Compass Chronicle

Options Program | March 2022

Big picture

A Word From Dr. Aviva Ebner, Acting Director of Options Learning

It has been my pleasure to serve as Acting Director of Options Learning, in addition to my regular role as Assistant Superintendent & Chief Academic Officer, during our search for a new Director of Options Learning. Our HR team is working tirelessly to attract high-level candidates that will continue to support our wonderful Options Learning program and ensure that the program continues to grow. I feel fortunate to see the homeroom synchronous instruction continuing, with highly engaged scholars and amazing work samples that showcase their learning. And our supervising teachers and learning coaches/parents provide a well-rounded learning experience.


Loud and Proud,


Dr. Aviva Ebner,

Acting Director of Options Learning Program

aebner@compasscharters.org

@aviva_ebner

Big picture

What's Been Happening in Options?

Daily synchronous learning groups have been going strong this semester. Teachers use their scholars' interests to guide our learning topics and engagement opportunities. For example, scholars are interested in animals, so finding books to read on Epic or National Geographic about many types of animals is a great way to explore this topic.

Big picture
Big picture
In addition, some teachers and scholars are sharing the animal friends they have at home. For example, Mrs. Guzman led a scholar workshop, "Silkies, Silkies, Silkies." This workshop had a great turnout, and scholars had so much fun learning about the unique traits of silkie chickens. Which included a furry guest appearance - the kids loved to see Mrs. Guzman’s pet chicken! There was music, good facts, and lots of sharing and discussion with our scholars.
Big picture
Big picture

Work Samples!

Mrs. Coughlin’s scholars learned about animals that work and are helpers to people in the community and tied in some social studies concepts. Scholars also learned about this topic by watching video clips about animal adaptations on Generation Genius to support science standards and keep our interest in animals alive!
Big picture
Big picture
Big picture
Big picture

Meet The Carrido Family!

Big picture

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

We have more opportunities at Compass versus going to traditional school. We can focus more on specific subjects and dive deeper into the concepts.


Does learning from home help your scholar achieve their goals? If yes, please explain how.

My children started their own business and focus on sports goals. They are both very active in baseball and softball. They have learned many new skills by creating their own business ranging from planning skills, advertising skills, and profits and saving skills.


What has been your greatest joy in schooling your scholar at home? I love seeing my children grow and expand on their ideas. They have become such responsible and respectful scholars. They are very creative and well-rounded because they can explore different aspects of life when they are ready without the fear of failing.


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

Math isn’t always easy for everyone. Some of the higher math concepts can be a challenge or a struggle. I have learned that my daughter learns math best hands-on and with visuals. I found online classes and curriculums that help explain the concepts in many different ways.


Why did you decide to school from home with Compass?

We were with a different charter school when my supervising teacher switched schools to Compass. We followed her here because we love her so much!


How does Compass support your scholar?

Compass offers us a lot of support from tutoring, clubs, field trips, and a fantastic supervising teacher.


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

There is no time like now to start schooling at home. Education doesn’t just happen in the classroom. It happens every day in life for as long as you live. I don’t go a day without learning something new, whether teaching my kids or working on things at home. Learning is a lifelong process.


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

We love going to baseball games and cheering on our family. We also love going to venues with our apple business and creating new apple designs.

Big picture
Big picture
Big picture

Meet Kerry Cody, Training & Development TOSA!

Big picture

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

I started working for Compass as a supervising teacher in our Options program in August 2021. This past January, I took on the Training & Development TOSA role where I assist in onboarding new supervising teachers here at Compass and provide the necessary training and support to help them be successful.


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

My “why” has always been to provide value to the educational experience for our scholars so that they can see the most success possible. I genuinely love working directly with families who have chosen this personalized learning experience for their children. It is extremely rewarding to see the direct growth and progress each month that my scholars make and see my learning coaches grow in their knowledge and skills as facilitators of their child’s education.


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

Embrace the unscripted moments that occur throughout your school week. Our most enriching experiences in education come from those genuine and naturally occurring discussions that arise through the learning process. So take the time to lean into those moments.


Share one thing about you that very few people know.

I am a major introvert! Most people find it hard to believe, considering I have held some very social positions in public education, like assistant principal and principal in my former school district. I have gotten very good at turning on the extrovertness when needed, but I covet the quiet of home at the end of each day to recharge my batteries.


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

My husband, Nathan, and I love to travel and enjoy outdoor activities. We are hiking fanatics and have hiked all over the Western US and parts of Europe. I also really enjoy cooking and reading mysteries and historical fiction novels.

Big picture
Big picture
Big picture
Big picture

SHARE YOUR STORY

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.
Big picture

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
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_3jyxoCWVU

Copyright © 2017, All rights reserved.