Class Registration

Below is a list of classes beginning in September 2023. Early Registration will open on Tuesday, May 16, at 6:00 am. A 10% Early Registration Discount is offered through June 30, 2023.

  • Review Registration Information for frequently asked registration questions and tips .
  • Compass is now an Approved Vendor for the new Virginia Learning Acceleration Grants. Review the Compass information page on Learning Acceleration Grants for details on how to register/check out.
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    YMCA
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    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.

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    YMCA
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    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.

    2
    Manal Hussein
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    This class will be taught in a Hybrid format with an online lecture on Mondays (10:00 am - 10:55 am) over a live, online platform and in-person lab and activities on Wednesdays (9:30 am - 10:55 am). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section.This is a full-year, lab-based course that covers traditional concepts in physics. Physics is a college-preparatory course that encourages students to engage in scientific inquiry, investigations, and experimentation so they develop a conceptual understanding and basic scientific skills. Physics will help students understand phenomena in the physical world such as the forces on a roller coaster, wave action at the beach, speakers for their music, batteries in electric cars, and the electronics that power their favorite devices.Students will develop an in-depth conceptual and analytical understanding of principles such as Newton's laws of motion, work and energy, momentum, circular motion, thermodynamics, sound, properties of light, electric fields and energy, and magnetism. This course will use algebra- and trigonometry- based mathematical models to introduce the fundamental concepts that describe mechanics. The course is designed to emphasize scientific thinking and reasoning, problem solving, and experimentation.Meeting Dates: This is a 29-week course that will not meet during the week of May 13-17.Prerequisites/Corequisites: Students should have completed Algebra I, Geometry, and basic, right-angle trigonometry before taking this course. Students should be concurrently enrolled in Algebra II or PreCalculus when taking this course. For those students who have not covered trigonometry or other key Algebra II topics prior to encountering them in this course, the instructor will recommend resources and videos for independent review or instruction. Students are encouraged to buy the textbook over the summer to work through the Math Review section before September. The emphasis in this course is teaching/learning physic concepts, not teaching or re-teaching mathematical concepts.Class Expectations: For both in-person and virtual class meetings, students are expected to come prepared, have class materials, and be ready to participate in class discussions and activities. During virtual lectures (Mondays), students are expected to be seated at a desk or table and have their cameras on.Workload: Students should expect to spend 4 - 6 hours of independent study/homework every week consisting of pre-reading chapters, taking detailed notes on concepts before class, completing problem-solving activities, analyzing data, and writing formal lab reports.Assignments: All assignments and announcements will be posted on Google classroom management site. There, students access assignments; upload lab reports, message instructor and classmates; and attend virtual conferences. Parents can view the course instructions and materials via their students’ accounts.Assessments: The instructor will assign points for correct answers on quizzes and tests, and points/feedback for lab reports. Homework assignments will be marked as complete or incomplete. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available.Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent Physics by James S. Walker (2014 ed.) (ISBN #9780131371156.)Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.Supplies/Equipment: Students will need access to a computer with working camera, internet, a graphing calculator, a ruler, writing supplies, colored pens for graphs, highlighters, plain, lined, and graph paper, a 1-inch three ring binder, and a Five Star, 8.5" X 11" Quadrille-Ruled Notebook.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component full credit in laboratory science for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: Algebra I, Geometry with minimum co-requisite Algebra II

    2
    Karen Shumway
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    This class has an in-person lecture on Tuesdays (10:00 am - 10:55 am) and in-person lab and activities on Fridays (9:30 am - 10:55 am). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section.

    Through the study of chemistry, high school students will learn the science behind things they observe every day! Chemistry explains properties of the food we eat, the beverages we drink, the medicines we take, the fibers we wear, and fuels in the cars we drive. Chemistry is a foundation to understanding the world around us and fundamental to other sciences such as biology, physics, geology, and environmental science.

    This full-year laboratory course makes chemistry come alive through at-home readings, practice problems, supplementary activities, and in-person hands-on labs to demonstrate key concepts. Course themes include matter, changes in state, scientific measurement, atomic structure, electrons in atoms, and characteristics of the periodic table. Students will then study ionic, metallic, and covalent bonding, chemical names and formulas, and chemical reactions. Further chemistry topics include the behavior of gases, water and aqueous solutions, acids, bases, and salts; oxidation-reduction reactions, solutions, and thermochemistry.

    Students will learn the skills necessary for successful study of chemical reactions and molecular phenomena, using common high school laboratory chemicals, glassware, and techniques. This is not a course done in microscale using pre-mixed solutions: students will learn to calculate molarity and use dimensional analysis to mix solutions, calculate yields, analyze errors, and construct graphs. Example labs include experiments in molar mass, hydrates, precipitates, filtration, density, distillation, reactants, single and double displacement, acid/base titration, polymers, heat of fusion, heat of vaporization, and stoichiometry. Class demonstrations will model other chemical concepts and processes, such as a radioactive cloud chamber.

    Prerequisites: High school Algebra I

    Levels: This course provides a substantive, full-credit experience on either an on-level or honors track. All class members complete the same core material and participate in the same labs. Students taking the course at the honors level are generally on a college prep-STEM track and have additional assignments and alternative scoring. Honors students' homework will be graded and recorded as part of the students' total earned points. On-level students' homework will be corrected and graded, but not factored into their total earned points. Students must identify their level prior to the start of class. At any point in the year, a student may transition from honors to on-level if the workload exceeds the students' expectations. In addition, at the parents' discretion, students may take this course as an "audit" in which they still read chapters, attend lectures, participate in labs, but do not do problem sets or laboratory reports. This approach provides an experiential and conceptual overview of chemistry, but should not be counted as a full year credit.

    Workload: All students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class on pre-reading and lab reports. Honors students can expect an additional 1-2 hours on weekly problem sets. Pre-reading and pre-lab work is required so in-person class time can be spent on highlights, class discussion, homework review, and labs. In addition, most weeks students should plan for additional meeting time and coordination with their lab partners in-person, by phone, shared documents, or via virtual meeting. Students will also be required to read one scientific, non-fiction book or current events article each quarter and prepare a 2-page summary and response book report.

    Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests, track grades, and message instructor and classmates. Parents can have an observer account in Canvas to review assignments and graded work. Students will have weekly readings and mandatory pre-lab assignments. The pre-lab assignment must be completed prior to lab and will serve as the student's "ticket" into the lab session each week.

    Assessments: Students will earn points for completed homework, unit tests, lab reports, book reports, and semester exams. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available. Parents may view all scoring and comments at any time through the Canvas site.

    Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent Prentice Hall Chemistry by Wilbraham, Staley, et. al. 2008 edition (ISBN #978-0132512107).

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $125 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a composition notebook, graph paper, lab equipment and supplies, and safety supplies.

    What to Bring: Students should bring a paper or a notebook, pen or pencil, and a scientific calculator each week.

    What to Wear: Students should not wear any loose, drapey clothing to lab. They should also come to class with long hair tied back and should wear closed toe shoes.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Lab Science for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Sandy Preaux
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    This class has an in-person lecture on Mondays (10:00 am - 10:55 am) and in-person lab and activities on Fridays (9:30 am - 10:55 am). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section.

    Massive mudslides in Monterrey. New fossils found in the Philippines. Uranium unearthed near Uluru. The curiosities of geology are in the news every single day! Geology is a study of the physical Earth- past and present- including its history, composition, structures, forces, and cycles, all of which shape our world. Students will explore the Earth's spheres including the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and atmosphere, as well as the cycles of the Earth such as the water, rock, and carbon cycles.

    A key theme in this course is Earth's history including formation, rock cycle, plate tectonics, and geo-dynamics. The class will also look at minerology and petrology where they will identify minerals and rocks through physical testing, understand the mineral composition, and relate their findings to the forces that produce different structures and conditions. The class will cover geochemistry which includes the carbon cycle, water cycle, and hydrothermal chemical processes, along with geomorphology which deals with landforms and what can be inferred about the geology from the resulting structures and features. Natural hazards such as hurricanes, landslides, and volcanoes will be explored, along with the niche topics of remote sensing and glacial physics. Weather, oceanography, space, and planetary science will be only briefly discussed since these topics are explored in other, year-long Compass courses. Ultimately, this course prepares students to be scientifically literate as well as prepare them for future courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science.

    In this year-long laboratory science course, students will pair weekly discussions with experiments and activities that demonstrate concepts such as erosion, rock/mineral classification, tectonics using an earthquake table, spectra/light analyses to determine mineral content, and more. Students' laboratory work may also include citizen scientist initiatives using data and images collected by NASA and other institutions. Some lab activities may use computers and a spreadsheet to analyze publicly available data. The class will perform some field work such as stream-mapping at nearby Sugarland Run and an optional field trip to Billy Goat's trail in Great Falls.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class on reading and assignments.

    Levels: This class will be offered on two levels: Honors and On-Level. All class members share the core, weekly lesson and participate in the same in-class labs and activities. Honors students will be assigned supplemental articles, videos, and/or additional homework problems each week. Students register online for the same course, but must indicate which level they wish to study at the start of the year. Students may move down a level (from Honors to On-Level) at any time. However, once classes have started, students may not "bump up" a level.

    Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests, track grades, and message instructor and classmates.

    Assessments: Completed assignments will be assessed points. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available, in weighted categories that include assignments, labs, quizzes, tests, projects, and presentations. Parents may view all scoring and comments at any time through the Canvas site.

    Textbook: The selected textbook will be identified by August 1, 2023 for students to purchase, rent, or download.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $100 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    What to Bring: Students will need class supplies at each class meeting and will need a laptop at some sessions for laboratory work.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Lab Science for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Tia Murchie-Beyma

    This class will be taught in a Hybrid format with an online lecture on Mondays (9:00 am - 9:55 am) over a live, online platform and in-person lab and activities on Fridays (9:30 am - 10:55 am). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section.

    This full-year lab science course introduces classic biology topics updated for the 21st century. Biology studies living things and their relationships from microscopic to massive, ancient to modern, arctic to tropic. Our survey includes: (1) cellular and molecular biology, (2) ecology, (3) genetics, (4) biology of organisms (with selected human health and anatomy topics), and (5) evolution and diversity.

    You will observe microscopic organisms and give monarch butterflies a health exam before tagging them for their 2,800 mile migration to Mexico. You will extract DNA, model its processes, and learn how scientists manipulate this magnificent molecule to make mice glow. You will observe animal behavior, test your heart rate, and practice identifying and debunking pseudo-science.

    By the end of the course, students will be able to explain the nature of science as a system of knowing; cite evidence for foundational theories of modern biology; explain basic biological processes and functions; describe structures and relationships in living systems; outline systems of information, energy, and resources; demonstrate valid experimental design; discern ethical standards; relate their values and scientific ideas to decision-making; and apply biology knowledge to their own health.

    Students are responsible for pre-reading and reviewing new material such as readings from the textbook and additional popular and scholarly sources, videos, and animations PRIOR to class meetings. In-person sessions focus on active discussion, clarification, exploration of content, review, modeling, and hands-on activities.

    Labs address not only technical skills and sequential operations, but also forming testable predictions, collecting data, applying math, drawing conclusions, and presenting findings. Hands-on dissection, always optional, is taught with preserved crayfish and fetal pigs.

    Sensitive issues: human reproduction is not taught separately, but mentioned as students learn about other, related topics such as sperm, eggs, stem cells, genetic disease, hormones, fetal development, breast-feeding, adolescence, and HIV. While there may be some debate-style discussion of topics such as GMO, abortion will not be debated. Birth control and sex education are not covered, but distinctions between gender and biological sex are discussed in detail in the genetics unit. Evolution is embedded in every topic, from molecular to ecological, inseparably from other content. It is addressed in a scientific context, not from a faith standpoint.

    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 labs. Honors has longer or additional readings, more analytical work, and more thorough and difficult assessments. Brief, required summer assignments are due in August for those who elect to take Honors. Students register online for the same course, but must indicate which level they wish to study via e-mail by August 15. Students may move down a level (from Honors to On-Level) at any time.

    Prerequisites: Students should be very strong, independent readers and able to understand graphs, tables, percentages, decimals, ratios, and averages.

    Workload: All students should expect to spend 4-6 hours outside of class reading and preparing homework. Homework includes term cards, brief written responses, weekly online quizzes, unit tests, occasional lab reports, and some creative assignments including sketching. Students will sometimes prepare short, in-class presentations, participate in group projects, run simulations, or conduct simple experiments at home.

    Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments; upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests; track grades; message instructor and classmates; and attend virtual conferences.

    Assessments: Completed homework, projects, quizzes, and tests receive points and narrative feedback. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available, in weighted categories that include assignments, reading quizzes, tests, and participation and presentations. Parents may view all scoring and comments at any time through the Canvas site.

    Textbook/Materials: Students must purchase or rent the textbook Biology Now: Third High School Edition (2022) published by WW Norton. A 360-day digital license directly from the publisher costs $53.00 HERE (ISBN: 978-0-393-54247-9) or $130 when bundled with a hardcover text (ISBN 978-0-393-54010-9). Used books may be available from 2022-23 students. Core textbook readings are supplemented by the instructor with updated information drawn from sources such as peer-reviewed science journals, popular science publications, and podcasts.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $130 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Supplies/Equipment: Students will need access to a computer/internet, compound microscope with 400X magnification and cool lighting, splash goggles, water-resistant/acid-resistant lab apron, kitchen or postal scale, 3-ring binder, approximately 400- 3"x5" index cards; and plain, lined, and graph paper. Some of these supplies are used at home. Weekly "Read Me First" web pages and class announcements on Canvas tell students what items to bring to class.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Lab Science for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: Middle School Science

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    JR Bontrager

    Students will learn to think like inventors and designers when creating 3D! 3D design is used not only for modeling and fabricating objects but is also at the heart of many cutting-edge technologies such as AR and VR, video game design, interactive exhibits, and more. 3D printing is used in nearly all industries and design fields today from art to animation, manufacturing to medicine, and engineering to entertainment.In this class, students will first learn to use Tinkercard, a 3D modeling software that works in solid forms (like LEGO bricks). Then, students will transition to MeshMixer, a software that creates smooth, curved, organic shapes (like clay). They will learn to think about their design from all angles and how to subtract forms to create holes, voids, and concave features, and add forms to create projections, contours, appendages, and convex details. They will discover the limitations of 3D printing and how to handle overhanging elements or delicate details.Students will practice the artistic design process with simple sketches before diving into the software. They will be encouraged to use reference material, whether photos, a model, or even by modifying existing, public domain 3D files. Students will use an iterative printing process in which they print their project, check it for design intent, functionality, or fit, make modifications, and print again. The class will learn how to save and convert between 3D solid object files (.stl) and object files (.obj) and work with metadata fields to protect the intellectual property of their designs.To demonstrate the range and capability of 3D-printed designs, favorite student projects include D & D miniatures, cosplay props, Minecraft-designed creations, and beloved characters such as anime, baby Yoda, and Pokemon creatures.Second semester, continuing students will progress to more complex assemblies including multiple parts and parts with hinges. Second semester, some students may wish to work with alternative filaments such as TPU (rubber), metal, or magnetized filament. Because of the studio format, new students can enroll second semester.The class instructor is a design engineer with 3D Herndon and expert in 3D technologies and other areas of design and invention. A typical class will be structured with 5-10 minutes of lecture or demonstration of a new design skill, followed by 40 minutes of design "studio" time where students can receive trouble-shooting support and design tips from the instructor and have dedicated work time, and 5-10 minutes of sharing time at the end of class. As a studio class, students will work on individual projects at their own pace. Topics in this Series: As an open studio for individual projects, students may continue from one semester to the next or enroll mid-year. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Prerequisites: NoneWhat to Bring:Students will need to bring a laptop to class for design work.Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1+ hours per week outside of class.Assignments: Project criteria will be explained in class to students.Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester as the student works.Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for 3D printing and filament. This provides the student with 800 g of printed product per semester. Students who are prolific designers and print often will be asked to pay an additional $5.00 per 100 g or fraction thereof.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Visual Arts, Technology, or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

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    Judith Harmon
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    Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. When the sun goes down and the Sandman comes, dreams transform our characters and carry them away on an adventure in The Land of Nod! What weird and wacky escapades will take place in the dreamland that our young actors will create and perform?

    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).

    2
    Albert Thompson
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    In this class, students will engage with American History from a unique, thoughtful perspective, facilitated by college professor and doctoral candidate Albert Thompson who is a “researcher, problem solver, and educator.” Professor Thompson is considered a historian of the state, culture, and conflict. He was homeschooled through high school and will guide high school students to use “ historical data to advance solutions to contemporary problems.”
    The first semester will cover the United States during the growing global crisis from 1900-1925 as the United States struggled to make peace with its new role as a Great Power and colonial overlord. Bringing Progressive era America to life using primary sources, the students will learn the historian's craft through investigating newspapers, diplomatic discussions, conference proceedings, and what was the new technology of motion pictures. They will also explore the new and exciting global artistic and architectural movements such as Jazz, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco. While covering the constitutional, cultural, religious, and economic transformation of the United States, the class will engage with the literature of the great movements of the era, including Women's Suffrage, the Social Gospel and neo-orthodoxy, early Civil Rights campaigners, conservationism, the rise of global rebel terror movements, eugenics, and high-point of American fraternalism. Significant events covered include the Philippine Rebellion, the Russo-Japanese War, the governing revolution of 1913, Prohibition, the rise of aviation, the advent of the automobile, and the Great War.The class will uncover history that is often overlooked or downplayed. Professor Thompson encourages students to think deeply about history by introducing individuals and groups in a way that lets students put themselves in others’ places. He covers the worldviews that were dominant at the time as a way to explain what motivated historical figures and decisions of the day. Conflicts will be closely examined since throughout history, war is a catalyst that causes economic and social conditions to change dramatically in the shortest period of time.

    2
    Kerry Diedrich
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    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.First quarter, students will meet one best-known artists of all times. Picasso's art career spanned 79 years and included painting, sculpting, ceramics, poetry, stage design, and writing. The class will use a variety of materials and techniques to represent works from Picasso's Blue Period, Rose Period, African Period, Cubism, Neoclassicism and Surrealism.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 $20.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.

    2
    Kerry Diedrich
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    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.First quarter, students will meet one best-known artists of all times. Picasso's art career spanned 79 years and included painting, sculpting, ceramics, poetry, stage design, and writing. The class will use a variety of materials and techniques to represent works from Picasso's Blue Period, Rose Period, African Period, Cubism, Neoclassicism and Surrealism.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 $20.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.

    2
    Alchemy Ballet
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    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.First quarter, young dancers will learn the story of Peter and the Wolf, composed by Sergei Prokofiev and performed as a ballet since 1995. 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. Alchemy Ballet offers an optional kit of one leotard with skirt, one pair of tights, and one pair of soft shoes for $25.00 or soft shoes only for $6.50.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Becca Sticha

    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.

    First quarter, students will construct Animated Animals such as a hopping bunny, lumbering elephant, creeping frog, leaf-munching giraffe, trotting horse, mommy and baby bird, flapping owl, and a prowling, growling tiger.

    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).

    Prerequisites: None

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    Mylene Nyman
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    Teens can now enjoy a hearty, healthy start to the morning with Breakfast Table cooking classes at Compass! Teens will enjoy the fun and friendship of making and eating breakfast together. At the same time, they will learn valuable life skills in meal planning and cooking essentials, while ensuring that they have a well-balanced, nutritious start to their day. The Compass chefs' breakfast adventures will include:

    • Turkey Bacon and Cheese Tarts
    • Breakfast Quesadillas
    • Crepes with Fruit Sauce
    • Flower Sunshine Eggs
    • Corned Beef Hash
    • Homemade Granola and Yogurt Parfait
    • French Toast Casserole
    Students will be eating what they make each week and bringing home the recipes. 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: Daybreak Dishes (Quarter 1), Early Eats (Quarter 2), Sunrise Starts (Quarter 3), and Morning Menus (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 a bandana or have long hair tied back or braided.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. For more information and FAQs, see the Compass Cooking Classes webpage..

    2
    David Chelf
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    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 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 2023 for the May 2024 exam.Workload: Students should expect to spend 1.25-1.75 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 13-day cycle in this class with: a new unit introduced on a Friday (day 1), lecture on Wednesday (day 6), questions and answers on the next Friday (day 8), and homework due the next Wednesday (day 13). After introduction of a new topic (day 1), students will be expected to read the assigned section and look through worked, sample problems before the lecture the following Wednesday (day 6). Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of all 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: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by checking that weekly homework sets are complete and giving periodic take-home tests; class participation is also strongly encouraged. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade.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.

