Nature Quest: Fall- Adventurers (Tue)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 11:05 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Have fun the final weeks of summer! Look forward to early fall! Animals are active and sunning themselves. Plants are mature, and flowers have gone to seed. The stream may have slowed down from summer drought, but discoveries at the water's edge abound.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated.
Students must be minimum age 5 by the start of class, be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of class and must be able to stay in a group and follow instructions.
Nature Quest: Fall- Pathfinders (Tue)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 12:05 pm Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Have fun the final weeks of summer! Look forward to early fall! Animals are active and sunning themselves. Plants are mature, and flowers have gone to seed. The stream may have slowed down from summer drought, but discoveries at the water's edge abound.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated.
Outdoor Survivor: Fall (Tue)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 1:05 pm Duration: 110 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edibles, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program.
Nature Quest: Fall- Adventurers (Wed)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 11:05 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Have fun the final weeks of summer! Look forward to early fall! Animals are active and sunning themselves. Plants are mature, and flowers have gone to seed. The stream may have slowed down from summer drought, but discoveries at the water's edge abound.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated.
Students must be minimum age 5 by the start of class, be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of class and must be able to stay in a group and follow instructions.
Nature Quest: Fall- Pathfinders (Wed)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 12:05 pm Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Have fun the final weeks of summer! Look forward to early fall! Animals are active and sunning themselves. Plants are mature, and flowers have gone to seed. The stream may have slowed down from summer drought, but discoveries at the water's edge abound.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated.
Outdoor Survivor: Fall (Wed)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 1:05 pm Duration: 110 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edibles, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 12pm (Ney Mello) Q1
Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 1pm (Ney Mello) Q1
Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 2pm (Ney Mello) Q1
Quarter 1: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Cooking for Teens: Fall Fare with Flair
Quarter 1: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
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:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Fall Fare with Flair (Quarter 1), Festive Fall Flavors (Quarter 2), Winter Warm-Ups (Quarter 3), Savory Spring Specialties (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements:For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Global Gourmet for Teens: Best of the British Isles
Quarter 1: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Best of the British Isles (Quarter 1), Savory Scandinavian (Quarter 2), Tasty Thai (Quarter 3), Great Greek (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Mindful Mosaics Open Studio (Q1)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 85 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 7th-Adult
Prerequisites: None
Mindful Mosaics is run as a studio art class where students create unique compositions and work at their own pace under the guidance of an experienced mosaic artist. Each quarter, students are taught new design, cutting, layout, and finishing techniques and are introduced to new mosaic materials which they can incorporate into inspired, original pieces. The instructor can suggest possible themes for projects based on the featured materials, but most students work on individual projects that reflect their own interests, hobbies, or decor.
Students who are new to mosaics will complete a quick checkerboard project (complete with wooden checkers) to teach pattern, layout, and lines before starting an individual projects. For each project, students will choose from a variety of substrates- rectangular, square, shaped, or circular backboards (typically first-year students), or special forms or 3D objects (experienced students). Each project will expand a student's understanding of color, pattern, rhythm, texture, and spacing as they complete rich, dimensioned compositions. Students will be able to incorporate other glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles into their projects and may select feature elements such as beautiful glass gems, millefiori, sliced stone, metallic ornaments, mirrored bits, or shells, to serve as focal points in their mosaic piece. The mosaic can be monochromatic, complimentary, or contrasting colors. A broad pallet of colors is always available, and new colors are added each quarter to reflect the season.
Students will develop a skillset for mosaic artistry over multiple quarters or years. As each student demonstrates mastery of basic skills, safety, and artistic expression, that student will be taught advanced techniques, materials, tools, composition, and color theory. A typical progression in mosaics is: (1) Whole tiles in symmetric design on a flat, rectangular substrate with emphasis on proper spacing and adhesion; (2) Tile cut with nippers in themed design and individual color choices on a flat wood substrate; (3) Sheet glass cut with pistol grip, breaking, and/or running pliers with emphasis on composition, color, and design on a flat or curved substrate; (4) Progress to 3D substrate and advanced adhesives; (5) Learn porcelain and ceramic cutting, special adhesives, and advanced design.
Note:There is no prerequisite for this class. The number of projects completed each quarter depends on the student's work speed and attendance in class. Compass parents are welcome to register for the class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class.
Assessments: will not be given.
Materials Fees: All material fees are due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class by cash, check or electronic payment. Materials used vary depending on a student's experience with mosaic.
Beginner Material Fee: $40.00 for a selection of Beginner Materials, including:
Advanced Material Fee: $50.00 for a selection of Advanced Materials including:
Additional Fee: There may be additional fees for premium materials such as tesserae (by request and consultation with instructor), mother of pearl, 24 kt gold tiles (market rate), or specially cut substrates.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Fri 10am (Ney Mello) Q1
Quarter 1: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Fri 1pm (Ney Mello) Q1
Quarter 1: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Sweet Shop: Decadent Desserts (Fri)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
The tantalizing aroma of cookies in the oven. A mouth-watering burst of mint. The silky feel of melted chocolate. The sticky sweet of fresh-made caramel. A subtle hint of lemon. Student bakers will enjoy these delicious sensations- and more- as they explore the world of baking homemade desserts.
Sweet Shop treats are scrumptious, fun, and simple to make. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolate. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. This engaging sweets class will get students excited about helping in the kitchen and entertaining. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Decadent Delights (Quarter 1); Gooey Goodies (Quarter 2), Best Bon Bons (Quarter 3), and Tasty Treats (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Advanced Baking Academy: Delightful Desserts
Quarter 1: Starts on September 9, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: Prior Confection or Sweet Shop Class or Instructor Permission
The warm, welcoming smell of baking bread, flavorful fondant, carefully crackled creme brulee, mile-high mille-feuille, and proper puffed pastry. These are just some of the specialized baking techniques that Compass bakers will learn in Advanced Baking Academy. From pate a choux to piecrust, students chefs will create more complex baked items in this course. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
This engaging advanced baked goods class will get students excited about pastries for a career, side gig, hobby, or special occasions. Some recipes will be completed over two class periods, and several, due to the complexity of the dough or crust, will be sent home with instructions on how to fill or finish baking. Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, garnishes, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Delightful Desserts (Quarter 1); Seasonal Sweets (Quarter 2); Perfect Pastries (Quarter 3); Creative Confections (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements. For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in career exploration, fine arts, or electives for purposes of a high school transcript.
Culinary Foundations: Mixed Up! (Stir-Fries & Casseroles)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 9, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: Prior Tween or Teen Cooking Class or Instructor Permission
Students with a curiosity for culinary careers will explore many aspects of cooking for the hospitality industry and for themselves. In this advanced cooking class, students will make delicious, advanced recipes and learn skills that are the foundation for a future career in culinary arts. This class will get students excited about new foods, flavors, and techniques as they gain a working knowledge of food planning and preparation.
Each quarter, new technical, kitchen skills are introduced, and each week, a new recipe is made in class that demonstrates the featured food group or cooking style.
First quarter covers chapter Chapter 8 in the Level 1 textbook and features recipes the following recipes:
Culinary vocabulary will also be introduced each week. Students will leave this class with an introduction to culinary careers in the hospitality industry and a beginning foundation in culinary arts. Additionally, students will be able to take charge of a home kitchen, prepare advanced dishes, and adhere to safety and hygiene standards. They will have nutrition-planning and cooking skills that will enrich the lives of their friends and families.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Mixed Up! (Stir-Fries & Casseroles)- Quarter 1; Roasted! (Grilled, Baked & Broiled Dishes)- Quarter 2; Stuffed! (Filled Meats & Vegetables)- Quarter 3; Skewered! (Kabobs & Grilled Skewers)- Quarter 4. Students continuing from the prior quarter will receive priority pre-registration for next quarter.
Prerequisites: Students must be in 9th grade (minimum age 14) to take this class. 7th-8th graders must have Instructor's permission to enroll. This class is best suited for students who can follow instructions, complete sequential tasks, and work in a group.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Cooking assignments, practicing skills at home, and related homework will be given in class and e-mailed to students and parents. Brief written assignments may be given, such as recipe modification or development.
Assessments: Individual feedback will be given in class. Formal assessments will not be given. At the end of the second quarter, enrolled students will be required to complete an online Virginia Food Handler Course for food safety certification through the county health department, which will cost $25.00
https://courseforfoodsafety.com/states/VA?gclid=CjwKCAjw7LX0BRBiEiwA__gNw4AfZHgp_eOVTeiEXudxZhhF11E2UMggiIeYo6qL33xlUaDXbUeB5RoCG1cQAvD_BwE
Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent the selected textbooks and workbooks. Used copies are acceptable.
Required Tools/Materials: Culinary students will be expected to begin to acquire their own tools. Students should purchase and bring with them each week the following basic, minimum tools and supplies:
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $75.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for perishable food items, ingredients, and supplies that are used in this class. For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts or Career Education for purposes of a high school transcript.
Sweet Shop: Decadent Desserts (Mon)
Quarter 1: Starts on September 9, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
The tantalizing aroma of cookies in the oven. A mouth-watering burst of mint. The silky feel of melted chocolate. The sticky sweet of fresh-made caramel. A subtle hint of lemon. Student bakers will enjoy these delicious sensations- and more- as they explore the world of baking homemade desserts.
Sweet Shop treats are scrumptious, fun, and simple to make. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolate. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. This engaging sweets class will get students excited about helping in the kitchen and entertaining. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Decadent Delights (Quarter 1); Gooey Goodies (Quarter 2), Best Bon Bons (Quarter 3), and Tasty Treats (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Compass Kindergarten: Math Minds (Sem 1)
Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 175 min
Instructor: Danielle Mercadal
Grade Range: K
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization.
This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.
Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected.
On Wednesdays, the focus will be on Math where students will be exposed to basic mathematical concepts such as adding, subtracting, skip counting, ordinal numbers, and time through stories and play.
Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 15 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)
Other Notes:
Guitar for Beginners I
Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar! In this class, students will learn basic melodies such as Happy Birthday, Jingle Bells, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, as well as classic rock favorites like Smoke on the Water, etc. Kids will learn to play chords and strumming patterns for familiar songs chosen by the instructor and students. Students are encouraged to bring in music they are interested in learning. New chords and new songs will be added each week as students also learn to read music and basic music theory. Students will also learn how to hold, tune, and care for their guitars. Each student will need a least a beginner level acoustic guitar. Students should be able to read at grade level for this class and should plan to practice at home several times each week. Students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes per day most days practicing chords and melodies from class. There is a materials fee of $8.00 payable to the Compass on the first day of class for a tablature notebook.
Secrets of Songwriting (Fall)
Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 4, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 7th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Students will learn a fun, simplified way to write songs from a professional, award-winning, soundtrack composer. Each week, students will tackle a different phase of songwriting. This class is open to students who play instruments, sing, write lyrics, or a combination of all three talents!
The group will learn about the song structure that is popular today with verse, chorus, pre-chorus, pre-verse, intros, and outros. They will listen to some examples of songs to convey what a verse, chorus, and bridge are, and will cover an overview of the basics of functional and classical harmony.
Each week, the group will approach a different stage of the songwriting process, working through ideas on their instruments, writing lyrics, or both. Student artists will be guided through making their own background tracks to encourage self- expression and to allow individual voices to emerge. They can use songs they know as inspiration, but they will be encouraged to create everything like a real songwriter. Musicians will be given ready-made chord options so their focus can remain on the creative aspects of songwriting.
If the student is only writing lyrics, he/she will be assigned a songwriting partner student who will write the melody and chords. In this case, the lyricist student will be provided with that song's work in progress tracks to write to at home.
Students who wish to record their songs should download the free Abbey Road 'Topline' app for Android or Apple smartphones. (The instructor uses this app professionally to share songs and concepts via e-mail, text message, or over social media with colleagues.) The app allows the artist to record songs in sections and play back all together. Microphones will not be needed.
The workshop is open to all instrument and voice students, not just guitar. Any style of music is acceptable (pop, folk, country, etc), but all lyrics must be rated "E" for everyone.
Semi-Private: Algebra I Part 2/Geometry
Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 5, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
This is a semi-private section for students with permission of Compass and the Instructor.
This is continuing course in high school Algebra I and introduction to Geometry covering concepts in 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 continue the study of algebraic problem-solving with the incorporation of real-world applications. Part 1 topics in Algebra I will be reviewed such as number systems, linear systems, rational numbers, complex numbers, exponents, roots, and radicals. Algebra I, Part 2 topics including quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, absolute values, ratios, and proportions will be covered first semester. The course will review and expand on solving and graphing systems of functions, linear equations, and inequalities.
Second semester, students will begin an introduction to Geometry covering lines, angles, congruence, concurrence, inequalities, parallel lines, quadrilaterals, transformations, area, similarity, right triangles, circles, regular polygons, and geometric solids. Geometric proofs will not be included. 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 and Algebra I, part 1 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 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.
Century of American Music: 1920s-1960s
Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
If you like to "Turn Up the Music" (Chris Brown, 2012), "Play That Funky Music" (Wild Cherry, 1976), or "Dance to The Music" (Sly and The Family Stone, 1967), then you know that there is an impressive variety of American music. America is the birthplace of some of the most influential genres of music and musicians in the world. Much of the world's modern music has roots in American blues, jazz, or rock, while American music has elements from West Africa, the West Indies, and diverse communities such as New Orleans, Detroit, Memphis, St. Louis, Nashville, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Bronx. American music has influenced behavior and culture such as dance, entertainment, fashion, technology, popular opinion, lexicon, marketing, and more.
This is a focused class in music appreciation for students who enjoy listening to or playing music. The class will evaluate a century of American music by listening to and discussing influential performers, writers, and producers. Students will learn to identify music elements unique to each genre- melody, rhythm, harmony- and will develop a musical vocabulary to help them think and talk about musical works. They will also explore innovations in instruments and technologies that evolved with the music, such as drums being placed in a "set" at the advent of jazz music, the rise of electric instruments, and electronic production/mixing.
