Schedule and Room Assignments
3rd Quarter classes begin the week of January 13, 2025.
You can see key dates in our Google calendar or view our Academic Calendar. You can also view the schedule as a grid (below) or as a list.
Quarter beginning January 13, 2025 |
Thursday
Mental Math Fun: Brain Blast
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 7
Students will tackle a variety of puzzles, games, and riddles each week that will develop their critical thinking, logic, math reasoning, and problem-solving skills while having loads of fun in class! Hands-on activities may use cards, dice, coins, cubes, toothpicks, math board games, math card games, and of course, lots of numbers. Every activity is in essence a math problem, and students will learn tips and techniques for tackling the challenges. For each new puzzle, game, and riddle, students will learn concepts and strategies that they can apply to solving ANY math challenge, such as: the phases of solving a problem, what to do when you get stuck, how to make predictions, how to generalize from specific cases, and what questions to ask yourself. Example activities include the game of Thirty One, logic grids, cryptograms, and deduction games. Through these weekly activities, students will learn that math isn't just something done at a desk with pencil and paper, but is present everywhere you look, and that the ability to think mathematically can be not only useful, but also fun! Students can take this class each quarter as a different selection of puzzles, games, and activities will be introduced each session. Topics in this series include: Brain Games (Quarter 1), Brain Teasers (Quarter 2), Brain Blast (Quarter 3), and Brain Busters (Quarter 4).
10:00 am-10:55 am
5th-6th
Number Ninjas: Super Shapes
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
Does your child learn best by hands-on activities, crafts, games, and stories? Number Ninjas is based on the belief that children need to work with mathematics in a concrete, physical, and tangible way in order to learn fundamental concepts. Young students will love learning numerical concepts in this interactive, exploration-based class where work with numbers feels like a game. Third quarter, students will dive into geometry by creating plane figures and sorting them according to the number of sides, vertices, and angles. We will complete symmetrical pictures with pattern blocks and drawings. Students will compare and sort 2-D and 3-D shapes using everyday objects. We will build a in-class projects featuring shapes. This class covers many of the 1st and 2nd grade Standards of Learning for math. Weekly update e-mails to parents will include suggestions for practice at home and extension activities. Topics in the Series: Play with Place Value (Quarter 1), Measurement Madness (Quarter 2), Super Shapes (Quarter 3), and Fun with Fractions (Quarter 4).
11:00 am-11:55 am
1st-2nd
Cracking Codes, Cryptology for Kids: Sleuths
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 4
Students will learn the language of undercover agents in this children's cryptology class. Cryptology is the science of secret writing which uses math and logical reasoning to decode and create mystery alphabets. Each week, students will learn one or more ciphers and will practice using them to decode messages and write secret messages to each other! Student sleuths will continue their undercover operations with all-new codes such as the Atbash Cipher, Running Key Cipher, and Four-Square Cipher. Students will also learn about fingerprinting, a key clue to real sleuths solving crimes and will mix and test an invisible ink that can only be read under a black light. The quarter will culminate in a collaboration to crack a variety of codes to flee a classroom Escape Room which may include challenges such as coded letters, picture clues, mirror image writings, puzzling word searches, and cryptograms. Topics in the Series: Spies (Quarter 1), Secret Agents (Quarter 2), Sleuths (Quarter 3), and Superheroes (Quarter 4).
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
3rd-4th
All About Astronomy: Stars, Galaxies, and the Cosmos
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Did you know that our Sun is a yellow dwarf star residing in a spiral galaxy, the Milky Way? Our nearest neighbor, Proxima Centauri, a red dwarf star, is a mere 25 trillion miles away...but in our same galaxy! Kids who love astronomy and other sciences are invited to learn about stars, galaxies, and the cosmos in this beginning astronomy class. Join us as we examine the lifecycle of stars and discuss what stars are made of. The class will learn how we observe the universe (telescopes, particle detectors, etc) and make these "astronomical" measurements of time and distance. And finally, the class will examine the phenomenon of black holes. This class will use some NASA projects for educators in their investigation. Future themes in this series include: Inner Solar System (Quarter 1); Outer Solar System (Quarter 2); Stars, Galaxies, and the Cosmos (Quarter 3); and Exoplanets and the Search for Extraterrestrial Life (Quarter 4).
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
5th-6th
Medieval History Reimagined: Crusades and Conquests (1096-1192)
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
This class will use an interactive role-playing game (RPG) to immerse students in Medieval History. Students will be assigned land and titles to create a mock feudal system in which students collaborate and compete with classmates to better understand medieval society. By chance or choice, will they amass armies, capture castles, take titles, and repel rivals, or fail and fade into the pages of history? This semester continues where the Norman Conquests of the late 11th century left off, focusing instead on the campaign of the Latin Europeans to retake and hold Jerusalem "for Christendom." The Byzantine Empire had long ago lost control of the holy city of Jerusalem, forcing European pilgrims to undertake a dangerous journey through hostile lands. Continued defeat against the Seljuk Turks in Anatolia left Emperor Alexios unable to recruit and raise new troops, thus mercenaries were increasingly the core of the Byzantine army. To remedy this, Alexios asked Pope Urban II to send military aid in the spirit of "Christian cooperation" and for the protection of pilgrims to the Holy Land. What Alexios got was not an elite, well organized, or loyal army, but a rabble ranging from self-interested knights to an actual mob led by a strange hermit named Peter, and a shockingly large number of juveniles in the "Children's Crusade." It turns out that Pope Urban II was not interested in cooperation as much as he sought to establish himself as the most powerful man in Europe with a unified "holy army." Instead, he got powerful nobles seeking fame and fortune abroad; knights hoping to have their sins absolved; some who wanted only to fight; and tens of thousands of untrained peasants just along for the trip. The class will follow these Crusaders, with a myriad of motivations, most of whom hoped to claim personal fiefdoms in a strange new land.. or else die trying. Students will examine case studies taken from primary source documents in art and literature to learn how warfare, architecture, politics, law, and religion interplay to create the history of the world. They will build on this base of knowledge to continue the study of English history in future semesters. In this semester's RPG, students will be assigned a medieval estate and awarded noble titles but some will be Saxon, French, Italian, German, or Silico-Normans (Normans from Sicily). Students will develop their own coat of arms. Each will begin with similar wealth, populations, knights, and land, and wait to see how their fates unfold each week in a custom game described as a complicated, semester-long game of Risk or Medieval Axis & Allies. Topics in this Series: Rise of Norman Power (Semester 1), Crusades and Conquests (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: None Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on readings. Assignments: Reading assignments will be assigned in class and noted in the weekly e-mail. Assessments: Short, open note in-class quizzes will be given, and students will have a semester project. What to Bring: Paper or notebook; pen or pencil; assigned articles. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in world history for purposes of a high school transcript.
10:00 am-11:55 am
9th-12th
(Semester Long)
Past Places: History & Geography through Games- Imperial Asia (12PM)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 0
Learn history and geography through hands-on, interactive play rather than by studying flat, dull maps! Many great games feature play on map-based boards that can be used as teaching tools. Visual and kinesthetic learners will remember where Mongolia and Madagascar are when they have amassed miniature armies there! The instructor will use board games from his personal collection as teaching tools. In addition, he creates custom boards to use with modified game rules and playing pieces. Third quarter, students will learn about the Imperial Asia with a focus on Feudal Japan using a custom table-top map of Japan and the rules and playing pieces adapted from the game Ikusa (aka Shogun) and Axis and Allies. Students play using actual Japanese clan names as they learn about feudal Japanese shoguns, samurai, and feudal warfare. The game continues week-to-week with students reviewing the geography as they set the game back up. For this conflict, students learn which regions were engaged and where they were located, capitals and key cities, shared borders and boundaries, and prominent geographic features and waterways. They gain an understanding of why feudal clans were at war and how those events influenced history and the modern map. There is a $15.00 supply fee due to the instructor on the first day of class for custom-printed maps and shared class materials. Topics in this series include: The 18th Century World (Quarter 1); The American Civil War (Quarter 2), Imperial Asia (Quarter 3), and The World at War- WWI (Quarter 4).