    Prerequisites: PreCalculus

    2
    Peter Snow
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    Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Intermediate Chess 1, students will learn skills that build upon each other such as: 8 questions to ask before you move, mating nets, piece defenses against common tactics, forcing combinations, king and pawn endings, offensive opening tactics, and review of two-move checkmates tactics.Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. Students should have 30+ hours of chess instruction prior to enrolling in Intermediate Chess, a working knowledge of most skills taught in the Compass Beginner and Advanced Beginner Chess levels, or instructor permission.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Danielle Mercadal
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    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 "Monday 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, 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.Parents can choose to drop children off for this program (different than Compass's school-year policies for 55 minute classes.) Children should bring a bagged lunch and water bottle to each session. There is a $40.00 material fee for class consumables due payable to the teacher on the first day of class. Registration for this program is by half-year (semester). Students must be age five (5) at the start of the program. Parents who are shopping around or applying to alternate kindergarten programs should review the Compass withdrawal policy.

    2
    Danielle Mercadal
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    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 "Monday 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, 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.Parents can choose to drop children off for this program (different than Compass's school-year policies for 55 minute classes.) Children should bring a bagged lunch and water bottle to each session. There is a $40.00 material fee for class consumables due payable to the teacher on the first day of class. Registration for this program is by half-year (semester). Students must be age five (5) at the start of the program. Parents who are shopping around or applying to alternate kindergarten programs should review the Compass withdrawal policy.

    2
    Danielle Mercadal
    Add

    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 "Monday 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, 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.Parents can choose to drop children off for this program (different than Compass's school-year policies for 55 minute classes.) Children should bring a bagged lunch and water bottle to each session. There is a $40.00 material fee for class consumables due payable to the teacher on the first day of class. Registration for this program is by half-year (semester). Students must be age five (5) at the start of the program. Parents who are shopping around or applying to alternate kindergarten programs should review the Compass withdrawal policy.

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    2
    Anne Sharp
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    Digital portfolios. A necessity in the visual, performing, and language arts worlds. Every writer, artist, musician, actor, dancer, game designer, engineer, or any other type of creator, whether performance- or project-based—needs to present a “body of work”. For professionals, a portfolio can seal the job offer. For students, it is a standard for colleges, internships, scholarships, companies, and agencies. Visual and performing arts students need a digital portfolio for applications to art, dance, music, theatre schools, and for auditions. For other creators and designers, a digital portfolio is an opportunity to expand a resume or transcript, providing depth by “showing the work”, not just telling about it. Portfolios put the creator in the role of “curator,” forcing critical analysis by assessing specific works to include and how best to present them. Portfolios also provide familiar talking points for interviews. Pulling up a portfolio and showing photos or videos of a project or product is easier (and more effective) than trying to describe it, especially if it’s complex.In this course, students will build a digital portfolio that provides both formative and summative assessment of work completed and development of process. Each student will create and curate a collection of product-based works (writing, art, photography, design) or project-based works (engineering, research & development, computer science), or performance-based works (theatrical, dance, musical).Students will begin by researching and analyzing professional portfolios as “role models” for both design inspiration and insight into how a career in this field unfolds. After seeing possibilities, students will design and develop a homepage focused on who they are as a creator or performer, introducing themselves, their work, and their goals. They will create a template, layout, and palette for their portfolio that sets a tone and reinforces messaging. Writing and graphics will be integrated in the opening section (homepage) and throughout the portfolio (content pages).Next steps focus on content planning: selecting what media, subjects, genres, forms, and accomplishments to include in a gallery of work. Some pieces may already be completed. Some may still be in development, and students may work in partnerships to finish them. Classes will be devoted to teacher and peer review, breaking into interest groups (writers, digital artists, dancers, etc.) to initiate targeted feedback. Creators have deep and specialized knowledge of subject, technique, materials, vocabulary, etc., so field-specific collaboration is invaluable.Then, curation begins. Arranging works and annotating them. Students will create categories that translate into menu items and sections. They will combine photos, video, graphics, and annotative text to tell the “story” of who they are and what they have created. Portfolio sections will include openings and introductions showcasing original works with clickable icons that lead an audience to a deeper view of their work. Works will be titled, captioned, and cited with form, media used, date, place, etc. to provide a museum-style approach to curation. At a glance, a visitor will see not only what the student has created, but also can get to know the creator through his/her personal design and content choices. Students may opt to show both process (chronicling the creation of a work, writing, or project) and finished product. Concepts and in-development pieces may also be included to underscore creativity, passion, and initiative. Most creators have works in progress and ideas for what’s next.The end product of all this is, simply, a link that, with one click, opens a portal to the world of a creator’s process, expertise, discoveries, and, of course, best works.Note: Weekly class meetings will be a blend of lecture, presentations (instructor and student), discussion, writing, editing, and peer/teacher review. All class meetings will be in a Google Meet virtual classroom, providing synchronous online instruction via videoconferencing, screen-sharing capability, and breakout rooms for group work.Workload: Students should expect to spend 2+ hours per week outside of class. (Varies by personal goals and body of work.)Assignments:  All assignments, class materials, and shared documents will be posted on a password-protected Google Classroom site.Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester by the instructor and peers. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.Class Materials: Students must have an “body of work” with completed and in-progress pieces representing original writing, art, photography, inventions, theatrical roles, costumes, singing, concerts, etc. Students should also have a laptop with camera, microphone, and internet connection for class meetings and a cell phone or digital camera for scanning or photographing works. Finally, students will need to select a web-based portfolio template such as a no cost Weebly platform (upgrades available at an additional cost.)Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Language Arts or Visual Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Mylene Nyman

    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 'Lotsa Pasta recipes including:

    • Linguine and Homemade Marinara
    • Lasagna
    • Ravioli Pesto
    • Spaetzle
    • Fettuccine with Pumpkin Alfredo
    • Gnocchi with Cheesy Garlic Sauce
    • Tortellini with Spinach Garlic Cream Sauce

    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. Pork will be used in a meat pie during 2nd quarter. 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: Lotsa Pasta (Quarter 1); Meat Pies and Sweet Pies (Quarter 2); Soups and Stews (Quarter 3); and Seafood Celebration (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.

    • Foundations of Restaurant Management & Culinary Arts: Level 1, published by National Restaurant Association (ISBN# 978-0138019389)
    • Foundations of Restaurant Management & Culinary Arts: Level 2, published by National Restaurant Association (ISBN# 978-0131380226)
    • Activity Guide for Foundations of Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts Level 1, published by National Restaurant Association (ISBN# 978-0137070503)
    • Activity Guide for Foundations of Restaurant Management and Culinary Arts Level 2, published by National Restaurant Association (ISBN# 978-0131380714)

    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:

    -Chef's Knife Set, Professional Quality- (purchased individually or as a starter set) Recommended model (Amazon): J.A Henckels International 31425-000 Classic Starter Knife Set, 3-Piece, Black/Stainless Steel
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    -Knife Guards- Recommended model (Amazon): 3- Piece Universal Knife Edge Guards Set

    -Carrying Case- Recommended model (Amazon): Tosnail Chef Knife Case Roll Bag with 15 Slots

    -Chef's Jacket- (long sleeve, white. Brought to class clean each week) Recommended model- women's (Amazon): Chef Works Women's Le Mans Chef CoatRecommended model-men's (Amazon): Chef Works Men's Bordeaux Chef Coat

    -Chef's Cap - (student's choice of color) Recommended model (Amazon): Nanxson 3pcs Chef Hat

    Office Supplies: Ring binder, pen or pencil, note cards and loose-leaf paper

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $65.00 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.

    0
    Judith Harmon

    Calling crooked criminals who commit creepy crimes! Convening colorful characters who corroborate clues and constables who collaborate to crack the case! Connect with a kooky cast in Compass's new Detective Drama. Using materials from a commercial mystery role playing game (RPG), students will be guided through the facts of a fictitious case. Student sleuths will be follow clue cards, eclectic evidence, and phony forensics to uncover a crime. Emphasis will be on critical thinking, problem solving skills, and improvisation through the portrayal of unique characters involved in the crime. Students will be encouraged to develop a strong, compelling character, an original costume, a backstory, and of course, an alibi.First quarter, students will unravel the Case of the Missing Crown! The Queen's crown has been stolen and nobody knows who is to blame. The crown is worth millions and if it has fallen into the wrong hands, hundreds of years of history will be lost forever! The Queen is hopeless and has exhausted all of her resources in search for her beloved crown. Our class is her last hope in the search for the missing crown. Solve the mystery and return the crown to its rightful owner.In this workshop, students will experiment with acting and improvisation and working as a team. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and enjoy working in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. Because of the age of the students in this class, only capers such as burglaries or kidnappings will be portrayed instead of murders.Topics in this Series: The Case of the Missing Crown (First Quarter); The Mystery of the Lost Jewels of the Titanic (Second Quarter); Mystery at the Fair (Third Quarter), and The Missing Mona Lisa (Fourth Quarter). There is a class supply fee of $20.00 due payable to the instructor on the first day for the class RPG materials, printing, props, and investigation folders.

    0
    Ethan Hay

    In Digital Workshop, students will become immersed in the digital universe of ROBLOX as they learn to manipulate and navigate the world-creation tool used by real-world developers!ROBLOX is a popular, multiplayer platform where users can play games that others have created or design their own in a brightly colored, 3D world. In this class, students will learn how to use the ROBLOX Studio tool to build 3D models and create personized adventures. Students will learn how to bring characters to life with unique animations that they code.Digital Workshop is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in "Intro" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home.Topics in this Series: ROBLOX Makers (Quarters 1, 2); Minecraft Modders (Quarters 3, 4).

    0
    Dr. Michele Forsythe

    Kids are curious about electricity- the magic that powers the toys, games, and electronics they love. In this class, kids will experiment with aspects of electricity- conductors, batteries, and circuits- to take the mystery out of electricity and inspire future engineers.Learn about electricity basics such as atoms and what makes a material a conductor or an insulator. In the first investigation of electric circuits, students will use their own bodies to complete a circuit that lights up LED lights and sounds a siren! The class will learn about open and closed circuits and discuss why the human body has a current. Students will learn to use a volt meter and measure their own body's voltage. Next, the class will explore the conductivity of fruits and vegetables. Kids will be asked to bring one or more samples of fruits or veggies from home to measure the voltage, experiment on, and compare results. They will also build circuits with these foods and experiment with attaching power sources in series to increase the voltage. The third area of exploration will be building paper circuits. Students will apply the principles they learned to build a light-up postcard. Finally, the class will learn about magnetism, what a magnet is, and why it behaves that way. Students will explore which items are attracted to a magnetic and which are not, and they will share their findings. Next, they will make their own magnets out of paper clips. We will discuss the magnetic poles of the earth and build a compass, to discover where we are. Topics in this Series: Battery Blast (Quarter 1); Cool Conductors (Quarter 2); Simple Circuits (Quarter 3); and Super Circuits (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Eric Jao
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    In this 12-week course, students will learn the core skills of Electronic Music Production from industry professional, DJ, producer, and musician Eric Jao. Eric brings 30+ years of working in the music industry, touring the world, and performing with artists like Madonna, Shakira, Rhianna, and Linkin Park. He is the developer of the Mix Major curriculum which he will teach in person at Compass.Students will learn how to compose their own drums, chords, basslines, and melodies and arrange them into original songs and remixes. As students progress beyond the core curriculum, they will learn how to use effects and automation to expand and enhance their music production skills.Students do not need to play an instrument or be able to read music for this course. Instead, they need to have a love of music and the desire to create their own, original songs.Students will use Ableton Live software which is used by the world's biggest pop music and electronic music artists including Marshmello, Illenium, Skrillex, and the Chainsmokers.Meet your instructor here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5en5nx5zagWorkload: Students should expect to spend 1 or more hours per week outside of class.Assignments: Students will be encouraged to continue to work on their music at home.Assessments: Will not be given.What to Bring: Students should bring a laptop (Windows or Mac). Chrome books will not work with the required software. Students will be using a 90-day free trial of the Abelton Live software, but should not download it more than one day before the start of class.Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class does not meet on 12/11/23.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component partial credit in Fine Arts or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Osk Huneycutt
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    In this class, middle school students will learn to work as independent investigators using the scientific method. Students will observe the systems under investigation, choose a pattern or trend that interests them, and then develop a testable hypothesis. Students will learn how to: design a scientific experiment for either a laboratory or field setting, choose appropriate controls, minimize investigator bias, correctly perform measurements and to record and analyze data.

    During first quarter, students will design experiments relating to animal behavior. Possible areas of investigation include learned behavior, foraging, habitat preferences, territoriality, or social behavior. Others may design experiments that test intraspecific interactions, predator-prey relationships, or animal competition. Students will have the option of experimenting with small, class-furnished animals such as pill bugs or crickets, students' own pets, or backyard wildlife.

    Students will learn how to locate peer-reviewed scientific literature to research their subject. By the end of the quarter, students will have completed their independent investigations, summarized the results in a poster, and will present their data to the class. Each quarter will focus on a different aspect of science.

    Topics in this Series: Animal Behavior (Quarter 1), Chemistry (Quarter 2), Environmental (Quarter 3), and Design-Your-Own (Quarter 4).

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Karen Shumway
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    Tween builders will use LEGO construction components in this hands-on engineering class. Each week, students will build a different project from the LEGO Education 9686 curriculum which will introduce concepts in simple machines, complex machines, mechanical engineering, or structural engineering. Using the engineering design process, students will build a basic mechanism, test it, gather data, and then modify their design to improve performance. Students will learn to take measurements such as distance traveled, use a stopwatch, record and graph their findings on paper. This approach introduces applied physics concepts in a subtle way, encouraging observation of physical phenomena such as forces and relationships without being bogged down by equations. Students will work with ordinary LEGO bricks, beams, and plates along with specialized components such as gears, toothed elements, wheels and axles, pulleys, and motors.First semester projects include a 3-week review and short builds with simple machines (levers, wheels, axles, and pulleys) before combining those into more complex builds. Some projects will be built from design plans, but as the semester progresses, projects become more complicated with some built by modifying an existing design and some built and tested from scratch. Example projects from first semester include the Magic Lock, batter beater, braked cart, letter stamper, trundle wheel, windmill, and flywheeler. Engineering and physics principles covered with these projects include gear ratios (gearing down, gearing up), cams and ratchets; forces and motion, renewable and kinetic energy, air resistance; measuring weight, force, area, distance and time, mass, and position; and calibrating scales, errors, accuracy, in scientific investigation.There is a $20.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day for a lab notebook.Topics in this series include Advanced Apparatus (Semester 1) and Visionary Vehicles (Semester 2). There is a $50.00 supply and equipment fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Paris. Milan. Madrid. What's on the runways in 2023? Wide disco collars, chic trench coats, and layered skirts in simmering neons, crochet knits, and faux leather. Do you study the pages of Glamour, Vogue, Marie Claire, and wish to be involved in the world of trendy fashion? Perhaps you follow fashion influencers on Instagram. Or, do you enjoy the satisfaction of designing apparel yourself, your way? If so, this class is for you. Each week this course will cover two aspects: the history of fashion and fashion design.Fashion trends are often cyclical, and elements of style are reimagined every few decades. Students will seek inspiration for new designs and style remixes by learning about the history of fashion in eastern and western cultures for the last century. First semester, students will look at fashion trends by decade from 1900 through the 1960s. This semester will cover chapters 1 through 3 in the textbook.With inspiration from historical design trends, students will learn how to create fashion renderings, from initial concepts through a chic, coordinated collection. First semester, the class will learn about color theory, color psychology, and composing color palettes. They will learn to draw their designs by sketching a croquis (a quick, rough sketch of a garments on a proportioned figure.) Students will practice vision boarding and developing a story board. This class does not include sewing the fashions.Topics in this Series: Stellar Style: Fashion Design & History I (Semester 1), Stellar Style: Fashion Design & History II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Prerequisites: None.Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on reading assignments and completing design activities.Assignments: Projects and readings will be given out in class and will also be communicated via email.Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given.Textbook: Students should purchase Fundamentals of Fashion Design, 3rd Edition, by Richard Sorger and Jenny Udale (ISBN# 978-1474270007) before the first class. Additional information will be distributed as handouts in class.Lab/Supply Fee: None.What to Bring: Images/sample photos, swatches, and other assigned materials.Non-Meeting Dates:11/6/23Credit: 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.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Learn about fashion of the 18th century Europe and America as you sew your own 18th century stays with a corset kit. The style achieves the conical shape required for 18th century women's clothing. Corset kits come in white cotton coutil in our full range of sizes. The corset is finished with grommeted backs and adjustable back lacing. The kit for the class includes everything you need to make your own beautiful, authentic corset: pre-cut corset pieces in natural cotton coutil, instruction guide, steel bones and bone casing, silver grommets, tipped lacing in white, yardage of matching cotton to make bias edging, thread for sewing the corset on your machine.Students will be guided by instructor Judith Harmon who has a degree in costume design, creates the costumes for many local theaters, and teaches Compass sewing classes. The class is recommended for intermediate to advanced stitchers, including students who have taken her Learn to Sew classes. Students who are unfamiliar with machine sewing should schedule at least 4 hours of private sewing lessons through Compass before the start of class. Introduction to sewing will not be taught in this class.Students will also need to bring a portable sewing machine to class each week. If you are purchasing a new sewing machine for the class, a Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine, 4400 series, model is recommended. ($160-$180 from Amazon or JoAnn Fabrics). Students who are bringing a pre-owed or loaned sewing machine are expected to have the machine professionally serviced before the start of class. Students must bring bobbins, replacement needles, the foot pedal, power cord, owner's manual, and extension cord to class each week. A student who forgets his/her sewing machine or who must send their machine to the shop may rent one from the instructor for $20.00 per hour. Students should also bring a basic sewing kit. Required: Two weeks before the class begins in person, students should send the instructor their size, bust, and waist measurements and pay the material fee, so their kits can be prepared prior to the start of class. Students who are unsure of their measurements can watch the following video on how to take your own measurements: https://vimeo.com/169735158Prerequisites: Recommended for intermediate to advanced stitchers such as those who have taken the Learn to Sew class or have experience using sewing machine. Alternatively, the student must enroll in 4-hours of private sewing instruction before the start of class.Workload: Students should expect to spend 1 hour per week outside of class.Assignments: Will be made in class and notes/lectures will posted in the Google Classroom platform. Assessments: Informal feedback will be provided as students work.Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $130.00 is due payable to the instructor no less than two weeks before the start of class for the corset kit. Students can also elect to purchase a basic sewing kits from the instructor for $25.00.What to Bring: Sewing machine (recently serviced, with owner's manual foot pedal, power cord, bobbins, and replacement needles); basic hand-sewing kit; 1.25 yards of decorative cotton fabric (optional).Optional: Students who wish to personalize their corsets, can furnish 1.25 yds of non-stretch cotton material and matching thread to use as a decorative outer layer to the corset coutil.Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class does not meet on 10/20/23. Topics in this Series: Historical Corsets- 18th Century (Semester 1), Historical Corsets- 19th Century (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Art, Career Exploration, or General Elective for purposes of a high school transcript

    2
    Edwige Pinover
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    Bonjour and get ready for a full year of beginner level high school French! This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary quickly and learn essential grammar skills in French. Vocabulary will include numbers, time, dates, seasons, school, free time activities/hobbies, likes/dislikes, personal descriptions, family relationships, emotions, food/restaurants, and places/locations in town. There will be a strong emphasis on competency using regular and irregular present tense verbs and common grammar concepts such as articles, pronouns, adjectives, and comparative phrases.Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos.Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class.Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class.Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade.Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Bien Dit!: Student Edition Level 1 2013 (French Edition) (ISBN-13 978-0547871790)Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript.Prerequisites: None

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Edwige Pinover
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    Salut! French with Friends is an introductory French class for elementary-aged students. The class will be taught in a predominantly immersion environment. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students or explain difficult concepts. French language instruction will be presented in a natural learning sequence beginning with nouns (such as colors, numbers, clothing, foods, animals, family members, days/dates, etc), adjectives, beginning verbs, greetings, and simple phrases. Songs, games, stories, and hands-on activities will be used in class to review vocabulary and phrases. Emphasis will be on conversation, but students will be encouraged to learn to spell and sound out written French. Aspects of Francophone culture such as holidays, foods, and traditions will be incorporated in the classes.
    Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in French, so continuing students can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Fluency should not be expected at this level.

    2
    Iman Castaneda

    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. This is a 6-week class that will not meet on 9/21/23.