First semester will explore music from the 1920s to the 1960s encompassing the genres of blues, ragtime, jazz, boogie-woogie, swing, soul, rhythm and blues, rock-and-roll, Motown, pop, funk, disco. Featured artists will include Louis Armstrong, Miles Davis, Marvin Gaye, Chuck Berry, Elvis, James Brown, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Simon and Garfunkel, Fleetwood Mack, Robert Johnson, Scott Joplin, John McLaughlin, and many others. Find out why the Rolling Stones and the Beatles claim they were influenced by Little Richard, and why the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame described Jimi Hendrix as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music."
Like other fine arts classes, music appreciation is a fun break from academics which enriches and engages students in a topic they enjoy. Genres that will not be highlighted in this course include gospel, folk, country, western, tejano, reggae, zydeco, or salsa.
Topics in this Series: 19202-1960s (Semester 1), 1970s-2020s (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Compass Kindergarten: Science Sparks (Sem 1)
Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 175 min
Instructor: Danielle Mercadal
Grade Range: K
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization.
This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.
Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected.
On Fridays, the focus will be on science and exploration of the natural world through stories, crafts, and observations both inside and outside the classroom. Themes include seasons, weather, local animals, and the five senses.
Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 15 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)
Other Notes:
Songwriting Studio (Fall)
Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 6, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Students will learn a fun, simplified way to write songs from a professional, award-winning, soundtrack composer. Each week, students will tackle a different phase of songwriting. This class is open to students who play instruments, sing, write lyrics, or a combination of all three talents!
The group will learn about the song structure that is popular today with verse, chorus, pre-chorus, pre-verse, intros, and outros. They will listen to some examples of songs to convey what a verse, chorus, and bridge are, and will cover an overview of the basics of functional and classical harmony.
Each week, the group will approach a different stage of the songwriting process, working through ideas on their instruments, writing lyrics, or both. Student artists will be guided through making their own background tracks to encourage self- expression and to allow individual voices to emerge. They can use songs they know as inspiration, but they will be encouraged to create everything like a real songwriter. Musicians will be given ready-made chord options so their focus can remain on the creative aspects of songwriting.
If the student is only writing lyrics, he/she will be assigned a songwriting partner student who will write the melody and chords. In this case, the lyricist student will be provided with that song's work in progress tracks to write to at home.
Students who wish to record their songs should download the free Abbey Road 'Topline' app for Android or Apple smartphones. (The instructor uses this app professionally to share songs and concepts via e-mail, text message, or over social media with colleagues.) The app allows the artist to record songs in sections and play back all together. Microphones will not be needed.
The workshop is open to all instrument and voice students, not just guitar. Any style of music is acceptable (pop, folk, country, etc), but all lyrics must be rated "E" for everyone.
Topics in this Series: Songwriting Studio for Teens (Semester 1), Songwriting Studio for Teens (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class .
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts or electives for purposes of a high school transcript.
Compass Kindergarten: Language Arts (Sem 1)
Quarter 1,2: Starts on September 9, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 175 min
Instructor: Danielle Mercadal
Grade Range: K
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization.
This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.
Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected.
On Mondays, the focus will be on Language Arts where students will be exposed to folktales, seasonal stories, and classic favorites while also practicing basic reading and writing skills such as sound blends, digraphs and long vowel sounds.
Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 15 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)
Other Notes:
Algebra I (Tue, Thu)
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Jen Hallworth
Grade Range: 7th-10th
Prerequisites: None
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.
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.
Calculus (Honors or AP A/B)
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 11th-12th
Prerequisites: None
This is a complete course in high school Calculus 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 Calculus include limits of functions (one-sided and two-sided limits, limits at infinity and infinite limits, limits of sequences, and continuity of functions), derivatives (various definitions of derivatives, estimating derivatives from tables and graphs, rules of differentiation, properties of derivatives, separable differential equations, and the Mean Value Theorem), applications of derivatives (related rates, optimization, and exponential growth and decay models), integrals (basic techniques of integration including basic antiderivatives and substitution), applications of integrals (in finding areas and volumes, describing motion, and as accumulation functions), and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Students will explore these topics through class discussions, practice problems, and open-ended problem-solving.
Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in PreCalculus in order to take this class.
Level: This course is offered at two levels, Honors and Advanced Placement (AP). The scope and sequence are identical, however AP students may have additional practice problems. Students who wish to take the AP exam must register and pay for their own exam through the College Board in fall 2024 for the May 2025 exam.
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: Calculus: Single Variable/Early Transcendentals, 8th edition by James Stewart (ISBN-13 9781305270336). A scientific calculator similar to the Casio fx-115ES PLUS is required for this class, and it is highly recommended that students preparing for the AP exam have a graphing calculator similar to the TI-83. Students without a graphing calculator must have access to desmos.com and/or wolframalpha.com for graphing assignments.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Calculus for purposes of a high school transcript.
Practical Math for Real Life
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 10th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Financing a motorcycle, buying your first car, comparing lease options on an apartment, understanding your paycheck, and selecting insurance. These are all real-life scenarios that young adults will face within the first five years of graduating high school, if not sooner. These choices and others are an inevitable part of "adulting" and require a solid understanding of essential math skills.
This course will work through practical, real-life situations and will review the math skills needed to make informed choices. Often called "Consumer Math," this course will review arithmetic concepts such as decimals, fractions, discounts, rates, ratios, proportions, rounding, simple interest, estimating, and measurements. However, instead of working math problems in abstract exercises, students will revisit these concepts in the context of scenarios they will encounter in everyday life.
What is a better deal: an extra 15% off the already discounted sales price of 30% off or Buy One, Get One free? Students will be able to use/apply arithmetic concepts to common scenarios to make informed consumer choices. Course themes include:
Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra
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/Materials: Students should purchase or rent Mathematics for Business and Personal Finance,by McGraw Hill Publishers, 1st Edition (ISBN-13: 978-0078805059) [race cars on cover]
What to Bring: Notebook or paper, pen or pencil, textbook and/or workbook. From time to time the instructor may ask students to bring a smart phone (for apps) or laptop for in-class investigation.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as full credit in Mathematics or Personal Finance for purposes of a high school transcript.
Pre-Algebra
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Jen Hallworth
Grade Range: 7th-9th
Prerequisites: None
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 & Properties, Equations & Inequalities, Functional Relationships and Ratios, Percent & 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.
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.
Precalculus with Trigonometry
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 10th-12th
Prerequisites: None
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.
Preparation for Pre-Algebra
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Jen Hallworth
Grade Range: 6th-7th
Prerequisites: None
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 purchase the two class texts: "The Complete Book of Math, Grades 5-6" (ISBN# 978-1561896776) and "EP Math 5/6 Workbook" (ISBN# 979-8643323693).
Probability & Statistics (On-Level or Honors)
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 3, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 11th-12th
Prerequisites: None
The odds of winning the Powerball jackpot are 1 in 292 million. 77% of teens ages 12-17 have cell phones. One out of every two youth voters cast a ballot in 2020. From election polls to stock market data and weather reports to medical test results, statistics and probability are all around us. They are quoted in the podcasts we listen to, the news we watch, and the textbooks and articles we read. Statistics and probability are used in almost every field of study and career for forecasting, decision making, and tracking progress. In 2021-22, the government will release a tsunami of 2020 census statistics about our country's population. (Coincidentally, the odds of a tsunami hitting the east coast- less than the Powerball win.) But statistics and probability are also often misused, misquoted or incorrectly applied, so having a solid understanding of what these numbers represent will help make teens informed consumers and decision-makers.
This course will explore the collection and analysis of data, inferences and conclusions, and the use of this information. Themes include relationships between variables, gathering data, interpreting categorical versus quantitative data. The class will also cover sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies and evaluate randomness and probability. Finally, students will learn about making inferences, justifying conclusions, and using probability to make decisions.
Prerequisite: Students should have a solid foundation in Algebra I and Geometry in order to take this class. It is an ideal class for a student who needs an additional credit in high school math, but who may not wish to pursue more advanced mathematics courses such as Algebra II and Pre-Calculus.
Levels: The course provides a substantive, full-credit experience on either an Honors or On-Level track. All class members share core material and participate in the same class lectures. Honors students will receive additional, more challenging problems. Students register online for the same course but must indicate which level they wish to follow by the first day of class. Students may move down a level (from Honors to On-Level) at any time.
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: The required textbook for this class is "Stats In Your World" 1st edition by David E. Bock (ISBN-13: 978-0131384897).
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a complete credit in Probability & Statistics for purposes of a high school transcript.
Algebra I (Mon, Thu)
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 5, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 7th-10th
Prerequisites: None
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.
Algebra II
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 5, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 10th-12th
Prerequisites: None
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.
Geometry
Quarter 1,2,3,4: Starts on September 5, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 8th-11th
Prerequisites: None
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.
Advanced Baking Academy: Seasonal Sweets
Quarter 2: Starts on October 21, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: Prior Confection or Sweet Shop Class or Instructor Permission
The warm, welcoming smell of baking bread, flavorful fondant, carefully crackled creme brulee, mile-high mille-feuille, and proper puffed pastry. These are just some of the specialized baking techniques that Compass bakers will learn in Advanced Baking Academy. From pate a choux to piecrust, students chefs will create more complex baked items in this course. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
This engaging advanced baked goods class will get students excited about pastries for a career, side gig, hobby, or special occasions. Some recipes will be completed over two class periods, and several, due to the complexity of the dough or crust, will be sent home with instructions on how to fill or finish baking. Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, garnishes, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Delightful Desserts (Quarter 1); Seasonal Sweets (Quarter 2); Perfect Pastries (Quarter 3); Creative Confections (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements. For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in career exploration, fine arts, or electives for purposes of a high school transcript.
Culinary Foundations: Roasted! (Grilled, Baked & Broiled Dishes)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 21, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: Prior Tween or Teen Cooking Class or Instructor Permission
Students with a curiosity for culinary careers will explore many aspects of cooking for the hospitality industry and for themselves. In this advanced cooking class, students will make delicious, advanced recipes and learn skills that are the foundation for a future career in culinary arts. This class will get students excited about new foods, flavors, and techniques as they gain a working knowledge of food planning and preparation.
Each quarter, new technical, kitchen skills are introduced, and each week, a new recipe is made in class that demonstrates the featured food group or cooking style.
First quarter covers chapter Chapter 8 in the Level 1 textbook and features recipes the following recipes:
Culinary vocabulary will also be introduced each week. Students will leave this class with an introduction to culinary careers in the hospitality industry and a beginning foundation in culinary arts. Additionally, students will be able to take charge of a home kitchen, prepare advanced dishes, and adhere to safety and hygiene standards. They will have nutrition-planning and cooking skills that will enrich the lives of their friends and families.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Mixed Up! (Stir-Fries & Casseroles)- Quarter 1; Roasted! (Grilled, Baked & Broiled Dishes)- Quarter 2; Stuffed! (Filled Meats & Vegetables)- Quarter 3; Skewered! (Kabobs & Grilled Skewers)- Quarter 4. Students continuing from the prior quarter will receive priority pre-registration for next quarter.
Prerequisites: Students must be in 9th grade (minimum age 14) to take this class. 7th-8th graders must have Instructor's permission to enroll. This class is best suited for students who can follow instructions, complete sequential tasks, and work in a group.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Cooking assignments, practicing skills at home, and related homework will be given in class and e-mailed to students and parents. Brief written assignments may be given, such as recipe modification or development.
Assessments: Individual feedback will be given in class. Formal assessments will not be given. At the end of the second quarter, enrolled students will be required to complete an online Virginia Food Handler Course for food safety certification through the county health department, which will cost $25.00
https://courseforfoodsafety.com/states/VA?gclid=CjwKCAjw7LX0BRBiEiwA__gNw4AfZHgp_eOVTeiEXudxZhhF11E2UMggiIeYo6qL33xlUaDXbUeB5RoCG1cQAvD_BwE
Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent the selected textbooks and workbooks. Used copies are acceptable.
Required Tools/Materials: Culinary students will be expected to begin to acquire their own tools. Students should purchase and bring with them each week the following basic, minimum tools and supplies:
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $75.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for perishable food items, ingredients, and supplies that are used in this class. For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts or Career Education for purposes of a high school transcript.
Sweet Shop: Gooey Goodies (Mon)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 21, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
The tantalizing aroma of cookies in the oven. A mouth-watering burst of mint. The silky feel of melted chocolate. The sticky sweet of fresh-made caramel. A subtle hint of lemon. Student bakers will enjoy these delicious sensations- and more- as they explore the world of baking homemade desserts.
Sweet Shop treats are scrumptious, fun, and simple to make. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolate. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. This engaging sweets class will get students excited about helping in the kitchen and entertaining. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Decadent Delights (Quarter 1); Gooey Goodies (Quarter 2), Best Bon Bons (Quarter 3), and Tasty Treats (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Nature Quest: Autumn- Adventurers (Tue)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024
Class Time: 11:05 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Find fascinating things in late fall! Hike through piles of fallen leaves. See farther through the bare branches. Look for evidence of animals getting ready for winter and birds migrating to warmer locales. Discover changes in plant life, observe stream ecology, and watch for changes in the weather!
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated.
Students must be minimum age 5 by the start of class, be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of class and must be able to stay in a group and follow instructions.
Nature Quest: Autumn- Pathfinders (Tue)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024
Class Time: 12:05 pm Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Find fascinating things in late fall! Hike through piles of fallen leaves. See farther through the bare branches. Look for evidence of animals getting ready for winter and birds migrating to warmer locales. Discover changes in plant life, observe stream ecology, and watch for changes in the weather!
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated.
Outdoor Survivor: Autumn (Tue)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 22, 2024
Class Time: 1:05 pm Duration: 110 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edibles, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program.
Nature Quest: Autumn- Adventurers (Wed)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024
Class Time: 11:05 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Find fascinating things in late fall! Hike through piles of fallen leaves. See farther through the bare branches. Look for evidence of animals getting ready for winter and birds migrating to warmer locales. Discover changes in plant life, observe stream ecology, and watch for changes in the weather!
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated.
Students must be minimum age 5 by the start of class, be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of class and must be able to stay in a group and follow instructions.
Nature Quest: Autumn- Pathfinders (Wed)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024
Class Time: 12:05 pm Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Find fascinating things in late fall! Hike through piles of fallen leaves. See farther through the bare branches. Look for evidence of animals getting ready for winter and birds migrating to warmer locales. Discover changes in plant life, observe stream ecology, and watch for changes in the weather!
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated.
Outdoor Survivor: Autumn (Wed)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024
Class Time: 1:05 pm Duration: 110 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edibles, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 12pm (Ney Mello) Q2
Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 1pm (Ney Mello) Q2
Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 2pm (Ney Mello) Q2
Quarter 2: Starts on October 23, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Cooking for Teens: Festive Fall Flavors
Quarter 2: Starts on October 25, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
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:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Fall Fare with Flair (Quarter 1), Festive Fall Flavors (Quarter 2), Winter Warm-Ups (Quarter 3), Savory Spring Specialties (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements:For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Global Gourmet for Teens: Savory Scandinavian
Quarter 2: Starts on October 25, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Best of the British Isles (Quarter 1), Savory Scandinavian (Quarter 2), Tasty Thai (Quarter 3), Great Greek (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Mindful Mosaics Open Studio (Q2)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 25, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 85 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 7th-Adult
Prerequisites: None
Mindful Mosaics is run as a studio art class where students create unique compositions and work at their own pace under the guidance of an experienced mosaic artist. Each quarter, students are taught new design, cutting, layout, and finishing techniques and are introduced to new mosaic materials which they can incorporate into inspired, original pieces. The instructor can suggest possible themes for projects based on the featured materials, but most students work on individual projects that reflect their own interests, hobbies, or decor.
Students who are new to mosaics will complete a quick checkerboard project (complete with wooden checkers) to teach pattern, layout, and lines before starting an individual projects. For each project, students will choose from a variety of substrates- rectangular, square, shaped, or circular backboards (typically first-year students), or special forms or 3D objects (experienced students). Each project will expand a student's understanding of color, pattern, rhythm, texture, and spacing as they complete rich, dimensioned compositions. Students will be able to incorporate other glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles into their projects and may select feature elements such as beautiful glass gems, millefiori, sliced stone, metallic ornaments, mirrored bits, or shells, to serve as focal points in their mosaic piece. The mosaic can be monochromatic, complimentary, or contrasting colors. A broad pallet of colors is always available, and new colors are added each quarter to reflect the season.
Students will develop a skillset for mosaic artistry over multiple quarters or years. As each student demonstrates mastery of basic skills, safety, and artistic expression, that student will be taught advanced techniques, materials, tools, composition, and color theory. A typical progression in mosaics is: (1) Whole tiles in symmetric design on a flat, rectangular substrate with emphasis on proper spacing and adhesion; (2) Tile cut with nippers in themed design and individual color choices on a flat wood substrate; (3) Sheet glass cut with pistol grip, breaking, and/or running pliers with emphasis on composition, color, and design on a flat or curved substrate; (4) Progress to 3D substrate and advanced adhesives; (5) Learn porcelain and ceramic cutting, special adhesives, and advanced design.
Note:There is no prerequisite for this class. The number of projects completed each quarter depends on the student's work speed and attendance in class. Compass parents are welcome to register for the class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class.
Assessments: will not be given.
Materials Fees: All material fees are due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class by cash, check or electronic payment. Materials used vary depending on a student's experience with mosaic.
Beginner Material Fee: $40.00 for a selection of Beginner Materials, including:
Advanced Material Fee: $50.00 for a selection of Advanced Materials including:
Additional Fee: There may be additional fees for premium materials such as tesserae (by request and consultation with instructor), mother of pearl, 24 kt gold tiles (market rate), or specially cut substrates.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Fri 10am (Ney Mello) Q2
Quarter 2: Starts on October 25, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Fri 1pm (Ney Mello) Q2
Quarter 2: Starts on October 25, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Sweet Shop: Gooey Goodies (Fri)
Quarter 2: Starts on October 25, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
The tantalizing aroma of cookies in the oven. A mouth-watering burst of mint. The silky feel of melted chocolate. The sticky sweet of fresh-made caramel. A subtle hint of lemon. Student bakers will enjoy these delicious sensations- and more- as they explore the world of baking homemade desserts.
Sweet Shop treats are scrumptious, fun, and simple to make. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolate. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. This engaging sweets class will get students excited about helping in the kitchen and entertaining. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Decadent Delights (Quarter 1); Gooey Goodies (Quarter 2), Best Bon Bons (Quarter 3), and Tasty Treats (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Advanced Baking Academy: Perfect Pasteries
Quarter 3: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: Prior Confection or Sweet Shop Class or Instructor Permission
The warm, welcoming smell of baking bread, flavorful fondant, carefully crackled creme brulee, mile-high mille-feuille, and proper puffed pastry. These are just some of the specialized baking techniques that Compass bakers will learn in Advanced Baking Academy. From pate a choux to piecrust, students chefs will create more complex baked items in this course. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
This engaging advanced baked goods class will get students excited about pastries for a career, side gig, hobby, or special occasions. Some recipes will be completed over two class periods, and several, due to the complexity of the dough or crust, will be sent home with instructions on how to fill or finish baking. Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, garnishes, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Delightful Desserts (Quarter 1); Seasonal Sweets (Quarter 2); Perfect Pastries (Quarter 3); Creative Confections (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements. For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in career exploration, fine arts, or electives for purposes of a high school transcript.
Culinary Foundations: Stuffed! (Filled Meats & Vegetables)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: Prior Tween or Teen Cooking Class or Instructor Permission
Students with a curiosity for culinary careers will explore many aspects of cooking for the hospitality industry and for themselves. In this advanced cooking class, students will make delicious, advanced recipes and learn skills that are the foundation for a future career in culinary arts. This class will get students excited about new foods, flavors, and techniques as they gain a working knowledge of food planning and preparation.
Each quarter, new technical, kitchen skills are introduced, and each week, a new recipe is made in class that demonstrates the featured food group or cooking style.
First quarter covers chapter Chapter 8 in the Level 1 textbook and features recipes the following recipes:
Culinary vocabulary will also be introduced each week. Students will leave this class with an introduction to culinary careers in the hospitality industry and a beginning foundation in culinary arts. Additionally, students will be able to take charge of a home kitchen, prepare advanced dishes, and adhere to safety and hygiene standards. They will have nutrition-planning and cooking skills that will enrich the lives of their friends and families.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Mixed Up! (Stir-Fries & Casseroles)- Quarter 1; Roasted! (Grilled, Baked & Broiled Dishes)- Quarter 2; Stuffed! (Filled Meats & Vegetables)- Quarter 3; Skewered! (Kabobs & Grilled Skewers)- Quarter 4. Students continuing from the prior quarter will receive priority pre-registration for next quarter.
Prerequisites: Students must be in 9th grade (minimum age 14) to take this class. 7th-8th graders must have Instructor's permission to enroll. This class is best suited for students who can follow instructions, complete sequential tasks, and work in a group.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Cooking assignments, practicing skills at home, and related homework will be given in class and e-mailed to students and parents. Brief written assignments may be given, such as recipe modification or development.
Assessments: Individual feedback will be given in class. Formal assessments will not be given. At the end of the second quarter, enrolled students will be required to complete an online Virginia Food Handler Course for food safety certification through the county health department, which will cost $25.00
https://courseforfoodsafety.com/states/VA?gclid=CjwKCAjw7LX0BRBiEiwA__gNw4AfZHgp_eOVTeiEXudxZhhF11E2UMggiIeYo6qL33xlUaDXbUeB5RoCG1cQAvD_BwE
Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent the selected textbooks and workbooks. Used copies are acceptable.
Required Tools/Materials: Culinary students will be expected to begin to acquire their own tools. Students should purchase and bring with them each week the following basic, minimum tools and supplies:
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $75.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for perishable food items, ingredients, and supplies that are used in this class. For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts or Career Education for purposes of a high school transcript.
Sweet Shop: Best Bon Bons (Mon)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
The tantalizing aroma of cookies in the oven. A mouth-watering burst of mint. The silky feel of melted chocolate. The sticky sweet of fresh-made caramel. A subtle hint of lemon. Student bakers will enjoy these delicious sensations- and more- as they explore the world of baking homemade desserts.
Sweet Shop treats are scrumptious, fun, and simple to make. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolate. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. This engaging sweets class will get students excited about helping in the kitchen and entertaining. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Decadent Delights (Quarter 1); Gooey Goodies (Quarter 2), Best Bon Bons (Quarter 3), and Tasty Treats (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Nature Quest: Winter- Adventurers (Tue)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 11:05 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Witness the wonders of winter! Bundle up and look for signs of how animals live in the cold. Discover tracks in the snow, uncover nests and borrows, and find out who munched on twigs or bark. Observe transformations in plant life, moss, and fungus, and watch the changes to the watershed.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature.
Students must be minimum age 5 by the start of class, be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of class and must be able to stay in a group and follow instructions.
Nature Quest: Winter- Pathfinders (Tue)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 12:05 pm Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Witness the wonders of winter! Bundle up and look for signs of how animals live in the cold. Discover tracks in the snow, uncover nests and borrows, and find out who munched on twigs or bark. Observe transformations in plant life, moss, and fungus, and watch the changes to the watershed.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature.
Outdoor Survivor: Winter (Tue)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 14, 2025
Class Time: 1:05 pm Duration: 110 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edibles, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program.
Nature Quest: Winter- Adventurers (Wed)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 11:05 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Witness the wonders of winter! Bundle up and look for signs of how animals live in the cold. Discover tracks in the snow, uncover nests and borrows, and find out who munched on twigs or bark. Observe transformations in plant life, moss, and fungus, and watch the changes to the watershed.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature.
Students must be minimum age 5 by the start of class, be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of class and must be able to stay in a group and follow instructions.
Nature Quest: Winter- Pathfinders (Wed)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 12:05 pm Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Witness the wonders of winter! Bundle up and look for signs of how animals live in the cold. Discover tracks in the snow, uncover nests and borrows, and find out who munched on twigs or bark. Observe transformations in plant life, moss, and fungus, and watch the changes to the watershed.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature.
Outdoor Survivor: Winter (Wed)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 1:05 pm Duration: 110 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edibles, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 12pm (Ney Mello) Q3
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 8 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 1pm (Ney Mello) Q3
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 8 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Wed 2pm (Ney Mello) Q3
Quarter 3: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 8 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Cooking for Teens: Winter Warm-Ups
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
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:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Fall Fare with Flair (Quarter 1), Festive Fall Flavors (Quarter 2), Winter Warm-Ups (Quarter 3), Savory Spring Specialties (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements:For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Global Gourmet for Teens: Tasty Thai
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients seasoned and prepared to represent regional flavors and traditional dishes from the featured country. Recipes are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. The Compass chefs' gastronomy adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Best of the British Isles (Quarter 1), Savory Scandinavian (Quarter 2), Tasty Thai (Quarter 3), Great Greek (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Mindful Mosaics Open Studio (Q3)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 85 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 7th-Adult
Prerequisites: None
Mindful Mosaics is run as a studio art class where students create unique compositions and work at their own pace under the guidance of an experienced mosaic artist. Each quarter, students are taught new design, cutting, layout, and finishing techniques and are introduced to new mosaic materials which they can incorporate into inspired, original pieces. The instructor can suggest possible themes for projects based on the featured materials, but most students work on individual projects that reflect their own interests, hobbies, or decor.
Students who are new to mosaics will complete a quick checkerboard project (complete with wooden checkers) to teach pattern, layout, and lines before starting an individual projects. For each project, students will choose from a variety of substrates- rectangular, square, shaped, or circular backboards (typically first-year students), or special forms or 3D objects (experienced students). Each project will expand a student's understanding of color, pattern, rhythm, texture, and spacing as they complete rich, dimensioned compositions. Students will be able to incorporate other glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles into their projects and may select feature elements such as beautiful glass gems, millefiori, sliced stone, metallic ornaments, mirrored bits, or shells, to serve as focal points in their mosaic piece. The mosaic can be monochromatic, complimentary, or contrasting colors. A broad pallet of colors is always available, and new colors are added each quarter to reflect the season.
Students will develop a skillset for mosaic artistry over multiple quarters or years. As each student demonstrates mastery of basic skills, safety, and artistic expression, that student will be taught advanced techniques, materials, tools, composition, and color theory. A typical progression in mosaics is: (1) Whole tiles in symmetric design on a flat, rectangular substrate with emphasis on proper spacing and adhesion; (2) Tile cut with nippers in themed design and individual color choices on a flat wood substrate; (3) Sheet glass cut with pistol grip, breaking, and/or running pliers with emphasis on composition, color, and design on a flat or curved substrate; (4) Progress to 3D substrate and advanced adhesives; (5) Learn porcelain and ceramic cutting, special adhesives, and advanced design.
Note:There is no prerequisite for this class. The number of projects completed each quarter depends on the student's work speed and attendance in class. Compass parents are welcome to register for the class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class.
Assessments: will not be given.
Materials Fees: All material fees are due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class by cash, check or electronic payment. Materials used vary depending on a student's experience with mosaic.
Beginner Material Fee: $40.00 for a selection of Beginner Materials, including:
Advanced Material Fee: $50.00 for a selection of Advanced Materials including:
Additional Fee: There may be additional fees for premium materials such as tesserae (by request and consultation with instructor), mother of pearl, 24 kt gold tiles (market rate), or specially cut substrates.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Fri 10am (Ney Mello) Q3
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 8 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drum Lessons- Fri 1pm (Ney Mello) Q3
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 3rd-Adult
Prerequisites: None
55-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 8 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: New guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Sweet Shop: Best Bon Bons (Fri)
Quarter 3: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
The tantalizing aroma of cookies in the oven. A mouth-watering burst of mint. The silky feel of melted chocolate. The sticky sweet of fresh-made caramel. A subtle hint of lemon. Student bakers will enjoy these delicious sensations- and more- as they explore the world of baking homemade desserts.
