Compass News & Announcements: Week of Dec. 12-16

This is our last week of 2nd quarter/1st semester, and the final few days before our winter break!

(1) Registration for 3rd quarter (second semester) classes is ongoing. The 10% early registration discount ends this week on December 15.

(2) Holiday Marketplace: Alpha Rho, the Compass chapter of the National Homeschool Honor Society, will hold its annual Holiday Marketplace on Tuesday, December 13 and Wednesday, December 14 in the Suite D lobby. The chapter will be selling small crafted items and craft kits contributed by members for $0.50 – $3.00. Most merchandise is targeted for youth shoppers to buy for themselves or pick up small gifts for their families. Please send a few dollars with your child for this chapter fundraiser.

(3) Winter Weather: In the event of inclement weather, Compass will make an announcement by 7:00 am about whether or not to close or cancel a portion of the day’s classes. Compass does not strictly follow the lead of Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS).  A closure or delay of FCPS does not automatically mean that Compass will close or delay for inclement weather. Instead, the Compass director and staff will evaluate weather and road data and make an independent determination. This decision will be posted on the website home page, on the Compass Facebook page, and by e-mail to all enrolled students and instructors.

(4) High School Dance Committee: Members of the committee that plan high school dances/parties will have a short planning meeting on Wednesday, December 14 at 3:00 pm via Zoom. Teens ages 14+ interested in getting involved should contact Compass for the Zoom link.

(5) Public Speaking/Oration Info Session: Teens in 9th-12th are invited to learn about several public speaking competitions on Wednesday, December 14 at 2:00 pm. Participants will connect via Zoom and hear from a Compass graduate and 5-time state champion of several oration contests. Learn how to write and deliver speeches just 5-10 minutes long to earn money and honors for college. Interested students should contact Compass for the Zoom link.

(6) Reading Ready: Compass has introduced a new program for winter called Reading Ready! for students at the 2nd-4th grade reading level who need additional support to move ahead in reading. A reading specialist will lead weekly reading groups on Monday afternoons.

(7) Academic Competitions: Compass is host to a variety of academic competitions. Register for most on the Activity Fees Page:

  • AMC8 Math Exam (up to 8th grade) will be administered on Thursday, January 19, 2023, from 3:30 pm- 4:10 pm.
  • Math Kangaroo (1st-12th grade) will be administered Thursday, March 16, 2023. Register by December 15 through the Math Kangaroo USA website HERE. Search by state to find the 3 test times offered at Compass.
  • Greater Fairfax Homeschool Geography Bee (grades 4-8) will be held on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm.
  • Junior Spelling Bee (ages 5-8) will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, from 3:30 pm- 4:15 pm
  • Senior Spelling Bee (ages 9-15) will be held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 4:00 pm- 6:00 pm

(8) Make-Up Schedule:

Classes that had one-day cancellations in the fall will have make-up sessions the week of January 9. The following classes have make-ups. All times and room assignments are the same as regular class meetings:

  • Aerospace Engineering: 10-Jan, 10:00 AM
  • Algebra II: Jan 10 and Jan 13, 11:00 AM
  • Aquatic Biology: Rivers & Streams 10-Jan, 2:00 PM
  • ASL I: 13-Jan, 11:00 AM
  • ASL II: 13-Jan, 12:00 PM
  • ASL III: 13-Jan, 2:00 PM
  • ASL IV: 13-Jan, 3:00 PM
  • Calculus:  Jan 10 and Jan 13, 2:00 PM
  • Culinary Foundations: 9-Jan, 10:00 AM
  • Digital Studio: YouTube FX Masters 12-Jan, 11:00 AM
  • Eco Scientist: Northern Latitudes 10-Jan 10:00 AM
  • Environmental Science: Atmospheric 10-Jan, 11:00 AM
  • Experiments in Engineering:  11-Jan, 11:30 AM
  • Geo Detective (12pm): 10-Jan, 12:00 PM
  • Geo Detective (1pm): 10-Jan, 1:00 PM
  • Geometry (T/F): Jan 10 and Jan 13, 1:00 PM
  • Kinder Kitchen: 9-Jan, 1:00 PM
  • Mosaic Masterpieces: Mon 9-Jan, 2:00 PM
  • Nature Quest: Autumn Adventurers (Wed): 10-Jan, 12:00 PM
  • Nature Quest: Autumn Explorers (Wed): 10-Jan, 11:00 AM
  • Nature Quest: Autumn Pathfinders (Wed): 10-Jan, 1:00 PM
  • Outdoor Survivor: 10-Jan, 2:00 PM
  • PreCalculus:  Jan 10 and Jan 13, 10:00 AM
  • Skills for School: 9-Jan, 11:00 AM
  • Stage Combat: 11-Jan, 10:00 AM
  • Sweets Shop (Mon): 9-Jan, 12:00 PM
  • Vet ‘Ventures: Pocket Pets: 11-Jan 1:00 PM
  • Vet ‘Ventures: Pocket Pets: 11-Jan 2:00 PM
  • Video Game Developer: 9-Jan, 12:00 PM
  • Writing Well: Planning Paragraphs:  12-Jan, 2:00 PM
  • Writing Wonders: Transforming Tales: 12-Jan, 1:00 PM

(9) Teen Game Night: The last Teen Game Night of 2022 will be held on Friday, December 16. This week, Compass Alumni who are back in town from college are invited to join the group for pizza, games, and catching up.

(10) Lost & Found: Remember to check the collection of found items at Compass if you have lost something. Everything must be claimed by Friday, December 16, or it will be donated to charity. See photo below for found items: