Compass News & Announcements: Week of 10/28/2024

Welcome to the second week of 2nd quarter! Compass has a lot of exciting fall events coming up!

Class News

(1) Q2 Registration: Registration for 2nd quarter classes is still open, and students can enroll in open class spaces. Contact Compass for pro-rated late registration fee. New families are welcome!

Calendar Notes

(2) Halloween Week: Students are welcome to wear costumes to classes the week of October 28, subject to the Costume Guidelines below.

(3) Calendar/Holidays: Compass classes will be held on Election Day and Veterans Day. Compass does not meet Thanksgiving Week (Nov. 25-29). See the complete Compass calendar online.

Special Events

(4) Teen Dance: The Ghostly Gala will take place on Saturday, November 2 from 7:00 pm- 10:00 pm for Compass students and their guests, ages 14+. See more details and buy tickets online on the Acvitity Fees page. The last day to buy tickets is Wednesday, October 30.

(5) Middle School Party: The Spooky Spectacular will take place on Sunday, November 3 from 5:00 pm- 7:00 pm for Compass students ages 11-13. See more details and buy tickets online on the Acvitity Fees page. The last day to buy tickets is Wednesday, October 30.

(6) Paint-Your-Own-Pottery Party: Compass’s annual pottery painting event will be held November 11, 12, and 13 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm each day. Kids can get a start on making holiday gifts like personalized bowls, plates, cups, mugs, figurines, or a set of 3 mix-and-match ornaments. Painting will be done studio-style at Compass, and completed, fired & glazed pieces will be returned the following week. Pre-pay to save 10% off fee. Sign up for a scheduled entry times online on the Activity Fees page. Parents are welcome to register themselves and paint alongside their kids.

(7) Geography Bee, Spelling Bees: Registration is open for the annual Compass Geography Bee (1/29/25), Junior Spelling Bee (2/19/25), and Senior Spelling Bee (2/26/25). Sign up online on the Activity Fees page.

(8) Math Kangaroo: Compass will host the annual international Math Kangaroo competition on Thursday, March 20. MK is a 75-minute math quiz with fun challenge problems. Compass offers two test sessions: 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Sign up online through Math Kangaroo.

Resources

(9) High School Roundtable: If you are homeschooling a teen in 9th-12th grade, join us for a facilitated roundtable discussion of high school concerns: courses, credits, transcripts, college readiness, and more. Tuesday, October 29 from 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm. RSVP through Sign-Up Genius.

(10) Middle School Look-Ahead: If you are homeschooling a tween in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade, join us for a look-ahead at middle school milestones and a sneak-peek at what homeschooling high school might look like. Two dates: Monday, November 4 from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm or Tuesday, November 12 from 2:00 pm- 4:00 pm. RSVP through Sign-Up Genius.

(11) Piano Lessons: Compass is pleased to welcome a new piano teacher, Suzan Park. Students can now schedule private piano lessons with Suzan through Compass on Tue, Wed, or Thur. You can read more about Ms Park here.

(12) PVSA: Compass students and other area homeschoolers are invited to earn the President’s Volunteer Service Award! Students can track their community service hours from now until August 31 and earn a medal and certificate for their contributions. There is no cost for Compass students and a nominal activity fee for other area homeschoolers. Read more about the award here and sign-up on the Acvitity Fees page.

(13) Tutoring: Compass has a range of tutors who are available to work with students before, between, and after classes in math, science, reading, writing, sewing, and foreign language (French, Spanish, ASL, Latin, Arabic, German, Mandarin, and Russian). Contact Compass for more information.

(14) Co-Working Offices: Parents may rent quiet Co-Working Offices in Suite H while their children are in class. Offices are available for $20.00 per hour with discounts for multiple hours. Parents who wish to rent an office must contact Compass to be added as a parent user and then set up user name, password, to reserve through our online system, Skedda.

(15) Compass Parents Group (Facebook): Remember that Compass parents can connect and ask questions on a parents-only Facebook page.

Partners

(16) International STEAM Day Camp: Educate Theatre Camp is hosting an evening program at Compass on November 8, from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm for grades 3+ to celebrate International STEAM Day.  Explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and math through hands-on activities and experiments to spark creativity and creativity! For more details and to buy tickets, see their webpage and flier at Compass.

(17) Educational Consultant: Compass partners with Todd Lanier, Ed.S. who performs educational assessments such as complete psychoeducational testing, screenings, IQ batteries, and provides individualized academic coaching and counseling. He works with students who have a range of learning differences including ADHD, 2e, dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, ASD, processing disorders, anxiety, and executive functioning challenges. Mr. Lanier can meet homeschool families at Compass. Contact him directly through his practice, Lanier Education Group, or stop by the Compass front desk or office for his information.

(18) HSLDA Discount for Compass Families: Use code 306160 to get a discount of $15.00 a family membership to HSLDA. HSLDA is a national organization based in Purcellville, VA, that “defend[s] homeschool freedom and equip[s] homeschool” families. See their website for advice on homeschooling and membership.

Costume Guidelines

  • No excessive, realistic blood and gore that would scare our youngest students
  • No costumes that are skimpy/revealing and violate the regular Compass dress policy regarding modesty and appropriate coverage.
  • No costumes that would interfere with what a child needs to do in class (for example: furry claw gloves in art class or a full face mask in lab.)
  • No costumes that “shed” or drop glitter, sequins, feathers, etc.
  • No oversized costumes (for example: inflatables, washer boxes, or trash cans)
  • No costumes of any type in cooking/baking classes.
  • Compass is not responsible for costumes damaged during class or play or for accessories that are left behind
  • Use good judgement