Sweet Shop treats are scrumptious, fun, and simple to make. Each week they will prepare a fresh, handmade dessert or sweet such as: pies, cakes, cookies, tarts, trifles, mousses, puddings, candies, fudge, brittle, or chocolate. The class will include some icing, decorating, and garnishing techniques for completed desserts. This quarter, the Compass bakers' culinary adventures will include:
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. This engaging sweets class will get students excited about helping in the kitchen and entertaining. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Decadent Delights (Quarter 1); Gooey Goodies (Quarter 2), Best Bon Bons (Quarter 3), and Tasty Treats (Quarter 4).
Assessments: Qualitative Feedback will be given in class. Formal grades/assessment will not be given.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on or before the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
Cooking Class Requirements: For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Private Guitar or Drumming Lesson- 1 Hour (Wed, 12:00 pm)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 31, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 60 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
60-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 14weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: Guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drumming Lesson- 1 Hour (Fri, 12:00 pm)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on March 1, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 60 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
60-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 11 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: Guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Compass Kindergarten: Language Arts (Sem 2)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 175 min
Instructor: Danielle Mercadal
Grade Range: K
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization.
This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.
Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected.
On Mondays, the focus will be on Language Arts where students will be exposed to folktales, seasonal stories, and classic favorites while also practicing basic reading and writing skills such as sound blends, digraphs and long vowel sounds.
Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 15 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)
Other Notes:
Semi-Private: Algebra I Part 2/Geometry
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 13, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: David Chelf
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
This is a semi-private section for students with permission of Compass and the Instructor.
This is continuing course in high school Algebra I and introduction to Geometry covering concepts in 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 continue the study of algebraic problem-solving with the incorporation of real-world applications. Part 1 topics in Algebra I will be reviewed such as number systems, linear systems, rational numbers, complex numbers, exponents, roots, and radicals. Algebra I, Part 2 topics including quadratic equations, polynomials, factoring, absolute values, ratios, and proportions will be covered first semester. The course will review and expand on solving and graphing systems of functions, linear equations, and inequalities.
Second semester, students will begin an introduction to Geometry covering lines, angles, congruence, concurrence, inequalities, parallel lines, quadrilaterals, transformations, area, similarity, right triangles, circles, regular polygons, and geometric solids. Geometric proofs will not be included. 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 and Algebra I, part 1 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 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.
Compass Kindergarten: Math Minds (Sem 2)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 175 min
Instructor: Danielle Mercadal
Grade Range: K
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization.
This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.
Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected.
On Wednesdays, the focus will be on Math where students will be exposed to basic mathematical concepts such as adding, subtracting, skip counting, ordinal numbers, and time through stories and play.
Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 15 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)
Other Notes:
Guitar for Beginners II
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Students will continue to learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar. In this class, students will continue to learn basic melodies, chords, and strumming patterns for familiar songs from a variety of genres such as, "Sweet Jane" (by The Velvet Underground), "House of the Rising Sun," (by Eric Burdon and The Animals) and "Willow" (by Taylor Swift) chosen by the instructor and students. Students are encouraged to bring in music they are interested in learning. New chords and new songs will be added each week as students also learn to read music and basic music theory. Students will also learn how to hold, tune, and care for their guitars. Each student will need a least a beginner level acoustic guitar. Students should be able to read at grade level for this class and should plan to practice at home several times each week. Students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes per day most days practicing chords and melodies from class. There is a materials fee of $8.00 payable to the Compass on the first day of class for a tablature notebook for any student who does not have one from a prior class. New students who wish to enroll 2nd semester should have at least 12-15 hours of prior instruction in order to match the pace of the enrolled students.
Secrets of Songwriting (Spring)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 15, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 7th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Students will learn a fun, simplified way to write songs from a professional, award-winning, soundtrack composer. Each week, students will tackle a different phase of songwriting. This class is open to students who play instruments, sing, write lyrics, or a combination of all three talents!
The group will learn about the song structure that is popular today with verse, chorus, pre-chorus, pre-verse, intros, and outros. They will listen to some examples of songs to convey what a verse, chorus, and bridge are, and will cover an overview of the basics of functional and classical harmony.
Each week, the group will approach a different stage of the songwriting process, working through ideas on their instruments, writing lyrics, or both. Student artists will be guided through making their own background tracks to encourage self- expression and to allow individual voices to emerge. They can use songs they know as inspiration, but they will be encouraged to create everything like a real songwriter. Musicians will be given ready-made chord options so their focus can remain on the creative aspects of songwriting.
If the student is only writing lyrics, he/she will be assigned a songwriting partner student who will write the melody and chords. In this case, the lyricist student will be provided with that song's work in progress tracks to write to at home.
Students who wish to record their songs should download the free Abbey Road 'Topline' app for Android or Apple smartphones. (The instructor uses this app professionally to share songs and concepts via e-mail, text message, or over social media with colleagues.) The app allows the artist to record songs in sections and play back all together. Microphones will not be needed.
The workshop is open to all instrument and voice students, not just guitar. Any style of music is acceptable (pop, folk, country, etc), but all lyrics must be rated "E" for everyone.
Century of American Music: 1970s-2020s
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
If you like to "Turn Up the Music" (Chris Brown, 2012), "Play That Funky Music" (Wild Cherry, 1976), or "Dance to The Music" (Sly & The Family Stone, 1967), then you know that there is an impressive variety of American music. America is the birthplace of some of the most influential genres of music and musicians in the world. Much of the world's modern music has roots in American blues, jazz, or rock, while American music has elements from West Africa, the West Indies, and diverse communities such as New Orleans, Detroit, Memphis, St. Louis, Nashville, Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and the Bronx. American music has influenced behavior and culture such as dance, entertainment, fashion, technology, popular opinion, lexicon, marketing, and more.
This is a focused class in music appreciation for students who enjoy listening to or playing music. The class will evaluate a century of American music by listening to and discussing influential performers, writers, and producers. Students will learn to identify music elements unique to each genre- melody, rhythm, harmony- and will develop a musical vocabulary to help them think and talk about musical works. They will also explore innovations in instruments and technologies that evolved with the music, such as drums being placed in a "set" at the advent of jazz music, the rise of electric instruments, and electronic production/mixing.
Second semester will explore music from the 1970s to the present encompassing the genres of post-pop, heavy metal, hip hop, rap, grunge, punk rock, new age, alternative rock, Indie rock, post-punk and new fusion. Featured artists will include Michael Jackson, Prince, Van Halen, Nirvana, Metallica, Snoop Dog, Elise Trouw, Domi, Jacob Collier, Gunna, Pop Smoke, Esperanza Spalding, and more. Discover why Kurt Cobain was influenced by the Pixies, how Taylor Swift channels Joni Mitchell, and Lady Gaga's music resembles that of Madonna. Find out why Rolling Stone Magazine declared that without "Soul Queen" Aretha Franklin, there would be no Beyonce, Whitney Houston, or Adele.
Like other fine arts classes, music appreciation is a fun break from academics which enriches and engages students in a topic they enjoy. Genres that will not be highlighted in this course include gospel, folk, country, western, tejano, reggae, zydeco, or salsa.
Topics in this Series: 19202-1960s (Semester 1), 1970s-2020s (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Compass Kindergarten: Science Sparks (Sem 2)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 175 min
Instructor: Danielle Mercadal
Grade Range: K
Prerequisites: See class decription for skills needed
Can your child sit in a circle for story time? Line up for lunch? Take turns talking? This one-day, 3-hour (half-day) program is a "taste" of kindergarten for 5- year-olds. Start your child's week off right with "Mornings with Miss M" at Compass Kindergarten. Children will work in a small group with an experienced early elementary educator for this dynamic, play-based program that offers regular interaction and socialization.
This fun, activity-based program will create rhythm and routine in a homeschooled kindergartner's week and give them a sense of community and a peer group. Children will practice routines and transitions as they move through the morning. Each session will include some simple structure such as a daily arrival song/greeting, circle time, story, snack time, activity, lunch, active game, and closing/goodbyes. Through games and activities, they will also practice key childhood social skills such as sharing, taking turns, and entering play with others. Academic basics such as the ABCs, days of the week, colors, shapes, and number sense will be integrated into activities involving fairy tales, nature and art. The teacher will provide ideas for parents to work on at home with their child during the week.
Compass Kindergarten is offered in three weekly sessions: Monday, Wednesday, or Friday. Registration is stand-alone for each day so parents can register for one, two, or all three. While each kindergarten class will give children the opportunities for learning and playing in a social environment along with classroom routines, each of the three days will focus on a particular area of study and discovery of how each is connected.
On Fridays, the focus will be on science and exploration of the natural world through stories, crafts, and observations both inside and outside the classroom. Themes include seasons, weather, local animals, and the five senses.
Readiness Students must be age five (5) by the start of the program or have the teacher's approval for younger. To be successful in this program, entering kindergartners must be able to do the following preschool-level skills: (1) be able to separate from parents with little discomfort; (2) be able to sit and listen to a story or stay on a task for 15 minutes; (3) be able to follow simple, age-appropriate directions from the teacher or another adult; (4) be able to write and recognize his/her first name; (5) be able to hold and use crayons and scissors correctly; (6) be completely self sufficient in a public restroom (wiping, flushing, washing hands, etc.)
Other Notes:
Songwriting Studio (Spring)
Quarter 3,4: Starts on January 17, 2025
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: 9th-12th
Prerequisites: None
Students will learn a fun, simplified way to write songs from a professional, award-winning, soundtrack composer. Each week, students will tackle a different phase of songwriting. This class is open to students who play instruments, sing, write lyrics, or a combination of all three talents!
The group will learn about the song structure that is popular today with verse, chorus, pre-chorus, pre-verse, intros, and outros. They will listen to some examples of songs to convey what a verse, chorus, and bridge are, and will cover an overview of the basics of functional and classical harmony.
Each week, the group will approach a different stage of the songwriting process, working through ideas on their instruments, writing lyrics, or both. Student artists will be guided through making their own background tracks to encourage self- expression and to allow individual voices to emerge. They can use songs they know as inspiration, but they will be encouraged to create everything like a real songwriter. Musicians will be given ready-made chord options so their focus can remain on the creative aspects of songwriting.
If the student is only writing lyrics, he/she will be assigned a songwriting partner student who will write the melody and chords. In this case, the lyricist student will be provided with that song's work in progress tracks to write to at home.
Students who wish to record their songs should download the free Abbey Road 'Topline' app for Android or Apple smartphones. (The instructor uses this app professionally to share songs and concepts via e-mail, text message, or over social media with colleagues.) The app allows the artist to record songs in sections and play back all together. Microphones will not be needed.
The workshop is open to all instrument and voice students, not just guitar. Any style of music is acceptable (pop, folk, country, etc), but all lyrics must be rated "E" for everyone.
Topics in this Series: Songwriting Studio for Teens (Semester 1), Songwriting Studio for Teens (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.
Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class .
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts or electives for purposes of a high school transcript.
Animal Kingdom Alive! (11 AM)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 45 min
Instructor: Various
Grade Range: 1st-3rd
Prerequisites:
Pet a parrot, meet a Madagascar hissing cockroach, touch a giant tortoise, study a sea star, and peek at a porcupine! Meet live animals at Compass each week as we explore some of the major animal families through interactive presentations.
Each week, wildlife educators will bring a variety of animal ambassadors. They will discuss adaptations, habitats, diets, and diversity in the animal family. They will help students discover similarities and differences among species in animal families. Students will learn about adaptations and plenty of fun facts about the live animals that they meet each week. Our 2024 schedule is:
- 3/18/2024: Ocean Invertebrates (clam, mussel, oyster, whelk, hermit crab, spider, crab, sea urchin, and horseshoe crab)
- 3/25/2024: Raptors (hawks, owls, eagles)
- 4/8/2024: Insects (roaches, tarantualas, centipedes, scorpions, stick bugs)
- 4/15/2024: Ocean Vertebrates (oyster toadfish, hogchoker fish, small shark, other smaller fishes, and artifacts)
- 4/22/2024: Tropical Birds (conures, parrots, macaws, parakeet)
- 4/29/2024: Exotic Mammals (kangaroo, cavy, capybara, porcupine, kinkajou, hedgehog)
- 5/6/2024: Amphibians (frogs, salamanders)
- 5/13/2024: Reptiles (snakes, lizards, monitors, tortoises)
This is a 45-minute program. Participants must be age 6 or older for the program.
Animal Kingdom Alive! (12 PM)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Various
Grade Range: 4th-6th
Prerequisites:
Pet a parrot, meet a Madagascar hissing cockroach, touch a giant tortoise, study a sea star, and peek at a porcupine! Meet live animals at Compass each week as we explore some of the major animal families through interactive presentations.
Each week, wildlife educators will bring a variety of animal ambassadors. They will discuss adaptations, habitats, diets, and diversity in the animal family. They will help students discover similarities and differences among species in animal families. Students will learn about adaptations and plenty of fun facts about the live animals that they meet each week. Our 2024 schedule is:
- 3/18/2024: Ocean Invertebrates (clam, mussel, oyster, whelk, hermit crab, spider, crab, sea urchin, and horseshoe crab)
- 3/25/2024: Raptors (hawks, owls, eagles)
- 4/8/2024: Insects (roaches, tarantualas, centipedes, scorpions, stick bugs)
- 4/15/2024: Ocean Vertebrates (oyster toadfish, hogchoker fish, small shark, other smaller fishes, and artifacts)
- 4/22/2024: Tropical Birds (conures, parrots, macaws, parakeet)
- 4/29/2024: Exotic Mammals (kangaroo, cavy, capybara, porcupine, kinkajou, hedgehog)
- 5/6/2024: Amphibians (frogs, salamanders)
- 5/13/2024: Reptiles (snakes, lizards, monitors, tortoises)
This is a 55-minute program.
Band-Ready: Brass Spring Clinic
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Jessica Eastridge
Grade Range: 4th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Would your child enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band? Starting in the fall of 2024, Compass will introduce the first homeschool concert band in the region under an experienced band director . The spring clinic is an 8-week introduction to a specific instrument so students can be comfortable and confident with their instrument choices and get a taste of group music instruction before committing to a semester of band.
Students in the Brass Clinic will learn to play the trumpet, trombone, or euphonium (4th-8th grade) and French hornor tuba (7th-8th grade students only). They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing woodwind instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently.