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
6th-8th
Past Places: History & Geography through Games- Imperial Asia (1PM)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 2
Learn history and geography through hands-on, interactive play rather than by studying flat, dull maps! Many great games feature play on map-based boards that can be used as teaching tools. Visual and kinesthetic learners will remember where Mongolia and Madagascar are when they have amassed miniature armies there! The instructor will use board games from his personal collection as teaching tools. In addition, he creates custom boards to use with modified game rules and playing pieces. Third quarter, students will learn about the Imperial Asia with a focus on Feudal Japan using a custom table-top map of Japan and the rules and playing pieces adapted from the game Ikusa (aka Shogun) and Axis and Allies. Students play using actual Japanese clan names as they learn about feudal Japanese shoguns, samurai, and feudal warfare. The game continues week-to-week with students reviewing the geography as they set the game back up. For this conflict, students learn which regions were engaged and where they were located, capitals and key cities, shared borders and boundaries, and prominent geographic features and waterways. They gain an understanding of why feudal clans were at war and how those events influenced history and the modern map. There is a $15.00 supply fee due to the instructor on the first day of class for custom-printed maps and shared class materials. Topics in this series include: The 18th Century World (Quarter 1); The American Civil War (Quarter 2), Imperial Asia (Quarter 3), and The World at War- WWI (Quarter 4).
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
6th-8th
Dynamic Dioramas: Biome Builders- Coral Reefs (Thu)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 1
The best way to understand a biome is to build (a model) one! A biome is a large zone on Earth characterized by its climate, soil, vegetation, and organisms with special adaptations for the unique environment. In modeling biomes, students will learn how they are different than similar ecological concepts like habitats and ecosystems. Students will discover how human activities, such as deforestation and habitat destruction, are transforming biomes. In this science-themed diorama class, students will be exposed to concepts such as trophic levels, the water cycle, biological competition, geographic isolation, convergent evolution, species diversification, natural vs unnatural climate change, food webs, habitat loss, and ecological niches, while they are working on their models. Coral reefs are vibrant marine ecosystems found off coasts in warm, clear, shallow water. These underwater formations are formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate skeletons produced by corals. Coral reefs provide habitats for an array of marine life, including colorful fish, sea stars, anemones, and larger predators like sharks and rays. The intricate reef structure offers shelter, breeding grounds, and feeding for countless ocean species. Each student will create an individual diorama. Students will craft and hand-shape their scene on a 10 x 14 inch foam board using artistic, model-making techniques. They will customize their dioramas with landforms, waterways, plant life, and paint. Once individual projects are constructed, students will populate them with miniature figures and combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to create a larger terrain. Students will then compete in a zoology-based survival strategy game. Each student will create one board and receive a set of miniatures to take home with them. Course documents such as maps, game rules and all other instructional media will be available via a Google Drive link which will be emailed to parents. There is a $25.00 materials fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Mangrove Swamps (Quarter 1), Marshlands (Quarter 2), Coral Reefs (Quarter 3) and Deep Sea Trenches (Quarter 4).
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
3rd-5th
Harry Potter Handicrafts: Flitwick's Favorites
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 4
You've dreamed about going to Hogwarts, and now is your chance to experience a year of magical classes! In this maker class, students will create projects inspired by their core classes at Hogwarts (Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration) and a Hogwarts guest professor. Students learn to work with a variety of materials and learn a broad range of crafting skills such as hand-sewing, painting, papercrafting (including precision cutting, folding, and stenciling) sculpting, and wireworking to create magical pieces inspired by the World of Harry Potter. Welcome to the third term at Hogwarts! In addition to your core wizarding classes, special projects will be inspired by guest Professor Flitwick such as Dragon Scale Face Paints and Floating Candles. This is a great class for Harry Potter fans who love the magical world, even for those who have not read all of the books or watched all of the movies. Projects and class discussions are geared to not reveal significant series spoilers. Note: A few classes may include a Harry Potter-inspired food creation or personal care product. The ingredients will be identified in advance, and students with food or ingredient allergies or dietary restrictions will need to check before handling/consuming. Substitute ingredients cannot be provided for those with food allergies or restrictions. Topics in this Series: Quirrell's Creations (Quarter 1); Pomfrey's Potions (Quarter 2); Flitwick's Favorites (Quarter 3); and Lockhart's Fabrications (Quarter 4) Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $35.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. What to Bring: Students should bring good scissors for cutting paper/fabric, a ruler, and a low temp, mini hot glue gun to class each week.
10:00 am-10:55 am
5th-8th
Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a...Time Machine (Thu)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 4
Children are full of stories and bubbling over with big ideas! In this class, students will learn how to capture their creative vision into a simple story that they will write and illustrate. This quarter, our storytellers will imagine time machine travel. Will they spring forward to a far-flung, fantasy future or backward to behold bewildering bygones? Students will learn how to build a Story Arc through guided, weekly activities. They will discover the key elements to composing a story such as crafting characters, posing a problem, advancing the action, constructing the climax, and writing the resolution- through brainstorming questions like, "Who is in your story?", "Where does this take place?", "What does that look like?" and "What happened after ____?" Students should be able to read, write, and spell at the second grade level or higher for this class. Psst- don't tell your child, but this class helps lay the foundation in language arts for more advanced creative writing and composition. Pair this class with Acting: Kids Theater or Writing Wonders to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition.
11:00 am-11:55 am
2nd-3rd
Colorful Canvas for Kids: Acrylic Painting
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 2
Kids will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4).
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
4th-5th
Colorful Canvas for Little Kids: Acrylic Painting
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Little kids will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4).
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
2nd-3rd
Colorful Canvas for Tweens: Acrylic Painting
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Tweens will be introduced to acrylic painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. There is an $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4).
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
6th-8th
Literature Roundtable: Time Travel Fiction
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
Roundtable is a seminar-style literature analysis and discussion class for high school students. Instead of a broad, general survey of literature, Roundtable students will examine a focused, "special topic" in literature through critical evaluation and rich discussion. Written works will be selected for their contribution to a specific genre and their influence on society. Second semester, the class will examine the genre of time travel fiction with a critical eye on what elements are found in time travel fiction. The class will examine the exploration of alternate timelines and the consequences of altering history through a study of works such as: Time Machine by H.G. Wells; (1895) Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court by Mark Twain (1899); Thurst by Lidia Yuknavitch (2022); Kindred by Octavia Butler (1979); and Timeline by Michael Crichton (1999). For this course, students should be engaged readers who come to class prepared to participate in intellectual discussion. Students are also expected to take part in weekly class discussions by sharing their reflections and reactions to the readings and drawing conclusions and comparisons with other works. For each novel, the instructor will provide a guide with thoughtful questions and prompts on the reading that students must come to class prepared to discuss with textual evidence. The course instructor will serve as a facilitator-moderator to lead Socratic, "roundtable" discussions in addition to other in-class activities, such as partner and small group work, to further the class's understanding of the literature. This course will focus on comprehension and analysis through discussion rather than composition. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as rewriting a scene, imagining a conversation between characters from different books, developing a prequel or sequel scene, writing a review, etc. When discussing written works, students will be expected to give textual references such as specific quotes and examples- a higher-order high school and college-level skill that will be needed in later courses which require written analysis of literature. A key skill that will be taught in this class is how to annotate texts. Students will begin by examining samples of the instructor's own annotated novels then move to annotating the first short story in class as a group. For each novel, students will be given specific details to search for and annotate such as major plot points, character traits, interesting word choice, setting details, quotations, or questions. Later, students will be prepared to annotate automatically as they read with their own questions and reactions, a skill that can also be applied to the readings in other courses. Topics in this Series: Dystopian Discourse (Semester 1) and the Time Machine Travel (Semester 2). Continuing students from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: Students should be able to read and comprehend at a minimum 9th grade level for this course. Per Compass guidelines, accelerated 8th grade students may register for this course, however, in addition to the 9th+ grade reading level, they must possess the maturity to handle high school level topics and more mature discussion. Workload: Students should expect to read approximately 100 pages per week. For students who have challenges with reading, audio books may be used, but students should still be prepared to follow along and annotate in the physical novel. Assignments: Weekly assignments will be posted in the Canvas classroom management system. Students will need their own e-mail addresses to access the system, and parents may be set up as additional "observers" to their teen's Canvas account. Assessments: Points will be assigned for preparation, participation, and short assignments, and parents may use the total points earned to calculate a grade. Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, a "class bundle" of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students. (See Supply Fee below). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $54.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class book bundle.
