As we enter Week 3 of this new school year, it is not lost on me that it is our 3rd year that has been impacted by the pandemic.
For context, our Adventurers (2nd grade) who have been part of our Compass community for 3 years, have never experienced a pandemic-free school year. They've lived nearly 20% of their little lives during mask culture. Woah.
I'm big on coming up with mantras to focus our collective energy (and my sister/Compass Parent Colleen Russell is kind enough to design visuals for them!). This year, I tell myself that at Compass, we are:
So far, Compass is respecting the 'Rona and the 'Rona is respecting Compass. Families, I know it is hard to keep your kiddo (and his/her siblings) home with just one symptom. However, by following the state's protocols at home and at school, we are rocking ZERO school-origin quarantines to date! (Please join me in knocking on wood to make it last just a little bit longer :)
We're not going to turn our backs on the 'Rona (because it will get us if we do!), but we are going to resume some "pre-pandemic normal" activities (albeit it more structured) in order to really start cultivating our strong community once again. We are are committed to move from surviving to thriving. Our kids need it, but let's be honest - we all do.
With that in mind, take a peek at some of the opportunities below and join us. We miss you and can't wait to get re-infuse campus and community life with your presence.
In Partnership,
Ms. Brandee
Let's Bring Back the Farm Animals!
For those who joined us last year, you know that the Compass Chickens are famous. They join us in just about every activity we engage in.
From Slip and Slide Day...
to Arts Day performances...
and more, our chickens are part of Compass culture. However, they are so ingrained in our community here they're part of the fabric as opposed to a new feature.
The thing that gets all our students from Explorers (K/1st) right up through Navigators (7th/8th) truly excited is our visiting farm animal program. To learn more about it, check out this link to our hosting contract.
Last year, I paused the Farm Animal Hosting program because we were a little overwhelmed with pandemic protocols. At this point, we've got them down pat and we're ready to Bring Back the Farm Animals!
There are 2 contingencies we must satisfy in order for the program to have liftoff:
Secure 2 visiting animals for the Fall :) We do best when there are 2 animal buddies to hang out together. For more details about expectations, see this agreement. If you know an animal/owner that you suspect would be a good match, please email Farmer Kati! (farmer@compassschool.org).
Demonstrate family commitment for animal care:
When we have enough families signed up to cover ALL of the animal care times, I'll know we're ready to bring the animals back.
Each family will receive training from Farmer Kati in how to care for our visitors.
Join us at In-Person Back to School Night on Wednesday!
This is our first in-person Back to School night since 2019 - woah!
For families who have been chomping at the bit to see your child's classroom and the barn, Wednesday Is Your Chance!
Come meet your child's teaching team, tour the campus, and get reacquainted with Compass. Even if you've been around a while, things have changed! Come on back to campus this Wednesday night.
We will have protocols in place to respect the 'Rona including:
Universal Masking
Distancing
Ventilation & Filtration
Please note the schedule below:
5:15 Meet with Ms. Brandee in our Barn Performance Studio
6:00 In Classrooms
Explorers (K/1st)
Adventurers (2nd)
Discoverers (3rd/4th)
6:15 Meet with Ms. Brandee in our Barn Performance Studio (same presentation as 5:15)
7:00 In Classrooms
Investigators (5th/6th)
Navigators (7th/8th)
Exterior Lighting: While our exterior lighting coverage is not super great, I'm thankful that the Universe is looking out for us with a nearly full moon that night! I'll have supplementary lighting in place to get you back out to your car, but you may want to bust out that flashlight feature on your phone as well.
Parking: I've taken a number of steps to alleviate some of the parking congestion including:
We have intentionally staggered the event by having our elementary school go first, then our middle school next.
Staff will park off-site to allow families to use the staff parking lot as well.
When you park in the upper visitor lot, park normally (not in lanes).
The Compass Team is really forward to seeing you!
Save the Date for Community Events!
It's very exciting to plan for community events once again!
The Co-Op is happy to announce these upcoming opportunities to connect with one another!
International Coastal Cleanup this Friday from 4:30 pm - 6:30 pm at East Matunuck Beach
Clark Farms Harvest Festival on Oct. 18th from 5 pm - 8 pm at Clark Farms in Matunuck
Note that there will be whole-school/community mixing (as opposed to the structured contact-traceable stuff we do at school), at these extracurricular events. Out of respect for the 'Rona, you'll notice these events are outdoors where risk is minimized. Families may make their own choice about their risk tolerance.
As a reminder, if your child has one symptom, then that child and all unvaccinated siblings should stay home even though these are after school, outdoor events. Here's the visual:
Finally, these are not drop-off events, but family events. Compass staff is not on duty, so parents MUST take the LEAD on student supervision.
Holding on to Hope
Of course, any of these lovely things I'm talking about and promoting is subject to change as a result of the 'Rona, but I'm going to be the eternal optimist holding out hope that they'll happen.
So, fingers crossed as we Predict and Plan for a more normal year of Cultivating Community while Respecting the 'Rona.
