At Compass, we are deeply committed to fostering the growth of our scholars as effective and confident collaborators. This commitment is embedded throughout our program, offering numerous opportunities for scholars to engage in meaningful collaboration, including classes, clubs, and community events. By working together in various settings, scholars develop essential teamwork skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
As an educator, I find immense joy in working closely with our scholars, and one of the most rewarding aspects of my role is leading the Scholar Leadership Council (SLC). This dedicated group of scholars collaborates to identify and address issues raised by their peers or submitted through the Scholar Suggestion Box. By providing this platform, we ensure that every scholar has the opportunity to participate in shaping their school community. All scholars are welcome to join the SLC through our Scholar Clubs, creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are valued.
Currently, the SLC is partnering with our Director of Information Technology, Ms. Krisha Moeller, to explore safe and effective ways for scholars to collaborate online using Google Classroom. To pilot this initiative, council members are engaging in online discussions about topics like their pets, school improvements, and other shared interests. These discussions not only provide valuable feedback about the platform's functionality but also serve as a practical example of how digital collaboration can work in a structured and supportive environment. Staff members actively monitor these conversations to ensure adherence to our ARTIC values, which emphasize achievement, respect, teamwork, integrity, and communication.
The insights gained from these discussions are invaluable, as they help us assess whether Google Classroom is the right tool to foster healthy communication and meaningful connections among scholars. Many scholars have expressed a strong desire to connect with their peers, and as a school, we are analyzing the feedback to ensure the chosen platform supports these needs effectively.
Beyond these digital initiatives, the SLC plays a vital role in representing the scholar body within the broader Compass community. For instance, our SLC Chairperson serves as a representative at the Compass Board of Directors meetings, where she presents detailed reports from monthly SLC meetings and provides input on agenda items. This leadership role allows the council to contribute directly to school governance and decision-making.
Additionally, as we approach our annual school-wide survey, the SLC will play an integral role by reviewing the questions scholars will be asked and offering their input. They will also participate in discussions about the survey results, ensuring that the scholar perspective is central to our continuous improvement efforts.
Through these diverse activities, the SLC is not only making meaningful contributions to the Compass community but also developing critical collaboration skills in its members. These experiences prepare our scholars to excel in school, thrive in their future careers, and make a positive impact in their communities. At Compass, we believe that collaboration is a cornerstone of personal and academic success, and the SLC exemplifies this belief in action.
A Promising Start to the Year!
AVID scholars have been hard at work gaining experience as they research careers of interest. Through Everfi and various interest surveys, our high school elective scholars have collaborated on creating a Food Truck Concept and all that comes with being a successful entrepreneur. As they worked together, I had the opportunity to witness each of them find their voice and a way to contribute to the conversation. I am very proud of the growth witnessed and look forward to Semester 2! In our Middle School Elective, we held a Career Fair and our scholars shared their future interests in various ways with the class. Some created a slideshow, while others made a “Day In the Life Of” video. We had a wonderful first semester and I am so proud of all of the AVID Elective Scholars.
-Andrea Lomeli, AVID Coordinator/Elective Teacher
I am the College and Career Readiness Counselor for scholars in our Los Angeles charter. I have been with Compass since April 2021. I began my journey with Compass as a math tutor and transitioned to the counseling position last month. In my role, I support scholars in various aspects of their college and career development, including assisting with dual enrollment, work permits, and the college and financial aid application processes. In collaboration with my team, my goal is to ensure that scholars feel equipped and confident in achieving their post-high school goals—whether that’s furthering their education, entering the workforce, or pursuing other career opportunities.
Tell us your “why” for doing what you do here at Compass.
I enjoy being part of the support system at Compass that helps all of our scholars overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. It's rewarding to learn about their academic and career aspirations and serve as a resource through processes that might initially feel overwhelming or intimidating. Seeing many scholars become first-generation college students is especially meaningful, as they overcome significant barriers, and pave new paths for their families.
Is there a piece of advice you’d like to share with learning coaches or scholars?
It’s okay if you are unsure about something, continue to ask questions and reach out for help until you feel certain/confident!
Share one thing about you that very few people know.