    0
    Judith Harmon
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    You've dreamed about going to Hogwarts, and now is your chance to experience a year of magical classes! In this maker class, students will create projects inspired by their core classes at Hogwarts (Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration) and a Hogwarts guest professor. Students learn to work with a variety of materials and learn a broad range of crafting skills such as hand-sewing, painting, papercrafting (including precision cutting, folding, and stenciling) sculpting, and wireworking to create magical pieces inspired by the World of Harry Potter.Welcome to the first term at Hogwarts! This term, we welcome Professor Dumbledore to inspire us as we create a Pensieve along with crafts related to your core classes such as a magic wand (Charms), Repelling Dementors (Defense Against the Dark Arts), and more!This is a great class for Harry Potter fans who love the magical world, even for those who have not read all of the books or watched all of the movies. Projects and class discussions are geared to not reveal significant series spoilers. Note: A few classes may include a Harry Potter-inspired food creation or personal care product. The ingredients will be identified in advance, and students with food or ingredient allergies or dietary restrictions will need to check before handling/consuming. Substitute ingredients cannot be provided for those with food allergies or restrictions. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class.Topics in this Series: Guest Prof. Dumbledore (Quarter 1); Guest Prof. Sprout (Quarter 2); Guest Profs. Snape & Slughorn (Quarter 3), and Guest Profs. Hagrid & Hooch (Quarter 4).Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.What to Bring: Students should bring good scissors for cutting paper/fabric, a ruler, and a low temp, mini hot glue gun to class each week.

    2
    Dr. Michele Forsythe
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    What is a lower calorie lunch: McDonald's Big Mac or Panera's Mac & Cheese (it's not what you think!) How much sleep does a tween really need? Is vaping a safe alternative to smoking? Tweens fall in the awkward gap between childhood and teen years and face many personal and physical changes. This class will cover the health topics tweens should be prepared for such as healthy habits and developing bodies.The class will examine nutrition including specific recommendations for this age group and a look at the effects of favorites like sugar, caffeine, and fast food. Students will brainstorm safety topics such as internet safety, situational safety, risk-taking, and personal boundaries. Students will also learn about sleep recommendations and healthy sleep habits, exercise, and the effects of screen time, and students will be encouraged to keep a personal log to see how they fare on these measures.When it comes to feelings such a depression, anxiety, and fear, the class will discuss what is normal, and when you should start to worry. Tweens will learn about eating disorders and self-harm, and when it is time to speak up and get adult help for themselves or a friend. The group will also examine brain development in the tween years and how it is different than that of a toddler and adult, and what this means for thought processes such as impulsivity.The class will cover the usage of alcohol, illicit drugs, prescription drugs, smoking, and vaping including the effects they can have on a tween; common names, and new threats "on the street" such as drugs that look like candy, bath salts, or edibles. Students will learn how to identify addiction in themselves or someone else and how to get help.Puberty and human reproduction will be taught from a purely biological perspective including male and female anatomy, pregnancy and fetal development, and sexually transmitted diseases. These topics will be covered in a mixed classroom of boys and girls. This class will not cover birth control, abortion, or gender identity issues, and parents will have the opportunity to preview the material covered before it is taught to ensure it is right for their tween.This class will be structured as a facilitated discussion with ample opportunities for students to get their questions answered by an "outside" authority, a Compass science teacher with a PhD and work experience at the National Institutes of Health who has teenagers of her own. The class will incorporate some video clips, in-class activities, demonstrations, work with partners, and personal assessments/surveys. Some homework will be given in the form of logs to track sleep, screen time, etc. Class materials will include pamphlets and fliers put out by public health agencies and associations. A textbook will also be selected for the class, and families will be sent the ISBN of the book to purchase or rent for class. There is a supply fee of $20.00 due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Ney Mello
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    If you like to turn up the volume with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (Rolling Stones,1965), "Hey Jude" (The Beatles, 1968), or "We Will Rock You" (Queen, 1974), you might have an appreciation for how influential British Rock has been for the last six decades.This is a focused class in music appreciation for students who enjoy listening to or playing music. The class will evaluate more than 60 years of British 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 explore the chronology of how the British Invasion was influenced by the music in America and how America' music was influenced by the British movement.First semester will explore rock music from the UK starting with the phenomenon that news great Walter Cronkite named "Beatlemania" on February 7, 1964. He referred to the growing popularity of the Beatles as the "British Invasion," and just days later, the young, dynamic group made their famed TV appearance on the Ed Sullivan show. The Beatles' popularity was said to have influenced fashion, haircuts, and manners, in addition to influencing many American bands' sound and styles. Other mid-1960s British bands followed and became widely played such as The Rolling Stones, The Who, The Kinks, and The Dave Clark Five. Several of these were at the forefront of a new move called, "counterculture" with sub-genres of British rock called:Freakbeat (The Creation, Denny Laine, The Smoke, The Eyes, The Birds); and Psychedelic Rock (The Incredible String Band, Donovan, The Yardbirds, The Moody Blues, The Move, Cream, Pink Floyd) in the late 1960s; British Folk Rock (Pentangle, Steeleye Span and the Albion Band); Progressive Rock (Yes, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Jethro Tull, Electric Light Orchestra); Glam Rock (David Bowie, Marc Bolan, Elton John, Queen, Slade); Hard Rock/Heavy Metal (Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Juddas Priest, Iron Maiden, and Def Leppard); and Punk Rock (Sex Pistols, The Clash) in the 1970s; New Wave (Squeeze, The Police, The Jam, and Nick Lowe); Post Punk (The Smiths, The Psychedelic Furs, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Cure); Synth Rock (Pink Floyd, Genesis, Depeche Mode, The Human League); New Romantics (David Bowie, Adam and the Ants, Spandau Ballet and Duran Duran); The Second British Invasion (Dire Straits, A Flock of Seagulls, Annie Lennox, Boy George of Culture Club); Gothic (Bauhaus, Sisters of Mercy) in the 1980s; and numerous Indie variations in the 1990s, and 2000s, to Ed Sheeran, Harry Styles, Adele, and Cat Burns today.Like other fine arts classes, music appreciation is a fun break from academics which enriches and engages students in a topic they enjoy. Topics in this Series: British Invasion (Semester 1), World Rock (Semester 2), etc. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

    2
    Becca Sticha

    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.

    First quarter, junior engineers will tackle Super Structures, using the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, the Seattle Space Needed, Eiffel Tower, and the world's biggest bridges for their inspiration.

    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).

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Mylene Nyman

    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:

    • Mochi Brownies
    • Pate De Fruits
    • Cherry Pistachio Muffins (nuts)
    • Pear Clafoutis
    • Vanilla Souffle
    • Cinnamon Donuts
    • Caramel Pecan Trifle (nuts)

    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..

    0
    Mylene Nyman
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    Kinder Kitchen will get 5-year-olds excited about helping in the kitchen. Kinder cooks will enjoy simple recipes that that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Menus are selected to be nutritious, fun, and simple to make. Recipes may expose students to healthy ingredients they may not regularly eat. The young chefs' culinary adventures will include:

    • Georgia Baguette
    • Pumpkin Salad
    • Savory Cauliflower Cookies
    • Blueberry Cornbread Gift Jar
    • Pistachio Pesto with Zoodles (nuts)
    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Bars (nuts)
    • Mochi Brownies

    You have to learn to walk before you can run! Students will spend time in each class learning important kitchen skills. Skills acquired will include peeling, chopping, safe knife handling, measuring skills, as well as kitchen clean-up chores. Recipes are selected to practice a range of new skills.

    .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.

    This class is not suited for students younger than Kindergarten, and participants must be age 5 by the start of classes. (3- and 4- year olds cannot be accommodated. No exceptions.) 6 year-olds who have never taken a cooking class or have delayed fine motor skills are encouraged to take Kinder Kitchen before a Little Kids cooking class. This class is best suited for students who can follow instructions, complete sequential tasks, and work in a group.

    Topics in this Series: Fun Foods (Quarter 1), Basic Bites (Quarter 2), Easy Eats (Quarter 3), Simple Sides (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.

    2
    Tayler Shreve
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    Separate fact from fiction in the study of law and order. Did you know that on average it can take up to six months to get a DNA report, not same day? Did you realize that law enforcement only spend 4% of their time on violent crimes, not in high-speed car chases or high stakes foot races? This course is taught by a PhD candidate and adjunct professor in Criminology, Tayler Shreve. It is a survey of the Criminal Justice system for teens who are interested in becoming practitioners or professionals in this vast field which includes attorneys, investigators, detectives, forensic scientists, law enforcement officers, corrections officials, wardens, FBI, DEA, or ATF agents, researchers, or advocates.

    First semester, students will examine the broad themes of criminals (who?) and the crimes they commit (what?), and the settings and neighborhoods where crimes are most likely to occur (where? when?) and what motivates them to commit crimes (why?). The class will talk about trends and theories in criminology, criminal psychology, and profiles, and what the studies and statistics reveal about criminals and the justice system.

    Theories that will be discussed this semester include: Early criminological theory from the Chicago School; Social Disorganization Theory; Life Course Theory; Differential Association Theory; and the Reintegrative Shaming Theory. To understand theories, the class will read real case studies such as: the Menendez brothers (Parricide, Social Bonds Theory), Ted Bundy (Labeling Theory), and Bernie Madoff (Anomie/ Strain Theory)

    Students will discover how this information is interpreted and applied whether you are working in law enforcement, policymaking, the judicial system, or correctional network. Finally, the class will talk about law enforcement and how they build a case once a crime is committed. Students will read and discuss actual cases, looking at the facts, evidence, forensics, and alibis from real case files. They will learn what is a cold case, and how these can be 'cracked' years later. This semester, the class will host guest speakers such as a police canine team, a detective, and/or a forensic expert, and may take a trip to the Herndon police station.

    This course is not a study in social justice or reform but instead relies heavily on the facts, statistics and policies of our existing criminal justice system, details that every advocate and reformer should also understand.

    Rating/Advisory: For sensitive students, please note that in the examination of actual crimes, violence such as assault and murder will be discussed. References may be made to illicit substances and weapons used in the commission of crimes. Course content will be filtered to be age-appropriate for high school students in the instructor's judgement. For example, real crime scene photos may be shown with evidentiary details, but not victims or body parts. Students may read autopsy reports, but they will not be shown autopsy photos, and cases of rape will be referred to as sexual assault with no intimate details.

    Topics in this Series: Crimes and Cases (Semester 1), Courts and Corrections (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

    Prerequisites: Students should be on-level for high school reading and comprehension.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on class reading and activities.

    Assignments: The instructor offers a Choose-Your-Own-Assignment policy in which students will be required to complete a certain number of assignments out of a selection of assignments offered. This allows a student to drill down on themes that they prefer and spend less time on topics that they do not prefer. All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, find course documents, upload homework, track points earned, and message instructor and classmates.

    Assessments: The instructor will award points for completed assignments that parents can use to assign a grade.

    Textbook/Materials: All materials will be links to open-source materials or scans of documents provided by the instructor and posted to the class Canvas site.

    Lab/Supply Fee: None

    What to Bring: Notebook or paper, pen, or pencil.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Civics or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Wyndy Fredrick
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    Everyone can learn to sing! If you want to learn to sing like Belle, Ariel, Elsa, Aladdin, or even the Beast, this class is for you! Selections from this semester come from Hal Leonard's "Disney Collected Kids' Solos" with select hits from Beauty & the Beast, Cinderella, Lion King, Alice in Wonderlanf, Little Mermaid, Peter Pan, and more. In addition, one or two Christmas favorites will be introduced mid-semester.Singers will be expected to memorize pieces and participate in the semester performance (December 12) along with one additional rehearsal outside of regular class hours.The semester's repertoire will include at least one group choral number. Students will work on other music as solos, duets, or small group numbers. This introduction to vocal development and performance includes posture, breathing, intonation, and the principles of blending vocal harmonies. Basic musical notation will be introduced as well as melodic and harmonic intervals. No previous musical experience is required- just the joy of singing!Topics in this Series: Best of Disney (Semester 1); Kids Musical Theater (Semester 2)Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $43.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for a class songbook.

    2
    Rebecca Sticha

    LEGO Robotics Training Team is a semester-long "boot camp" and training ground for future FIRST LEGO League (FLL) competitors. The Training Team allows Compass students to work through a complete FLL challenge to ensure that they understand the project and enjoy the process before joining a competition team. Training Team students are sub-divided into smaller teams that compete against each other in building and coding challenges at a more relaxed pace than FLL competition teams which may require 6-10+ hours per week.Compass Training Team members will complete a full FLL challenge from a previous year. They will learn 21st century skills in robotics and programming while enjoying the camaraderie of working as a team to solve challenges. Kids will gain confidence and build skills in leadership and communication. The Training Team members will compete in-house against each other, but will not participate in a regional competition in 2023-24.FIRST LEGO League (FLL) is an accessible, guided, beginners' robotics program that encourages teamwork, discovery, innovation, and problem-solving. The FLL competition is comprised of three components: the Robot Game, an Innovation Project, and Core Values. The Robot Game is an annual theme-based challenge that encourages kids to think of technology solutions to real-world problems. Teams design and program an autonomous robot that scores points on a themed table-top playing field. Past challenges have been inspired by environment, transportation, accessibility, and exploration. FLL team members engage in brainstorming, research, design, and coding while practicing the engineering design process of building, testing, re-building, re-testing, etc. Students will work with LEGO Mindstorms EV3 robotics components and use drag-and-drop coding blocks to program their robots on laptop computers. No robotics or programming experience is necessary to join the Training Team, but it is beneficial if students have experience building with LEGO Technics components (beams, gears, and axel pins rather than bricks with studs).FLL members have fun with friends, encourage and support each other, and learn the art of gracious competition. In addition to the robot challenge, FLL team members compete in short, on-the-spot challenge problems in the Innovation Project phase of the competitions. FLL is also known for its philosophies of "professionalism" and "cooperation" which are expressed in the organization's Core Values of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork, and fun. Teams are also judged on how well they promote and exhibit these core values.There is a $40.00 supply/equipment fee payable to Compass on the first day for practice competition materials.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Anne Taranto
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    Literature Roundtable is a Socratic seminar style literary analysis class for high school students. Instead of a broad, general survey of literature, Literature Roundtable students will examine a focused genre or topic in literature through critical evaluation and rich discussion.The first semester will focus on the Gothic novel, with an eye to exploring how these works offer a critique of real-world social problems offered under the cover of stories of supernatural horror. Works studied will include The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole (1764), The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving (1820), The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Stories (Edgar Allan Poe), Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre (1851), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897), and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886).Students taking this course should be self-motivated and engaged readers who come to class prepared to participate in weekly discussions. The instructor will provide guiding questions for each novel to help students understand how to gather textual evidence to support their insights into the text, a necessary precursor to the type of evidence gathering required to construct the literary analysis essays they will be expected to write in high school and college. Students will also be assigned creative and analytical extension activities in class designed to enhance their understanding of each novel, such as rewriting a scene, imagining a conversation between characters from different books, developing a prequel or sequel scene, or writing a review.A key skill that will be taught in this class is how to annotate texts. Students will begin by examining samples of the instructor's own annotated novels, then move on to annotating in class as a group, learning the kinds of details to search for, such as recurring themes and motifs, symbolism, character development, diction (word choice), and setting. This incremental process will teach students how to annotate independently and how to ask their own questions, a skill which is the precursor to developing thesis statements.Topics in this Series: The Gothic Novel (Semester 1) and The Mystery & Detective Novel (Semester 2). Continuing students from the first semester receive priority pre-registration for the second semester.Prerequisites: Students should be able to read and comprehend at a minimum 9th grade level for this course. Per Compass guidelines, accelerated 8th grade students may register for this course, however, in addition to the 9th+ grade reading level, they must possess the maturity to handle high school level topics and more mature discussion.Workload: Students should expect to read approximately 100 pages per week with a pen or pencil in hand for annotating. Students may use audio books as a supplement, but they should still be prepared to follow along and annotate the hard copy of the novel.Assignments: Weekly reading assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Students will need their own email addresses to access the system, and parents may be set up as additional "observers" to their teen's account.Assessments: A point scale of 1-3 will be used to evaluate students based on their level of preparation, their participation in discussion, and their completion of extension activities. Parents may use the total points earned to calculate a grade.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, a "class bundle" of mass market paperbacks will be pre-purchased for students. (See Supply Fee below).Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $48.00 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.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript. For a full credit in English, families would need to "bundle" this course with additional coursework in composition.

    2
    Natural Leaders
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    Natural Leaders is an outdoor education and leadership program. Each week, the group will venture into the woods surrounding Lake Fairfax for an authentic, immersive adventure featuring hiking, outdoor skills, leadership, and camaraderie. At each meeting, students take turns in different roles that are key to the group's success, safety, and fun such as: coordinator (plan out the group's schedule for the day); navigator (following the map, practice orienteering); naturalist (investigate and present a lesson about local plants, animals or ecology); skills coaches (research, practice, and demonstrate a skill to others, such as knot tying or whittling); game master (plan and teach an group game or challenge); and safety officer (present on a safety or first aid topic) They will also learn survival skills such as fire-building, outdoor edibles, building shelters, use of knives, and safety/first aid.


    The student-led portions of the program promote group cohesion, cooperation, and friendship, while students benefit from the positive peer pressure to come prepared for their weekly roles and responsibilities. Tweens and teens will also become more confident and comfortable as leaders and outdoor adventurers as their self-reliance skills grow. Natural Leaders is supervised by an experienced Natural Leaders mentor, trained and supported in providing a positive experience and managing safety. They typically have a passion for sharing nature with kids, and may have a background in a range of skills such as wilderness first aid, survival skills, tracking, primitive skills, and experience in hiking, camping, rock climbing, water sports, etc. Natural Leaders meets weekly rain, snow, or shine, in all temperatures. Students should always dress is layers for the forecasted weather conditions. Registered students will receive more detailed instructions about what to wear, what to bring, and where to meet prior to the start of the program.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Becca Sticha

    Does your child learn best by hands-on activities, crafts, games, and stories? Number Ninjas is based on the belief that children need to work with mathematics in a concrete, physical, and tangible way in order to learn fundamental concepts. Young students will love learning numerical concepts in this interactive, exploration-based class where work with numbers feels like a game.First quarter, students will play with patterns and properties. Little kids love the predictability of making and identifying repeating patterns in the world around them. They will create patterns by shape, color, and/or size using LEGO bricks, beads, buttons and other manipulatives. Identifying and forming patterns is a pre-reading skill. The class will also look at some simple patterns with rhythms, music, and numerals which are precursors to music education and skip counting. Similarly, little kids enjoy making sense of the world around them by understanding categories. The class will do activities to look at a wide range of properties- temperature, texture, taste, habitat, material, size, form, flavors, and more- to group and categorize items by similar characteristics.This class covers many of the 1st and 2nd grade Standards of Learning for math. Weekly update e-mails to parents will include suggestions for practice at home and extension activities.Topics in the Series: Patterns & Properties (Quarter 1), Money Math (Quarter 2), Learning Logic (Quarter 3), and Math in Nature (Quarter 4).

    0
    David Chelf
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    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.

    Prerequisites: Preparation for Pre-Algebra, or equivalent 6th/7th math

    2
    Nataliya Gurshman
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    Are you considering a college major in fine art, animation, illustration, graphic design, architecture or film? If so, you need a portfolio of works to apply to art school! Each of these concentrations requires the same core proficiencies and fundamentals in the beginning. A successful portfolio will include examples of the candidate's drawings, illustrations, paintings, and visual design creations. And within those select works, students must demonstrate specific artistic competencies. Unlock the mystery of "what do I include in my portfolio?" by working with a professional artist and college art professor who has helped dozens of high school students prepare to apply to art school. This advanced art studio is designed to help high school students develop a range of works they can include in their portfolios as well as tips on how to compose, curate, and present a winning portfolio. Each week, a lesson will be presented and followed by the instructor circulating throughout the room to provide individual feedback.First semester, students will develop drawings and oil paintings for their portfolios. Students will demonstrate that they can translate three-dimensional objects that they see into two-dimensional representations through drawing and painting. Students will first work on observational drawings of still lifes, landscapes, and models. A (clothed) human model will pose for figure and portrait drawing during three class sessions. Students will use oil paints on canvas (framed, board, or canvas paper) and receive instruction on working in oils. During the final class of the semester, students will be asked to bring all works back for a class critique, exhibit for parents, and potluck party.Students will be responsible for furnishing all of their own art supplies for the class from a recommended minimum list provided by the instructor. The class will focus on smaller pieces, such as 9" X 12" or 11" X 14" in order to produce more pieces to consider for a portfolio. Students will be encouraged to develop drawings and paintings throughout the week (recommended at least 15 minutes per day.)The instructor's methodologies have earned her students significant art scholarships ($25,000-$40,000 per year) to local art programs such as those at Virginia Commonwealth University, GMU, and Maryland Institute College of Art, and nationally known art programs like Corcoran School of the Arts & Design at GW, Rhode Island School of Design, School of Visual Arts, Pratt Institute, Montserrat College of Art, Boston University, Art Institute of Chicago, The Savannah College of Art and Design, Ringling College of Art & Design, Drexel University, Temple University, and Parsons School of Design.Topics in this Series: Drawing and Oil Painting (Semester 1), Illustration and Visual Design (Semester 2). Continuing students from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Prerequisites: Prior coursework in drawing or painting.Workload: Students should expect to spend at least 1.5 - 2 hours per week outside of class on developing or completing art works.Assignments: Will be discussed in class and e-mailed to parents and students.Assessments: Continual feedback will be provided in class, but formal assessments will not be given.Supplies/Materials: The cost of this class includes the shared cost for the live human model for 3 weeks. Students should purchase and replenish their own art supplies from a list of suggested items provided by the instructor.What to Wear/Bring: For work with oil paints, students may wish to wear old clothes, a smock, or apron. Students should bring a shallow box or tray to transport wet paintings home each week.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: High school level art

    2
    Jennifer Hallworth
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    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).

