Compass Chronicle

A Word from our Coordinator

Happy spring! Scholars are well into the second semester and engaged in their rigorous curriculum. They are working hard to stay on pace and engaged in their coursework. Teachers are planning new learning labs and making sure to incorporate test preparation skills, so our scholars are ready for state testing! State testing is at the end of April through early May. Testing is also an excellent time for scholars to connect with classmates and Compass staff and a critical time to see how your scholar is doing academically and to pinpoint areas of strength and improvement. We’re excited to see our Online K-8 team finish off the second semester strong!

Pictured here Lakota and her sister Ariah.

We know that often with our scholars each day is different, but what would a typical day look like for you and your scholar?

Rebecca (Mom): Except for the fact that we eat oatmeal with sprinkles for breakfast and read, every day is atypical!

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

Rebecca: The greatest joy is being able to research subjects in-depth, taking time for a field trip rather than stopping where the lesson stops. Being present to experience growth and see smiles of recognition or discovery!

Share a challenge that you have experienced as a learning coach and how you

have worked to overcome the challenge.

Rebecca: The K12 Curriculum allows us to work through all challenges. When we had an “Antibiotic Challenge”, it gave us the freedom to work at different times of the day, depending on our scholar’s needs. We were able to schedule appointments with specialists during the week and makeup courses on the weekend.

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

Rebecca: When we found our scholar was shy, I called a friend in Texas who attended SMU and homeschooled her introverted child. She suggested charter schools. I have three teaching credentials and my husband Paul, a Senior Computer Scientist, who works from home, felt that Compass was a good fit.

What do you enjoy most about being part of our Compass community?

Rebecca:

1) Wonderful teachers!

2) Great materials. (the technology keeps improving and the literacy selections are perfect!)

3) You get to have coffee with the Superintendent & CEO!

4) The flexibility to finish when it’s best for your family.

5) Field Trips!

Share a piece of advice you would give to a parent thinking about taking their child

out of school to school at home?

Rebecca: Parents have approached us, once they learn we charter at home, and we suggest that they try Compass. They have to do what is best for their child and family.

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

Rebecca: Playing with Lakota’s new dog, Romeo, riding bikes, family outings, playing guitar, and piano, making up songs, going to the dinosaur museum and the zoo! And a lively game of “Guess which animal I am?”

Meet Crystal Villegas, Online K-8 Teacher

Can you share a little bit about your background in education?

Crystal: I was a founding educator at Aspire Public Schools in Los Angeles, and in five short years, we received state recognition as a California Distinguished School. I have always been drawn to working with youth in underprivileged settings, fostering a growth mindset, and providing inspiration to help them change the odds. This is my eleventh year working as a teacher and my twentieth year working with children!

Where did you attend college?

Crystal: I attended California State University at Long Beach, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. I worked with children all through my undergraduate college experience. I have had various positions as a director of a tutoring center and branch director of a Boys and Girls Club before returning to school to complete my masters degree and teaching credential at Loyola Marymount University.

What is your favorite song to listen to while working?

Crystal: My favorite song to listen to while I work is “Roar” by Katy Perry!

Have you recently read any good books? If so, what did you read?

Crystal: I recently read “The Whole-Brain Child” by Dan Siegel, and it made an impact on my parenting approach.

What is one of your favorite movies?

Crystal: I enjoy watching the movie “Trolls!” with my children.

What do you enjoy most about teaching at CCS?

Crystal: Teaching at CCS allows me to continue to pursue my passion for teaching while balancing my life at home with my children. I enjoy supporting parents in their growth as educators at home, with unique strategies and skills. My passion is in overall wellbeing and emotional wellness. I provide a foundation to live a happy, fulfilling life, that will contribute to the overall wellbeing of our world. Mindfulness and yoga in education is an area I am very passionate about spreading throughout education. Here at Compass, I started mindfulness and movement weekly sessions for my scholars.

What activities do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?

Crystal: I enjoy art, yoga, hiking, going to a Dodger’s games, and taking mini “staycations” with my family.

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.

Compass Charter Schools

Visit our website for more information about our academic programs. Want to get connected? Give us a shoutout on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram: @CompassCS #ChooseCompass

850 Hampshire Road, Suite P, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States info@compasscharters.org compasscharters.org

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Compass Charter Schools

Compass Chronicle

Online K-8 Program | March 2020

Compass Chronicle

Online K-8 Program | March 2020

A Word from our Coordinator

Work Samples & Learning Labs

6 Graders Practice Note Taking As They Learn About the Spartans and Athens in Social Studies!

First Graders Have Fun Practicing Their Coloring and Counting!

6 Graders Have Fun in Science With Their Superhero Names!

Middle School Scholars Practice Their Google Slides Skills While Learning About Photography!

A Compass Family Story: Meet the Lunsford-Parcell Family!

Staff Spotlight

Meet Crystal Villegas, Online K-8 Teacher

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