10:00 am-10:55 am
9th-12th
(Semester Long)
Graphic History: The Civil War (through Graphic Novels)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
Why did US states take sides and fight a bloody war, brother against brother? How did the country reunite and rebuild? What changes did the telephone, electrification, and the first automobiles bring to daily life? In this class, students will learn about American History through graphic novels. Kids will not realize they are absorbing factual information and learning about history through the entertaining, illustrated, short-form novels. Through colorful, dramatic graphics and an approachable conversational tone, graphic novels show kids that history can be thrilling! Each quarter will begin with an overview of the graphic novel genre including vocabulary unique to the illustrations and format (panels, speech bubbles, etc.) by looking at several other examples of graphic novels. Each week, students will read a portion of a graphic novel at home from the Saddleback Educational Publishing Graphic, US History Series. In class, the novels and historical content, key historical characters, and events will be discussed. Extension activities will be incorporated such as reading, listening, or watching excerpts of other accounts of the same historical events. Students will think they are talking about cool, comic-style books, but the facilitated class discussion will lay the groupwork for an understanding of US History, chronology, and critical thinking skills. Third quarter will cover the build-up and aftermath of America's War Between the States with The Civil War (1850-1876), The Industrial Era (1865-1915), and America Becomes a World Power (1890-1930). Students are expected to read approximately one half of one graphic history novel (25-30 pages) per week which they may read individually or read aloud with their families. These novels are generally considered at an ages 8-12 reading level. Build a graphic history library. Collect all 12 (3 per quarter)! Because students will need the same editions of all three graphic novels to be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, class sets of the graphic novels will be purchased for students. A supply fee of $48.00 will be due payable to Compass on or before the first day of class for three novels. Topics in this series include: The American Revolution (Quarter 1); Westward Ho! (Early 19th Century) (Quarter 2); The Civil War (Quarter 3); and The 20th Century (Quarter 4)
11:00 am-11:55 am
5th-6th
Marvelous Myths and Mythical Marvels: Monsters
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 0
Explore the world of gargantuan gods, humble heroes, and malevolent monsters! Mythology is the birthplace of some of the most entertaining and incredible cultural stories ever written. Some ancient myths even have plots that rival today's comics and blockbuster movies. Many myths still have millennia-old appeal because of their timeless tales of good versus evil, life and death, creation and the afterlife. This class explores the origins of early mythology, from the Egyptians to the Greeks, Romans, Celts, Aztecs, and more through epics, plays and poetry. Readers will explore the realm of mythology through short stories, class discussion, analyses, extension activities and projects that will boost comprehension and the understanding of myths as the basis for many other forms of modern media. Students will enjoy reading and discussing battles, romance, treachery, larger than life heroes and characters, intricate gods and goddesses, and all sorts of fantastical creatures! Third quarter, the class will explore Monster Myths featuring the legendary creatures who wreaked havoc on society and the heroes who defeated them. As examples, the class will read about the great Anglo-Saxon warrior Beowulf who battled and defeated a trio of monsters: the vicious Grendel, Grendel's mother, and a dragon. They will read about the decade-long voyage of Odysseus who fought off monsters such as the Cyclops, the witch Circe, and the sea monster Scylla. Finally, students will unravel the tale of Orestes who faced the monstrous Furies, vengeful spirits of the underworld. For this class, students need to be on-grade-level for reading. Topics in this series include: Heroes (Quarter 1); Origins (Quarter 2); Monsters (Quarter 3); Transformations (Quarter 4)
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
7th-8th
Secret Pages Society: Adventures
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 4
Secret Pages Society is a facilitated book club just for elementary readers who want to embark on the adventure of reading and the camaraderie and community of a continuing club. Inspired by highlights from Hogwarts, members of the group may decide to design a club crest, establish leadership roles like club chronicler and treasurer (to manage Compass cash and a treasure chest), and sort themselves into "houses" by interests. Class members will shape the rules and readings for the club! Each quarter, the Society will read one book that is teacher's choice and a second book that the members select as a group from a list curated by the instructor and nominated by members. Members must read assigned chapters from their books at home, either as individual silent reading, read-aloud with parents' support, or listening to an audiobook edition. Readers will be encouraged to take notes on key passages or questions. All books are selected from among Newbery Medalists and Honor Books, Caldecott Medal books, and proven classics of children's fiction. Club members will read high-quality, age-appropriate literature and expand their understanding of what they read through book discussion and hands-on extension activities. They will be encouraged to interact with the story and each other through activities such as acting out or illustrating favorite scenes, discussing and writing alternate endings, prequels, origin or spinoff stories, researching specific aspects of the story, or dressing as favorite characters. Through guided club discussion, the group will be exposed to beginning literary analysis in a fun, interactive setting by discussing plot, theme, characters, setting, genre, writing style, and artistry using specific examples from the story. They will learn to analyze characters, their actions and motives, respond to hypothetical questions, make predictions, and answer prompts using examples from the book. Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, copies of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students for the first book. (See Supply Fee below). Parents will be responsible for buying or checking-out a copy of the second book, once selected. Supply Fee: A class fee of $8.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for Book 1. Topics in this Series and teacher's choice books include: Adventures: Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier (Quarter 1); Journeys: Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman (Quarter 2); Quests: Aru Shah and the End of Timeby Roshani Chokski (Quarter 3); and Discoveries: Holes by Louis Sachar (Quarter 4).
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
4th-6th
Word Games: A Language Arts Olympics (Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
'Simon Says' sentence structure. 'Go Fish' grammar games. Preposition 'Pictionary'. Word Games is a weekly Language Arts Olympics which uses games and active play to teach the boring stuff: the rules and definitions of language arts such as grammar, punctuation, parts of speech, spelling, vocabulary, and word roots. Kinesthetic learners will have fun with the hands-on and activity-filled adventures which introduce grade-level aspects of language arts. The class will use stories and games such as charades, puzzles like connect-the-dot and crosswords, card games, and fun, in-class challenges like 'Twister', hula hoops, hangman, and relays to reinforce the language arts rules that help young students become better readers, writers, and spellers. Every class is different, so students can take this class each quarter to continue to build their language arts toolbox.
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
2nd-3rd
Precalculus with Trigonometry
Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4
Day(s): Mon, Thu
Open Spots: 6
This is a complete course in high school PreCalculus which will cover fundamental concepts and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. Topics in Precalculus include functions: polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric (right angle and unit circle). In addition, the course will cover polar coordinates, parametric equations, analytic trigonometry, vectors, systems of equations/inequalities, conic sections, sequences, and series. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation Algebra I, Algebra II, and Geometry in order to take this class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus, 6th edition by Stewart, Redlin, and Watson (ISBN-10 0840068077, ISBN-13 978-0840068071). A scientific calculator similar to the Casio fx-115ES PLUS is required for this class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Precalculus for purposes of a high school transcript.
10:00 am-10:55 am
10th-12th
(Year Long)
Algebra I (Mon, Thu)
Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4
Day(s): Mon, Thu
Open Spots: 4
This is a complete course in high school Algebra I which will cover fundamental concepts in algebra and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. This course is designed to emphasize the study of algebraic problem-solving with the incorporation of real-world applications. Topics in Algebra I include number systems, linear systems, rational numbers, complex numbers, exponents, roots, radicals, quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, absolute values, ratios, and proportions. In addition, the course will cover solving and graphing systems of functions, linear equations, and inequalities. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem-solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in pre-algebra topics in order to take this class. In addition, students should be capable of copying the sample problems and solutions worked in class on the white board to his/her own notes as examples for completing homework. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Algebra I: Expressions, Equations, and Applications by Paul A. Foerster. It is available in a few different editions, each of which is virtually identical: 2nd edition (ISBN-10 020125073X, ISBN-13 978-0201250732), 3rd edition (ISBN-10 0201860945, ISBN-13 978-0201860948), and Classic edition (ISBN-10 020132458X, ISBN-13 978-0201324587). It is also available under the title Foerster Algebra I, Classics edition (ISBN-10 0131657089, ISBN-13 978-0131657083). A calculator is not needed for this course. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Algebra I for purposes of a high school transcript.