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the spring clinic. See the attached list by instrument. Mark your calendar for an Instrument Test Drive event on Tuesday, February 21, from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm at Compass. Representatives from a local store, Music & Arts, will be on hand with instruments for students to try. They will explain rental and purchase options to parents and will sell some of the supplies that students will need for the spring clinic and the homeschool concert band. Students who enrolled in one clinic (percussion, woodwinds, or brass) during early registration may switch clinics if they change their minds about their preferred instrument after the test drive event.
Participation in a spring clinic is neither a prerequisite nor a commitment for the fall concert band. Students will have an additional opportunity to improve their comfort level and proficiency on their instruments at the one-week Dulles Summer Band Clinic that will be held at Compass the week of July 29.
Band-Ready: Percussion Spring Clinic
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Jessica Eastridge
Grade Range: 4th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Would your child enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band? Starting in the fall of 2024, Compass will introduce the first homeschool concert band in the region under an experienced band director . The spring clinic is an 8-week introduction to a specific instrument so students can be comfortable and confident with their instrument choices and get a taste of group music instruction before committing to a semester of band.
Students in the Percussion Clinic will learn to play the snare drum and mallet instruments (such as glockenspiel and xylophone). They will learn proper stick and mallet grip, posture, and playing position for concert percussion instrumentals. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading. The group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors) on mallet instruments and basic rudiments on snare drum. Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing percussion instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently.
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the spring clinic. See the attached list by instrument. Mark your calendar for an Instrument Test Drive event on Tuesday, February 21, from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm at Compass. Representatives from a local store, Music & Arts, will be on hand with instruments for students to try. They will explain rental and purchase options to parents and will sell some of the supplies that students will need for the spring clinic and the homeschool concert band. Students who enrolled in one clinic (percussion, woodwinds, or brass) during early registration may switch clinics if they change their minds about their preferred instrument after the test drive event.
Participation in a spring clinic is neither a prerequisite nor a commitment for the fall concert band. Students will have an additional opportunity to improve their comfort level and proficiency on their instruments at the one-week Dulles Summer Band Clinic that will be held at Compass the week of July 29.
Band-Ready: Woodwinds Spring Clinic
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Jessica Eastridge
Grade Range: 4th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Would your child enjoy the camaraderie and cooperation of making music with others in a school band? Starting in the fall of 2024, Compass will introduce the first homeschool concert band in the region under an experienced band director . The spring clinic is an 8-week introduction to a specific instrument so students can be comfortable and confident with their instrument choices and get a taste of group music instruction before committing to a semester of band.
Students in the Woodwinds Clinic will learn to play the flute or clarinet (4th-8th grade) or alto saxophone (7th-8th grade only). They will learn how to hold their instruments with proper posture and hand position and correct embouchure (mouth position and blowing technique) for the instrument. Students will receive instruction on the parts of their instruments and how to safely, correctly, and independently assemble and clean them. Students will learn the fundamentals of music reading, and the group will practice short songs in Concert B-flat and Concert E-flat major (and their relative minors). Students will practice audiation skills by singing, moving, and playing woodwind instruments and will play both cooperatively in small ensembles and independently.
Students will need to rent or purchase an instrument and accessories for the spring clinic. See the attached list by instrument. Mark your calendar for an Instrument Test Drive event on Tuesday, February 21, from 1:00 pm- 3:00 pm at Compass. Representatives from a local store, Music & Arts, will be on hand with instruments for students to try. They will explain rental and purchase options to parents and will sell some of the supplies that students will need for the spring clinic and the homeschool concert band. Students who enrolled in one clinic (percussion, woodwinds, or brass) during early registration may switch clinics if they change their minds about their preferred instrument after the test drive event.
Participation in a spring clinic is neither a prerequisite nor a commitment for the fall concert band. Students will have an additional opportunity to improve their comfort level and proficiency on their instruments at the one-week Dulles Summer Band Clinic that will be held at Compass the week of July 29.
Crafting for Cosplay: Mending & Alterations
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 85 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 8th-12th
Prerequisites:
Kratos wears a leather baldric. Captain America grasps a shield. Harley Quinn sports spiked wrist cuffs, and Lara Croft wouldn't go to war without her weaponry. Great accessories and carefully crafted garments make great cosplay. If you are interested in the world of cosplay and want to bring some of your favorite characters to life, this class will teach you the skills to craft costumes and accessories.
Fourth quarter, students will learn how to transform ready-made clothing items. They will learn basic hand-sewing techniques to mend and perform alterations on store-bought items. The class will participate in a "Thrift Store Challenge" in which they will be asked to find clothing items at bargain prices that remind them of a character without spending more than $20.00. In class, students will work on the alterations or repairs to create costume pieces. In addition, students will learn to work with custom-made, iron-on vinyl to add logos, symbols, or monograms to their costumes.*Note:Mending and Alterations projects this quarter are all new from those in Spring 2023, so a student could repeat the class to build his/her cosplay wardrobe and to practice and refine crafting skills.
In this class, students will follow templates and patterns provided by and demonstrated by the instructor. Pieces will be individualized through paint and embellishments, but the goal is for cosplayers to learn specialized crafting techniques that they can use at home to make additional, unique pieces. There is a $40.00 supply fee for in-class materials, the shared use of classroom tools/supplies, and some take-home tools to continue crafting at home. Fourth quarter, students will take home a basic sewing kit. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class.
Cosplayers who would like to create original fabric costume elements such as capes, vests, skirts, and more, may want to co-register for this instructor's Learn to Sew classes.
Topics in this Series: Foam & Plastics (Quarter 1), Resins and Metal Work (Quarter 2), Leather Work (Quarter 3), Mending & Alterations (Quarter 4) etc. Students continuing from one quarter receive priority pre-registration for the next quarter.
Prerequisites: None
Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class.
Assignments: Will be communicated in weekly e-mails and posted in a Google classroom.
Assessments: will not be given
Textbook/Materials: All materials will be furnished.
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts/theater for purposes of a high school transcript.
Private Guitar or Drumming Lesson- 1 Hour (Mon, 11:00 am)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 60 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
60-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: Guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drumming Lesson- 1 Hour (Mon, 12:00 pm)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 60 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
60-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: Guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drumming Lesson- 1 Hour (Mon, 1:00 pm)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 60 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
60-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 7 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: Guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Music or Voice Lesson- 30 min (Mon, 10:30am) Q4
Quarter 4: Starts on March 18, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 30 min
Instructor: Wyndy Fredrick
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
30-minute Private Music or Voice Lessons X 7 weeks with Wyndy Fredrick in piano, flute, ukulele, clarinet, or voice.
Song/Theory Books: After the first lesson for new students, the instructor will select and purchase a Music or Voice book and collect reimbursement from the parent. Continuing students should bring their current book(s).
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Acting- Kids' Theater: Twisted Treasure Tale
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites:
Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. Watch as our ambitious actors spin a tall tale about a yet-to-be-discovered treasure. Where will it be found? A deserted island, spooky basement, or far away land?
Students will begin with improvisational games to get to know each other, then read through the two, prepared scripts together. Through group activities and guided discussion, they will create new characters, brainstorm variations, craft plot changes, add lines, and cast their parts. The instructor will then update and customize the class script with the students' input.
The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. 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 final day of the quarter.
Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, about half-way through the quarter, 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.
Topics in this Series: The Craziest Dream Ever (Quarter 1), Mix Up on Mars (Quarter 2), Super DUper New Superheroes (Quarter 3), Twisted Treasure Tale (Quarter 4).
Acting: Young Actor's Playhouse: Silliest Circus
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 1st-2nd
Prerequisites:
Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. Will they encounter a colorful clown, a jolly juggler, or an adventurous acrobat in their own three-ring circus?
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.
Topics in this Series: Medieval Mix-Up (Quarter 1), Cat & Dog Drama (Quarter 2), Arctic Adventure (Quarter 3) and Silliest Circus (Quarter 4).
Art in Action: Destination Art (Tue 10am)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites:
Elementary artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments.
Fourth quarter, students will be introduced to a surprise countries or culture each week where they will learn briefly about the locale's unique tradition of art. The class will use a variety of materials and techniques to represent the projects inspired by the secret destination.
Topics in this Series: Picasso in Perspective (Quarter 1); Original Works of the Worlds Oceans (Quarter 2); American Artist Spotlight (Quarter 3); Destination Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Battle Strategies & Dioramas: WWII- Battle of the Bulge (Tue)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Taliesin Knol
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites:
Students will engage in a hands-on 3D battle strategy game using the military dioramas that they make!
In late 1944, the outcome of the Second World War was no longer in doubt, however, the ongoing fighting was just as lethal. Hitler was desperate to pull off a miraculous victory in the West, and he set his sight on the Ardennes, a "quiet" sector of the front in Luxembourg where the Allies had sent badly damaged units to recover from fierce fighting elsewhere. The Allies believed that Germany would not invade through the forest in the winter, especially with the dire circumstances they faced everywhere else. This was a miscalculation. Hitler used this opportunity to ram the last functioning units to attempt to "drive the Allies back into the sea" and take the port of Antwerp in a conflict known as The Battle of the Bulge.
Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, and historical maps, students will each form a 10" X 14" shaped, foam diorama with landscape elements (hills, valleys, rivers, ridges, vegetation, airfields, etc) to represent a scene of a famous historical engagement. Students will each receive scale miniature naval ships to populate their scene. Once individual projects are constructed, students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to approximate the larger battlefield terrain. Students will spend the remainder of the quarter learning about the tactics and outcomes of the military engagement while playing a table-top strategy game. Student strategists will use a simplified version of the Axis and Allies gaming rule system for moving troops and equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how this battle progressed and test different outcome scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices.
The instructor will use maps and visual presentations to explain the historical background and circumstances leading up to the specific battle. Course documents, such as period 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 year's series include: Pearl Harbor (Quarter 1), Guadalcanal (Quarter 2), D-Day (Quarter 3), and Battle of the Bulge (Quarter 4).
Beginner 'Bots: Creepy Crawlies (Tue)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Becca Sticha
Grade Range: 2nd-3rd
Prerequisites: None
Discover the world of robotics using kids' favorite, interlocking building bricks! Students will build and program a different whimsical, mechanized project each week using the WeDo 2.0 robotics system by LEGO Education.
Fourth quarter, students will model and motorize creepy crawly creatures such as a crab, praying mantis, scorpion, snail, ant, spider, tadpole, and more.
Their robots will be built using special-shaped LEGO components from the WeDo Educational set, motors, motion sensors, tilt sensors and a programmable, Bluetooth control unit ("brain"). Student will use classroom tablets to program the control units using an intuitive drag-and-drop coding modules.
Prior experience with LEGO or coding is not required. All equipment is furnished.
Topics in this Series: Animated Animals (Quarter 1), Jurassic Giants (Quarter 2); Rush Hour! (Quarter 3), and Creepy Crawlies (Quarter 4). Note: This is a 7-week class that will not meet on 4/9/24.
Build It Better! Crazy Contraptions*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Becca Sticha
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
LEGO Mindstorms components and motors are not just for building robots! These interconnecting pieces can be constructed into an infinite number of unique, mechanized machines- much like an erector set!
Second quarter, students will discover what happens when simple machines are combined to work together. They will be challenged to develop a unique, individual segment of a maze that moves a ball from point A to point B, and each segment will link to a classmate's invention to keep the ball moving! They will use complex machines (compounded simple machines) with additional motors and more components to move the ball through a series of lifts, automated carts, moving gates, escalators, and more! Will each contraption transfer the ball to its neighbor without hitting the floor? Can they pass the ball to their neighbor without hitting the floor? This project is inspired by the LEGO Great Ball Contraption competition, which is similar to Rube Goldberg inventions. See http://greatballcontraption.com/ or You Tube videos for impressive examples of the Great Ball Contraption. Fourth quarter, students will be challenged to build bigger, better, more complex contraptions with compound machines and more mechanization!
Topics in this Series: Gadgets & Gizmos (Quarter 1); Widgets and Whatsits (Quarter 2): Marble Mazes (Quarter 3); and Crazy Contraptions (Quarter 4). Note: This is a 7-week class that will not meet on 4/9/24.
Cooking for Kids: Savory Spring Specialties (Tue, 11am)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites:
Students will enjoy making tasty, light spring recipes that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Spring Specialties 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:
- Divine Water Chestnuts
- Gazpacho
- Orchard Ambrosia Salad
- Chicken Carbonara
- Succotash
- Brussels Sprout Casserole
- Orzo with Spinach, Tomato and Ricotta
- Blueberry Lemon Trifle
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Fall Fare with Flair (Quarter 1), Festive Fall Flavors (Quarter 2), Winter Warm-Ups (Quarter 3), Savory Spring Specialties (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage..
Cooking for Kids: Savory Spring Specialties (Tue, 12pm)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites:
Students will enjoy making tasty, light spring recipes that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Spring Specialties 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:
- Divine Water Chestnuts
- Gazpacho
- Orchard Ambrosia Salad
- Chicken Carbonara
- Succotash
- Brussels Sprout Casserole
- Orzo with Spinach, Tomato and Ricotta
- Blueberry Lemon Trifle
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Fall Fare with Flair (Quarter 1), Festive Fall Flavors (Quarter 2), Winter Warm-Ups (Quarter 3), Savory Spring Specialties (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Cooking for Little Kids: Savory Spring Specialties (Tue)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 1st-3rd
Prerequisites:
Students will enjoy making tasty, light spring recipes that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Spring Specialties 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:
- Divine Water Chestnuts
- Gazpacho
- Orchard Ambrosia Salad
- Chicken Carbonara
- Succotash
- Brussels Sprout Casserole
- Orzo with Spinach, Tomato and Ricotta
- Blueberry Lemon Trifle
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Fall Fare with Flair (Quarter 1), Festive Fall Flavors (Quarter 2), Winter Warm-Ups (Quarter 3), Savory Spring Specialties (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage.
