Compass Chronicle
Online K-12 Program | November 2019
A Word from the Coordinator!
The 2019-20 school year is proving to be the best year yet! Scholars in our online high school program have worked hard these past few months and are striving for excellence. The entire high school team has noticed many of our scholars exemplifying our school’s core values (achievement, respect, teamwork, integrity and communication) this year, too. Our scholars are focusing on their achievement, being respectful to their teachers and each other, collaborating and working in teams, showing integrity, and consistently communicating to ensure success.
It has been a wonderful start to the school year and we look forward to the many great accomplishments that our scholars will achieve throughout the rest of the year!
What's Been Happening in Online High School?
Something new that scholars have seen in their StrongMind courses this year is the implementation of AVID focused notes. Research shows that scholars retain more information, develop critical thinking skills, and master standards with the completion of focused notes. Our high school scholars have really enjoyed creating these notes and have discovered the many benefits that coincide with them as well.
With winter approaching, we look forward to the many new things to come for our scholars!
Online Scholars' Work Samples & Learning Labs
Scholars in our online program are hard at work in their courses. Each week, they spend time using our online curriculum provider StrongMind to learn independently. Then, attend their live learning lab classes taught by our credentialed teachers to enhance their learning. Here’s some of what they’ve been up to:
On Halloween, scholars in Ms. Davis’ Spanish 1 online class enjoyed a spooky Halloween learning lab and showed off their creative costumes!
A Scholar Story!
Our high school team is thrilled to spotlight Gevorg A., one of our class of 2020 graduating seniors! Gevorg writes, “I decided to learn from home when I started acting, back in 7-grade. I feel like learning from home was the better option for me, not only because of my career but because it takes the stress away from all the regular school duties. I already have enough stress in my job!
Typically, I do school in the morning to early afternoon, and then spend the day doing some creative work, like auditioning, studying acting, writing, editing, or planning for future shoots. Of course, whenever duty calls, I spend the whole day with a script or training, which is why I love learning from home so much -- it allows me to do that and just catch up on my school work the next day.
The greatest joy for me while learning at home has been spending my days doing what I truly enjoy. Live life with no regrets!
A challenge I overcame was definitely learning how to balance my career with school. I decided to choose Compass because it seemed like the right choice for my situation. Compass supports me by recognizing my hard work (along with many others), which encourages me even more!
I love being in the Compass family because it's a really positive environment. While I'm growing as a performer, I am also learning to love school because you only get to do it once.
My advice for other families that are considering online learning? I say just jump all in! If you feel it's right... it probably is! Especially when there is an incredibly supportive group of teachers standing behind you.”
When asked what he does on the little bit of free time that he does have, Gevorg concluded, “To absolutely no surprise, I enjoy watching movies with my family. They don't always understand my perspective, but spending time with them while also being invested in someone else's story is really cool to witness.”
Staff Spotlight
Meet Ms. Sowell, Online High School Teacher
Ms. Sowell is one of our new online high school teachers this year. She is teaching World History and our AVID elective course. We wanted to know a little more about her and why she loves teaching at Compass:
I am an Online High School Teacher, Social Studies & AVID, and I have been part of the #CompassFam for less than a year.
Tell us your “why” for doing what you do here at Compass.
I love working with scholars and helping set them on a path toward success. I like to help scholars create a roadmap to their dream career or future role by learning about their interests, matching them to potential careers, and determining what post-secondary education is needed, as well as what grades they need to achieve now to reach their future goals. This is a powerful motivator for scholars. I believe everyone should be a lifelong learner!
As an educator, is there a piece of advice you’d like to share with learning coaches or scholars?
My advice for learning coaches and scholars is to have a consistent study schedule that is planned around the scholar’s best time to learn. This varies for each scholar. Learning coaches can consider using rewards when their scholar reaches their goals!
Share one thing about you that very few people know.
I was recruited to play soccer at Pepperdine University
We like to go to the beach, hike, play soccer and go to Disneyland!
Meet Ms. Woods, Scholar Support Technician
Another new face to Compass this year is Ms. Woods. She is our high school Scholar Support Technician. She helps families ensure that they meet deadlines and she helps to ensure that scholars and teachers are supported. She shared why she loves working at Compass:
What is your job title and job responsibilities at Compass? How long have you been part of the #CompassFam?
I am the Scholar Support Technician and I work collaboratively with the Online High School team to strengthen the academic performance of scholars. I have been in this role since August of this year!
Tell us your “why” for doing what you do here at Compass.
My “why” for working at Compass is that I believe in the school’s mission and purpose to provide a well-rounded education for children. Compass also makes me feel like an integral part of this process and I enjoy the people and families that I get to work with!
Is there a piece of advice you’d like to share with learning coaches or scholars?