11:00 am-11:55 am
7th-10th
(Year Long)
Geometry
Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4
Day(s): Mon, Thu
Open Spots: 9
This is a complete course in high school Geometry which will cover fundamental concepts and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. Students will learn deductive reasoning, and logic by completing geometric proofs. Topics in geometry include: lines, angles, congruence, concurrence, inequalities, parallel lines, quadrilaterals, transformations, area, similarity, right triangles, circles, regular polygons, and geometric solids. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in Algebra I in order to take this class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Geometry: Seeing, Doing, Understanding, 3rd edition (ISBN-10 0716743612, ISBN-13 978-0716743613) A calculator is not needed for this course. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Geometry for purposes of a high school transcript.
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
8th-11th
(Year Long)
Algebra II
Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4
Day(s): Mon, Thu
Open Spots: 6
This is a complete course in high school Algebra II which will cover fundamental concepts and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. Topics in Algebra II include linear functions, systems of equations and inequalities, quadratic functions and complex numbers, exponential and logarithmic functions, rational and irrational algebraic functions, and quadratic relations and systems. In addition, this course will cover higher degree functions with complex numbers, sequences and series, probability, data analysis, and trigonometric and circular functions. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation Algebra I in order to take this class. Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 7-day cycle, with assignments posted on Thursdays and due the following Thursday. Students are advised to start homework once it is assigned (i.e., not wait until the night before it is due). Weekly homework assignments will be of a length that a student should be able to complete them in two or three at-home work sessions. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of their work. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address in order to be set up as users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: Student progress will be assessed by: (1) The instructor checking that weekly homework sets are attempted and complete and (2) detailed grading of periodic take-home tests. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Algebra and Trigonometry: Functions and Applications- Prentice Hall Classics (ISBN-10 0131657100, ISBN-13 978-0131657106). A scientific calculator similar to the Casio fx-115ES PLUS is required for this class. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Algebra II for purposes of a high school transcript.
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
10th-12th
(Year Long)
Chemist Kids: Chemistry at Home
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Kids are naturally curious about chemistry! Chemistry explains the properties, behaviors, and interactions of materials around us: things we eat, drink, clean with, wear, drive, and even play with. Kids can use chemistry to understand how things taste, smell, mix, melt, combust, feel, and whether they are recyclable or rubbish, helpful or harmful, nutritious or not. Chemistry is key to understanding the world around us, including other areas of science. In this class, kids begin to use scientific words to describe their observations and will become familiar with some science apparatuses. Third quarter, kids will discover chemistry at home in products they use every day from glue sticks to glow sticks and soaps to shampoos. Find out what is in toothpaste and how it cleans your teeth. Test detergents to see what stains are removed and uncover the chemistry of how they work. Play with the properties of plastics, adhesives, and lubricants and try making your own. Students will examine the properties of paints, dyes and inks through chromatography. A lab fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this series include: Chemistry in the Kitchen (Quarter 1), Chemistry in Action (Quarter 2), Chemistry at Home (Quarter 3), and Chemistry of Toys (Quarter 4).
10:00 am-10:55 am
5th-6th
The Science of Art: Optical Illusions & Color
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
"S" is for science, and "A" is for art in the study of STEAM, but have you thought about the science in art? Artists must understand the science of the materials that the use: how they tint and texturize, mix and melt, dye and dry, blend or bend. There is a complex community of scientists and engineers with specialties in polymers, glass, chemicals, paper, and textiles who design the materials that artists use to create their art. This class will learn about the science and properties of some unique artistic processes and materials and how and why they work. Third quarter, the class will examine optical illusions and color, with activities involving fractals and the visual phenomena such as the transformative art of Escher and mystifying mobius strips. Students will learn about the neuroscience and psychology of color and the properties of light including refraction through water and prisms to understand the component colors. The class will use some computer applications and some designs on paper to observe and recreate the Munker-White Illusion (color stripes distorting color perception), the Muller-Lyer Illusion (size distortion), and fractal phenomena. In-class projects will also incorporate depth reversion, such as ambiguous 3-D cube, shading to represent form, design-your-own Escher like patterns, and experiments with line density and distribution on a spinning disk! Topics in this series: Resins & Polymers (Quarter 1), Paints & Dyes (Quarter 2), Optical Illusions & Color (Quarter 3), and Paper Engineers (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
11:00 am-11:55 am
7th-8th
Programming Projects Jr: Sphero Robotic Ball
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Every parent knows that kids are curious, captivated, and quick to learn technology-based products. Programming Projects builds on that curiosity to introduce computer science basics, problem-solving, and computational thinking through play-based learning. Third quarter, students will work with Sphero Mini Robot Balls which are spherical, bluetooth enabled robots encased in a clear jacket. Think of BB-8 in Star Wars! Students can code these robots using "drawing" (literally dragging their finger on a computer screen) or block coding with Scratch. Students will work in teams to direct Sphero Mini Robots through mazes and obstacle courses, make them talk, and race them. Inside the Robot ball, there is a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights that are manipulated through simple coding. Once students have mastered programming through drawing on screen, they will learn to control the Robot ball through simple programming in the Sphero Play app or the Sphero Edu app on a phone or tablet. All equipment and devices will be provided by the instructor. Learn more about the Sphero Mini Robot Ball here. https://youtu.be/YxlLeiVo3gM There is a $20.00 technology use fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day. Topics in this series include: Sphero indi Robotic Cars (Quarter 1), Scratch Coding (Quarter 2), Sphero Robotic Ball Quarter 3) and Tinkercad Design (Quarter 4)
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
1st-2nd
Programming Projects: Sphero Robotic Ball
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Every parent knows that kids are curious, captivated, and quick to learn technology-based products. Programming Projects builds on that curiosity to introduce computer science basics, problem-solving, and computational thinking through play-based learning. Third quarter, students will work with Sphero Mini Robot Balls which are spherical, bluetooth enabled robots encased in a clear jacket. Think of BB-8 in Star Wars! Students can code these robots using "drawing" (literally dragging their finger on a computer screen) or block coding with Scratch. Students will work in teams to direct Sphero Mini Robots through mazes and obstacle courses, make them talk, and race them. Inside the Robot ball, there is a gyroscope, accelerometer, and colorful LED lights that are manipulated through simple coding. Once students have mastered programming through drawing on screen, they will learn to control the Robot ball through simple programming in the Sphero Play app or the Sphero Edu app on a phone or tablet. All equipment and devices will be provided by the instructor. Learn more about the Sphero Mini Robot Ball here. https://youtu.be/YxlLeiVo3gM There is a $20.00 technology use fee due payable to the instructor on/before the first day. Topics in this series include: Sphero indi Robotic Cars (Quarter 1), Scratch Coding (Quarter 2), Sphero Robotic Ball Quarter 3) and Tinkercad Design (Quarter 4)
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
3rd-4th
Successful Social Skills for Tweens (Q3- THU)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
Successful social skills can help tweens/teens navigate almost every aspect of their lives. Building confidence in social settings can help improve self esteem and comfort in group settings, sports, new endeavors, with family, in public, or just hanging out with friends. Every tween and teeen can benefit from improved social skills, but some need a little more practice. In this class, students will work with a certified, licensed therapist to develop strategies for navigating different social challenges- from conversation skills and identifying feelings and emotions, to seeing perspective, handling stress, talking to parents, making friends, tolerating siblings, and more. The small group class will be highly interactive with games, role playing, videos, modelling behavior, and projects using a evidence-based, social-emotional curriculum Tweens and teens will benefit most from taking Social Skills for several quarters. Some activities will be new each quarter, and some will be repeated for reinforcement. As new students join the group, the dynamic will shift, better imitating real life scenarios. Their confidence and comfort level will grow when they have multiple quarters to practice their social skills.