    2
    Natalie Di Vietri
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    How does the brain make decisions? How does brain damage in different areas present itself? How do people develop superstitions? Learn the answers to these questions and more!This class will introduce students to the study of Neuropsychology and Cognition. Neuropsychologists study how psychological processes relate to the brain's structures and systems. Learn how your brain organizes sensory information to create your perceptions of the world and how this affects your body and your behavior. Students will investigate neurons, parts of the brain, and how split-brain surgery affects individuals.Students will read, discuss, and analyze eight influential case studies that have shaped the way we think about the brain and how we learn. They will hear the story of Phineas P. Gage and how he changed after a devastating accident. They will also read about John Watson's notorious experiment with Little Albert, which demonstrated how emotions could be a product of the environment. Landmark studies conducted by renowned psychologists like Gazzaniga, Rosenzweig, Pavlov, Skinner and more will be at the core of this class, leading to ongoing, thought provoking and intellectually stimulating discussions and debates. Students will learn how to read research, evaluate theories, and think critically about how these studies apply to the world around them.Topics in this Series: Neuropsychology and Cognition (Semester 1) and Social and Abnormal Psychology (Semester 2)Workload: Students should expect to spend 2 hours per week outside of class on readings. Students will be expected to prepare for weekly discussions by reading the selected case study and answering questions.Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students can access assignments and upload homework. Extension assignments may include watching a short video clip, creating discussion questions, or suggesting a follow-up study.Assessments: The instructor will assign points for class participation and homework that the parents can use in assigning a grade.Lab/Supply Fee : None.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Social Sciences for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Catherine Vanlandingham
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    Reading affects a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong literacy skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small reading group where students are placed with 2-4 peers who read at a similar level to follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of experienced reading specialist Catherine Vanlandingham. Each Monday meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as either a supplement to another at-home reading curriculum or as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum. Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization. First time registrations in Reading Rally include the cost of a 30-minute, individual assessment conducted in-person or virtually by Mrs. Vanlandingham. Parents are encouraged to contact Compass to schedule their child's reading assessment before registering. Families register without the assessment for grade-level placement must be prepared to reschedule to a different reading group if indicated by the assessment. Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or in additional 1-on-1 private reading instruction to make up ground in reading skills. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. The instructor may recommend a more complete evaluation by a neuropsychologist if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's reading. Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $66 is due payable to Compass for class materials. Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group and do not have to pay for an additional assessment.

    2
    Danielle Mercadal
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    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.

    2
    Christina Somerville
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    According to Aristotle, "It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it." In this year-long course, high school students will practice strategies to improve their reading comprehension for deeper understanding through critical thinking.

    Using a combination of fiction and nonfiction resources drawn from classics of literature, political theory, and history, students will also learn how to sort, analyze, describe, and compare information for a variety of purposes. They will learn how to construct a basic logical syllogism, how to spot classic logical fallacies in arguments, and how to construct clear, logically compelling, and persuasive arguments. The class will be introduced to terminology and techniques in the Formal discipline of rhetoric.

    First semester, the class will examine methods to internally understand and evaluate premises they have read according to logical reasoning and critical thinking. Second semester, the group will focus on the building external arguments that are both compelling and persuasive.

    Class reading selections will include works whose author or characters set forth principles or morals, face difficult decisions or dilemmas, or articulate arguments such as Common Sense by Thomas Paine; Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr.; Shooting the Elephant by George Orwell; Mr. Collins' proposal from Pride & Prejudice.

    Prerequisites: Students must read at grade level for this course.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 3 hours per week outside of class. Reading assignments will not be especially long, but students will be expected to read thoroughly and carefully.

    Assignments: Will be posted on a Google Classroom site for students and parents to access.

    Assessments: Papers and assignments will be evaluated and scored which are treated as grade recommendations to parents.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as full credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Taliesin Knol
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    The United States has enjoyed a century of being known as the industrial or technological powerhouse of the world. But this was not the future envisioned by some of our founding fathers, in particular Thomas Jefferson, who hoped for vast expanses of North America to be populated by "yeoman farmers." His idea was that these "most valuable citizens" would be entirely self-sufficient, and thus make ideal members of the new republic, in which they held personal stakes and were largely left alone by a small government which only taxed "imported luxuries" of the corrupt, wealthy city-dwellers.Given that the rest of the founding fathers were those corrupt city-dwellers, or like Jefferson, plantation owners who profited off other (enslaved) people's labor and trade, Jefferson's vision did not come true. By the eighteen century, America already had a complex and interconnected economy, and this is what we will simulate. In true role-playing fashion, will create characters and build their "backstories" to fit into this economy. Some will become those independent farmers, but they will be taking part in a larger trade between wealthy landowners (such as Jefferson and Washington) and selling their crops to city-dwelling traders in exchange for "imported luxuries" and goods from abroad. How corrupt they are will be up to the students, but the ultimate goal is to simulate the pre-industrial, agrarian and mercantile economy of the 18th-19th century.Just as in real America, this class will also need a simulated democratic government with student politicians who fill the various offices that direct the growth of this economy. Will they impose Jefferson's graduated income tax, which taxed the luxuries of the rich, while the common man "pays not a farthing of tax to the general government, but on his salt?" Will the class president enact tariffs to discourage the importing of foreign treasures and encourage self-reliance? Students will race to amass fortunes in industry or their trade, allowing them to shape the future of their model American economy.Each week, students will take turns keeping ongoing ledgers, tracking profits and losses, and paying the dreaded taxes. If farming doesn't work out for you, do you pack up and move to the city to work in a trade? Or double down and move west to follow Jefferson's vision? The goal will be to model how everyone's role in a living economy interact, for better or worse, and hopefully reward good, honest business.Students are encouraged, to take both semesters of this class. First semester will use agrarian and mercantile economy model, while second semester will be role play an industrialized economy, resulting in more complex business plans and game strategies.Topics in this Series: Agrarian America (Semester 1), Industrial America (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Prerequisites: NoneWorkload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.Assignments: Course documents including period plans, photographs and recreations will be made available through a class Google Drive link emailed to parents (and students who provide their email address), as well as a class reading list of articles/excerpts and YouTube playlist for any videos watched in class or assigned as homework.Assessments: Informal assessments will be given at the instructor's discretion, but assignments will not be scored or graded. Each student's financial success in the game will be an indicator of their learning and participation for purposes of assigning a grade. Parents will also be given shared access to their student's business plan with instructor and ledger, with instructor comments at the conclusion of class.Textbook/Materials: NoneWhat to Bring: Paper or notebook, pen or pencilCredit: Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in History, Economics, or Business for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Donna Shackelford
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    Science Kids is a lab-based science sampler program where our youngest scientists will be exposed to the concepts, acquire scientific vocabulary, and learn hands-on skills to needed to be comfortable with more advanced science classes as they get older. Your first or second grader will come home with an understanding of concepts like phases of matter, melting point, buoyancy, and life cycles. Most importantly, young students will gain confidence discussing science concepts and working with science equipment. Labs will teach students how to use a thermometer, take linear measurements, weigh items on a scale, peer into a microscope, record elapsed time, and make scientific sketches, for example.

    Each quarter will reinforce principles and lab skills around a central, unifying theme. Living World will introduce biology and life science concepts. Students will complete labs such as observing microscopic organisms in a microscope, examining life cycles and metamorphosis, and learning about biological functions such as respiration and digestion. This class has a $20.00 lab fee payable to the instructor on the first day. Topics in this Series: Living World (Quarter 1), Chemistry (Quarter 2), Physics (Quarter 3), and Earth/Space (Quarter 4).

    2
    Monika Dorosheff
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    Learn to play the violin! Students will learn the fundamentals of playing the violin using the Suzuki method. They will begin by learning how to hold the instrument, how to correctly grasp the bow, parts of the instrument, and the names of the open strings. Students will be taught sequential techniques by adding one finger at a time to each string until they can play a complete scale. The class will be taught to play in unison from sheet music. At the end of the semester, the class will be able to play several simple tunes and will demonstrate for the parents.Music education enhances teamwork and cooperative learning and provides children with a path for self-expression. Scientific research has shown that music lessons not only improve organizational skills and executive functioning but that they also develop self-confidence.Class Expectations: Students will be asked to bring their violin, bow, and case to every class. In order to fully benefit from the in-class instruction, daily, at-home practice is expected. A student violin can be purchased or rented from most music stores and should be set up professionally by a local music store or a string luthier. The cost of the class sheet music is included. This is a 13-week semester class, and the week off will be announced by the instructor.

    2
    Juan Urista
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    Wonder what it is like to be a pilot? This class is designed for students are interested in aviation. Students will cover a range of topics including the principles of flight where they will learn and test the four forces of flight and how they apply to airplane design and performance. The class will learn about different types of aircraft and their features. Students will explore a pilot's key responsibilties and core competencies in aviation safety, navigation, and air traffic control. Students will learn about the importance of safety in aviation and the regulations that govern air travel. They will explore the different types of accidents that can occur and learn how to prevent them. Students will study the principles of navigation and learn how pilots use instruments and technology to navigate through the air. They will use full-size , professional flight simulators to practice their navigation skills. Finally, they will learn about the role of air traffic controllers in the aviation industry and how these experts manage air traffic to ensure safety and efficiency in the skies. Students will explore these topics through a combination of hands-on activities, simulations, and classroom instruction and will complete the class with a foundation to continue their studies or pursue a career in aviation.

    2
    Jeff Virchow
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    Snappy comebacks, one-liners, sarcasm, exaggeration, irony...and teenagers. These things just go together! Improv gives kids an outlet for fun, creative stories and spontaneous humor. Teens who find amusement in the unexpected and humor in the unpredictable will enjoy improvisational acting!First semester, actors will explore the basics of improvisation, story-telling, and stagecraft through activities and exercises that encourage cooperation, communication, and teamwork. With fun, interactive improv games such as "Yes, and.." and "Improved Stories," students will learn how to use short form improv to play off each other to convey character, emotion, situation, setting, and to highlight their scene partners. The variety of improv activities each week will help develop the "group mind" and class dynamic. Small group and partner work will boost teens' confidence and trust in a supportive environment.Improvisation is the art of entertaining with connected, unpredictable twists and turns often seen from the great comedians and best live entertainers. Improv students will improve their ability to think on-their-feet, play off each other, and react with spontaneous wit, sarcasm, and irony. Actors' creative thinking and communication skills will be strengthened as they work "outside-of-the-box" and learn to read their audience.Improv can be for everyone! No previous experience is needed. Beginners are welcome, and experienced students will further develop their improv skills. If you have taken this class before, go ahead and take it again because no two classes are ever alike. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, flexible, and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class.Topics in this Series: Innovative Improv (Semester 1), Immersive Improv (Semester 2. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class.Assignments: If any, will be sent to parents and students by e-mail.Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Wyndy Fredrick
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    Did you know that the ukulele is not just a miniature guitar? It is a member of the Portuguese lute family, but its sound was popularized in Hawaiian music. Ukulele's fun, compact size also appeals to kids and is a great "first" stringed instrument! In this class, kids will learn how to hold and strum the ukulele. Students will learn basic chords and chord progressions, musical notation and theory, and notes in the first position. Sample songs taught at this level include "Skip to My Lou", "Stand By Me", "Ode to Joy", and "When the Saints Go Marching In." Each student should purchase or rent a good quality ukulele for the class. Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a music notebook.

    2
    Taliesin Knol
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    Students return to Medieval Europe to examine another English adventure in conquest. After Duke William of Normandy's conquest of England, there was a strained and complicated relationship between the English and French monarchs. Norman lords were forced to split loyalties between their kings in both England and France. A crisis in French succession tore the two countries apart upon the death of King Charles IV. Having died with no male heirs, it was argued that his nephew, King Edward III of England, should rule both countries, but the nobility of France decided only a native Frenchman should rule and proceeded to pass the throne to a cousin, Philip of Valois, instead. Furthermore, it was decided that Edward's lands in France should be returned to the French via military force.

    This historical crisis is where the Compass role play will begin. Students will assume roles as either English or French feudal lords, managing their own fiefs and raising armies to see the rightful heir crowned. Their negotiations and decisions will take place alongside twists and historical distractions such as The Black Death, several crusades, wars with Spain and Scotland, and advances in warfare and technology. The class will also cover slightly more than100 years of medieval warfare.

    Students will examine in-depth case studies and fit them together like an "illuminated manuscript of history," learning how warfare, politics, law, and religion interplay to create the History of the World. Cases will be based on primary source documents from art and literature which the class will use to create a mock feudal system in which students will take period-appropriate collaborative and/or competitive roles with classmates to better understand medieval society.

    Topics in this Series: 100 Years War (Semester 1), The English Civil War (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

    Prerequisites: None

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on readings.

    Assignments: Course documents including period maps, photographs and articles will be made available through a class Google Drive link emailed to parents and students, as well as a class YouTube playlist for any videos watched in class or assigned as homework.

    Assessments: Short, open note in-class quizzes will be given. In addition, students will complete a semester project.

    Textbook/Materials: All readings will be posted in a Google Classroom.

    What to Bring: Paper or notebook; pen or pencil; assigned articles

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in world history for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Michelle Dzema
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    Come in out of the morning rush! Catch your breath, refresh and reset for the day ahead with yoga and restorative breathing! Zen Teens will help reduce overall stress and tension, and improve flexibility, strength, and balance. It is a program designed for teens of all fitness and experience levels -beginners are welcome.This class teaches Yin Yoga which focuses on stretching and stimulating connective tissues through passive, extended holds. The slower pace allows teens to work on breathing techniques and guided imagery to reach a meditative state. Students will learn various breathing techniques that will help regulate their nervous systems and aid in mental focus, management of stress, and healthy sleep habits. The Yin poses, breathwork, and meditation are techniques that students can incorporate into their daily lives and carry forward into adulthood.This is not a type of yoga based on holding the perfect pose. Instead, participants will learn gentle, adaptable poses that are accessible to all ages, body types, and fitness levels. There is no set, repetitive class sequence: no two sessions will be the same! Yoga philosophy is not included in this course. All participants should wear comfortable clothing and bring a yoga mat to class. Topics in this Series: Zen Teens in an ongoing exploration of Yin Yoga, breathing techniques, and meditation that allows students to join any quarter. Continuing students from the prior quarter will receive priority pre-registration for next quarter.What to Bring: Yoga mat or beach towelWhat to Wear: Loose, comfortable workout wearCredit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Physical Education for purposes of a high school transcript

    2
    YMCA
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    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.

    2
    YMCA
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    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.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. Grab your sword and summon the squires. Will we have a mix-up or a masterpiece when we meddle with monarchs, mischief-makers, merry men, and maidens?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).

    2
    Jeff Virchow
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    Social dancing does not have to be slow or stuffy! There is energy in the ballroom with Action Dance! Students will learn three new, dynamic, rhythmic dances: Rumba (Cuban), Samba (Brazilian), and American Tango (non-romantic) . The class may revisit spring 2023 Swing Dancing for review and to learn new variations. New students are welcome.Emphasis in the class will be on having fun and learning techniques to help dancers be comfortable and relaxed. Social dances encourage confidence, social presence, posture, and poise in teens. Social dancing is partner-based dance; consider signing up with a friend! Please note that in order to demonstrate some steps and forms, students may occasionally be invited to partner with their instructor.Topics in this Series: Action Dance: Social Scene (Semester 1), Action Dance: Street Party (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Prerequisites: NoneAssessments: Informal feedback will be given in class. Formal assessments or grades will not be given.What to Wear: Students should wear loose, comfortable clothing.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    David Chelf

    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.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 1.25-1.75 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 13-day cycle in this class with: a new unit introduced on a Friday (day 1), lecture on Wednesday (day 6), questions and answers on the next Friday (day 8), and homework due the next Wednesday (day 13). After introduction of a new topic (day 1), students will be expected to read the assigned section and look through worked, sample problems before the lecture the following Wednesday (day 6). Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of all 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: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by checking that weekly homework sets are complete and giving periodic take-home tests; class participation is also strongly encouraged. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the 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.

    Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra

    0
    Fatimah Aziz
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    Are you interested in learning a new language that is used right here in America? Are you intrigued by a modern language that has no written form? Do you want to find out why American Sign Language is much more closely linked to French Sign Language than British Sign Language? If so, American Sign Language (ASL) is a great language for you! In this class, students will learn the basic skills in production and comprehension of ASL while covering thematic units such as personal and family life, school, social life, and community. Each unit will include presentations and readings on Deaf culture and Deaf history. Students will learn fingerspelling and numbers, developing conversational ability, culturally appropriate behaviors, and fundamental ASL grammar. Class time will be dedicated to interactive ASL activities and face-to-face signing practice with the instructor and partners.ASL students will have a Deaf instructor. She regularly teaches all-hearing classes and is an excellent role model for students to meet and interact with a native speaker of ASL and to lean natural facial expressions, gestures, and body language used in Deaf communications. ASL students will have more confidence when they encounter Deaf instructors in college or greet speakers of ASL in social settings. Because the instructor is Deaf, students are not permitted to speak aloud in class. This approach improves visual attention and encourages immersion in the language. Students will be able to ask questions of the instructor by writing on individual white boards, but they will be encouraged to sign in order to communicate with the instructor. Lessons are facilitated with Power Point presentations, and a professional ASL interpreter will assist the class on the first day of class. Enrolled students are not expected to know any sign language prior to beginning ASL I.Hundreds of colleges and universities, including all public institutions of higher learning in Virginia, accept ASL as a distinct foreign language. This allows hearing and Deaf students to fulfill foreign language requirements for admission to college. Teens who have difficulty writing, spelling, or have challenging pronunciation in English, can be successful with ASL as a second or foreign language choice. Penn State University research demonstrated that the visual and kinesthetic elements of ASL helped to enhance the vocabulary, spelling, and reading skills in hearing students.Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours each week outside of class on required vocabulary exercises, readings, and signing practice.Assignments: Homework assignments will be posted online in the Canvas digital classroom platform. There may be some brief written assignments, but for most homework assignments, students will be asked to post short videos of themselves signing. Students will need either a camera phone or webcam to complete these assignments.Assessments: The instructor will assign points using a class rubric for the parent's use in assigning a course grade. Course rubrics will evaluate students on their sign production, fingerspelling, ASL grammar, facial expressions including "above the nose" grammar (brows and body movement), and "below the nose" modifiers (lip expressions).Textbook: Students should purchase or rent "Signing Naturally Units 1-6 workbook" (ISBN# 978-1581212105) which includes a DVD or signing videos. This class will cover units 1-4.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in World Languages for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Alchemy Ballet
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    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.**First quarter, beginning dancers will learn the story of Peter and the Wolf, composed by Sergei Prokofiev and performed as a ballet since 1995. 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. Alchemy Ballet offers an optional kit of one leotard with skirt, one pair of tights, and one pair of soft shoes for $25.00 or soft shoes only for $6.50.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Becca Sticha

    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!Each week, students will build a new gadget or gizmo like a mechanized inchworm, a ball shooter, a claw, an insect-like crawler, and more. Students will incorporate simple machines, complex machines, and small motors into their projects. They will work with new parts, more gears, and specialty pieces that they have not used even in prior 'Build It Better' classes. Topics in this Series: Gadgets & Gizmos (Quarter 1); Widgets and Whatsits (Quarter 2): Marble Mazes (Quarter 3); and Crazy Contraptions (Quarter 4).

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Peter Snow
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    Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Advanced Beginner Chess 1, students will learn skills and strategies that build upon each other such as: including a review of castling, pawn promotion, and en passant rules, notation, basic mates, drawing a game and draw rules, battery and back-rank checkmates, development of bishops and rooks in the middlegame, and overextended pieces.


    Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches. Students should have 15-20 hours of chess instruction prior to enrolling in Advanced Beginner Chess, or a working knowledge of most skills taught in the Compass Beginner Chess level.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Wyndy Fredrick
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    In the style of "High School Musical" or a glee club, Compass Chorale is for tween singers who want to have fun taking their vocal performance to the next level. This semester-long program will focus on choral arrangements of contemporary pieces with 2- and 3- part harmonies. Singers will be expected to memorize pieces and participate in the semester performance (December 12) along with one additional rehearsal outside of regular class hours.