One simple piece of advice I’d like to share is to ask for help when you need it and before it’s too late. Compass provides abundant resources and they are all at your fingertips to enhance your online learning experience!
Share one thing about you that very few people know.
I ran cross country in high school and college and I still love to run and race (once in a while). Over the years, I've unintentionally completed races in descending order: Los Angeles Marathon, Half-Marathon, 10k, and most recently I completed a 5k with my daughter. Up next is a color run!
What do you and your family like to do during your free time?
We love to get away and travel and we usually end up on a beach. Our favorite spot so far was Turks & Caicos. We always look forward to planning our next vacation!
Counseling Services Department
Meet the Director!
Hello! My name is Debra Stephan and I serve as the Director of Counseling Services. I am a California native, former teacher, and school counselor. I have been fortunate to have a number of experiences supporting scholars through teaching, counseling, group sessions, parent support, and staff development, as well as, serving as the founding school counselor for Compass.
Counseling News
Can you believe it’s already November? We have much to be thankful for during this time of year. The counseling team has definitely been enjoying this school year and the many new families that have joined Compass. During the first few months of the school year, we have experienced some new additions to our team, introduced a counseling learning lab, and attended counseling conferences to support the professional development of our team and the services we provide to scholars. We look forward to continuing the momentum throughout the next few months as we near the end of the first semester of the school year!
We had two new additions to our team this year. We are excited to introduce our new counselor, Michelle Bateman! Ms. Bateman is the academic counselor for scholars in middle and high school grades. In addition, Mrs. Schwartzberg, also one of our school counselors, welcomed a baby boy to her family and will be returning to support her scholars after winter break.
In October, we introduced our Counseling Learning Lab. Every Tuesday during these virtual sessions various topics are discussed including academic achievement, social-emotional development, and college/career readiness to provide all scholars with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills appropriate for their developmental level. These learning labs are open to scholars and their learning coaches!
Fall is a busy time of year for school counselors, but we committed sometime away during the month of October for professional growth to better serve our scholar population by attending the California Association of School Counselors Conference, the University of California Counselor Conference, and the California State University Counselor Conference.
Staff Spotlight
Meet Michelle Bateman, Counselor
What is your job title and job responsibilities at Compass? How long have you worked for this organization?
In my role as a Counselor, I am an advocate and a resource for scholar academic, social, and emotional development. Our team collaboratively supports scholars’ achievement and preparation for post-secondary life through comprehensive school counseling services. I strive to empower lifelong learners with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed for success while highlighting the unique strengths already present in each scholar. In addition, I collaborate and consult with staff in other departments to increase our combined capacity to serve scholars and families. I've been a proud member of the Compass family for the past three months!
Tell us your “why” for doing what you do here at Compass.
I believe all scholars deserve a caring adult in their life and support with developing their sense of awareness, belonging, confidence, and direction. I'm passionate about education and equity. By focusing on finding solutions and working together, I believe we can overcome any obstacle and foster success.
Is there a piece of advice you’d like to share with learning coaches or scholars?
No matter how experienced or knowledgeable you are, there is always something more to learn. It is OK to not know it all! Learning is a lifelong process.
Share one thing about you that very few people know.
Few people know that I worked as a professional scare-actor for six years. Some of my favorite characters to portray were clowns, dolls, and zombies!
What do you and your family like to do during your free time?
My family and I love to travel, play games, watch Netflix, and eat! I also enjoy art, yoga, and cuddles with my dog, Savannah.
Special Education Department
Meet the Director!
Special Education Teacher Spotlight
How long have you been part of the #CompassFam?
Hello! My name is Dawn and I am a Special Education Instructor at Compass. I have been working for Compass since August 2019.
Tell us your “why” for doing what you do here at CCS.
I love teaching in a virtual environment. It allows me to work closely with my scholars and their families to develop goals and educational plans tailored to their unique needs. My favorite part of my job is celebrating all the victories and progress my scholars make and watching their confidence grow with their abilities.
As an educator, is there a piece of advice you’d like to share with learning coaches or scholars?
Think outside the box! Sometimes you have to stand back and look at the problem in a new light to find another approach to teaching a concept.
Share one thing about you very few people know?
I am a huge Harry Potter fan! I have read the books and watched the movies numerous times. My children and I have traveled to see the Wonderful World of Wizarding at Universal City and Orlando and were mesmerized the entire time!
What do you and your family like to do during your free time?
My kids and I are very active. They both play soccer and basketball so their practice schedules take up a lot of our free time. When we are not at practices, we like to run together. We recently ran our first 5K and we can't wait to do another! We also love to read and play board games.
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Compass Charter Schools
Email: info@compasscharters.org
Website: www.compasscharters.org
Location: 850 Hampshire Road, Suite P, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
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Twitter: @CompassCS
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