10:00 am-10:55 am
6th-8th
Successful Social Skills for Kids (Q3-THU)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 4
Successful social skills can help kids navigate almost every aspect of their lives. Building confidence in social settings can help improve self esteem and comfort in group settings, sports, new endeavors, with family, in public, or just hanging out with friends. Every child can benefit from improved social skills, but some need a little more practice. In this class, kids will work with a certified, licensed therapist to develop strategies for navigating different social challenges- from conversation skills and identifying feelings and emotions, to seeing perspective, handling stress, talking to parents, making friends, tolerating siblings, and more. The small group class will be highly interactive with games, role playing, videos, modelling behavior, and projects using a evidence-based, social-emotional curriculum Kids will benefit most from taking Social Skills for several quarters. Some activities will be new each quarter, and some will be repeated for reinforcement. As new students join the group, the dynamic will shift, better imitating real life scenarios. Kids' confidence and comfort level will grow when they have multiple quarters to practice their social skills.
11:00 am-11:55 am
3rd-5th
Spanish Exploradores (Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 7
Buenas tardes! Spanish Exploradores (Explorers) is a fun, immersive introductory Spanish class for older elementary students. Much like learning their native language, students will be exposed to the sounds, vocabulary, and phrases in Spanish through songs, games, stories, and hands-on activities. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. The teacher will bring objects each week to give students tangible, hands-on examples of the vocabulary being introduced. In this level, students will be encouraged to begin to combine adjectives with nouns and nouns with verbs. Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in Spanish, so children can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. While the theme might be the same as that of a younger level of instruction, more vocabulary will be introduced at the older level. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Instruction will be predominantly verbal, but key vocabulary words may be written down for students to begin a sense of spelling. Students will be encouraged to write down new words each week, but reading, writing, and spelling will not be expected. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Material/Supply Fee: The instructor will order a South-American written/published Spanish activity book for students in-class use after assessing their ages/skill levels. Parents will be asked to reimburse the instructor for the expense, typically $10-$15.
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
5th-6th
Spanish Amigos (Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 6
Buenos dias! Spanish Amigos (Friends) is a fun, play-based, Spanish immersion class for young students. Much like learning their native language, students will be exposed to the sounds, vocabulary, and phrases in Spanish through songs, games, stories, interactive and hands-on activities. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. The teacher will bring toys and objects each week to give kids tangible, hands-on examples of the vocabulary being introduced. Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in Spanish, so children can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Instruction will be predominantly verbal, but key vocabulary words may be written down for students to begin a sense of spelling. Students will be encouraged to write down new words each week, but reading, writing, spelling, and note-taking will not be expected. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Material/Supply Fee: The instructor will order a South-American written/published Spanish activity book for students in-class use after assessing their ages/skill levels. Parents will be asked to reimburse the instructor for the expense, typically $10-$15.
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
3rd-4th
Spanish Para Estudiantes (S2)
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 7
Buenas tardes! Spanish Para Estudiantes is an immersive introductory Spanish class for middle school students. In a natural learning progression, students will be exposed to vocabulary and phrases in Spanish through in-class activities and conversations. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. This is a conversation-focused class where students are encouraged to speak in class. Vocabulary and phrases will be introduced in thematic units such as weather, time, members of the family, clothing, food, places in town, hobbies and sports, holidays, etc. As students learn new vocabulary, they will be encouraged to begin to combine adjectives with nouns and nouns with verbs in short phrases, often in mock conversations with classmates. Grammar will be introduced as it comes up in conversation and in phrases. Students will be exposed to pronouns, noun-verb agreement, adjective-noun agreement, familar vs. formal, ordinal and cardinal numbers, comparisons and superlatives, and more. Students are not expected to read or write at this stage, but are expected to take notes and to gain a sense of spelling in Spanish. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Material/Supply Fee: The instructor will order a South-American written/published Spanish activity book for students in-class use after assessing their ages/skill levels. Parents will be asked to reimburse the instructor for the expense, typically $10-$15.
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
7th-8th
(Semester Long)
Reading Rangers (Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 0
Reading Rangers is a supplemental reading class for beginning readers. The class is whole language inspired with phonics and decoding games, partner reading, and vocabulary lists for home. The group will explore habits of curious readers through the examination of renowned children's picture story books from authors such as Leo Lionni, Robert McCloskey, Eric Carle, AA Milne, Michael Bond, Janell Cannon, Mem Fox, Hans Christian Andersen, Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, and others. Other books will also be selected based on the interests and level of the enrolled children. The class will discuss characters, setting, sequence of events, and predict outcomes. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new books will be introduced each session, and stories will not be repeated. Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of reading with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and daily reading practice. Reading/Skills Readiness; Students should be able to read Level 1 books such as Frog & Toad and Little Bear. (In other words, students in this group should have processed beyond Bob-type books.) Students should be able to read the following sight words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes.
10:00 am-10:55 am
1st
We Wannabe Writers (Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 0
Wannabe Writers is a beginning writing class for first graders. Students will use creative journaling and illustrations to respond to simple writing prompts. The class will explore the use of various punctuation for simple sentences and will use new vocabulary words to express an idea. Each week, students will share their completed writing and drawings with their classmates. For this level, students must be able to read a Level 1 reader independently and possess the readiness skills outlined below. Children may repeat this class each quarter as new prompts and writing techniques will be introduced each session, and assignments will not be repeated. Note:: This class is designed for students to enjoy a fun, new dimension of writing with peers and a teacher, but this will not take the place of a comprehensive language arts curriculum and regular writing practice. Writing Readiness: Enrolling students must be able to (1) recognize, spell and write his/her first and last name; (2) recognize and write all upper case and lower case letters and know the corresponding sounds; (3) spell and pronounce simple blends, (4) recognize the following sight words: all, am, are, at, ate, be, black, brown, but, came, day, did, do, eat, four, get, go, good, have, he, in, into, is, like, must, new, no, now, on, our, out, please, pretty, ran, ride, saw, say, she, so, soon, that, the, there, they, this, to, too, under, want, was, well, went, what, white, who, will, with, yes; (5) spell and write all 2-letter sight words unaided; (6) be familiar with simple sentence structure; and (7) hold and use a pencil correctly.
11:00 am-11:55 am
1st
Music Makers: Movement & Melodies (Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
Music Makers explores many facets of the musical experience- singing, moving, dancing, listening, and playing instruments. The class will explore musical stories, famous composers, and different genres of music while playing a variety of percussion instruments (drums, sticks, triangles, woodblocks and more!). Students will learn to play a beginning pitched instrument on glockenspiels (a small barred instrument like the xylophone). Using an Orff-based approach, students will learn to read and write beginning musical notation and learn musical terminology all in the context of fun and play. Music Makers classes provide a fun, pressure-free environment to experience music and movement with the goal of general musicianship and excellent preparation for further, individual instrument lessons if desired. Music Makers helps every child acquire the essential building blocks for a future of musical learning! Students may join Music Makers at any quarter, and they may return again and again since new music, themes, and skills are constantly introduced.
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
K-2nd
Writing Lab (Sem2)
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 4
Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives teens a voice! In this class, high school students will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing a variety of school subjects, for pleasure, and one day, for a job. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each teen, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started. Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one's thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure. Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them, or they may work on writing assignments for other classes or projects. They will write in class each week and will be expected to write at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Students must be near grade level for reading. Topics in this Series: Writing Lab (Semester 1 and Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. Prerequisites: Reading near grade level. Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class. Assignments: Will be discussed in class and emailed in a weekly update. Assessments: The instructor will provide individualized, qualitative feedback and suggestions on assignments. Formal grades will not be given. The parent should review this work or keep a portfolio in order to assign a comprehensive grade the their student's effort and progression. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript. In order to earn a full credit in English, this course should be paired with a literature course.