    This program includes instruction on vocal development and performance such as posture, breathing, intonation, and the principles of blending vocal harmonies. Basic musical notation will be introduced as well as melodic and harmonic intervals.

    Compass Chorale is for students who took Learn to Sing class(es) at Compass, those who have other musical theater experience. First time new singers and younger students who have choral experience must receive instructor approval to enroll. Students are encouraged to enroll early because the number, ages, experience, and vocal parts of the students will determine which songs selected. There is a $25.00 fee for a music notebook due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: Approval of Instructor or Brief Audition

    2
    Mylene Nyman

    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    0
    Mylene Nyman
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    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    2
    Michelle Dzema
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    Don't write poetry? Think you can't draw? Maybe not, but you may still want a creative way to record your thoughts, feelings, dreams, and ideas! Journaling is an ongoing process of discovery and exploration that allows one to be conscious of and connect
    with his/her thoughts, emotions and ideas. It is a form of expression that supports both academic and personal growth.

    Creative journaling is not writing daily "Dear Diary" style entries on dated pages. Instead, students will explore various journaling methods, blending self-expression and self-discovery to guide them in learning new ways to problem-solve, achieve goals, and process emotions. Students will work with several writing techniques and a range of art media to develop a personal journal throughout the quarter, and will have the opportunity to expand on it in subsequent quarters. Techniques such as freeform writing, black-out poetry, stream-of-consciousness writing, and creative list making will

    be explored, in addition to experimenting with simple mixed media like collage, photography, and acrylic inks and paints. Weekly prompts will cover a range of topics such as choices, ambition, fear, and self-esteem as they relate to the students' personal lives and current events. Conversation around the prompts will complement the students' work in their individual journals.

    Topics in this Series: Journal work is done in an open studio environment that allows students to join in any quarter throughout the year.

    Prerequisites: No formal writing or art experience is needed. All teens are welcome.

    Workload: Work outside of class is encouraged but optional.

    Assignments: are given in class.

    Assessments: Not provided.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $35 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Fee covers art journal for student to use in class and shared class supplies (paints, inks, brushes, markers, collage materials, glue, washi tape, etc.)

    What to Wear: Students may wish to have an apron or old shirt to wear when working with paints.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English, Fine Arts, or general Elective for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Judith Harmon

    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. First quarter, our storytellers will tell the tale of a peculiar puzzle. Will they be able to pick up all the pieces, prevail, and prevent pandamonium?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 Peculiar Puzzle (Quarter 1); Delightful Daydream (Quarter 2); Magic Kingdom (Quarter 3); and Hero's Journey (Quarter 4).

    0
    Ethan Hay
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    In Digital Lab, students will become immersed in the digital universe of ROBLOX that they will navigate and transform through coding!ROBLOX is a popular, multiplayer platform where users can play games that others have created or design their own in a brightly colored, 3D world. In this class, students will learn how to use the Lua language through visual block coding to construct a unique online universe. They will learn basic game design, coding, and how to navigate ROBLOX's marketplace to publish their games.Digital Lab is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in "Intro" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home.Topics in this Series: ROBLOX Coders (Quarters 1, 2); Minecraft Redstone Engineers (Quarters 3, 4).

    2
    Pete Van Riper
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    Anyone can learn to draw! A professional artist will teach kids how to draw a variety of projects by breaking down complex forms and figures into simple shapes and giving them dimension through shading, shadow, and textures. Projects will focus on fantasy and fictional subjects which are a great choice to keep beginning artists from becoming frustrated when their work does not look "the real thing."Bam! Pow! First quarter, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of drawing comics, with an emphasis on drawing a main character and developing a storyline. They will be taught the basics of illustrating a human, a simple superhero, an animal, or an imaginary creature by combining and replicating simple shapes to create the character's form. The class will learn to draw simple costumes and props around their character to convey setting without drawing elaborate landscapes, and they will learn how to express thoughts and conversation through dialogue bubbles. Students' practice illustrations will be drawn with regular #2 pencil on paper. Later in the quarter, they will ink and color their work on a 3-or 6-panel comic page to complete their first comic.There is a $15.00 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day for a sketchbook and shared classroom art supplies. Topics in this Series include: Comic Art & Characters (Quarter 1); Fantastical Figures (Quarter 2), Comics with a Cast of Characters (Quarter 3), and Playful Portraits (Quarter 4)

    2
    Dr. Michele Forsythe

    Students will learn how to think like electrical engineers as they learn about conductors, batteries, and circuits to understand how electricity powers the things they use every day.Learn about electricity basics such as atoms and what makes a material a conductor or an insulator. In the first investigation of electric circuits, students will use their own bodies to complete a circuit that lights up LED lights and sounds a siren! The class will learn about open and closed circuits and discuss why the human body has a current. Students will learn to use a volt meter and measure their own body's voltage. Next, the class will explore the conductivity of fruits and vegetables. Kids will be asked to bring one or more samples of fruits or veggies from home to measure the voltage, experiment on, and compare results. They will also build circuits with these foods and experiment with attaching power sources in series to increase the voltage. The third area of exploration will be building paper circuits. Students will apply the principles they learned to build a light-up postcard. Finally, the class will learn about magnetism, what a magnet is, and why it behaves that way. Students will explore which items are attracted to a magnetic and which are not, and they will share their findings. Next, they will make their own magnets out of paper clips. We will discuss the magnetic poles of the earth and build a compass, to discover where we are. Topics in this Series: Battery Blast (Quarter 1); Cool Conductors (Quarter 2); Simple Circuits (Quarter 3); and Super Circuits (Quarter 4). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Donna Shackelford
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    Before delving into the fascinating and diverse world of animals, students will learn how scientists classify organisms in the science of taxonomy. The class will review highlights of the kingdoms of protozoan, bacteria, animals, plants, and fungi through labs and observations of their life cycles and characteristics. Weekly labs will include such studies as pond water analysis- what organisms can be observed, and how are their life cycles and food chains intertwined? The class will discover the crazy world of extremophiles including organisms that can live in extreme conditions and those that can pause their life cycles. Students will handle and observe two types of extremophiles- brine shrimp and tardigrades (water bears). Students will spend time using microscopes, making slides, and learning to keep science journals/notebooks.

    There is a $20.00 supply/lab fee due payable to the instructor on the first day.

    Topics in Series: Extreme Animal Kingdom: Extraordinary Organisms (Quarter 1); Extreme Animal Kingdom: Fascinating Phyla (Quarter 2); Up Close! Micro Investigator (Quarter 3); Up Close! Macro Investigator (Quarter 4)

    2
    Edwige Pinover
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    Bonjour! French for Fun is a play-based, language immersion class for young students. Much like learning their native language, children will be exposed to French sounds, vocabulary, and phrases through songs, games, stories, interactive and hands-on activities. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. French language instruction will be presented in a natural learning sequence beginning with themes such as colors, numbers, clothing, foods, animals, family members, days/dates, parts of the house, common objects, body parts, etc. Greetings and simple phrases will be woven into each class. Students will learn numbers, the alphabet, and specific sounds of French pronunciation. Writing, spelling, and grammar will not be emphasized in this class. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Fluency should not be expected at this level. Students may join French for Fun during any quarter.

    2
    Edwige Pinover
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    Bonjour and welcome to the second year of high school French. This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary quickly and learn essential grammar skills in French. Students will cover the broad themes and vocabular for: my family and my friends, celebrations, shopping, high school, a typical day, and the good old days. The class will begin with a review of adjective-noun agreement, negations, and regular -er, ir-, and -re verbs. They will review and continue to expand their list of irregular verbs such as avoir (to have) and etre (to be). Students will be introduced to the passe compose and Imparfait (imperfect) tenses, and they will learn how to use negations, direct and indirect pronouns, and reflexive verbs with present, past, and imperfect tenses. They will practice comparative and superlative statements, and will continue to have brief cultural lessons integrated in their units.

    Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos.

    Prerequisite: French I

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class.

    Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class.

    Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade.

    Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Bien Dit! Level II: Student Edition Level 1 2018 edition (ISBN-13 978-0544861343)

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: French I

    2
    Jennifer Hallworth
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    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 Algebra I in order to take this class.Workload: Students should expect to spend 1.25-1.75 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 13-day cycle in this class with: a new unit introduced on a Friday (day 1), lecture on Wednesday (day 6), questions and answers on the next Friday (day 8), and homework due the next Wednesday (day 13). After introduction of a new topic (day 1), students will be expected to read the assigned section and look through worked, sample problems before the lecture the following Wednesday (day 6). Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of all 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: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by checking that weekly homework sets are complete and giving periodic take-home tests; class participation is also strongly encouraged. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade.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.

    Prerequisites: Algebra I

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature 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:

    • Bruschetta
    • Italian Wedding Soup
    • Classic Chopped Italian Salad
    • Baked Zucchini
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pesto (nuts)
    • Homemade Marinara and Linguini
    • Tiramisu (decaf)

    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: Italian (Quarter 1), Mexican (Quarter 2), Pan Asian (Quarter 3), French (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..

    2
    Mylene Nyman
    Add

    Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature 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:

    • Bruschetta
    • Italian Wedding Soup
    • Classic Chopped Italian Salad
    • Baked Zucchini
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pesto (nuts)
    • Homemade Marinara and Linguini
    • Tiramisu (decaf)

    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: Italian (Quarter 1), Mexican (Quarter 2), Pan Asian (Quarter 3), French (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..

    2
    Ney Mello
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    Learn the fundamentals of playing the guitar! In this class, teens 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. They 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. Adults are permitted to enroll in this class.Topics in this Series: Guitar for Teen Beginners I (Semester 1), Guitar for Teen Beginners II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Workload: Students should expect to spend 20-30 minutes per day, most days practicing chords and melodies from class.Assignments: New material will be introduced in class.

    2
    Monika Dorosheff
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    Homeschool musicians who play violin, viola, cello, or bass are invited to join this homeschool string ensemble! Musicians will have an opportunity to develop orchestral skills and enjoy the experience of practicing, playing, and performing as a group. The ensemble will start each week with tuning and warm-ups such as playing musical scales and simple exercises. Then the musicians will work on several group songs each semester where they will improve musical literacy, learn to follow the directions from the conductor, and learn to play in different keys-- as a group. During the final session of the semester, a concert will be held for friends and family.

    This ensemble is intended for advanced beginner, intermediate, and advanced strings students who are currently and concurrently enrolled in private lessons. As a guideline, a student should be able to play a D major scale in two octaves on his/her instrument. Students are expected to be able to locate notes on their instruments, read music and be able to identify all rhythmical patterns. Students with less experience may be asked to play for the conductor or to submit a brief video to help establish placement.

    The instructor will provide the ensemble repertoires, and these arrangements will be specially composed to accommodate the range of abilities of all stringed players in the ensemble. Participants are expected to prepare and practice at home for at least 15 - 20 minutes per day. The cost of the class music is included. This is a 13-week semester program, and the week off will be announced by the instructor.

    Prerequisites: Approval of Director or Brief Audition

    2
    Ethan Hay
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    Do you want to learn the world's fastest growing programming language that is used by Google, NASA, YouTube and the CIA? Python is a versatile, easy-to-learn beginner-level programming language and gateway to foundational concepts in computer science.

    Students will learn how to code apps and games as they practice the computer science design cycle of writing code, executing the code, interpreting the results, revising the code syntax based on the output. The class will cover the fundamental building blocks of programming including: variables, mathematical operators, logical operators, and boolean arithmetic. They will also learn about data types, built-in functions, conditional statements, for- loops, defining functions, function stacks, interpreting error messages, exception handling, and add-on libraries. At each step, the class will create basic programs and fun, interactive content.

    Topics in this Series: Python Programming (Semester 1), JavaScript Programming (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

    Prerequisites: Algebra I, recommended

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.

    Assignments: Will be given in class.

    Assessments: Will not be given.

    Lab/Supply Fee: The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the rental of classroom laptops and all software and licenses installed on the laptops.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Technology or Career Elective for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Iman Castaneda
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    Jiu-Jitsu Fit is a fun, interactive, physical fitness program for tweens incorporating the Brazilian self-defense martial art of Jiu-Jitsu. Students will follow a well-rounded physical fitness program that incorporates moves and strategies of Jiu-Jitsu to increase strength, flexibility, conditioning, endurance, coordination, balance, and fun! Students will practice techniques for resolving conflicts, dealing with bullies, projecting confidence, and developing stranger awareness in the games and exercises they complete in class. Jiu-Jitsu Fit helps tweens stay active, builds self-esteem, and encourages teamwork. Jiu-Jitsu uses grappling and ground work in addition to standing self-defense positions. Some partner work may be co-ed. Students will work on mats in socks or bare feet and should come to class wearing loose, comfortable clothing, such as running pants or sweatpants and bring a refillable water bottle. This is a 6-week class that will not meet on 9/21/23.

    2
    Kerry Diedrich

    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.

    First quarter, Junior artists will explore a variety of artistic techniques as they make medieval art projects such as a crown project, handmade parchment paper, an individual coat of arms, and a custom shield.

    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 $20.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.

    0
    Kerry Diedrich
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    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.First quarter, Junior artists will explore a variety of artistic techniques as they make medieval art projects such as a crown project, handmade parchment paper, an individual coat of arms, and a custom shield.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 $20.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.

    2
    Sarah Reynolds
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    Krav Maga is the Israeli martial art which teaches self defense and fitness. Students of Krav Maga are taught a series of strategies to assess and respond to common situations, such as facing a bully. Kids are always taught first and foremost to get away, to get help, and to try to deescalate the situation. When that fails, students practice a technique that includes a warning strike followed by escape, and finally, they learn how to stand up for themselves and how to counterattack if a situation escalates and becomes threatening. Kids are empowered and gain confidence when they rehearse how to handle real-life situations. Exercises and in-class practice incorporate balance, coordination, energy, and other key elements of fitness along with life skills such as confidence, teamwork, respect, discipline, and respect.

    Students may enroll in Krav Maga at any time, and everyone will begin as a white belt. Each quarter, students will practice the full range of skills, but there will be two "featured" moves that a student can earn a belt stripe for being able to demonstrate. Featured moves will include a combative strike and a defensive escape technique. No one stripe is a prerequisite for any other color, and color stripes can be earned in any order.

    First quarter, students will have the chance to earn a Red Stripe. Featured moves include: cover defense and wrist locks (red stripe); straight punch defense and bear hugs (orange stripe); head movement defense and front 2-handed choke (yellow stripe); round kick defense and back 2-handed choke (green stripe); front kick defense and guillotine choke (blue stripe); clinch defense and rear choke (purple stripe); ground striking defense and head lock defense (brown stripe); and 360 defense and full Nelson (black stripe).

    Students will be able to test for belt promotions to move through the ranks of white belt, yellow belt, orange belt, etc. On average, it is estimated that a student will be ready for a belt test after four quarters/four color stripes. Belt testing will be by coach approval.

    Topics in this Series: Red Stripe (1st Quarter), Orange Stripe (2nd Quarter), Yellow Stripe (3rd Quarter) and Green Stripe (4th Quarter).

    Assessments: Belt testing for promotion will be by coach recommendation, but on average will take 4 quarters.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $10.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for the t-shirt and white belt (new students) or $5.00 for the white belt (returning students). An belt test fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor when a student is ready to test for promotion.

    What to Bring: Refillable water bottle.

    What to Wear:
    In lieu of a full martial arts uniform, students will be asked to wear a class t-shirt provided by the instructor. Students should also wear shorts, leggings, or loose, comfortable athletic pants, and comfortable athletic shoes or sneakers with their class t-shirt.

    Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class does not meet on October 4.15.10.0612

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Learn to sew to create one-of-a kind articles of clothing, home decor, crafts, or handmade items for your side business like Etsy or Ebay. Sewing can be a relaxing hobby, a profitable side gig, and a practical money-saving life skill. Don't settle for store-bought when you can learn to sew the custom creations you envision!

    First semester, students will learn the basics of hand sewing. Skills that will be introduced this semester include: quilter's knot, stitches (basting, running, backstitch, whip, ladder), tying a knot, and anchoring a knot. Students will learn to identify and use sewing tools such as fabric scissors, straight pins, thimbles, seam ripper, and various needles.

    Students will also begin with get-to-know their sewing machines including different components, attachments, and functions, along with care, use, and maintenance of their machines. They will learn Identify parts of sewing machine; how to fill a bobbin and thread the machine; types of machine needles and how to change a needle, and how to control speeds. Students will practice machine stitches (straight, zig-zag, backstitch) and adjusting the length and width, learn about seam allowance, and sewing corners and curves. Students will begin with simple stitching exercises, and their first project will be sewing a pin cushion that they will use throughout the year.

    As part of learning to sew, students will learn about different types of fabrics, what each is best used for, and how to identify grain lines, bias, and selvedge. The class will discover how garments are assembled by deconstructing an article of clothing from its seams. Students will learn how to read a sewing pattern and take measurements The group will learn about hems and elastic along with closures and how/where to use them. First semester's project will be sewing a custom pair of pajama pants.

    Topics in this Series: Learn to Sew: Beginner (Semester 1), Learn to Sew: Beginner and Advanced Beginner (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

    Prerequisites: First semester- None. Second semester- No prerequisites for someone to enroll as a beginner. Intermediate students should have taken first semester or have equivalent skills.

    Workload: Students who practice at home will find that their sewing skills are refined and perfected more quickly. Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class practicing the sewing skill/step covered in class.

    Assignments: Projects will be given out in class and will also be communicated via Google Classroom.

    Assessments: Informal qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.

    Textbook: None

    Equipment/Fabric: Students must bring to class each week:

    • A portable sewing machine with bobbins. If you are purchasing a new sewing machine for the class, a Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine, 4400 series, model is recommended. These can be purchased from Amazon or Joann Fabrics for $160-$180. Students who are bringing a pre-owed or loaned sewing machine are expected to have the machine professionally serviced before the start of class.
    • The sewing machine owner's manual
    • An extension cord
    • Fabric for class assignments. A list of needed fabric and sewing patterns will be sent out the first day of class, with the recommended quantity, type, and deadlines.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $50.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a project box, including a sewing kit (with 1 pack of sewing machine needles, thread, and hand sewing essentials), and other materials used in class.

    What to Bring: Instructor-furnished sewing kit, sewing machine, bobbins, owner's manual, extension cord, fabric, and images/sample photos, swatches, and other assigned materials.

    Non-Meeting Days: 11/6/23

    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.

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Becca Sticha

    Kids love real-life measurements and intuitively have a lot of questions about them: How high did I jump? How far did I run? How many gallons of water are in the bathtub? Measuring and estimating units of measure are practical, real life skills that can't be learned from pictures in a textbook! Measurement skills are best learned hands-on using real tools and common objects.In this class, students will practice- and play- with different modes of measurement each week. Students will be able to visualize units of measure for length, weight, area, volume, and temperature. Students will work with everyday objects to be able to answer, which is greater- a pound or a kilogram- and approximately how much more, or which is smaller- a liter or a quart? Students can practice linear measurements with a ruler, yardstick, or tape measure, but how can they measure the length of a curved wall? They can learn length x width x height to find the volume of a shoebox, but how can they find the volume of a lump of playdoh? Kids will learn techniques for measuring non-standard objects along with strategies for converting measurements and shortcuts for estimating measures. Do you know which body part approximates a centimeter and what common sports toy is close to one cup? All work with measurements will be performed in both the English and metric systems so children will improve their fluency going back and forth between the two scales. Students will practice problem solving skills, reasoning, and basic math in this class. Topics in this Series: Measurement Madness (Quarter 1); Fun with Fractions (Quarter 2); Geometry Games (Quarter 3); and Simple Statistics (Quarter 4)

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Osk Huneycutt

    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.

    In first quarter Oceanography, students will examine physical processes such as the global ocean circulation and the role of oceans on the planet's weather patterns, temperatures, salinity, and major ocean currents. The class will discover the physics of the ocean including light and waves, along with some the oceans' primary chemistry processes like carbon dioxide sequestration and nitrogen cycling. Students will learn about the geography of the ocean basins, mid-ocean ridges, plate tectonics, and island formation, along with the habitable zones: wetlands, intertidal, sub-tidal nearshore, photic zone of the open ocean, and deep sea.

    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.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Sevim Kalyoncu

    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.

    0
    Sevim Kalyoncu
    Add

    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.