Cooking for Tweens: Savory Spring Specialties (Tue)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites:
Students will enjoy making tasty, light spring recipes that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Spring Specialties 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:
- Divine Water Chestnuts
- Gazpacho
- Orchard Ambrosia Salad
- Chicken Carbonara
- Succotash
- Brussels Sprout Casserole
- Orzo with Spinach, Tomato and Ricotta
- Blueberry Lemon Trifle
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. These engaging cooking classes will get students excited about helping in the kitchen, experimenting, and trying new foods. Students will be exposed to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. They will learn important kitchen skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary and terms are introduced each week, with no-pressure verbal review of those words the following week.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Fall Fare with Flair (Quarter 1), Festive Fall Flavors (Quarter 2), Winter Warm-Ups (Quarter 3), Savory Spring Specialties (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage..
Cover-to-Cover: Coming of Age (Middle School Book Group)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Anne Taranto
Grade Range: 7th-8th
Prerequisites:
In Cover-to-Cover, middle school-aged students will read renowned classics and award-winning young adult literature. This book discussion group will examine a different theme each quarter to introduce students to literary analysis. Students will read, examine, and compare two full-length novels that share similar themes through facilitated discussions and extension activities which encourage students to make personal connections to what is read. The group will evaluate themes, characters, setting, and writing style.
Fourth quarter, students will examine the theme of coming of age with S.E. Hinton's, The Outsiders and E.L. Konigsburg's, The View from Saturday.
Assigned chapters are expected to be read at home, either as read-aloud, individual silent reading, or listening to the unabridged audiobook. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the reading. Classroom discussions will emphasize the use of textual evidence when explaining thoughts and opinions. Students will be assigned creative, short assignments to enhance and demonstrate their understanding of each novel such as quote explications, thematic questions, or imagining a conversation between characters from different books.
Meeting Days: This is a 6- week class that will not meet on March 26 or May 14
Topics in this Series: Courage and Bravery (Quarter 1); Mystery/Detective (Quarter 2); Dystopian Worlds (Quarter 3); and Coming of Age (Quarter 4).
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 and bundled for students. (See Supply Fee below).
Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class.
What to Bring: Students should bring the current novel, paper, pen or pencil and highlighter to class each week. Some students may wish to bring paper clips, adhesive flags or post-it notes for marking pages.
Crafty Kids Club (Q4)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 3:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 2nd-5th
Prerequisites:
Crafty Kids Club is a weekly after-school meet-up for kids in grades 2-5. Kids gather and socialize while completing a craft around a monthly theme. An experienced Compass crafts instructor facilitates the projects each week. Projects are selected to showcase a variety of materials and crafting techniques and to promote creativity and imagination. Each quarter, students will complete projects organized around two themes from among eight craft categories: wooden, wearables, simple sewing, painting, sculpting, paper, beading, and mixed media.
Kids will enjoy the camaraderie of working alongside a group of friends in Crafty Kids Club, and parents will appreciate the break! Parent Notes:
- All the supplies are provided: No need to search high and low for the needed materials
- Reduce waste and clutter: No need to buy large quantities of specialty supplies for a one-time project.
- Reduce clean-up: Leave the glue, paint, and glitter mess at Compass.
- Kids get to experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, even if you are not crafty.
- Crafting improves dexterity and fine motor skills
- An afterschool club makes a great social outlet.
Fourth quarter project themes are:
-
- Creating with Color
- Ocean Odessey
Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class.
Creative Storytelling: Once Upon a...Winding Path*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 1st-3rd
Prerequisites:
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. Two roads diverged in a wood, and our storytellers will create their own path. What happens when tricky travelers and cryptic characters meet secretive strangers on a winding woodland path?
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 ____?"
Emerging writers or readers are welcome and will receive support, if needed, to get their own words written down. 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 Well to further encourage communication and storytelling skills. The supply fee is included in the class tuition. Topics in this Series: A Secret Room (Quarter 1); A Shipwreck (Quarter 2); A Medieval Castle (Quarter 3); and A Winding Path (Quarter 4).
Decorative Arts Studio: Upcycled, Recycled Projects for Kids
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Shona D\'Cruz
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites: None
Student artists will enjoy working hands-on, in 3-dimensions with a variety of sculpting and crafting materials to create original Decorative Arts. Assembling decorative items is multi-sensory, and students enjoy the tactile experience of shaping, stacking, forming, flattening, and layering a selection of materials to create unique, personal projects. Decorative art engages a different artistic skillset than coloring, drawing, and writing, and encourages creativity to represent objects in three dimensions. In this studio environment, students will create original hand-made pieces using a range of artistic techniques and a myriad of materials to choose from.
Fourth quarter, students will create unique sculptures and decorative items from salvaged materials. Upcycling and recycling are conscientious ways to transform and reuse materials that would ordinarily be discarded! Everyday throw-aways such as cans, bottles, lids, and cardboard tubes will be turned into sculptures. Example past projects include bottle top "mosaics", cute bottle people, and re-envisioned florist vases. Some projects will take two weeks to complete with the first week dedicated to the construction and second week focused on finishing techniques such as painting and embellishing. A supply fee of $20.00 per student is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
This is a 7-week class will not meet on 03/26.
Topics in this Series: Sculpture Skills (Quarter 1), Marvelous Mosaics (Quarter 2), Fiber Arts Fun (Quarter 3), and Upcycled, Recycled Projects (Quarter 4).
Decorative Arts Studio: Upcycled, Recycled Projects for Tweens
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Shona D\'Cruz
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Student artists will enjoy working hands-on, in 3-dimensions with a variety of sculpting and crafting materials to create original Decorative Arts. Assembling decorative items is multi-sensory, and students enjoy the tactile experience of shaping, stacking, forming, flattening, and layering a selection of materials to create unique, personal projects. Decorative art engages a different artistic skillset than coloring, drawing, and writing, and encourages creativity to represent objects in three dimensions. In this studio environment, students will create original hand-made pieces using a range of artistic techniques and a myriad of materials to choose from.
Fourth quarter, students will create unique sculptures and decorative items from salvaged materials. Upcycling and recycling are conscientious ways to transform and reuse materials that would ordinarily be discarded! Everyday throw-aways such as cans, bottles, lids, and cardboard tubes will be turned into sculptures. Example past projects include bottle top "mosaics", cute bottle people, and re-envisioned florist vases. Some projects will take two weeks to complete with the first week dedicated to the construction and second week focused on finishing techniques such as painting and embellishing. A supply fee of $20.00 per student is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
This is a 7-week class will not meet on 03/26.
Topics in this Series: Sculpture Skills (Quarter 1), Marvelous Mosaics (Quarter 2), Fiber Arts Fun (Quarter 3), and Upcycled, Recycled Projects (Quarter 4).
Dynamic Dioramas: Biome Builders- Grasslands (The Savanna) Tues*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Taliesin Knol
Grade Range: 2nd-4th
Prerequisites:
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.
Grassland biomes are found on every continent (except Antarctica) and are flat, open regions dominated by grass with scattered trees and shrubs, and a warm, dry climate. Tropical grasslands, known as savannas, cover half the continent of Africa as well as areas of Australia, India, and South America. Compass ecologists will focus on African savannas where large, diverse animals such as elephants, wildebeest, warthogs, zebras, rhinos, gazelles, hyenas, cheetahs, lions, leopards, ostrich, and other birds and small mammals, graze and hunt in the expansive grasslands.
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: Tropics (The Rainforest)- Quarter 1; Tundra (The Arctic)- Quarter 2; Arid (The Desert)- Quarter 3; and Grasslands (The Savanna)- Quarter 4.
Dynamic Dioramas: Virginia History- The Civil War, 1861-1865*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Taliesin Knol
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites:
Virginia experienced fighting from the earliest days of the Civil War, throughout the conflict, and at the very end near Appomattox Courthouse following the Confederacy's loss of its capital in Richmond. Virginia saw almost every type of battlefield fought in the war, from the fields of Manassas to the mountains in the Shenandoah and from the first ironclad battles around Hampton Roads to sieges on a scale never before seen at Petersburg. There is Civil War history all around Virginia.
Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, and historical maps, students will each form a 10" X 14" shaped, foam diorama of a portion of a battlefield from the campaign. Choices will include some of the Civil War's earliest battles, like Bull Run and Manassas, the Defenses of Washington, guerilla battles in the Shenandoah Valley, or great sieges like Petersburg. Students will each receive 1:72 scale miniature soldiers to populate their scene. Once individual projects are constructed, students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to create larger scenes. Students will spend the remainder of the quarter learning about the tactics and outcomes of the military engagement while playing a table-top strategy game. Student strategists will use a simplified version of the Fire and Fury gaming rule system for moving troops and equipment.
The instructor will use maps and visual presentations to explain the historical background and circumstances leading up to the specific battle. Course documents, such as period 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 year's Civil War Series include: First Battle of Manassas (Quarter 1); The Anaconda Plan, Civil War Naval Battles (Quarter 2); The Atlanta Campaign and Sherman's March to the Sea (Quarter 3); and The Siege of Petersburg, the fall of Richmond (Quarter 4).
Eye in the Sky: Drones & Videography (Q4) *
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Juan Urista
Grade Range: 7th-10th
Prerequisites: None
From aerial videos of natural disasters to stealthy behind-the-lines views of military movements and spectacular nature cinematography, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) provide a safe and cost- effective means to enhance the visual experience and capture new vantage points of the world around us.
This quarter-long class combines drone technologies with photography and videography for an integrated STEM skillset that can serve as a hobby or career. This course provides an introduction to drone safety and operation, including the crucial TRUST (The Recreational UAS Safety Test) certification required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for recreational UAS operations. Students will learn the distinctions between recreational and commercial drone use and delve into vital topics such as LAANC (Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability) and RID (Remote Identification) that are essential for the safe and creative operation of drones for photography and videography.
This class also places an emphasis on capturing high-quality footage with a drone for content production. By the end of the quarter, students will possess the skills, knowledge, TRUST certification, and a solid understanding of the fundamentals of content creation. Students will complete a videography project that they plan, storyboard, film, and edit.
There are no prerequisites for this class, making it an ideal starting point for young drone enthusiasts. The course instructor holds FAA certification and has a background in film and
television production. Because of Compass's proximity to Dulles airport and location within controlled airspace, drones cannot be flown at Compass nor operated indoors. Concepts will be covered in class, and students will have weekly assignments to accomplish outside of class in accordance following the recreational and academic drone use guidelines, laws and regulations.
The instructor will have drones to loan to students. To check-out a drone, a parent or guardian must sign a form accepting financial and legal responsibility for the drone and provide a refundable deposit. Alternatively, students may use their own camera-capable drone. The class size is limited to 8 students because of the number of available drones, and the class is being offered both 3rd quarter and 4th quarter (select one).
FUNctional Fitness and Cross-Training (PE): Kids (Tue, Q4)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Iman Castaneda
Grade Range: 2nd-4th
Prerequisites:
FUNctional Fitness is a dynamic kids' PE program that incorporates well-rounded exercises to get kids 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. 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! Students must be minimum age 7 to take this class.
FUNctional Fitness and Cross-Training (PE): Tweens (Q4)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Iman Castaneda
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites:
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. 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!
Junior Art Studio: Scenic Seascapes (Tue, 11am)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites:
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art or artist, view sample works, and then will create a project in the style of the artist using a wide variety of materials and representative colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors.
Fourth quarter, Junior Artists will study seascape art and aspects of the ocean and its animals from artists such as John Groves, Jim Holland and Natasha Nazareako. Our art projects will vary and feature lighthouses, ocean animals, and seascapes. Through weekly projects, junior artists will create their own sea-inspired art while learning about the artist, the technique, and the subject matter.
Topics in this Series: Kings and Queens- Kids' Medieval Art (Quarter 1); Artists & their Animals (Quarter 2); Whimsical Winter Works (Quarter 3); Scenic Seascapes (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Junior Art Studio: Scenic Seascapes (Tue, 12pm)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites:
This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Each week students will learn a few fun facts about a type of art or artist, view sample works, and then will create a project in the style of the artist using a wide variety of materials and representative colors, patterns, textures, and embellishments. Young artists will have the opportunity to work with a different media each week such as tempera paint, various papers, color pencils, markers, tissue paper, translucent tracing paper, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, and watercolors.
Fourth quarter, Junior Artists will study seascape art and aspects of the ocean and its animals from artists such as John Groves, Jim Holland and Natasha Nazareako. Our art projects will vary and feature lighthouses, ocean animals, and seascapes. Through weekly projects, junior artists will create their own sea-inspired art while learning about the artist, the technique, and the subject matter.
Topics in this Series: Kings and Queens- Kids' Medieval Art (Quarter 1); Artists & their Animals (Quarter 2); Whimsical Winter Works (Quarter 3); Scenic Seascapes (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Junior Engineering with LEGO: Collossal Construction (Tue)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:30 pm Duration: 85 min
Instructor: Becca Sticha
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Students will use LEGO to design and build simple engineering projects out of everyone's favorite building toy! In this 90-minute class, students will explore concepts and vocabulary in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, aerospace engineering, and architecture while playing with their creations.
Fourth quarter, students will build colossal vehicles like monster trucks and hulking construction vehicles and model enormous developments such as a massive waterfront development, a towering sky scraper, and a expansive space station.
Each class begins with 10-minutes of free build from tubs of LEGO components followed by a short discussion and demonstration of the day's project and concepts. Students build individually or in groups. Instructors will provide individual assistance, facilitate challenges, performance testing, competitions, and modifications to projects. Some projects may have been introduced in prior year's sessions, but each new build is unique, and student's building skills and understanding will have grown. Students must be minimum age 5 and able to separate from their parents for this class.
Topics in this Series: Super Structures (Quarter 1); Awesome Automobiles (Quarter 2); Monster Machines (Quarter 3); Colossal Construction (Quarter 4). Note: This is a 7-week class that will not meet on 4/9/24.
Kids' Confection Kitchen: Casual Confections (Tue)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Mylene Nyman
Grade Range: 5th-8th
Prerequisites:
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:
- Coconut Macaroons (nut)
- Mini Lemon Meringue Pie
- Blueberry Honey Cakes
- Mint Chocolate Pecan Trifle (nuts)
- Glazed Blackberry Cake
- Strawberry Rhubarb Cobbler
- Chocolate Caramel Toffee Fudge (nuts)
- Lemon Cupcakes with Lavender Frosting
Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes and leftovers. This engaging sweets class will get students excited about helping in the kitchen and entertaining. They will learn important baking skills such as safety, sanitation, measuring, knife skills, and other tricks of the trade. Culinary vocabulary is introduced each week.
Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. While no nuts are included in recipes, ingredients may come from factories or machinery that also process nuts. This class is best suited for students who can follow instructions, complete sequential tasks, and work in a small group.
Notes: Students with allergies to food ingredients or dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated in this class. Recipes may contain nuts, dairy, wheat, gluten, and eggs. All food supplies will be conventional, mass market ingredients. Specialty food preparations/certifications such as halal, kosher, and organic will not be used due to cost and sourcing logistics.
Topics in this Series: Decadent Delights (Quarter 1); Gooey Goodies (Quarter 2), Best Bon Bons (Quarter 3), and Casual Confections (Quarter 4).
Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
What to Bring: None- Disposable aprons and take-home containers provided.
What to Wear: Students should wear clean clothes and have long hair tied back, braided, or secured under a bandana (male and female).
For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage..
Marine Biology: Marine Animal Close-Up*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Osk Huneycutt
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites: None
Earth is an ocean planet! Life began in the oceans, and they are the linchpin of the biological, chemical, and physical processes that allow our planet to support life. This class will give students a basic understanding of the chemistry, physics and biology of earth's oceans. We'll also learn how oceans are informing our search for life on other planets. The focus will be on hands-on, dynamic learning, and students will engage in hands on demonstrations and experiments during each class.
During the fourth quarter, we'll be moving from a big picture perspective, looking at ecology and biomes, to focus in on individual species and how they live. We'll trace the evolution of the major groups of marine plants and animals, to see how their morphology and adaptations became more complex and diverse over time. The class will zoom in on representative species, let students vote on the most interesting, and compile a Case Studies science log that profiles these species. We'll also have a chance to observe and interact with living aquatic organisms in our classroom. Come meet bioluminescent dinoflagellates and feed an anemone!
Topics in this Series: Oceanography (Quarter 1); Coastal Biomes (Quarter 2); Open Water Habitats (Quarter 3); and Marine Animal Close-Up (Quarter 4).Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Nature Quest: Spring- Adventurers (Tue)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: K-2nd
Prerequisites:
Experience the thrill of spring- nature's fastest paced season! Watch as the forest transforms each week with new leaves, flowers, nests, and the full stream bursting with life. It is the time for harvesting wild edibles, enjoying bird-song, and relishing the sights and smells of wildflowers and the fresh spring air.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. Students must be age 5 by the start of the class, and they must be comfortable separating from their parents for the duration of the class, remain with the group, and follow instructions. Note: This is a 7-week class that will not meet on 3/26/24.
Nature Quest: Spring- Pathfinders (Tue)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites:
Experience the thrill of spring- nature's fastest paced season! Watch as the forest transforms each week with new leaves, flowers, nests, and the full stream bursting with life. It is the time for harvesting wild edibles, enjoying bird-song, and relishing the sights and smells of wildflowers and the fresh spring air.
Step outdoors to each week to explore nature with a senior naturalist/outdoor educator. Take a break from sit-down classes, indoor activities, and screen time to explore the natural world, get fresh air, and exercise. The group will explore the southern section of Sugarland Stream Valley Park in Herndon while they discover all the secrets that woods hold when you stop, look, listen, smell, touch, turn-over, and peek under!
A portion of each session will be seeking and discussing what is found each season. Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things they encounter outdoors, observing and appreciating discoveries in nature, safe exploration of the woods, and how to be a good steward of nature. The class will also discuss outdoor skills such as shelter and outdoor safety. Students will play games in the woods to practice outdoor skills.
Visit the Compass Nature Quest class webpage for more information on the program, location, and Frequently Asked Questions. Students should come prepared for class with outdoor/play clothes, closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and/or insect repellent, a hat, and jacket or layered outerwear depending on the weather/temperature. The group exploration/activities in the woods are for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. Note: This is a 7-week class that will not meet on 3/26/24.
Outdoor Survivor: Spring (Tue)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Sevim Kalyoncu
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites:
Venture outdoors each week to explore the woods with a senior naturalist and mentor while learning valuable survival skills. Students will learn how to construct a temporary debris shelter, make cordage, identify edibles, track animals, purify water, perform basic first aid, and use maps and compass (orienteering). Students will get to know native animals and key types of plants and trees in our area. Emphasis will be on becoming comfortable with things you encounter outdoors, safe exploration of the woods, how to be a good steward of nature, and what to do if you ever became lost or injured in the woods. Skills will be reintroduced and adapted each each quarter because the available plants, animals, materials, and water sources change with each season. Students will have a blast, develop greater self-confidence, and build a strong connection to nature and to the real world! Explorations in the woodsis for enrolled students only, and tag-along parents and siblings cannot be accommodated. For information on where the class meets, what to wear, and inclement weather, see the webpage for Compass's Nature Quest program. Note: This is a 7-week class that will not meet on 3/26/24.
Private Guitar or Drumming Lesson- 1 Hour (Tue, 10:00 am)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 60 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
60-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 8 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: Guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drumming Lesson- 1 Hour (Tue, 11:00 am)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 60 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
60-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 8 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: Guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Guitar or Drumming Lesson- 1 Hour (Tue, 12:00 pm)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 60 min
Instructor: Ney Mello
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
60-minute Private Guitar or Drumming Lessons X 8 weeks with Ney Mello.
Song/Theory Books: Guitar students should purchase a tablature book from Compass for $8.00
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Music or Voice Lesson- 30 min (Tue, 12:00 pm) Q4
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 30 min
Instructor: Wyndy Fredrick
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
30-minute Private Music or Voice Lessons X 7 weeks with Wyndy Fredrick in piano, flute, ukulele, clarinet, or voice.
Song/Theory Books: After the first lesson for new students, the instructor will select and purchase a Music or Voice book and collect reimbursement from the parent. Continuing students should bring their current book(s).
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Music or Voice Lesson- 30 min (Tue, 12:30pm) Q4
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:30 pm Duration: 30 min
Instructor: Wyndy Fredrick
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
30-minute Private Music or Voice Lessons X 7 weeks with Wyndy Fredrick in piano, flute, ukulele, clarinet, or voice.
Song/Theory Books: After the first lesson for new students, the instructor will select and purchase a Music or Voice book and collect reimbursement from the parent. Continuing students should bring their current book(s).
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Music or Voice Lesson- 30 min (Tue, 1:00 pm) Q4
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 30 min
Instructor: Wyndy Fredrick
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
30-minute Private Music or Voice Lessons X 7 weeks with Wyndy Fredrick in piano, flute, ukulele, clarinet, or voice.
Song/Theory Books: After the first lesson for new students, the instructor will select and purchase a Music or Voice book and collect reimbursement from the parent. Continuing students should bring their current book(s).
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Music or Voice Lesson- 30 min (Tue, 1:30pm) Q4
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:30 pm Duration: 30 min
Instructor: Wyndy Fredrick
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
30-minute Private Music or Voice Lessons X 7 weeks with Wyndy Fredrick in piano, flute, ukulele, clarinet, or voice.
Song/Theory Books: After the first lesson for new students, the instructor will select and purchase a Music or Voice book and collect reimbursement from the parent. Continuing students should bring their current book(s).
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Music or Voice Lesson- 30 min (Tue, 2:00 pm) Q4
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 30 min
Instructor: Wyndy Fredrick
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
30-minute Private Music or Voice Lessons X 7 weeks with Wyndy Fredrick in piano, flute, ukulele, clarinet, or voice.
Song/Theory Books: After the first lesson for new students, the instructor will select and purchase a Music or Voice book and collect reimbursement from the parent. Continuing students should bring their current book(s).
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Music or Voice Lesson- 30 min (Tue, 2:30pm) Q4
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:30 pm Duration: 30 min
Instructor: Wyndy Fredrick
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
30-minute Private Music or Voice Lessons X 7 weeks with Wyndy Fredrick in piano, flute, ukulele, clarinet, or voice.
Song/Theory Books: After the first lesson for new students, the instructor will select and purchase a Music or Voice book and collect reimbursement from the parent. Continuing students should bring their current book(s).
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Private Music or Voice Lesson- 30 min (Tue, 3:00pm) Q4
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 3:00 pm Duration: 30 min
Instructor: Wyndy Fredrick
Grade Range: K-12th
Prerequisites:
30-minute Private Music or Voice Lessons X 7 weeks with Wyndy Fredrick in piano, flute, ukulele, clarinet, or voice.
Song/Theory Books: After the first lesson for new students, the instructor will select and purchase a Music or Voice book and collect reimbursement from the parent. Continuing students should bring their current book(s).
Cancellation/Rescheduling: In the event of a change in your schedule, Compass requires 24 hours notice to reschedule the private lessons. Every effort will be made to reschedule the session at a time that is mutually agreeable to the teacher, the student/client, and Compass. In the event of a no-show or change/cancellation occurring less than 24 hours before the scheduled instruction session, pre-paid fees will be forfeited and no refund will be offered.
Reading Rangers (Q4)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Danielle Mercadal
Grade Range: K-1st
Prerequisites:
Reading Rangers is a supplemental reading and writing class for beginning readers. The class is whole language inspired with phonics and decoding games, partner reading, simple journaling, and vocabulary lists for home. The group will explore habits of curious readers and writers through the examination of renounded children's picture story books. The class will discuss characters, setting, sequence of events, and predicting outcomes and will write simple sentences. 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, but also not be more advanced than Level 1 readers.) Please 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 Ready! (Q4)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Danielle Mercadal
Grade Range: K-1st
Prerequisites:
Reading Ready is a supplemental reading and writing class for 5- and 6- year-olds. The class is whole language inspired with phonics games, partner reading, simple journaling, and self-created spelling lists for home. The group will explore habits of good readers and writers through examples of well-loved children's authors. Students must already be able to recognize each letter and corresponding sound of the alphabet, be familiar with simple blends, know a few beginner sight words (such as I, am, and no), and must be able to write their own name. Please 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.
Rhythm Rocks: Drum Jam (Q4)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Daniel Greenberg
Grade Range: 3rd-6th
Prerequisites:
Students of all ages will love the energy and exhilaration of drumming! Students will learn rhythms and drumming patterns from West Africa and other cultures. In this "hands-on" class, students will learn hand-drumming on djembe drums and accompanying percussion accessories such as tambourines, triangles, rhythm sticks, maracas, and bongos.
Students will learn the difference between steady beat, rhythms, and polyrhythms, which involve patterning, call and response, and different tonal levels. Drummers will be "in the groove" as they learn single stroke rolls, single and double paradiddle, frills, and patterns. They will be encouraged to experiment with different percussion instruments and to improvise.
New drummers are welcome to enroll any quarter, and returning drummers are encouraged to return and continue to learn more complex drumming techniques. Drummers may be divided by age and/or drumming experience in class with each group taught the same rhythm with varying degrees of difficulty. All instruments are provided by the instructor.
Robot Fab Lab: Art Bot (Tue)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Becca Sticha
Grade Range: 5th-6th
Prerequisites:
Design and build a robot to hold a colored pencil or marker, and program it to make designs. Students will end up with an automated spirograph! Will your 'bot draw concentric circles, spirals, pinwheels or more complex hypotrochoids and epitrochoids?
Students will use the LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 robotics sets. They will build with motors, wheels/axles, gears, levers, and special components. Students will have to install touch, sound, color, and infrared sensors while also learning to program sequences and commands that use input/output devices for controlled movements and precise turns. Using the drag-and-drop EV3 coding menu, students will learn to program their robots while experimenting with key concepts such as fixed values, variables, loops, and logic constructs.
This course integrates science, engineering and computational thinking while introducing physical constraints, units of measurement, and coordinate systems. But, don't worry, this is a beginning robotics class. Prior experience is not expected, but returning students are welcome. Each student will build his/her own robotic project, so students can progress and customize at their own pace. In general, in this class, students will spend two weeks assembling, three weeks programming, and two weeks testing and re-designing their projects. Topics in this Series: Lunar Lander (Quarter 1); Battle Bots (Quarter 2); Tomb Explorer (Quarter 3), and Art Bots (Quarter 4). Note: This is a 7-week class that will not meet on 4/9/24.
Scientist for a Day: Biologist, Entomologist*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Osk Huneycutt
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Find out what different scientists do! This class allows young scientists to explore different careers in the sciences and shows them that science is fun, approachable, and that anyone can do it! Students will use real scientific equipment and learn actual science terminology to investigate questions in different fields. Try out SCUBA gear as a marine biologist, learn the basics for studying DNA, perform experiments in chemistry, and try your hand at operating an ROV (remote operated vehicle). The focus will be on hands-on, dynamic learning, and students will engage in hands on demonstrations and experiments during each class.
Fourth quarter, students will learn some basics biology, using their powers of observation and digital microscopes to investigate plants and animals from the grounds. The class will discuss how these organisms survive and adapt. As entomologists, they will take an up-close look at insects and discover the many important ecological functions that they perform, from nutrient cycling to pollination. Guest insects will include pillbugs, millipedes, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, and an ant farm. To emphasize the topic of nutrient cycling, students will also make their own worm farms to take home to observe and apply the basics of composting household waste.
Topics in this Series: Paleontologist, Geologist (Quarter 1); Physicist, Astronomer (Quarter 2) Chemist & Medical Scientist (Quarter 3); Biologist, Entomologist (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Speak Out! Making Your Point (Persuasive Public Speaking)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Highest Speak
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites: None
Public speaking skills are essential to academia, to success in future careers, and to simply making friends or standing up for yourself! Students will develop their public speaking skills and their own "voice" through the art of storytelling in a fun, supportive environment taught by a public speaking coach.
In this class, students will examine the elements of persuasive speaking by playing hilarious storytelling games and preparing short assignments. Students will gain confidence in public speaking by writing and practicing a speech that defends or persuades a position or view that they care about! Students will try to engage or influence their audience on an issue of personal, local, national, or global importance. Want to encourage recycling, change policies at the library, or lobby for a later curfew? Those are persuasive speeches! They will learn how to best present data and details to the audience, conquer any level of nervousness, and become more confident storytellers. They will discover how to use storytelling to enhance anything they do.