11:00 am-11:55 am
9th-12th
(Semester Long)
Writers @ Work: Papers with Pizzazz
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Writers @ Work is a fundamental writing class that will prepare seventh and eighth grade students for high school level composition. The class will progress from getting started on learning how to effectively structure purposeful paragraphs) (first semester) to multiple paragraphs linked into articulate and organized essays (second semester). Second semester will focus on essay writing by combining several paragraphs to form a paper. Essays will cover persuasive, personal, and formal themes. Students will learn about topic sentences, transitions between paragraphs, clarity, and guiding the reader through their discussion. Writers will learn about organizing their thoughts or evidence and selecting the most important points to craft a multi-paragraph composition. Students have freedom to choose topics for each form. They will be encouraged to first write about something they already know about and then write about a new topic where they will be challenged to define the question they want to investigate, find sources for their research, organize details, and document information used. Grammar concepts will be introduced throughout the year, and students will be encouraged to incorporate the technique in their next writing or revision. Grammar concepts will include a "toolbox" of writing techniques and rules such as sentence structure, complex and compound sentences, independent and dependent clauses, parts of speech, agreement, tense, use of dialogue and quotation marks, and correct use of punctuation. Students will also be taught techniques for brainstorming and outlining before beginning to write and will be given tips on choosing creative, interesting, and powerful words over mundane, vague, and over-used words. In both semesters, there will be an emphasis on revision. Writing is seldom just the way the author hopes in the first draft. At times, students will be encouraged to use the same paragraph for several weeks to build-upon their first draft, incorporate feedback, apply writing and grammar techniques, in order for them to see the benefits of revision. They will learn to read their own writing from a reader's perspective and develop strategies for improving it. Students will give and receive feedback from class peers and receive regular feedback from the instructor. Time will be set aside in most classes for dedicated, in-class writing.
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
7th-8th
(Semester Long)
Writing Well (Q3 THU)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
Writing is not only a critical skill for school and life, it gives kids a voice! In this class, fifth and sixth graders will gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. The objective of this class is for each student to progress and improve his/her own writing. This class does not have a fixed curriculum trying to achieve the same outcome and same skillset for each child, because each comes to class with different writing experience and varying needs. Instead, through personalized feedback from the instructor and peer feedback exercises, student writers will improve their writing skills from where they started. Students will learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing. Key skills practiced at this level include organizing one’s thoughts, defining a purpose and audience for the paper, formulating a topic sentence or main idea, developing supporting details, using correct sentence structure (for example, initial capitalization and end punctuation). Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them. They will write for a few minutes in class each week and will be expected to write short assignments at home and submit their work to the instructor for feedback. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar (such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs), and/or style (for example, using metaphors, adding details, building tension). Examples and exercises will be presented from a variety of styles and genres with the instructor using models from fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. Students should be on or near grade level for reading. Writing Wonders is offered each quarter under the same class name, but students may take it each quarter to continue to improve their writing skills.
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
5th-6th
Preparation for Pre-Algebra
Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4
Day(s): Tue, Thu
Open Spots: 8
Preparation for Pre-Algebra is a year-long curriculum that will teach the fundamentals a student must master before embarking pre-algebra, algebra, and beyond. The class will review arithmetic skills, operations, and number theory. Key topics include fractions, rates, ratios, decimals, and percentages. Students will learn the computational operations of adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing fractions and decimals. They will learn what decimals stand for, how they relate to fractions, and how to convert between the two. They will discover how rates and ratios are also fractions. Students will learn how to work with negative numbers including strategies for completing all four common operations with negative numbers. The class will also cover exponents and orders of magnitude to make sense of really small and really big numbers and common operations. This class will also emphasize real world applications of the mathematical concepts through word problems so students become comfortable switching between prose (written descriptions) and mathematical representation (numbers, symbols) of real world examples such as money, mileage, weights, percentages, and scientific measures. Prerequisites: This course can be considered a pre-pre-algebra class that will teach the core concepts typically covered in later elementary school/early middle school after a general arithmetic curriculum and before pre-algebra. While different curriculums and student pacing will vary, this class would be appropriate for a student who has successfully covered long division, multiplication of multiple digit numbers, and an introduction to simple fractions and who has complete mastery of multiplication facts, skills often aligned with 5th grade mathematics. Workload: Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class to complete practice problems, homework, and assessments. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address to be set up users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by: checking that weekly homework sets are complete; spot-checking the full solution 1-2 select problems in class each week, and giving quarterly take-home tests. Points will also be awarded for class participation. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. Textbook: Students should rent of purchase the class text: EP Math 5/6 Workbook (ISBN# 979-8643323693).
10:00 am-10:55 am
6th-7th
(Year Long)
Pre-Algebra
Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4
Day(s): Tue, Thu
Open Spots: 9
This is a complete course in Pre-Algebra that will provide an introduction to basic algebra concepts and a review of arithmetic algorithms with an emphasis on problem solving. The major topics covered in this course are Numbers and Operations, Expressions and Properties, Equations and Inequalities, Functional Relationships and Ratios, Percent and Proportions. Students will learn to use formulas to solve a variety of math problems encompassing geometry, measurement probability, and statistics. Students will also be applying their learning to real life scenarios to solve problems. Prerequisites: Students must be fluent in the four basic operations- addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. They will need to show proficiency and have a thorough command of basic computation. In addition, a basic, introductory understanding and ability to work with fractions and decimals is required to solve equations and simplify expressions. If you are unsure about your child's readiness for this class, the instructor will recommend one or more practice platforms and/or assessments to confirm placement. Workload: Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class to complete practice problems, homework, and assessments. Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, link to quizzes and tests, track grades, and message the instructor and classmates. Assessments: All chapter tests will be taken outside of class with parental oversight to maximize in-class instructional time. Points will be assigned for completed homework, quizzes, and tests. A letter grade will not be assigned, but parents can use total points earned versus total points offered to assign a grade for purposes of a homeschool transcript. Parents can view total points earned at any time through the Canvas site. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: The selected textbook is available free online, and a link will be posted on Canvas. Students who prefer a hard copy textbook may purchase or rent McDougall Littell's Pre-Algebra (ISBN #978-0618250035). As an alternative, for any student who struggles with reading, the textbook can be purchased as an audio CD (ISBN #978-0618478828). What to Bring: TI-34 calculator Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Mathematics for purposes of a high school transcript.
11:00 am-11:55 am
7th-9th
(Year Long)
Algebra I (Tue, Thu)
Quarter(s): 1,2,3,4
Day(s): Tue, Thu
Open Spots: 8
This is a complete course in high school Algebra I which will cover fundamental concepts in algebra and provide a solid foundation of mathematical literacy, problem solving, reasoning, and critical thinking skills that are necessary for the exploration of more advanced and rigorous topics in mathematics. This course is designed to emphasize the study of algebraic problem-solving with the incorporation of real-world applications. Topics in Algebra I include number systems, linear systems, rational numbers, complex numbers, exponents, roots, radicals, quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, absolute values, ratios, and proportions. In addition, the course will cover solving and graphing systems of functions, linear equations, and inequalities. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem-solving. Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in pre-algebra topics in order to take this class. In addition, students should be capable of copying the sample problems and solutions worked in class on the white board to his/her own notes as examples for completing homework. Workload: Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class to complete practice problems, homework, and assessments. Assignments: The Canvas online class management system will be used to post assignments and scores. Students should have their own e-mail address to be set up users of the Canvas system. Parents can also be set up as Canvas guests/observers for purposes of tracking the student's progress and workload. Assessments: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by: checking that weekly homework sets are complete; spot-checking the full solution 1-2 select problems in class each week, and giving quarterly take-home tests. Points will also be awarded for class participation. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade. See the instructor's webpage for detailed homework and test policy, including late work and re-work. Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Algebra I: Expressions, Equations, and Applications by Paul A. Foerster. It is available in a few different editions, each of which is virtually identical: 2nd edition (ISBN-10 020125073X, ISBN-13 978-0201250732), 3rd edition (ISBN-10 0201860945, ISBN-13 978-0201860948), and Classic edition (ISBN-10 020132458X, ISBN-13 978-0201324587). It is also available under the title Foerster Algebra I, Classics edition (ISBN-10 0131657089, ISBN-13 978-0131657083). A calculator is not needed for this course. Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Algebra I for purposes of a high school transcript.