    2
    Manal Hussein
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    This class will be taught in a Hybrid format with an online lecture on Mondays (11:00 am - 11:55 am) over a live, online platform and in-person lab and activities on Wednesdays (11:00 am - 11:55 am). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section.Why do Mentos candies in Coke make a fizzy mess? How do skateboarders survive spins on a half-pipe? What causes some lithium-ion batteries to burst into flames? Answers to these questions can be found in the study of Physical Science.Physical Science is a year-long, introductory high school science course which examines the inorganic, or non-living, world. The course introduces key concepts from Chemistry and Physics, which will either lay the foundation for students to pursue upper-level high school courses as juniors or seniors or serve as an overview to these fields for students who go on to concentrate on the biological sciences.Students will learn about the principles of scientific investigations and engineering practices, the Scientific Method, and the basic format of a lab report. They will practice taking measurements, recording data, converting units of measure, and related mathematical concepts such as International System of Units, scientific notation, graphs, and data analysis. Students will learn how to provide evidence to support explanations and solutions for their investigations.Chemistry units include: composition of matter, atomic structure and periodic table, and chemical bonds and reactions together with basic nuclear chemistry. Physics units include: forces and motions; conservation of energy, electricity and magnetism; and wave phenomena, characteristics, behavior, including electromagnetic and sound waves.Meeting Dates: This is a 29-week course that will not meet during the week of May 13-17.Format: This is a hybrid course with the lecture taught synchronously online on Mondays and hands-on experiments done in a lab on Wednesdays.Prerequisites: Student should have completed 8th grade math or a course in Pre-Algebra prior to taking physical science. They should be familiar with ratios, rates, proportions, decimals, percents, exponents, and solving one-variable equations.Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class on reading and homework assignments.Assignments: All class announcements and assignments will be communicated via Google Classroom.Assessments: Informal, qualitative and constructive feedback will be given on submitted assignments. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.Textbook: Students should purchase or rent Physical Science - Interactive Science by Pearson / Savvas Publishing (ISBN # 978-0133209266)Materials: Students should bring the following supplies to each class: scientific calculator, colored pencils, glue stick, pens or pencils to write with, and a ruler. Students will be asked to bring a laptop to class on some days.Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Lab Science for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    David Chelf
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    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 1.25-1.75 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 13-day cycle in this class with: a new unit introduced on a Friday (day 1), lecture on Wednesday (day 6), questions and answers on the next Friday (day 8), and homework due the next Wednesday (day 13). After introduction of a new topic (day 1), students will be expected to read the assigned section and look through worked, sample problems before the lecture the following Wednesday (day 6). Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of all 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. In lieu of a graphing calculator, students should have access to websites desmos.com and wolframalpha.com for graphing assignments.Assessments: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by checking that weekly homework sets are complete and giving periodic take-home tests; class participation is also strongly encouraged. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade.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.

    Prerequisites: Algebra II

    2
    Catherine Vanlandingham

    Reading affects a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong literacy skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small reading group where students are placed with 2-4 peers who read at a similar level to follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of experienced reading specialist Catherine Vanlandingham. Each Monday meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as either a supplement to another at-home reading curriculum or as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum.
    Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.
    First time registrations in Reading Rally include the cost of a 30-minute, individual assessment conducted in-person or virtually by Mrs. Vanlandingham. Parents are encouraged to contact Compass to schedule their child's reading assessment before registering. Families register without the assessment for grade-level placement must be prepared to reschedule to a different reading group if indicated by the assessment.
    Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or in additional 1-on-1 private reading instruction to make up ground in reading skills. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. The instructor may recommend a more complete evaluation by a neuropsychologist if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's reading.
    Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $91.00 is due payable to Compass for class materials.
    Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group and do not have to pay for an additional assessment.

    0
    Heather Sanderson
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    Read it! Act it! Students will enjoy this two-hour, semester-long workshop with Shakespearian coach Heather Sanderson, who hails from England, and is known for instilling a love of Shakespeare into the hearts of students at Compass and throughout the Greater DC area. The class will explore Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Macbeth, and analyze its characters, plot, themes, and motives. Students will take on the personas of King Duncan, General Macbeth, Lady Macbeth, the Three Witches, and a cast of courtesans, soldiers, murders, and apparitions in this tale of corruption, political ambition, and paranoia.

    Students will read different roles, study and act out scenes, practice monologues, and work through the literature while having fun with fellow teens in-person. Theatre games will be used to encourage collaboration, and specially designed improv exercises will be used to stretch teens' imaginations and help them get "in character". The class will use read-aloud and in-class dramatization to decipher the original language, word choices, and to identify humor, satire, mockery, betrayal, and rejection in this mixed-up comedic tale of mistaken identity. The class will work from complete texts (not redacted, abridged, or simplified school versions) to hear and practice Elizabethan lingo. (How did someone of Shakespeare's time hurl insults or woe a woman?) Students will learn how the Bard crafted scenes and conveyed the primary storyline and sub-plots in the tragic "Scottish Play" that has endured for over 400 years.

    Instructor Heather Sanderson shares a teaching style based on actions and interactions, developed from years of experience coaching Shakespeare in a way that appeals to students. Her approach brings abstract concepts, complex themes, and difficult language to the students' level, so that they can relate to and appreciate Shakespeare.

    Note: This is a 12-week semester that will not meet on 10/9/2023

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class reading and memorizing sections.

    Assignments: Sections will be assigned in class and included in the weekly e-mail to parents/students.

    Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.

    Textbook: The cost of the class text is included in the course fee.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English Literature or Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Juan Urista
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    Discover what getes a plane off the ground! Students will be introduced to the fundamentals of aeronautical engineering. They will learn about different types of aircraft and the major components and systems, such as fuselage (body) design, wing design, powerplant (engines), and avionics. The class will learn about aerodynamics and factors that affect aircraft performance; different types of engines used in aircraft and the principles of engine design and operation; and various avionics systems including navigation, communication, and flight control systems. Each week, students will engage in a variety of hands-on activities to test and explain different concepts in aeronautics such as buidling a model engine, designing and testing wing shapes, creating a mock-up of an instrument panel, learning to read technical drawings and blueprints, and more. Concepts covered in class will demonstrate practical applications in mathematics, physics, geometry, the scientific method, annd data analysis.

    2
    Anne Taranto
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    Teen writers will take inspiration from other writers in this semester-long creative writing workshop:

    • "You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." - Maya Angelou
    • "Good stories are not written. They are rewritten." - Phyllis Whitney
    • "You may not write well every day, but you can always edit a bad page. You can't edit a blank page." - Jodi Picoult
    This class is designed to inspire teens who are interested in writing short fiction to learn the "tools of the trade", from developing a plot that fits within the scope of a short story arc and developing narrative structure and characterization, to writing convincing dialogue. Each week students will read a short story that demonstrates a particular narrative perspective or technique and then complete a writing exercise designed to emulate that technique. Portions of each class will be dedicated to writing and to peer feedback. The class will culminate in sharing any stories that may develop out of these exercises in a collaborative workshop setting. Topics in this Series: The Art of Storytelling continues both semesters, with each semester a separate registration. The short stories and writing styles examined will not be repeated, so students can take both semesters to further their writing. Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Prerequisites: Reading/writing at a high school level (9th grade or higher)Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.Assignments: Weekly reading assignments will be posted on Google Classroom. Students will need their own email addresses to access the system, and parents may be set up as additional "observers" to their teen's account.Assessments: A point scale of 1-3 will be used to evaluate students based on their level of preparation, their participation in discussion, and their completion of extension activities. Parents may use the total points earned to calculate a grade.Textbook/Materials: Because students will need a clean, inexpensive copies of the short story anthology, and because they must be able to refer to the passages on the same page numbers, the selected collection will be pre-purchased for students. (See Supply Fee below).Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of TBD (less than $10.00) is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the Short Story Anthology that will be used in class (to be selected).What to Bring: Short story collection, notebook or laptop (depending on student's preferred method of writing), and printed copies of student's writing on days he/she is ready to share writing.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English/Language Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Christina Somerville
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    Write to the Point is a comprehensive writing class that will prepare 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students for high school level composition. The class will practice the fundamentals of composition through weekly writing assignments that encompass a variety of writing formats.First Semester, students will learn to "get to the point." Just as newspaper journalists have limited column space, and some essayists have word limits, students will learn to make their point and provide supporting details within the criteria of their writing assignment. Students will learn techniques to define their topic, identify their audience, determine their purpose, and back it up with appropriate detail. The class will practice effective paragraph structure with openings statements, main point (or thesis), supporting details, closing sentences, and linking multiple paragraphs. The class will review writing basics such as grammar, agreement, and tense, and will learn tips for effective revision, editing, and feedback. Students will have the flexibility to select prompts and topics relevant to their own interests and will practice a variety of shorter writing styles such as paragraphs and articles.Part of each in-class session will be dedicated to sharing and review of writing completed at home. Sometimes, students will be paired with classmates for peer review of grammar; other times, the class will collaborate through shared GoogleDocs for review and feedback of others' writing. Students should bring a laptop and charging cord to class each week for accessing in-progress assignments.Topics in this series include: Paragraphs & Articles (Semester 1) and Essays & Short Stories (Semester 2).

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    YMCA
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    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.

    2
    YMCA
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    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.

    2
    Diane Wright Cobb
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    This class is a multi-media art sampler for our youngest artists! Preschoolers will experiment with a wide variety of materials such as tempera paints, finger paints, watercolors, color pencils, markers, cray pas, oil pastels, charcoals, tissue paper, and specialty papers through a guided, weekly themed project. First quarter, preschool artists will learn all about Color through mixing and experimenting with a variety of media. Students must be a minimum of 3-1/2 years old for this class and be able to work in a small group setting independent of their parent or caregiver.Note: This is a 45 minute class that meets from 11:10 am - 11:55 am (students may not enter classroom until 11:10 am)Topics in this Series: Creative Color (Quarter 1); Super and Shapes (Quarter 2), Terrific Texture (Quarter 3), and Fun with Forms (Quarter 4).Supply Fee: There is a supply fee of $12.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Acting is an adventure! Young actors work together to create and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. Will crafty creatures meet hilarious humans and other crazy cast members in silly scenes and storylines to teach a life lesson or tall tale?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: Fantastic Fables (Quarter 1), Magical Monsters (Quarter 2), Outrageous Outer Space (Quarter 3) and Under the Sea Secrets (Quarter 4).

    2
    Jennifer Hallworth
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    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.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 1.25-1.75 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 13-day cycle in this class with: a new unit introduced on a Friday (day 1), lecture on Wednesday (day 6), questions and answers on the next Friday (day 8), and homework due the next Wednesday (day 13). After introduction of a new topic (day 1), students will be expected to read the assigned section and look through worked, sample problems before the lecture the following Wednesday (day 6). Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of all 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: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by checking that weekly homework sets are complete and giving periodic take-home tests; class participation is also strongly encouraged. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the 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.

    Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra

    2
    Fatimah Aziz

    Students of ASL will continue to improve their fluency in this 2nd year course. As students become more advanced signers, emphasis will be on focusing on the meaning of a conversation (whole) rather than individual signs (parts). In conversation, students will learn to confirm information by asking questions in context. Second year students will continue to build their vocabulary, apply ASL grammar, and will learn to make requests, ask for advice, give opinions, make comparisons and use superlatives, and narrate stories. Other skills covered in ASL II include expressing year, phone numbers, time, and currency in numbers, appearance, clothing, giving directions, locations, etc. Each unit will include presentations and readings on Deaf culture and Deaf history. Class time will be dedicated to interactive ASL activities and signing practice.ASL students will have a Deaf instructor. She regularly teaches all-hearing classes and is an excellent role model for students to meet and interact with a native speaker of ASL and to lean natural facial expressions, gestures, and body language used in Deaf communications. ASL students will have more confidence when they encounter Deaf instructors in college or greet speakers of ASL in social settings. Because the instructor is Deaf, students are not permitted to speak aloud in class. This approach improves visual attention and encourages immersion in the language. Students will be able to ask questions of the instructor by writing on individual white boards, but they will be encouraged to sign in order to communicate with the instructor. Lessons are facilitated with Power Point presentations, and a professional ASL interpreter will assist the class on the first day of class.Hundreds of colleges and universities, including all public institutions of higher learning in Virginia, accept ASL as a distinct foreign language. This allows hearing and Deaf students to fulfill foreign language requirements for admission to college. Teens who have difficulty writing, spelling, or have challenging pronunciation in English, can be successful with ASL as a second or foreign language choice. Penn State University research demonstrated that the visual and kinesthetic elements of ASL helped to enhance the vocabulary, spelling, and reading skills in hearing students.Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours each week outside of class on required vocabulary exercises, readings, and signing practice.Assignments: Homework assignments will be posted online in the Canvas digital classroom platform. Through Canvas, students will be asked to post short videos of themselves signing as homework. Enrolled students will be asked to review ASL 1 vocabulary, grammar, and facial expressions.Assessments: The instructor will assign points using a class rubric for the parent's use in assigning a course grade. Course rubrics will evaluate students on their sign production, fingerspelling, ASL grammar, facial expressions including "above the nose" grammar (brows and body movement), and "below the nose" modifiers (lip expressions).Textbook: Students should purchase or rent "Signing Naturally Units 1-6 workbook" (ISBN# 978-1581212105) and "Signing Naturally Units 7-12 Student Workbook" (ISBN# 978-1581212211) which includes a DVD of signing videos. This class will cover units 5-8.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in World Languages for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: ASL I

    0
    Karen Shumway
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    This class has an in-person lecture on Tuesdays (12:00 pm - 12:55 pm) and in-person lab and activities on Fridays (12:00 pm - 12:55 pm). Registration for the Lab section will automatically enroll the student in the Lecture section.

    Did you know?. . . The brain is only 2% of the mass of a body, but demands 20% of our oxygen and blood supply. Babies are born with 300 bones, but have only 206 by adulthood, and every second, your body produces 25 million new cells. The anatomy and physiology of the human body is a fascinating field filled with astonishing facts about how we function. Students interested in going into any health or wellness careers in the future should consider taking anatomy and physiology: medicine (doctor), nursing, sports or rehabilitative medicine, medical assistant, medical technician, radiology/imaging, physical therapy, veterinarian, or personal trainer, as examples.

    In this full-credit high school lab science course, the class will move through systems of the body starting with a holistic look at the cells and tissues as the building blocks and homeostasis as the regulating process (unit 1). The class will study support and movement with an examination of the musculoskeletal system (unit 2), and "communication, control, and integration" (unit 3) through the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems, endocrine system, and senses. The class will also cover "transportation and defense" (unit 4) which encompasses the circulatory system, lymphatic system, and immune responses. Finally, the class will examine respiration, nutrition and excretion (unit 5) encompassing respiratory and urinary system, upper and lower digestive tracts, and nutrition, metabolism, and more. The course will conclude with a look at reproduction and human development (unit 6) include the male and female systems, growth, and genetics/heredity.

    Weekly, hands-on labs and dissections will correspond to lecture content to reinforce concepts. A partial list of labs includes: blood typing, muscle biophysics, enzymes/digestion, urinalysis, kidneys and blood filtration, and bone construction. Comparative vertebrate anatomy will be examined through four dissections: owl pellet (for vole and shrew skeletal remains), frog, dogfish, and fetal pig. A venipuncture lab unit will teach the basic principles and techniques of phlebotomy.

    Classwork will come from assigned readings in the text. Students will also be assigned four scientific and non-fiction books on anatomy and physiology (The Body: A Guide for Occupants; The Icepick Surgeon; Stiff, The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers; and Women in White Coats) to read and discuss. Students will be required to write one formal lab report per semester and practice technical writing skills.

    Prerequisites: High school Algebra I

    Levels: This course provides a substantive, full-credit experience on either an on-level or honors track. All class members complete the same core material and participate in the same labs. Students taking the course at the honors level have additional weekly assignments. Students must identify their level prior to the start of class. At any point in the year, a student may transition from honors to on-level if the workload exceeds the students' expectations.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 3-4 hours per week outside of class, with and additional 1-2 hours weekly for honors students. Outside work must be completed to support the "flipped classroom" approach to this course in which the student pre-reads and prepares much of the lecture content at home, allowing in-person class time to be spent on highlights, class discussion, homework review, and labs. In addition, students should plan for additional meeting and coordination time some weeks with their lab partners in-person, by phone, using shared documents, and/or via virtual meeting.

    Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests, track grades, and message the instructor and classmates. Students will have a mandatory pre-lab assignment that must be completed prior to lab and will serve as the student's "ticket" into the lab session each week.

    Assessments: Students will earn points for completed lab write-ups, chapter homework, and book reviews. Parents can calculate a letter grade using the student's points earned divided by points available. Parents may view all scoring and comments at any time through the Canvas site.

    Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent two books: Understanding Anatomy & Physiology: A Visual, Auditory, Interactive Approach, 3rd Edition, by Gale Sloan (ISBN 978-08036-7645-9) and Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology (workbook) by Valerie Scanlon (ISBN #978-0-8036-6938-3).

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $125 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a composition notebook, graph paper, lab equipment and supplies, and safety supplies.

    What to Bring: Students should bring a paper or a notebook, pen or pencil, and a set of colored pencils to class each week.

    What to Wear: Students should not wear any loose, drapey clothing to lab. They should also come to class with long hair tied back and should wear closed toe shoes.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Lab Science for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Taliesin Knol
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    In 1861, the first shots of the Civil War were fired at Fort Sumter, SC, but the first major battle would be fought just down the road in Manassas, Virginia! Seeking a quick end to the war, and against the advice of the Army's top general, President Abraham Lincoln sent the first Union Army to march from Washington, DC, to the Confederate Capital of Richmond. While this volunteer army was large and enthusiastic, expecting a quick campaign and easy victory, it lacked training and any semblance of experience, which would prove disastrous in the coming battle.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 the battlefield at Manassas. 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 totally recreate the entirety of the battlefield. 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. Can the Union Army coordinate to crush the Confederate Army, or will it be totally destroyed?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).

    2
    Christina Somerville
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    Best Books for Boys is a facilitated book club just for preteen boys. Boys will read high-quality, age-appropriate literature and expand their understanding of what they read through book discussion and hands-on extension activities. Boys will be encouraged to interact with the story and each other through activities such as acting out or illustrating favorite scenes, discussing and writing alternate endings, prequels, origin or spinoff stories, or researching specific aspects of the story. Through guided class discussion, the group will be exposed to beginning literary analysis in a fun, interactive setting by discussing plot, theme, characters, setting, genre, writing style, and artistry using specific examples from the story. They will learn to analyze characters, their actions and motives, respond to hypothetical questions, make predictions, and answer prompts using examples from the book.Each quarter, the class will read one book that is teacher's choice and a second book that the students select as a group from a short list curated by the instructor and student nominations on the relevant them. Students must read assigned chapters from their books at home, either as individual silent reading, read-aloud with parents' support, or listening to an audiobook edition. Readers will be encouraged to take notes on key passages or questions. All books are selected from among Newbery Medalists and Honor Books, Caldecott Medal books, and proven classics of children's fiction.Topics in this Series and teacher's choice books include: Ingenuity- Mr. Popper's Penguins by Richard Atwater (Quarter 1); Kindness- Restart by Gordon Korman (Quarter 2); Tolerance- The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare (Quarter 3); and Curiosity- Tales from Moominvalley by Tove Jansson (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 for students for the first book. (See Supply Fee below). Parents will be responsible for buying or checking-out a copy of the second book, once selected.Supply Fee: A class fee of $9.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for Book 1.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.Level: This class is for 5th-6th graders. 4th grade students may enroll, but they should be reading above grade level.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Peter Snow
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    Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Beginning Chess 1, students will learn beginner basics such as: how all pieces move and capture, castling, pawn promotion, en passant, checks and how to get out of them, checkmate and stalemate, scholars mate, fools mate, notation, and chess etiquette. Skills are taught in progressive levels of challenge as the year progresses.Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Peter Snow
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    Students will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. In Beginning Chess 1, students will learn beginner basics such as: how all pieces move and capture, castling, pawn promotion, en passant, checks and how to get out of them, checkmate and stalemate, scholars mate, fools mate, notation, and chess etiquette. Skills are taught in progressive levels of challenge as the year progresses.

    Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation). Each class will be spent half on technique and half in practice matches with classmates while the instructor coaches.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Diane Wright Cobb

    Kids will be introduced to watercolor painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4). There is an $15.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Tia Murchie-Beyma

    Why is Easter, the most holy celebration of Christianity, named for an ancient European goddess? Why do Sufi dervishes "whirl?" Why do some people shave their hair, while others refuse to cut it, both in order to please God? How have nations, including the United States, been shaped by religion? Are all religions just different ways of saying the same thing, or do they have real differences as well as similarities? If you are curious about the history of religion and beliefs and practices of some specific traditions around the world, including those of neighbors here in Northern Virginia, you will enjoy Comparative World Religions.

    This course will survey Eastern systems of Hinduism and Buddhism and western "Abrahamic" faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. What a rare opportunity! Only rarely in history have societies been able to benefit from respectful and fruitful conversations about religion that were not "catechism" (a term that means instruction in a particular faith). Understanding something of our neighbors' belief systems and assumptions, even if we do not share them, can help everyone get along in a pluralistic world. Class activities include discussion, role play, brief reading quizzes, and presentations. Once each quarter, the class will have a guest speaker to learn more about the values, beliefs, and practices of world religions.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 2 hours outside of class each week to complete readings, watch videos, and sometimes create a brief written assignment or artwork. For those interested in covering more, there will be additional, optional material suggested by the instructor.

