Compass Newsletter -- June 3, 2009

This Saturday- Compass Graduation! - Saturday June 6th at 2pm. The whole Compass community is invited! (Overflow parking next door at BDR trucking - park on the side of the lot closest to Compass.)

Here are excerpts from the senior roundtable letters:

*If Compass has given me one gift, it has taught me that I am special. All of us are.

*I have realized how fascinating natural sciences can be. I have been taught how to write more clearly and reflectively and how to effectively express myself. I have been shown a completely different part of the world, where I met people who risk their lives for the sake of their families. I have discovered my passion for travel. These are just some of the things I learned in high school. By each and every one of my teachers, I have been told to push myself, and I have pushed myself to meet my full potential.

*I used to be a round peg in a square hole. At Compass I became a spherical person in a cubical world. In this box there is plenty of wiggle room at the corners, but my sphere is growing; it is propping open the top of the cube. Having breached the box, I spend more time outside of it.

*This is a huge step for me but I think with all that I've learned during my years at Compass about myself - about the world - about people... I think I'll be just fine... a little shivery- but just fine.

*I am grateful to have had this chance to show a school who I really am.

*I feel an endearing sense of self now, knowing that what I've learned and accomplished in my time here has prepared me for life after high school.

*I prepared myself for a lifetime career in something I have always wanted to do.

*I cannot believe how much I have changed.

*Compass helped shape me into the person that I am today. I was able to express myself and to push myself to really understand what was important to my learning needs.

*I briefly glimpse into the future and see this place continuing to strive for the best, even in the face of struggle and uncertainty. I see myself, for the rest of my life, pioneering those same values.

*I don't separate my high school years from the real world because what I experienced at Compass is as real as I could get.

*Compass is not the great place it is because of some magic or mystery, but because it encourages the human ability. As people, we have the power to create supportive communities. I will leave here knowing that with perseverance, anywhere and anything can be a "Compass" community.

*I am confident that I will be successful... I am excited for change and look forward to seeing what the future brings.

*I can't wait for the fun of college, the next phase of my educational development, the new large community, and a new life after high school.

*I strongly believe that I can go through any challenge that I may face with my positive and respectful attitude that I developed at Compass.

*I grew the most over the past two years. I experienced myself as a leader for the first time.

*After conquering countless things, I know I am not scared to leave this place. I now know who I am.

*Compass hasn't just been a school for me; it's been a community of unwavering support and a safe place for self exploration.

So much great stuff going on!

The school has been alive with breathtaking exhibitions of student learning and growth: 7^th grade POL's; 8^th Grade Roundtables and an inspiring 8^th grade graduation; 9^th grade portfolio presentations; 10^th graders preparing for their upcoming roundtables; 11^th grade oral exams; and 12^th grade graduation roundtables. Thanks to everyone for all the hard work in putting on these events, and congratulations to the students for the impressive achievements that are so clearly evident!

Terrific Anniversary Celebration

     A wonderful collection of alumni, students, teachers, families, board members present and past, and friends of Compass gathered last Sunday to celebrate our 10 year anniversary. It was great to connect and share stories of the ways that our school has made such a difference in people's lives. Thanks to Rick Gordon and family for doing the bulk of preparation for the party, and to Cher for the great food!  

Schedule Notes: The last two weeks of school! Here is a schedule of events:

Note: We dismiss at 2:10pm for the rest of school, with the exception of next Wednesday June 10^th which is a special school day that runs 12:30-8:00pm.

·        June 3^rd-10^th - Project Week - Project week starts today and 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 an assigned teacher coach. It is important for students doing off-campus work to have worked this out with their coach and to have the appropriate permissions in place.

·       June 3^rd-6^th -Portfolio Roundtables for 10^th Grade - slots scheduled in afternoons during project week. We look forward to sharing in these presentations.

·       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!

We will clean up the school in the morning, and then head out to the Saxtons River Recreation area for lunch, fun, and fellowship. Note: Students may be picked up at the Rec. at 1:45 or back at Compass at 2:10.

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

Please return library books! 

According to our records, these people still have books out:

Julia (Auto. Of Malcolm X), Brendan (Eclipse) Kyle Tansley (Chicken Soup), Remy (All American Girl), Olivia (Stardust, The Little Prisoner) , Kyle Takei, Kristi (Carrie, You Belong. . .), Sara S. (Life Through the Ages), Starcie (Wolf Star, Rose and Beast), Faith (Kissing the Rain), Maggie (I was a teenage fairy, Legally Elle . . . ), Alex, Lena (Middlesex, Dust Tracks, Memoirs of . . .), Sara Lepkoff (Invention of. . . ), Kelty (One Flew Over. . .), Nicolai (One Flew over . ..), Pete (Maus ll, One Day in the Life. . . ), Ann (Salem Falls, Plain Truth, Define Normal), Sean (Prisoner of Az . . .), Daniel (Zen and the Art of . . .), Rebecca (Pure), Nina (May all be Fed . . .), Sarah Lynde (Gaiman)

Thanks for using the library this year!

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.

Parents-Final tuition payments are due. Please send payments in before the last day of school. Thanks!