and what she has learned.

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!

Are you enjoying the educational experience at Compass? Tell us! We want to hear from you. Why did you decide to join the Compass family? Or, what do you love most about being part of our community? Share you comments and all of your wonderful experiences at Compass with us! Click here to share.

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Email: info@compasscharters.org
Location: 850 Hampshire Road, Suite R, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
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