    Textbooks: Students should purchase and bring to class Carla Mooney's "Comparative Religion: Investigate the World Through Religious Tradition" (ISBN-10: 1619303051). OPTIONAL: Students seeking more academic challenge are encouraged to also purchase a used copy of Jeffrey Brodd's 3rd edition of "Invitation to World Religions" ISBN-10: ? 019069081X).

    Assignments: All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests, track grades, and message instructor and classmates,

    Assessments: Points are assigned for all class submissions and reading quizzes. Parents can view total points earned at any time at the Canvas site.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Humanities for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Mylene Nyman
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    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    2
    Mylene Nyman
    Add

    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    2
    Judith Harmon

    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.

    First quarter, students will learn to work with EVA foam and thermal plastics. They will learn to use patterns, cut, layer, glue, carve, heat-shape, and paint foam and thermal plastic accessories. Projects for the quarter include a dagger with sheath and a treasure chest. *Note: Foam and Plastics projects this quarter are all new from those in Fall 2022, 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 $55.00 supply fee for in-class materials, the shared use of classroom tools/supplies, and some take-home tools to continue crafting at home. First quarter, students will take home 2 types of Exacto knives, a small cutting mat, patterns, and foam remnants. 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 $55.00 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.

    0
    Judith Harmon

    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. First quarter, our storytellers will uncover passages and portals beyond bookshelves and blank walls. Will they find the key to the mysterious secret room, or can they ever unlock the truth?

    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).

    0
    Ethan Hay
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    Middle schoolers embrace technology and easily navigate digital sources like apps, webpages, and online video platforms. In Digital Studio, they will transform from users of these tools to the designer and coders of their own content. Learn what goes in to coding a webpage (Semester 1) and coding a mobile app (Semester 2).Personalities, businesses, clubs, hobbiests- everyone has a webpage! First semester, students will learn the basics of coding languages like HTML, JavaScript, and CSS through a series of web projects and design challenges. They will discover how HTML (Hypertext Markup Language), CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), and JavaScript are integrated as the core technologies used to code websites. Over the semester, students will develop 2-3 webpages, integrating color and font choices with photos and embedded video (if desired).Digital Studio is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in "Intro" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home.Topics in this Series: Intro to Coding for Website Design (Semester 1) and Intro to Coding for Mobile App Development (Semester 2)

    2
    Pete Van Riper

    Anyone can learn to draw! A professional artist will teach kids how to draw a variety of projects by breaking down complex forms and figures into simple shapes and giving them dimension through shading, shadow, and textures. Projects will focus on fantasy and fictional subjects which are a great choice to keep beginning artists from becoming frustrated when their work does not look "the real thing."

    Bam! Pow! First quarter, students will be introduced to the fundamentals of drawing comics, with an emphasis on drawing a main character and developing a storyline. They will be taught the basics of illustrating a human, a simple superhero, an animal, or an imaginary creature by combining and replicating simple shapes to create the character's form. The class will learn to draw simple costumes and props around their character to convey setting without drawing elaborate landscapes, and they will learn how to express thoughts and conversation through dialogue bubbles. Students' practice illustrations will be drawn with regular #2 pencil on paper. Later in the quarter, they will ink and color their work on a 3-or 6-panel comic page to complete their first comic.

    There is a $15.00 material fee payable to the instructor on the first day for a sketchbook and shared classroom art supplies. Topics in this Series include: Comic Art & Characters (Quarter 1); Fantastical Figures (Quarter 2), Comics with a Cast of Characters (Quarter 3), and Playful Portraits (Quarter 4)

    0
    Pete Van Riper
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    Students will draw in a relaxed, informal studio setting, where they will learn the fundamentals of drawing along with the elements of art and principles of design. Most drawing projects are "student's own" where each artist selects their own subject to incorporate demonstrated techniques such as representing light and dark, creating texture and patterns, and shading to show dimension.

    First quarter, students will learn to translate what they observe in real life to 2D on paper. Example beginning projects include a pumpkin, a cow skull, and class favorite, "Walter" the teddy bear. Throughout the course, students will progress to draw more carefully and more accurately and to represent more refined details in their drawings.

    The instructor will demonstrate various techniques by developing a sample drawing. Students may elect to follow the class sample or may apply the drawing skills to an entirely unique drawing. This class is suitable for beginners who have never drawn before and for intermediate art students who have worked with other media and are interested in exploring drawing. Drawing can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment.

    Topics in this Series: Everyday Objects (Quarter 1), Portraits and Creative Caricatures (Quarter 2), Creating Narrative (Quarter 3), and Imitating Illustration Styles (Quarter 4).

    Workload: Work outside of class is optional for those who wish to practice their drawing techniques.

    Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $18.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a sketchbook, a pencil box with pencils of varying hardness, and an eraser. Returning drawing students do not need to pay a supply fee and are expected to replace their drawing supplies as needed, with similar or better quality.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Taliesin Knol

    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.Tropical rainforest biomes are equatorial regions that are warm and wet with diverse vegetation that forms a canopy. Humidity and a covering of leaf litter create a layer of nutrients which supports a wide variety of vegetation. Tropical rainforests are famous for terrestrial biodiversity, including insects, birds, and mammals.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.

    0
    Anne Taranto
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    This full-credit high school English class will focus on developing critical reading and writing skills through the study of a range of canonical and post-colonial genres and texts written in English. Through exposure to a variety of voices across time periods and geographical regions, students will investigate major themes, such as the importance of language as a locus of power, the continuity of human nature, and the role of the imagination.Fall semester will focus on canonical British texts such as the epic poem Beowulf, selections from Canterbury Tales (Chaucer), Shakespeare's Macbeth, and a selection of Romantic poetry.Writing Lab: An essential component of this course will be an in-class Writing Lab. Students will write two or three critical response papers and a full-scale literary analysis essay each term. Students will continue to hone the components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Students should bring a laptop to class one day per week for in-class writing.Topics in this Series: British Literature, Part I (Semester 1) and British Literature, Part II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. This is a 13.5 week course that will not meet on 11/7/23.Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level and have completed Introduction to Genre or equivalent high school level writing class. Students are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments.Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and 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 $34.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class pack of books and handouts.What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, 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 passages/pages.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a half-credit (one semester) or full credit (both semesters) in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Ange Goueti
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    Eureka Math 4 is a full-year, complete math curriculum for students who have mastered the equivalent of Eureka's Math 3 content (below). This class meets twice a week and is designed to be a full program where students receive instruction in person at Compass and complete homework on off-days at home. Parents do not have to select a curriculum or deliver the instruction, but rather are expected to ensure that homework is being completed before class and assisting the student in checking attempted homework.Topics in Eureka 4 include:

    • Four basic operations with whole numbers to solve work problems.
    • Factors and multiples
    • Multi-digit place value
    • Adding and subtracting multi-digit whole numbers
    • Multiplication of multi-digit whole numbers using several methods
    • Division of four-digit dividend by one digit divisor
    • Fraction equivalents and common decimal equivalents
    • Adding and subtracting fractions with like denominators
    • Word problems with measurement and conversion from larger unit to smaller
    • Representing and interpreting data
    • Drawing and classifying lines, angles, and shapes
    • Introduction to angles and angle measurements
    Publisher Great Minds.org describes the Eureka curriculum as a "holistic Prekindergarten through Grade 12 curriculum that carefully sequences mathematical progressions in expertly crafted modules, making math a joy to teach and learn." Eureka is aligned with most state standards. Read more about Eureka Math HERE. https://greatminds.org/math/eurekamath.Eureka Math 4 is being offered at Compass as a full year class with 59 in-person class meetings. Attendance is very important. In the event of a missed class due to illness or travel, students may cover the missed lesson through online recorded lectures available in the Eureka suite of online supplements.Prerequisites: Math 3 or equivalent with mastery of the following:
    • Has learned/memorized all math facts fluently: addition/subtraction (1-20) and multiplication/division through 10 x 10
    • Represents and solves problems using multiplication and division
    • Solves word problems with the 4 basic operations
    • Uses place value understanding to perform multi-digit arithmetic
    • Adds and subtracts within 1000
    • Understands fractions as part of a whole
    • Understands area and perimeter
    Assignments: Assignments will be made in class as a range of pages to complete on the topics that were taught in class. The instructor will follow up with an email repeating the assigned pages. Assessments: Each class, the instructor will check that students have completed the assigned homework. Homework will be recorded as attempted or not attempted. Parents will be provided with an answer key for homework. Students will be given short, in-class quizzes to encourage them to be prepared and engaged. The instructor will record quiz scores in order to track a student's overall understanding and progression in class, but the instructor will not provide a letter grade. Parents may track quiz scores in order to assign their own grades and complete homeschool record-keeping.Textbooks/Workbooks: Students will need a set of 4 "Learn" softcover textbooks and 3 "Succeed" softcover workbooks. To make sure that students get the correct edition, Compass will purchase book bundles for each students (See supply fee below). Students will receive one textbook and one workbook at a time, and the future editions will be stored at Compass until needed to prevent loss or damage.Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $86.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class books.What to Bring: Students should bring a spiral notebook, pencil, and their workbook to class each week.

    2
    Iman Castaneda

    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!

    0
    Becca Sticha
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    Monopoly, Scrabble, Clue! Who doesn't enjoy gathering with friends or family for a good game? Students will become future game inventors responsible for designing a new, non-electronic board or card game. Each week, students will play games in class to explore design concepts and game mechanics of a specific genre of game. They will begin to understand what elements are needed in every game and what makes a "good" game that everyone will enjoy. Students will examine starting and ending conditions in a game, scalability (for more or fewer players), and how points, progress, or powers are earned or tracked as players move through a game. Students will then begin to outline their ideas for their very own, original game.

    First quarter, students will learn about Cooperative Board games which allow players to accomplish a goal by working together and either win or lose as a team. Example cooperative games include Forbidden Island, Mysterium, and Pandemic. Students will sketch out their ideas, create a prototype board, write all rules, and design the cards, chips, tokens, or playing pieces. Next, students will test-play their prototype game with their classmates to get constructive feedback and refine their rules. Once the prototype games have been tested through play, students will begin their final design, coloring, and graphics on a blank, folding game board and final game accessories.

    The quarter will conclude with a game "publishing" party where students will "pitch" their concept through a 30-second advertisement and play the final version with friends. Some students may be interested in submitting their games to a national young inventors' competition.

    There is a $30.00 material/supply fee payable to the instructor on the first day of class for blank boards, cards, dice, spinners, and shared art materials. Topics in this series include: Cooperative Board Games (Quarter 1); Card Games (Quarter 2); Dice Games (Quarter 3); and 2-Player Games (Quarter 4).

    2
    Paula Shaibani
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    Kids will build their geography know-how in this fun, focused workshop. Each workshop will introduce a different region of the world. The class will begin by locating the region on a map, identifying what countries are in that region, and examining what principal physical geographical features define the region such as oceans, seas, key rivers, mountain ranges, and deserts. The class will then take a fun tour through the region looking at aspects of human and cultural geography such as languages, religions, ethnic groups, major agricultural or industrial products, animal species, and more. Students will brainstorm how the similarities and differences from one country to the next might have occurred given the physical geography in the region. The group may watch short video clips of "a day in the life of" interviews or cultural festivals and incorporate several fun activities selected from each region. The workshop wrap-up will include an interactive review such as geography trivia or questions taken from past national geography bees.

    This is a one-day program.

    2
    Paula Shaibani
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    Kids will build their geography know-how in this fun, focused workshop. Each workshop will introduce a different region of the world. The class will begin by locating the region on a map, identifying what countries are in that region, and examining what principal physical geographical features define the region such as oceans, seas, key rivers, mountain ranges, and deserts. The class will then take a fun tour through the region looking at aspects of human and cultural geography such as languages, religions, ethnic groups, major agricultural or industrial products, animal species, and more. Students will brainstorm how the similarities and differences from one country to the next might have occurred given the physical geography in the region. The group may watch short video clips of "a day in the life of" interviews or cultural festivals and incorporate several fun activities selected from each region. The workshop wrap-up will include an interactive review such as geography trivia or questions taken from past national geography bees.

    This is a one-day program.

    2
    Taliesin Knol

    Learn world geography through hands-on, interactive play rather than by studying flat, dull maps! Many great games feature play on map-based game boards that can be used as teaching tools. Visual and kinesthetic learners will remember where Mongolia and Madagascar are when they have amassed miniature armies there! The instructor will use board games from his personal collection as teaching tools. In addition, he creates custom boards to use with established game rules and pieces.

    First quarter, students will learn about ancient civilizations and the cradle of mankind featuring Mesopotamia and settlements throughout the Fertile Crescent on a custom-designed version of the game Risk. The class will be able to identify and locate the kingdoms of Babylonia, Assyria, Sumer, Akkad, Elam, and Phoenicia dotted with the early cities of Ur, Ninevah, Babylon, and Uruk to understand what is now the Middle East. Students will be able to place the Mediterranean Sea, Caspian Sea, Red Sea, Persian Gulf, and Black Sea through play.

    Topics in this series include: Early Civilizations (Quarter 1); Ancient Greece & Rome (Quarter 2), Medieval Europe (Quarter 3), and The Modern World (Quarter 4). There is a $15.00 supply fee due to the instructor on the first day of class for custom-printed maps and shared class materials.

    0
    Mylene Nyman

    Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature 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:

    • Bruschetta
    • Italian Wedding Soup
    • Classic Chopped Italian Salad
    • Baked Zucchini
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pesto (nuts)
    • Homemade Marinara and Linguini
    • Tiramisu (decaf)

    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: Italian (Quarter 1), Mexican (Quarter 2), Pan Asian (Quarter 3), French (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..

    0
    Manal Hussein

    This year-long, hands-on science course is a survey of key concepts in the fields of Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science which will give 7th and 8th grade students the fundamentals they need to tackle high school-level Biology, Chemistry, Physics, or Environmental Science. Topics covered in this course will not only provide a foundation for higher level science, but will also boost the student's confidence and fluency in discussing scientific issues, applying scientific terminology, and using scientific equipment. Content covered in this course will also enable a teen to become a more educated reader and consumer of scientific news and information.General life science themes include life cycles, food webs, scientific classification, cell structure, and human body systems. Topics in chemistry include states of matter, atomic structure, elements and the Periodic Table, and chemical reactions and solutions. Themes in physics include motion, position, speed and acceleration, weight (mass), gravity, friction, buoyancy and density, and electricity and magnetism. The earth science unit will cover the rock cycle, minerals, rocks, fossils, weathering and erosion.In this class, students will learn about the principles of scientific investigations and engineering practices, the Scientific Method, and preparation of formal lab reports. They will practice taking measurements, recording data, converting units of measure, and related mathematical concepts such as significant figures, International System of Units, scientific notation, graphs, and data analysis. Students will learn how to provide evidence to support explanations and solutions for their investigations.This class is appropriate for a tween or teen who has had limited middle school level science and who expects to pursue high school level science classes on a college-preparatory track. This class is also appropriate for a student who will likely pursue an arts- or vocational- focused path and for whom an overview of high school science concepts is sufficient.In general, a topic will be discussed one week and then the corresponding lab or activity will be performed in class the following week. Microscope work will be used in some life science labs. For a more robust introduction to life and lab sciences, students may want to concurrently register for the Dissection Lab class and/or the Bio Chem Learning Labs program.Meeting Dates: This is a 29-week course that will not meet during the week of May 13-17.Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on reading and homework assignments.Assignments: All class announcements and assignments will be communicated via a Google Classroom.Assessments: Informal, qualitative and constructive feedback will be given on submitted assignments. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.Textbook: Students should purchase Everything You Need to Ace Science in One Big Fat Notebook: The Complete Middle School Study Guide by Workman Publishing (ISBN # 978-0761160953)Materials: Students should bring the following supplies to each class: colored pencils, glue stick, pens or pencils to write with, and a ruler.Lab/Supply Fee: A lab fee of $100.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.Credit: This sourse is not recommended as a high school

    0
    Angela Goodhart
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    Learn the art, craft, and history of photography for hobby, home, or as a possible profession. Students will discuss observation, perspective, and choosing their subjects. They will learn about the exposure triangle and elements of photographic composition, including lighting and exposure. The class will review different genres of photography such as portraiture, nature, sports, black and white, etc., and discuss finding their own "voice" in their photographs. Each week, class time will be split between hands-on practice and review of photographic examples, including works by noteworthy photographers. The instructor will also teach photo-editing with a free web-based softwareFor this class, students will be required to prepare two projects: a presentation on a photographer of their choice and a special photography project of their choice. On the last day, there will be an art show for the parents.Prerequisites: NoneWorkload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.Assignments: In addition to the two projects described, students will have weekly homework taking photographs and occasional quizzes.Assessments: Students will receive ongoing, informal assessments and feedback on their photographs.Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $20.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.What to Bring: Students are encouraged to bring digital SLR cameras, but any digital camera that is better than a phone camera will be adequate.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Kerry Diedrich
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    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.

    First quarter, Junior artists will explore a variety of artistic techniques as they make medieval art projects such as a crown project, handmade parchment paper, an individual coat of arms, and a custom shield.

    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 $20.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.

    2
    Kerry Diedrich
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    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.First quarter, Junior artists will explore a variety of artistic techniques as they make medieval art projects such as a crown project, handmade parchment paper, an individual coat of arms, and a custom shield.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 $20.00, payable to the instructor on the first day of class which covers consumable class materials such a specialty papers, watercolor pencils, and paints.

    2
    Dr. Michele Forsythe

    Kids can understand basic chemistry when they can touch it and test it! In this hands-on class, kids will learn about the structure of atoms and how that accounts for the predictable behavior of molecules. They will learn about the periodic table and make 3D models of atoms and electron orbitals. Kids will learn to differentiate between different types of bonds (ionic, hydrogen, Van der Waals, covalent, polar covalent). They will perform both reversible and irreversible chemical reactions and learn how to identify each group. Kids will experiment with endergonic and exergonic reactions while learning to think about how energy is stored and released in the breaking and forming of chemical bonds. Kids will even try their hand at writing simple chemical formulas. Finally, students will design and run experiments to demonstrate gas laws using temperature, pressure, and volume. Topics in this Series: Kids' Chemistry Lab: Atoms & Molecules (Quarter 1); Kids' Chemistry Lab: Properties of Matter (Quarter 2); Kids' BioChemistry Lab: Manipulating Molecules (Quarter 3); and Kids' BioChemistry Lab: Discovering DNA (Quarter 4).Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Sarah Reynolds
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    Krav Maga is the Israeli martial art which teaches self defense and fitness. Students of Krav Maga are taught a series of strategies to assess and respond to common situations, such as facing a bully. Kids are always taught first and foremost to get away, to get help, and to try to deescalate the situation. When that fails, students practice a technique that includes a warning strike followed by escape, and finally, they learn how to stand up for themselves and how to counterattack if a situation escalates and becomes threatening. Kids are empowered and gain confidence when they rehearse how to handle real-life situations. Exercises and in-class practice incorporate balance, coordination, energy, and other key elements of fitness along with life skills such as confidence, teamwork, respect, discipline, and respect.

    Students may enroll in Krav Maga at any time, and everyone will begin as a white belt. Each quarter, students will practice the full range of skills, but there will be two "featured" moves that a student can earn a belt stripe for being able to demonstrate. Featured moves will include a combative strike and a defensive escape technique. No one stripe is a prerequisite for any other color, and color stripes can be earned in any order.

    First quarter, students will have the chance to earn a Red Stripe. Featured moves include: cover defense and wrist locks (red stripe); straight punch defense and bear hugs (orange stripe); head movement defense and front 2-handed choke (yellow stripe); round kick defense and back 2-handed choke (green stripe); front kick defense and guillotine choke (blue stripe); clinch defense and rear choke (purple stripe); ground striking defense and head lock defense (brown stripe); and 360 defense and full Nelson (black stripe).

    Students will be able to test for belt promotions to move through the ranks of white belt, yellow belt, orange belt, etc. On average, it is estimated that a student will be ready for a belt test after four quarters/four color stripes. Belt testing will be by coach approval.

    Topics in this Series: Red Stripe (1st Quarter), Orange Stripe (2nd Quarter), Yellow Stripe (3rd Quarter) and Green Stripe (4th Quarter).

    Assessments: Belt testing for promotion will be by coach recommendation, but on average will take 4 quarters.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $10.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for the t-shirt and white belt (new students) or $5.00 for the white belt (returning students). An belt test fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor when a student is ready to test for promotion.

    What to Bring: Refillable water bottle.