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
7th-10th
(Year Long)
Chess: Beginners 3 (THU)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 6
Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Beginning Chess 3, students will learn fundamental skills such as: discovered checks and attacks, pins and double checks, counting, checkmate drills, keeping the king safe in the opening, tactics (forks, skewers, x-rays), opening principles. Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. A student can enroll in Beginning Chess 3 as his/her first class.
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
2nd-5th
Chess: Intermediate 3 (THU)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Chess: Intermediate 3, students will learn skills and strategies that build upon each other such as: later pins, using more or better attackers, using more or better defenders, identifying forcing moves, attacking teams (queen-bishop, queen-knight, and queen-rook). Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. Students should have 15-20 hours of chess instruction prior to enrolling in Intermediate 3, or a working knowledge of most skills taught in the Compass Beginner Chess level.
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
3rd-6th
Compass Kids' Chorus: Classic Disney
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Everyone can learn to sing! If you want to learn to sing like Belle, Ariel, Elsa, Aladdin, or even the Beast, this class is for you! Selections from this semester come from Hal Leonard's "Disney Collected Kids' Solos" with select hits from Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella, Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and more. The quarter's repertoire will include at least one group choral number. Students will work on other music as solos, duets, or small group numbers. This introduction to vocal development and performance includes posture, breathing, intonation, and the principles of blending vocal harmonies. Basic musical notation will be introduced as well as melodic and harmonic intervals. No previous musical experience is required- just the joy of singing! Singers will be expected to memorize pieces and participate in a showcase for parents at the end of the quarter. There is a $25.00 fee for sheet music due payable to Compass on the first day of class.
10:00 am-10:55 am
3rd-5th
Middle School Musical: Broadway's 'Wicked'
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 6
In the style of "High School Musical" or a glee club, Compass Chorale is for tween singers who want to have fun taking their vocal performance to the next level. This class will focus on choral arrangements of contemporary pieces with 2- and 3- part harmonies. Singers will be expected to memorize pieces and participate in a showcase for parents at the end of the quarter. This quarter, the ensemble's feature piece will be "Popular" from Wicked, the hit musical prequel to the classic "Wizard of Oz" story. Students will work on other music as solos, duets, or small group numbers from the musical Wicked such as, "The Wizard and I", "Something Bad", "I'm Not that Girl", "Wonderful", "No Good Deed", and others. This class includes instruction on vocal development and performance such as posture, breathing, intonation, and the principles of blending vocal harmonies. Basic musical notation will be introduced as well as melodic and harmonic intervals. There is a $25.00 fee for sheet music due payable to Compass on the first day of class.
11:00 am-11:55 am
6th-8th
Ukulele for Advanced Beginners
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 8
Did you know that the ukulele is not just a miniature guitar? It is a member of the Portuguese lute family, but its sound was popularized in Hawaiian music. Ukulele's fun, compact size also appeals to kids and is a great "first" stringed instrument! In this class, kids will continue to build their skills on ukulele. Students will learn expansion of chords, to include minor chords, 7th chords, sharps, and flats. They will begin to play individual notes and chords on each piece that they learn and will learn self-accompaniment. Sample songs taught at this level include “You Are My Sunshine”, “Michael Row the Boat Ashore”, “Octopus’ Garden”, “Rainbow Connection”, and “All My Loving”. Each student should purchase or rent a good quality ukulele for the class. Semester 1, Ukulele for Beginner I students will have priority registration to enroll in Beginner 2 level to continue their musical education. Other students may enroll in the second semester if they have had prior instruction equal to the first semester, or if they are willing to schedule and pay for individual lessons with this instructor to cover 1st semester skills prior to or around the start of the class. Those wishing to enroll in 2nd semester course without the Compass 1st semester class will be asked to play for the instructor in order to demonstrate skill level and establish placement.
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
4th-8th
(Semester Long)
Digital Studio: Coding Virtual Reality
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 4
Middle schoolers embrace technology and easily navigate digital sources like apps, webpages, and online video platforms. In Digital Studio, they will transform from users of these tools to the designer and coders of their own content. In this cutting edge class, students will learn the foundations of virtual reality (VR) design by creating their own virtual worlds, exploring simulated environments, and crafting memorable 3D experiences. VR projects can be viewed on a website or a mobile device. Students do not need a mobile device in class, but will need access to an Android or Apple mobile device to use the VR experience at home. Digital Studio is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in Part 2, "Intro/Advanced" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Intro to Python Programming (Semester 1), and Coding Virtual Reality (Semester 2),
10:00 am-10:55 am
7th-8th
(Semester Long)
Digital Workshop: Python Programmers (Intro)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
In Digital Workshop, students will be introduced to one of the world's fastest-growing programming languages: Python. It is the programming language used by Google, NASA, YouTube, and the CIA! Students will learn how to code with Python to create apps and games. Digital Workshop is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in Part 2, "Intro/Advanced" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Minecraft Designers (Quarters 1, 2) and Python Programmers (Quarters 3,4).
11:00 am-11:55 am
3rd-4th
Digital Lab: Code Your Own Adventure (Intro)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 1
In Digital Lab, students will become merge the skills of storytelling and computer science. They will start with a storyline, design characters, and chose not just one ending, but many. Students will create their own text-based adventure games with variables, conditional logic, and images using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Digital Lab is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in Part 2, "Intro/Advanced" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Video Game Animation (Quarters 1, 2); Code Your Own Adventure (Quarters 3, 4).
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
5th-6th
Digital Clubhouse: Minecraft Animators (Intro)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 4
In Digital Clubhouse, students will begin exploring computer science by bringing a favorite Minecraft character to life in an animated short film. They will learn how Pixar and Disney make movies like Inside Out and Frozen by using the techniques of keyframing, tweening, texturing, and animating rigged 3D models. Digital Clubhouse is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in Part 2, "Intro/Advanced" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Pokemon Masters (Quarters 1, 2); Minecraft Animators (Quarters 3, 4)
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
1st-2nd
Acting- Kids' Theater: Fractured Fairy Tales
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 2
Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when favorite fairy tales are flipped and fumbled? In the newly fabricated tale, does the fearless frog save the fair princess, or do Red Riding Hood and the wretched wolf reunite? Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and start to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the student actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students. The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. Student actors will explore skills such as stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Students will develop their own "actor's toolkit" of voice, body, and imagination in this creative process! Actors will grow in confidence and communication skills in preparation for a final sharing with parents on the last day of the Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, it will be emailed to parents. Parents will be expected to help their children memorize their script/lines/cues and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. Note: Students who are emerging readers (not able to read at a 3rd/4th grade level) would be better suited to the Young Actor's Playhouse class, rather than this level.
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
3rd-5th
Acting- Young Actor's Playhouse: Safari Surprise
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 6
Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when an energetic elephant, zany zebra, and hysterical hyena meet on a sunny savannah safari? Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other and to begin to brainstorm about their original play. Through group activities and guided discussion, the young actors will decide on characters, conflict, and conclusion, and the story they want to tell. The script will be developed and customized for this class with input from the students. Young actors will explore skills such as sensory awareness, listening, stage movement, character development, emotional expression, and observation/concentration while learning to portray their original character. Young actors will learn aspects of acting by script read-through, blocking, costume/prop discussion, and planning the show. Through individual and group activities, young actors build confidence in preparation for a final sharing for parents. Students will work from a simple, written script, but emerging readers can be accommodated. Parents will be emailed the script after the 3rd or 4th class and will be expected to help their children memorize their lines and assemble a simple make-at-home costume, ideally from clothing items and accessories you already own and a little creativity. All actors must be at least age 6 to sign up for this class.
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
1st-2nd
Acting- Tween Stage: Holmes & Watson- The Game's Afoot
Quarter(s): 3,4
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 2
When desperate people come to 221B Baker Street in search of aid, Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are always there to help. But a quartet of conundrums will put even Holmes' deductive genius and Watson's brilliant brain to the test. The remarkable duo must match wits with a dastardly blackmailer, recover a coronet of priceless gems, trace a vanished bride, and solve a murder so strange that Watson considers it the most difficult of all their cases. Based on four classic short stories by Arthur Conan Doyle, this play is both a gripping mystery and a celebration of enduring friendship. The class will read and vote on two of the four skits to prepare. Tweens will appreciate the quirky, off-beat humor of this scripted comedy. They will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of working together to bring this humorous piece to stage. Students, along with their acting instructor, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance of this comedy. Students will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. Student actors will be expected to learn their lines and participate fully. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. The students will perform for family and friends at the end of the semester. Topics in this Series: The Internet is a Distraction- Oh Look, A Squirrel! (Semester 1) and Holmes & Watson- The Game's Afoot (Semester 2). Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a copy of the licensed script, performance royalty, and project materials.