I began collecting records in high school and have continued until today. Aside from listening to the music, I enjoy looking at the different vinyl variants and the detail that goes into the album artwork.
What do you and your family like to do during your free time?
My family and I like to get together for game nights and movie nights. During the summer we set up a projector outside and bring a bunch of different snacks. We always send movie suggestions in a group chat, but somehow end up watching a movie that no one suggested.
Congraulations Carson Scholarship Nominees!
In March we will be announcing our Carson Scholarship recipient, exemplifying academic excellence, and displaying strong humanitarian qualities and community service. We would like to take this opportunity to celebrate our Carson Scholarship Nominees for their hard work and dedication to excellence!
Carson Scholarship Nominees:
Avery S.
Jeffery S.
Joshua V.
Learning Coach (Parent) Academy!
Our Learning Coach Academy sessions are all about supporting our awesome learning coaches and helping them feel confident and prepared! Lately, we’ve been covering some really practical and helpful topics. In our sessions on Fall Break Plans and Winter Break Plans, we shared ideas for balancing relaxation and productivity during the breaks, plus tips to make getting back into the school groove a whole lot easier.
In Time Management for Busy Coaches, we focused on ways to juggle coaching responsibilities with personal commitments—because self-care matters, too! During our discussion on Understanding Different Learning Styles, we talked about how to adapt coaching methods to meet each scholar’s unique needs, making learning more personalized and effective.
Our curriculum review sessions on math programs and reading and language arts gave learning coaches a chance to explore and evaluate different options to find what works best for their scholars. In our SMART Goals session, we worked on setting meaningful, actionable goals to help both scholars and learning coaches stay motivated and on track.
These sessions are all about giving our learning coaches the tools and support they need to thrive. Together, we’re building an amazing learning journey for our scholars!
"Building Creativity, One Block at a Time!"
What’s your favorite part about being the Minecraft TK-5 Club advisor?
I love watching the scholars get creative and have fun while learning. They come up with the coolest ideas, and it’s amazing to see them work together to bring those ideas to life. Plus, their excitement is contagious—it’s the best!
What’s one fun project the scholars have worked on this year?
Oh, we’ve done so many fun things! We built an underground kingdom with a roller coaster, discovered an underwater world complete with pet axolotls and a secret bunker, and even built Santa’s workshop at the North Pole with reindeer enclosures. It’s been such a blast seeing their imaginations take off!
Why do you think Minecraft is such a great tool for learning and creativity?
Minecraft gives scholars the freedom to explore, create, and collaborate in a way that feels like play. They learn problem-solving, teamwork, and even a bit of science—like when we changed the weather to build in a thunderstorm. It’s hands-on learning at its best, and they have so much fun doing it!
Thank you, Amy Foody!
Dear Compass Families and Staff,
I want to thank you all for the wonderful experience working for Compass Charter Schools as the Special Education Director. The past three years have been fun, exciting and inspiring. I have met great people, enjoyed working with wonderful families and a very professional staff. January 15, 2025, I retired from Compass and head on to a new adventure. After over 38 years in education, I am ready to retire so I may travel, volunteer in my community and possibly teach a college class or two. Dr. Barbara Wolford has taken over as the Special Education Director. She is an amazing woman with a rich background in special education. Dr, Wolford will be a wonderful addition to the Compass Team.
Good bye for now and I hope our paths cross again someday.
Amy Foody
A Word From Dr. Barbara Wolford, Director of Special Education
Dear Compass Families,
I would like to take a moment to introduce myself. I am Dr. Barbara Wolford Director of Special Education for Compass Charter Schools. I am excited to join the Compass family and have had the opportunity to work alongside Ms. Foody for the past few months as the Director of Special Education Compliance. I am excited for the second semester and the great things our scholars will do this semester. Special Education Department is preparing for the California Alternative Assessment and the CAASPP assessment this spring. Please work with your case manager on preparing for this assessment to showcase the improvement and work your scholar has put in this year.
Sincerely,
Dr. Barbara Wolford
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/.
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Compass Charter Schools
Email: info@compasscharters.org
Location: 850 Hampshire Road, Suite R, Thousand Oaks, CA, United States
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