Compass Newsletter -- May 27, 2009

Compass 10th Anniversary Celebration - Sunday May 31^st at 5pm

     It is hard to believe Compass has been in existence for 10 years! It seems just yesterday when the idea of providing a high school and middle school option where every child could find success was being presented at a school board meeting. After beginning with 47 students in grades 7-9, Compass is proud of its many successes, with its 7th graduating class this June, with over 90% of its students going on to college. Colleges recognize the power of a Compass education, with this year's seniors being awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars of merit based scholarships for academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.

   The community is invited to celebrate this important anniversary at Compass with a dinner at the school on Sunday, May 31st starting at 5:00 p.m. After dinner, we invite talented musicians and famous acts from Compass years past to perform on stage, followed by an open sharing time for people to make remarks about Compass and its history and impact.

 If you want to be in the Talent Show, please email eric@compass-school.org so we can organize the event. Come join the Compass Community from the past decade for this festive celebration. A donation of $10 for the cost of dinner is suggested. If you can contact the school to tell us you're coming, that would be great (but not required). You can email janice@compass-school for more information or to RSVP. See ya!

Parents/students needed to help with set-up on that day; please contact Janice if you can help. Thanks!

Schedule Notes: The last month of school is an exciting time; we will be busy with exhibitions, roundtables, presentations of learning, project week, and final ceremonies. Here is a schedule of events:

·        Tues. May 26^th at 10:30am-12noon and Wed. May 27^th at 8:30am-12noon - 7^th Grade Presentations of Learning - 7^th grade families sign up for slots with lauren@compass-school.org

·        Wed. May 27^th/Thurs. May 28^th/Fri. May 29^th - 2:15- 7pm - Senior Graduation Roundtables - Each senior will present his or her portfolio and describe readiness for graduation to a committee consisting of teachers, parents, board, community members, and peers.

·        Thurs. May 28^th and Mon. June 1^st - 8:30am-12noon  - 8^th Grade Roundtables - 8^th grade families sign up for slots with lauren@compass-school.org

·       Sun. May 31^st - 5pm - Compass 10^th Anniversary Celebration! - Everyone (students, alumni, parents, staff, board, and friends) invited to a relaxed barbeque with music, speeches, and connection to celebrate our 10^th birthday.

·       Mon. June 1^st and Tues June 2^nd - High School final exams

·        Tues. June 2^nd - 6:30pm - 8^th Grade Graduation ceremony - 7^th graders are strongly encouraged to attend and all middle school families and friends are invited. A dessert potluck will follow the ceremony so bring a sweet treat to share!

·        June 3^rd-10^th - Project Week - Project week will be held June 3-10. This is a chance for students to demonstrate mastery through a teacher-organized group project or student-directed individual academic project. Each student has now been assigned to a teacher coach. Students doing individual projects need to be sure to complete their project contract, including getting a parent signature. The contract form has been distributed and can also be downloaded on our website:

http://www.compass-school.org/sites/default/files/images/Individual%20Project%20Week%20Contract.pdf

·       June 3^rd-9^th -Portfolio Roundtables for 10^th Grade - slots scheduled in afternoons during project week.

·       Sat. June 6^th - 2:00pm - Graduation for the Class of 2009  --all are invited!

·       Wed. June 10^th - Closing Celebration -- The school day for students will run from 12:30-8:00pm. Students will set up exhibitions of their project week work in the afternoon. Families are invited to a pot luck dinner at 5:30pm followed by a closing ceremony and celebration 6:30-8:00pm.

·       Thurs. June 11^th - Last day of school!

·       June 12^th-19^th - Teacher meetings

Do you have potted plants to lend?

The graduation committee is still trying to locate a source for plotted plants and lots of flowers to decorate the stage area.  Please contact Julia or Louise.

Parent Volunteers Needed

Are you looking for a way to work your 10 hours of volunteer time before the school year ends?  We currently need help with window cleaning, painting, light carpentry and landscaping.  If you could work a few hours please call John Fiske at 802-463-3432 to arrange a day/time.  Thank you!

DVD's of the Compass/NEYT 10 Minute Play Festival are available and on sale for $5. See Julia.

Fast Friends Drive: The 7^th grade is collecting blankets and stuffed animals (without removable parts) for Fast Friends, a greyhound rescue in Hinsdale, NH. The drive will continue through May 22. Please bring donations to Lauren's classroom or to the office. Thanks!   

Parents-Please return your 2009-10 enrollment contracts and deposits if you have not already done so. Thanks! 

Are you a gardener?

We invite you to plant a row for the Compass School and our community partner Our Place Drop-in Center in Bellow's Falls.  Please check out our website about hunger in Vermont and the US which was created by the service-learning Winterm project (http://www.compass-school.org/sites/default/files/users/Beth%20White/Our%20Place%20Drop%20In%20Center%20Winterm%20Journal%203-21-09%20web%20version.pdf).  If you would like to participate, please let Beth know (beth@compass-school.org) and stop by to get a Compass/Our Place Plant a Row Stake to put in your garden!  Thanks for considering it!