Each class includes an icebreaker activity, a daily lesson, practice through a game or assignment, individualized feedback, and wrap-up. Students will practice posture, eye contact, enunciation, gestures, pauses, and timing while receiving tips and techniques from the coach and peers. The class will culminate in an end of the quarter presentation for parents.
Topics in future quarters include: Finding Your Voice (Expository)- 3rd quarter, and Making Your Point (Persuasive)- 4th quarter
Speak Up! Making Your Point (Persuasive Public Speaking)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Highest Speak
Grade Range: 3rd-5th
Prerequisites: None
Public speaking skills are essential to academia, to success in future careers, and to simply making friends or standing up for yourself! Students will develop their public speaking skills and their own "voice" through the art of storytelling in a fun, supportive environment taught by a public speaking coach.
In this class, students will examine the elements of persuasive speaking by playing hilarious storytelling games and preparing short assignments. Students will gain confidence in public speaking by writing and practicing a speech that defends or persuades a position or view that they care about! Students will try to engage or influence their audience on an issue of personal, local, national, or global importance. Want to encourage recycling, change policies at the library, or lobby for a later curfew? Those are persuasive speeches! They will learn how to best present data and details to the audience, conquer any level of nervousness, and become more confident storytellers. They will discover how to use storytelling to enhance anything they do.
Each class includes an icebreaker activity, a daily lesson, practice through a game or assignment, individualized feedback, and wrap-up. Students will practice posture, eye contact, enunciation, gestures, pauses, and timing while receiving tips and techniques from the coach and peers. The class will culminate in an end of the quarter presentation for parents.
Topics in future quarters include: Finding Your Voice (Expository)- 3rd quarter, and Making Your Point (Persuasive)- 4th quarter
Swimming: Beginners/ Adv. Beginners (Tue, Q4)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 10:05 am Duration: 40 min
Instructor: YMCA
Grade Range: 1st-3rd
Prerequisites:
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.
Swimming: Intermediate (Tue, Q4)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 12:05 pm Duration: 40 min
Instructor: YMCA
Grade Range: 2nd-6th
Prerequisites:
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.
Swimming: Young Beginners (Tue, Q4)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 9:15 am Duration: 30 min
Instructor: YMCA
Grade Range: PK-K
Prerequisites:
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.
Young Beginners is for very young students with little to no swim experience and will cover YMCA Level 1 skills including water acclimation, floatation, water movement, putting face in the water, swimming 5 feet without a floatation device, and becoming comfortable on back in water.
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.
The Artistry of Writing: Daring Dialogue
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 115 min
Instructor: Cristin Harber
Grade Range: 7th-12th
Prerequisites: None
What does it take to write a story that jumps off the page and comes alive in a reader's mind? Great authors have mastered the Artistry of Writing. This two-hour workshop will focus on one facet of excellent storytelling: daring dialogue.
Banter. Arguments. Secret-sharing. More than simply what a character says, well-crafted dialogue adds depth to a scene. It brings characters to life and plays a large part in the writer's adage, "Show, don't tell." Successful dialogue sounds natural, whether breaking hearts, inspiring friends, or sneaking skeletons out of a closet. The class will analyze dialogue and identify why it works. We will craft conversations as a group and then draft dialogue independently. There will be an opportunity to share and receive feedback.
This session is part of a series of writers' workshops led by a celebrated author and focused on the Artistry of Writing. Topics in this series include: Compelling Characters (3/5/23); Daring Dialogue (3/19/24); Astounding Action Scenes (4/9/24) and Suspenseful & Scary Scenes (4/23/24).
Tweens Acting Out: Vanished in a Video Game
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Judith Harmon
Grade Range: 6th-8th
Prerequisites:
Tweens take over as they collectively brainstorm and collaboratively write own play. Find out what happens when tweens "act out" the unique characters and an original storyline they created. What happens when a player gets trapped inside their favorite game? What easter eggs will the crafty characters and naive NPCs uncover, and will they finish off the final boss?
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 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 the students' input.
The class will learn the practical aspects of acting, as they work on script read-through, blocking, costume/prop design, and planning the show. 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 final day of the quarter.
Once the script is fully developed with everyone's parts, about half-way through the quarter, 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.
Topics in this Series: Can't Believe it Came to Life (Quarter 1), Technology Takeover (Quarter 2), Whodunnit? (Quarter 3) and Vanished in a Video Game (Quarter 4).
Vet 'Ventures: Marine Mammal Rescue (1 pm)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Karen Shumway
Grade Range: 1st-2nd
Prerequisites:
An older orca in an ocean tidal pool. A sick sea lion in the surf. A disoriented dolphin by the dock. Sometimes even our marine mammal friends need medical care!
In this class, future marine veterinarians will learn all about whales, dolphins, manatees, seals, sea lions, sea otters, and walruses. The class will discover some of fun and fascinating facts, similarities, and differences in marine mammal families (and what makes some of these slick sea-dwellers mammals in the first place?) They will learn about the health and anatomy of these mammals including special adaptations for the marine environments. Finally, the class will discover how medical care is delivered to marine mammals and what threats the species face in the oceans today.
Each class meeting will include hands-on and interactive demonstrations, simulations, role-playing, activities, games, stories, or short video clips to convey the information. During the first week, students will receive a lab coat and clinic name tag, a marine mammal model for demonstrations, and a class workbook. They will "adopt" and name their animla, and during the final week, they will receive a diploma. (Animals, lab coats, name tags, and workbooks will remain at Compass between classes so they are not forgotten at home). There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Vet 'Ventures: Marine Mammal Rescue (2 pm)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Karen Shumway
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites:
An older orca in an ocean tidal pool. A sick sea lion in the surf. A disoriented dolphin by the dock. Sometimes even our marine mammal friends need medical care!
In this class, future marine veterinarians will learn all about whales, dolphins, manatees, seals, sea lions, sea otters, and walruses. The class will discover some of fun and fascinating facts, similarities, and differences in marine mammal families (and what makes some of these slick sea-dwellers mammals in the first place?) They will learn about the health and anatomy of these mammals including special adaptations for the marine environments. Finally, the class will discover how medical care is delivered to marine mammals and what threats the species face in the oceans today.
Each class meeting will include hands-on and interactive demonstrations, simulations, role-playing, activities, games, stories, or short video clips to convey the information. During the first week, students will receive a lab coat and clinic name tag, a marine mammal model for demonstrations, and a class workbook. They will "adopt" and name their animla, and during the final week, they will receive a diploma. (Animals, lab coats, name tags, and workbooks will remain at Compass between classes so they are not forgotten at home). There is a $25.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Who Wants to Be a Scientist? Biologist, Entomologist (1pm)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Osk Huneycutt
Grade Range: 1st-2nd
Prerequisites: None
There are so many ways to do science! This class allows our youngest scientists to explore different careers in the sciences and shows them that science is fun, approachable, and that anyone can do it! Students will use real scientific equipment and learn actual science terminology to investigate questions in different fields. Try out SCUBA gear as a marine biologist, learn the basics for studying DNA, perform experiments in chemistry, and try your hand at operating an ROV (remote operated vehicle). The focus will be on hands-on, dynamic learning, and students will engage in hands on demonstrations and experiments during each class.
Fourth quarter, students will learn some basics biology, using their powers of observation and digital microscopes to investigate plants and animals from the grounds. The class will discuss how these organisms survive and adapt. As entomologists, they will take an up-close look at insects and discover the many important ecological functions that they perform, from nutrient cycling to pollination. Guest insects will include pillbugs, millipedes, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, and an ant farm. To emphasize the topic of nutrient cycling, students will also make their own worm farms to take home to observe and apply the basics of composting household waste.
Topics in this Series: Paleontologist, Geologist (Quarter 1); Physicist, Astronomer (Quarter 2) Chemist & Medical Scientist (Quarter 3); Biologist, Entomologist (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Who Wants to Be a Scientist? Biologist, Entomologist (2pm)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 2:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Osk Huneycutt
Grade Range: 1st-2nd
Prerequisites: None
There are so many ways to do science! This class allows our youngest scientists to explore different careers in the sciences and shows them that science is fun, approachable, and that anyone can do it! Students will use real scientific equipment and learn actual science terminology to investigate questions in different fields. Try out SCUBA gear as a marine biologist, learn the basics for studying DNA, perform experiments in chemistry, and try your hand at operating an ROV (remote operated vehicle). The focus will be on hands-on, dynamic learning, and students will engage in hands on demonstrations and experiments during each class.
Fourth quarter, students will learn some basics biology, using their powers of observation and digital microscopes to investigate plants and animals from the grounds. The class will discuss how these organisms survive and adapt. As entomologists, they will take an up-close look at insects and discover the many important ecological functions that they perform, from nutrient cycling to pollination. Guest insects will include pillbugs, millipedes, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, and an ant farm. To emphasize the topic of nutrient cycling, students will also make their own worm farms to take home to observe and apply the basics of composting household waste.
Topics in this Series: Paleontologist, Geologist (Quarter 1); Physicist, Astronomer (Quarter 2) Chemist & Medical Scientist (Quarter 3); Biologist, Entomologist (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.
Writing Wonders: Fact Finder (Tue)*
Quarter 4: Starts on March 19, 2024
Class Time: 1:00 pm Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Shannon McClain
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites: None
Writing is a fundamental skill for school and for life, and it gives kids a voice! In this class, third and fourth graders will explore writing in many different ways. They will learn the basics of good writing and the art of revision. Classes will consist of simple lessons on writing plus in-class writing practice. Students will always be encouraged to write about what interests them, but they will also always be given fun, creative writing prompts so no one feels the panic of figuring out "what to write."
Fourth quarter, students will be introduced to writing informative paragraphs and basic research skills.
The goal for this course is for young students to gain confidence, increase writing fluency, and learn how to incorporate writing into everyday work and play. Each week, the instructor will share brief lessons on grammar such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, use of adjectives/adverbs, etc. They will also learn the steps of the writing process: prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing, and strategies for each state. Student must be minimum age 8 to take this class and should be on grade level for reading and handwriting.
Topics in this Series: My Memories (Quarter 1); Transforming Tales (Quarter 2), Fun with Fiction (Quarter 3), and Fact Finder (Quarter 4).
Art in Action: Destination Art (Wed 10am)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 55 min
Instructor: Kerry Diederich
Grade Range: 3rd-4th
Prerequisites:
Elementary artists can get in on the action as they learn about a different artist or artistic style each week and create a representative piece using a wide range of artistic supplies such as tempura and water color paints, pastels, pencils, cray pas, oil pastel crayons, specialty papers, sculpting media, and embellishments.
Fourth quarter, students will be introduced to a surprise countries or culture each week where they will learn briefly about the locale's unique tradition of art. The class will use a variety of materials and techniques to represent the projects inspired by the secret destination.
Topics in this Series: Picasso in Perspective (Quarter 1); Original Works of the Worlds Oceans (Quarter 2); American Artist Spotlight (Quarter 3); Destination Art (Quarter 4). Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $25.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.
Ballet Foundations: Carnival of the Animals
Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2024
Class Time: 11:00 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Alchemy Ballet
Grade Range: 3rd-8th
Prerequisites: None
Dancers will practice skills in musicality, balance, flexibility, and coordination as they learn to dance as a group. Each quarter, a different musical fairytale ballet will provide the inspiration and the music for the class. Dancers will become familiar with the story of the ballet and the orchestral music as they go through their own routine.
Fourth quarter, beginning dancers will learn the story of The Carnival of the Animals, composed by Camille Saint-Saens and performed as a ballet since 2004. In class, they work to identify, apply, demonstrate, and integrate the following techniques from the Vaganova ballet method such as: 1st-6th positions, marching and skipping, demi plie, grand plie, saute, bourree, grand jete, and tendu, along with pas de chat, pas de bourree, arabesque, arabesque saute, and soutenu. Students will develop their physical conditioning by core leg and arm strength.
A demonstration of skills learned will be showcased for parents on the last class each quarter. Registration is for one morning class, however students who wish to further their skills are encouraged to sign up for both Monday and Wednesday morning lessons. Compass ballet students will have an opportunity to audition for the Alchemy Ballet Academy Winter Performance (including excerpts from The Nutcracker).
Ballet students are expected to wear appropriate attire. Young ladies must wear a leotard with skirt (attached or detached), pink tights, and soft pink ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Young men must wear a slim-fitting white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and soft black ballet shoes in canvas or leather.
Ballet Fun: Carnival of the Animals (Wed)
Quarter 4: Starts on March 20, 2024
Class Time: 10:00 am Duration: 50 min
Instructor: Alchemy Ballet
Grade Range: PK-2nd
Prerequisites: None
Young dancers will practice skills in musicality, balance, flexibility, and coordination as they learn to dance as a group. Each quarter, a different musical fairytale ballet will provide the inspiration and the music for the class. Dancers will become familiar with the story of the ballet and the orchestral music as they go through their own routine. The music, story, and characters will serve as an inspiration for creative movement.
Fourth quarter, young dancers will learn the story of The Carnival of the Animals, composed by Camille Saint-Saens and performed as a ballet since 2004. In class, dancers will learn to recognize, understand, and apply techniques from the Vaganova ballet method such as: 1st - 6th positions, marching and skipping, demi plie, grand plie, saute, bourree, grand jete, and tendu. Students will also develop their physical conditioning and learn teamwork. Dancers in this level must be minimum age 4 by the start of class.
A demonstration of skills learned will be showcased for parents on the last class each quarter. Registration is for one morning class, however students who wish to further their skills are encouraged to sign up for both Monday and Wednesday morning lessons. Compass ballet students will have an opportunity to audition for the Alchemy Ballet Academy Winter Performance (including excerpts from The Nutcracker).
Ballet students are expected to wear appropriate attire. Young ladies must wear a leotard with skirt (attached or detached), pink tights, and soft pink ballet shoes in canvas or leather. Young men must wear a slim-fitting white t-shirt, black shorts, white socks, and soft black ballet shoes in canvas or leather.
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