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
6th-8th
(Semester Long)
Cooking for Little Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (THU, 10AM)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 2
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
- Tomato Manchego Tartlets
- Corn and Fennel Cream Soup
- Broccoli Salad
- Chive Smashed Potatoes
- Apricot Glazed Chicken and Vegetables
- Coconut Almond French toast Casserole (contains nuts)
- Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate Mug Cake
10:00 am-10:55 am
1st-3rd
Cooking for Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (THU, 11AM)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 7
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
- Tomato Manchego Tartlets
- Corn and Fennel Cream Soup
- Broccoli Salad
- Chive Smashed Potatoes
- Apricot Glazed Chicken and Vegetables
- Coconut Almond French toast Casserole (contains nuts)
- Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate Mug Cake
11:00 am-11:55 am
3rd-5th
Cooking for Kids: Winter Warm-Ups (THU 12PM)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 6
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
- Tomato Manchego Tartlets
- Corn and Fennel Cream Soup
- Broccoli Salad
- Chive Smashed Potatoes
- Apricot Glazed Chicken and Vegetables
- Coconut Almond French toast Casserole (contains nuts)
- Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate Mug Cake
12:00 pm-12:55 pm
3rd-5th
Cooking for Tweens: Winter Warm-Ups (THU)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
Students will enjoy making delicious recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Each class will focus on a portion of a meal including appetizer, salad, soup, side dish, main dish, and dessert. The Compass chefs' culinary adventures will include:
- Tomato Manchego Tartlets
- Corn and Fennel Cream Soup
- Broccoli Salad
- Chive Smashed Potatoes
- Apricot Glazed Chicken and Vegetables
- Coconut Almond French toast Casserole (contains nuts)
- Shortbread Cookies
- Chocolate Mug Cake
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
6th-8th
Kids' Confection Kitchen: Best Bon Bons (THU)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 1
Toffee. Taffy. Truffles... End the day on a sweet note! Students will enjoy making and eating delicious confections. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolates. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
- Chocolate Ganache Cake
- Chocolate Mint Sheet Cake
- Peanut Butter Brownies (contains nuts)
- Chocolate Raspberry Layer Cake
- Chocolate Panna Cotta (contains gelatin)
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles (contains nuts)
- Chocolate Silk Pie
- White Chocolate Cranberry Cake
2:00 pm-2:55 pm
5th-8th
Jiu Jitsu Fit: Yellow
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 3
Jiu-Jitsu Fit is a fun, interactive, physical fitness program for tweens incorporating the Brazilian self-defense martial art of Jiu-Jitsu. Students will follow a well-rounded physical fitness program that incorporates moves and strategies of Jiu-Jitsu to increase strength, flexibility, conditioning, endurance, coordination, balance, and fun! Students will practice techniques for resolving conflicts, dealing with bullies, projecting confidence, and developing stranger awareness in the games and exercises they complete in class. Jiu-Jitsu Fit helps tweens stay active, builds self-esteem, and encourages teamwork. Jiu-Jitsu uses grappling and ground work in addition to standing self-defense positions. The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Students may enroll in FUNctional Fitness at any time, regardless of the color name No one color is a prerequisite for any other color, and tokens can be earned in any order. Some partner work may be co-ed. Students will work on mats in socks or bare feet and should come to class wearing loose, comfortable clothing, such as running pants or sweatpants and bring a refillable water bottle.
11:00 am-11:55 am
6th-8th
FUNctional Fitness and Cross-Training (PE) for Kids: Yellow (THU)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
FUNctional Fitness is a dynamic PE program for that incorporates well-rounded exercises to get tweens up and moving mid-day! No two workouts are the same, but each day's activities incorporate exercises that target 10 areas: cardio-vascular endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance, and accuracy. FUNctional Fitness focuses on functional movements that are fundamental to all aspects of play and exercise- pulling, pushing, running, throwing, climbing, lifting, and jumping. Work-outs are scalable and adaptable to different individual's own level, and the emphasis is on fun, safety, and personal accomplishment rather than competition among classmates. When the weather permits, some exercises may be taken outdoors. The physical challenges of FUNctional Fitness will foster self-confidence, focus, and help instill a foundation for a lifetime of fitness. The color name in the class title refers to the collectable token students will earn each quarter they take the class. Collect all 8! Students may enroll in FUNctional Fitness at any time, regardless of the color name No one color is a prerequisite for any other color, and tokens can be earned in any order. All equipment is furnished. Students are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing, such as running pants or sweatpants, and comfortable, supportive athletic shoes. FUNctional Fitness continues each quarter, and students may repeat the class to continue to improve fitness. No two workouts are the same!
1:00 pm-1:55 pm
2nd-5th
Swimming: Beginners/ Adv. Beginners (Thu Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 2
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. During the first lesson, students will be observed and determined to be Beginner or Advanced Beginner level, and the class will be divided accordingly among two instructors. Beginners level is for students with little to no swim experience and will cover YMCA Level 1 skills such as water acclimation, floatation, water movement, putting face in the water, swimming 5 feet without a floatation device, and becoming comfortable on back in water. Advanced Beginners level will review all skills in beginner-level class and add YMCA Level 2 skills such as stamina, swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, rotary breathing, becoming comfortable in deep water, and stroke introduction to include: front crawl, backstroke, and elementary breaststroke. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning.
10:05 am-10:45 am
1st-3rd
Swimming: Beginners/ Adv. Beginners (Thu Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 5
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. During the first lesson, students will be observed and determined to be Beginner or Advanced Beginner level, and the class will be divided accordingly among two instructors. Beginners level is for students with little to no swim experience and will cover YMCA Level 1 skills such as water acclimation, floatation, water movement, putting face in the water, swimming 5 feet without a floatation device, and becoming comfortable on back in water. Advanced Beginners level will review all skills in beginner-level class and add YMCA Level 2 skills such as stamina, swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, rotary breathing, becoming comfortable in deep water, and stroke introduction to include: front crawl, backstroke, and elementary breaststroke. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning.
11:05 am-11:45 am
4th-6th
Swimming: Intermediate (Thu Q3)
Quarter(s): 3
Day(s): Thu
Open Spots: 6
Homeschool Swim Lessons are taught at the Reston YMCA located 0.9 miles/ 3 minute drive from Compass's classroom facility. For more information on swimming lessons, see the program webpage. Intermediate level is for students who are proficient in Advanced Beginner level skills such as swimming one length of the pool (25 yards), performing elementary backstroke, and becoming comfortable in deep water. Intermediate swimmers will cover Levels 3 of the YMCA program including elementary breaststroke, backstroke, front crawl with rotary breathing all at 25 yards, with work towards Level 4 skills including stamina and increasing all swimming to 50 yards or more, plus breast stroke, elementary butterfly stroke and kick, elementary dives, and turns. Please note that these skills will be introduced and progress at different rates depending on the comfortable level and experience of enrolled students and may take more than one quarter to complete. At times, students might be moved to a different swimming group (same day, same time, different instructor) to better match the experience level of enrolled children. Lessons are 40 minutes long, running from 0:05 until 0:45 after the hour, leaving enough time to towel dry, change clothes, and return to Compass for your next class. Students should bring a swimsuit, towel, and change of clothes. Googles and swim caps are optional. A parent (or parent proxy) is required to remain on site. Parents may wait on poolside benches or lobby seating. YMCA waivers must be signed and returned for each swimmer. All registration is completed through Compass. All YMCA swimming classes are taught by certified, experienced, background-checked adult instructors with experience teaching children. Consider enrolling your child in both Tuesday and Thursday classes to improve their rate of learning.
12:05 pm-12:45 pm
2nd-6th
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