    What to Wear:
    In lieu of a full martial arts uniform, students will be asked to wear a class t-shirt provided by the instructor. Students should also wear shorts, leggings, or loose, comfortable athletic pants, and comfortable athletic shoes or sneakers with their class t-shirt.

    Non-Meeting Days: In addition to the scheduled days-off on the published Compass schedule, this class does not meet on October 4.15.10.0612

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Paula Shaibani
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    Discover the exciting world of Latin language and Roman civilization! Learn the foundations of the language of great conquerors, orators, and men and women who shaped the course of history. Studying Latin also opens many doors to learning other Romance languages and deepens students' understanding of English structure and mechanics, including rhetorical and grammatical constructs.This is an introductory class focusing on the basics of Latin grammar, vocabulary and syntax. Students will also study Roman history and culture, Roman civilization, Roman numerals, and English derivatives of Latin words. In addition, they will discover the Roman world through geography, mythology, and daily life. For grammar, the class will cover parts of speech, word endings, and idioms. Students will also discuss the Latin roots for medical terms and various Latin mottoes and expressions. While Latin is primarily a written language, the class will cover basic oral Latin for conversation. Students will learn the necessary skills to be prepared for the option of taking the National Latin Exam in the spring.Workload: Students should expect to spend about 3-4 hours per week on grammar, culture and applied Latin skills.Assignments: Homework assignments will be explained in class and emailed to parents and students. Most will be paper-based, so computer access is only necessary outside of class for referencing the homework and researching projects.Assessments: The instructor will assign points using a class rubric, which will include quizzes, tests, projects and participation. Parents will receive a detailed evaluation at the end of the year with sufficient information and feedback to calculate a grade.Textbook: Students should purchased a pre-owned copy of Ecce Romani I, 3rd edition (ISBN: 978-0131163706)What to Bring: Students will need loose leaf paper, a binder or notebook, and pencils for daily classes and homework. Projects may require occasional additional materials.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Kathy Preisinger
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    Music Makers explores many facets of the musical experience- singing, moving, dancing, listening, and playing instruments. The class will explore musical stories, famous composers, and different genres of music while playing a variety of percussion instruments (drums, sticks, triangles, woodblocks and more!). Students will learn to play a beginning pitched instrument on glockenspiels (a small barred instrument like the xylophone). Using an Orff-based approach, students will learn to read and write beginning musical notation and learn musical terminology all in the context of fun and play. Music Makers classes provide a fun, pressure-free environment to experience music and movement with the goal of general musicianship and excellent preparation for further, individual instrument lessons if desired. Music Makers helps every child acquire the essential building blocks for a future of musical learning! Students may join Music Makers at any quarter, and they may return again and again since new music, themes, and skills are constantly introduced.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Sevim Kalyoncu

    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.

    0
    Sevim Kalyoncu
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    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.

    2
    Catherine Vanlandingham
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    Reading affects a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong literacy skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small reading group where students are placed with 2-4 peers who read at a similar level to follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of experienced reading specialist Catherine Vanlandingham. Each Monday meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as either a supplement to another at-home reading curriculum or as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum.
    Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization.
    First time registrations in Reading Rally include the cost of a 30-minute, individual assessment conducted in-person or virtually by Mrs. Vanlandingham. Parents are encouraged to contact Compass to schedule their child's reading assessment before registering. Families register without the assessment for grade-level placement must be prepared to reschedule to a different reading group if indicated by the assessment.
    Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or in additional 1-on-1 private reading instruction to make up ground in reading skills. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. The instructor may recommend a more complete evaluation by a neuropsychologist if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's reading.
    Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $81.00 is due payable to Compass for class materials.
    Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group and do not have to pay for an additional assessment.

    2
    Becca Sticha

    Design, build, and program a robotic vehicle to simulate a lunar lander which can traverse an uneven terrain and collect "moon rocks." Each week, students will improve their landers though the addition of new sensors and components and will program their creations to complete changing lunar challenges.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)

    0
    Osk Huneycutt

    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.First quarter, we will learn some basics of paleontology and geology. Students will learn about the science and methods of paleontology as they prepare for a mock fossil dig. They will handle real fossils, learn how fossilization occurs, and simulate excavating fossils and reconstructing a dig site. While they are still in the dirt, students will learn about the field of geology. The class will discover how geologists study rocks, dig up our own mineral samples, identify them, and learn about the geologic processes that formed them. Students will make their own crystal gardens to take home and observe. Topics in this Series: 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.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Judith Harmon
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    Kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew fun" to create items that can play with and use every day. First quarter, Sew Fun students will sew an 14" felt-fur stuffy bear and stitch his custom clothes from cotton, knit, and felt.Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, stuffing, and working with simple patterns. The group will be working with both pre-cut felt and fabric components and uncut fabric that they will cut, stitch, finish and personalize with buttons and embellishments.Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class. A material fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class. Topics in this series include: Build-A-Bear (Quarter 1), Cozy Quilts (Quarter 2), Good Night, Sleep Tight (Quarter 3), and On-the-Go (Quarter 4).

    2
    Soccer Shots
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    Soccer Shots is a fun, engaging class for the youngest Compass students or their preschool-aged siblings! Soccer Shots is an outdoor skills class in which children learn basic mechanics of soccer such as passing, dribbling, and shooting through imaginative games in a fun, supportive, small-group experience with a dedicated coach. Equally as important, young athletes get to practice valuable life skills such as working with teammates, good sportsmanship, taking turns, cooperation, and communicating with their coach! Each week, young soccer players will be guided through warm-ups, skill-building games, and a scrimmage. Students must be age 3.5 by the start of this program and must be able to separate from his/her parent and follow directions. Please note that if the 12:00 pm session fills, the 12:30 pm session will be opened for additional registrations.

    2
    Sirdley Taborga

    Buenos dias! Spanish Amigos (Friends) is a fun, play-based, Spanish immersion class for young students. Much like learning their native language, students will be exposed to the sounds, vocabulary, and phrases in Spanish through songs, games, stories, interactive and hands-on activities. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. The teacher will bring toys and objects each week to give kids tangible, hands-on examples of the vocabulary being introduced.Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in Spanish, so children can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Instruction will be predominantly verbal, but key vocabulary words may be written down for students to begin a sense of spelling. Students will be encouraged to write down new words each week, but reading, writing, spelling, and note-taking will not be expected. Fluency should not be expected at this level.Material/Supply Fee: The instructor will order a South-American written/published Spanish activity book for students in-class use after assessing their ages/skill levels. Parents will be asked to reimburse the instructor for the expense, typically $10-$15.

    0
    Mylene Nyman
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    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: Q1

    • Mochi Brownies
    • Pate De Fruits
    • Cherry Pistachio Muffins (nuts)
    • Pear Clafoutis
    • Vanilla Souffle
    • Cinnamon Donuts
    • Caramel Pecan Trifle (nuts)
    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 Casual 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).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.

    2
    Taliesin Knol
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    Perhaps you have heard that "knowing is half the battle." This class will realize that as we examine the roles of military intelligence and espionage in conflicts. A fundamental goal of military intelligence is to fight smarter, not harder, on the battlefield. For context and inspiration, the class will examine the history of the real spies of WWII, their methods, failures, and successes.

    First semester will examine the Eastern Front of WWII between Germany and the Soviet Union between 1941-1943. Early Intelligence failures revealed that the Soviets were totally unprepared for the Axis invasion, despite plenty of warnings from their own sources and even British agents. For two years, the Soviet army fought tooth-and-nail to stop the German advance. This is where first semester will begin and the roles students will play.

    The mission, should students choose to accept it, is to use actual enigma codes and a modified tabletop RPG (role playing game) system to simulate missions, write encoded messages, and attempt to crack the enemy's plan.

    While Compass's 3D History classes will simulate the battles in the field, this class will assume the supporting role by attempting to infiltrate German lines with field agents. War Room students in the "headquarters" will direct both their field agents and the missions of the frontline troops in 3D History. The decisions of War Room students on Monday will affect the play of 3D History students on Friday, and outcomes of the 3D History role play on Friday will dictate the work of the War Room the following Monday. While co-registration in both classes is not required, some students may want to dual register in order to see both the tactical and strategic aspects of a major engagement and how military intelligence affects the outcomes. This course is recommended for teens who have a passion for military history or an interest in a future career in intelligence.

    Topics in this Series: Brains That Broke the Blitzkreig (Semester 1) and Directing the Downfall (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hour per week outside of class.

    Assignments: Course documents including period maps, photographs and recreations will be made available through a class Google Drive link emailed to parents and students, as well as a class YouTube playlist for any videos watched in class or assigned as homework.

    Assessments: Will not be given.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in World History, US History, Military History, or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Students will become immersed in the imaginary worlds they construct in this unique course that encompasses elements of fiction writing, sociology, and anthropology. Worldbuilding is the foundation of speculative fiction, such as sci-fi and fantasy, role-playing games, videos, comics, and other visual media. Countless examples of Worldbuilding exist in the movies and books we consume every day such as Tolkien's Middle Earth, the many elaborate settlements of the Star Wars franchise, and the popular RPG, Dungeons and Dragons.In this course, students will develop a fictional locale. Will it be a small village in a known place, a new planet, or an original universe? Students will be guided through an interactive, iterative process of "top-down" design of their unique world, determining broad characteristics first then then elaborating with increasing detail. Builders will make coherent and integrated decisions on geography, climate, ecology, flora, fauna, inhabitants, races, history, social customs, language, religion, origin story, powers/magic, legal system, currency, and technology. The class will read excerpts and watch clips of well-known fictional works which will provide strong examples of each of the elements.First semester, the class will create Post-Apocalyptic worlds and answer the questions of what happened and who remained after a widespread disaster that threated the very heart of a civilization. Students, along with their instructor, will develop an in-class world as an example. They will use the lessons and exercises reviewed in class to further develop their individual world project.Students will be expected to keep a notebook of decisions and details as they progress through designing the elements of their world. Students will have the option to purchase a discounted student subscription to World Anvil, a web-based subscription service which allows students to create maps, timelines, and other tools to organize their made-up world. Each student will be expected to make a PowerPoint presentation at the end of the semester which addresses each of the built-world elements.Topics in this Series: Post Apocalyptic Worlds (Semester 1), Elemental Worlds (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester will receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Prerequisites: NoneWorkload: Students should expect to spend 2 hours per week outside of class.Assignments: Will be posted in a Google Classroom and consist of weekly responses to promptsAssessments: The instructor will assign points for a final semester presentation and completed "Creative Sparks" which are written responses to weekly prompts. Parents may use the student's earned points versus total possible points to calculate a grade for the purposes of a homeschool transcript.Textbook/Materials: Students have the option of purchasing a discounted subscription to World Anvil (worldanvil.com) for approximately $35.00.Lab/Supply Fee: IncludedNon-Meeting Days: 10/20/23Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in language arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Karen Hickman
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    Who remembers Peter Rabbit, Frog & Toad, or the Little Engine that Could? In this class, middle school students will reminisce, write, and illustrate, their own children's picture. Initially, students will review illustrated children's books to gain an understanding of the creative process and the elements that help make a children's book successful with instructor/children's author Karen Hickman. Using graphic organizers to brainstorm ideas for the character, setting, and conflict of their own stories, students will work on story ideas, pitch their story concepts to their peers, and incorporate peer feedback as they develop their stories. Students will create storyboards to plan the relationship between the illustrations and text. Finally, students will learn about a variety of methods to bind their books in an attractive manner and present their books to their peers.The Writers Workshop gives middle school students in grades 6-7 the skills they need for writing, reading, listening, and speaking that come from practicing by putting pen to paper. In class, students will share drafts and in-progress works to receive peer feedback and promote revising and editing skills. Each quarter, students will review samples of literature and write about popular themes using the story elements of that theme.Imagination and creativity come easily to most young writers, but acquiring technical skills is also important. Each quarter, students will focus on specific skills in addition to specific genres as part of their "Writer's Tool Kit." These skills include: grammar basis such as parts and kinds of sentences, plurals, possessives, punctuation; learning how to use a dictionary and a thesaurus; and advanced middle/high school skills like summarizing, outlining, note taking, writing a book report, or citing sources.Homework: Students are expected to write in a journal for a minimum of four minutes per day and respond to prompts that are sent home on an assignment bookmark. They will also be asked to read short assignments such as a chapter or excerpt in preparation for class discussions.Topics in this Series: Creating Children's Books (Quarter 1); Time Travel- Fantasy & Science Fiction (Quarter 2); Time Travel- Historical Fiction (Quarter 3); and Reading Classics, Writing New Endings (Quarter 4).

    2
    YMCA
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    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.

    2
    YMCA
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    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.

    2
    Judith Harmon

    Kids take to the stage as they collaboratively write and perform their very own play with unique characters and an original storyline. What happens when our cast travels "back" to the future? What futuristic changes and inventions will they find? What mix-up awaits kids from 2023 dropping in on the future, and will they meet grown-up versions of themselves?

    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: Back to the Future (Quarter 1), Secrets & Spies (Quarter 2),Times Travel Tale (Quarter 3), Freaky Friday (Quarter 4).

    0
    Mylene Nyman

    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 advanced baking techniques that Compass bakers will learn in Perfecting Pastries. 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:

    • Chocolate Peanut Butter Lava Cakes (nuts)
    • Custard Cookies
    • Raspberry Almond Shortbread
    • Macaroons Part 1- Shells
    • Macaroons Part 2- Filling and Assembly
    • Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes
    • Royal Icing Techniques on Cookies

    This engaging advanced baked goods class will get students excited about pasties 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, 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: Cakes and Cookies (Quarter 1); Puffs, Pies, and Pudding (Quarter 2), Breads and Dough (Quarter 3), and Piecrust, Sweet Crust, Nut Crust (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).

    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.

    0
    Becca Sticha
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    Every single week there are gripping headlines heralding new developments and discoveries in the fields of astronomy, astrophysics, and space exploration: NASA's Artemis II announced its crew. Space X Starship self-destructed. Europe's JUICE will go to Jupiter. James Webb Space Telescope finds oldest proto-galaxies. China, Russia, India, and South Korea are in a new space race to reach the moon. A total solar eclipse will be viewed in 2024. These are exciting fields to follow, and this is a thrilling time to learn about space science in Compass's "All About Astronomy" series.First quarter, students will learn about classical and modern land-based star-gazing. What could the ancients detect with their sundials? What did the Egyptians and Greeks observe with their astrolabes, and how did Galileo Galilei's use of the telescope change our understanding of astronomy? Fast-forward to today's land-based observatories. What will the new, Giant Magellan Telescope tell us from a mountaintop facility in Chile when it is completed in 2025? In this class, students will look at the oldest and newest technologies for ground-based observation of the skies. They will discover what limitations exist with even the most modern equipment and how astronomers compensate for those. Students will enhance their understanding of astronomical observation with in-class projects such as building a telescope, a sundial, and an astrolabe.There is a $15.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day. Topics in this series include: Classical & Current Star-Gazing (Quarter 1); Mission to the Moon (Quarter 2); Modern & Space-Based Searches (Quarter 3); and Mission to Mars (Quarter 4)

    2
    Taliesin Knol
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    This class will explore the judicial processes of the ancient world, starting with Ancient Greece. Students will learn how justice was carried out in a time before codified written legal systems, prisons, lawyers, or even formal judges existed and where the facts of your case depended entirely on how well your rhetoric could convince hundreds of your fellow citizens that would serve on a jury. Like a traditional mock trial program, the class will hear cases, and students will defend themselves, but will be expected to do so as an Ancient Greek citizen would have, through open debate. Real historical cases will be studied and trial parts assigned to the class, which will be debated from the perspective of both citizen and non-citizen residents of an ancient Polis. The class will serve as the jury and, if necessary, select period-appropriate verdicts and explain how they arrived at their decisions.

    Topics in this Series: Crime & Punishment in Ancient Greece (Semester 1); Roman law, From Republic to Empire (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 0-1 hours per week outside of class.

    Assignments: Google Drive (period maps, photographs and recreations) and YouTube (videos) links will be e-mailed to parents/students for homework or supplemental investigation.

    Textbooks: None.

    Assessments: Will not be given.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in World History or Civics for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Taliesin Knol

    On "December 7, 1941, -- a date which will live in infamy--, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan" declared Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This would plunge the United States fully into the Second World War. This class will cover the lead-up to the attack, Imperial Japan's unchecked aggression across the Pacific, and ultimately the attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor.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 the US base at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. 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 totally recreate the entirety of the battlefield at Pearl Harbor.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 War at Sea gaming rule system for moving ships and equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how this battle progressed and test different scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices. Can the US fleet intercept the Imperial Japanese navy? What would happen if the Navy's aircraft carriers were in the harbor? We can simulate these and other conditions of the Early Pacific theater of WWII.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).

    0
    Dr. Michele Forsythe
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    Why does too much caffeine give you insomnia? Does Gatorade after exercise really help? How does ibuprofen make pain go away? Answers to these questions and thousands more can be found in the field of biochemistry. Biochemistry is the 20th century branch of medicine that uses chemistry to study biological processes in living organisms at the cellular and molecular level. Biochemistry has connections to the fields of genetics, microbiology, forensics, immunology, and medicine.

    In this class, students will start with the basics of atomic structure and chemical bond formation. From there the class will examine the polarity of water molecules and several common chemical groups in order to understand and predict the behavior of larger molecules (macromolecules). The macromolecules we will study this semester exist in living organisms and in humans, these include carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids and fats. The role of each of these groups of molecules in your body’s cells will be discussed.

    In-class labs will include: DNA extraction from a food or plant of student's choice; performing chemistry experiments to identify carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and fats; building a protein structure using a molecular modeling kit; building models of individual water molecules and the hydrogen bonds between the molecules to explain polarity and protein behavior.

    Topics in this Series: BioChemistry Basics (Semester 1), Decoding DNA and Genetics (semester 2). Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $30.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Dr. John Kornacki
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    Where does the money come from for stimulus checks or a tax cut? How is a debt different than a deficit? These topics can be understood with a practical, every-day, concept-based approach to Economics. This course in applied economics spans key themes in micro-economics and macro-economics in a tangible, approachable way using cases and real examples from the community around us and avoids the traditional math-heavy, dull, and difficult study of the field.

    Economics is all about choosing and then deciding. It involves the study of how and why these choices and decisions are made and then determining their outcomes for a person, a firm, or even a nation. Sometimes the study of economics is referred to as the study of the political economy because it involves public decisions. For this course, we start off with smaller units first--often called micro-economics--and stress practical or applied concepts. Later, the course will examine the larger-scale implications for using the tools of economics to better understand public policy formation and to explore case studies on such issues as alleviating poverty, addressing climate change, and protecting public health.

    The course starts small and moves to larger subjects over time. It offers students an opportunity to explore ideas, evaluate case studies, discuss them in class, and then write about them. The course encourages the development of critical thinking skills using the basic terms and concepts of applied economics.

    Class Meetings: This is a 27-week year-long class that does not meet on 10/20/23, 2/23/24, or 3/22/24

    Prerequisites: None

    Levels: The course provides a substantive, full-credit experience in either an Honors or On-Level track. All students complete the same assignments for Semester 1. Near the end of Semester 1, students may decide to differentiate their workload and continue On-Level or at an Honors level for Semester 2. Honors students will have more in-depth assignments with longer and additional readings, more practice of synthesis and analysis, and additional writing. Both tiers offer a substantial, full-credit experience. Students register online for the same course.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class on homework.

    Assignments: Assignments will consist of readings, worksheets, individual and group projects, including a final paper and presentation. All assignments will be posted on password-protected Google classroom site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, take automated quizzes and tests, track grades, and message instructor and classmates.

    Assessments: Points will be awarded for the competition of assignments, quizzes, and projects, and parents can assign a grade based on the number of points earned as compared to the number of points available.

    Textbook/Materials: The instructor will provide pdfs of articles or links to weekly readings or videos.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as full credit in Economics for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Diane Wright Cobb
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    Tweens will be introduced to watercolor painting in a small group class under the guidance of a professional painter and art teacher. The class will learn the theory of color mixing and the techniques of blending, building up color, creating gradients, and applying light washes. The class will learn how to select the right brush and how to use water to create different effects. Our new painters will practice using paint and brush strokes to create effects like light and shadow, dimension, and texture, and how to develop backgrounds, foregrounds, and detail work. Students will try techniques such as applying and removing paint, layering, stippling, and dabbing, along with wet and dry brush techniques. Students will complete several paintings on canvas boards. A variety of subjects, such as still life, animals, florals, landscapes, seascapes, fantasy, abstracts, or "mimic the masters" will be introduced to illustrate different painting techniques through in-class projects. Topics in this series include: Watercolor Painting (Quarter 1), Tempera Painting (Quarter 2), Acrylic Painting (Quarter 3), and MultiMedia Painting (Quarter 4). There is an $15.00 supply fee due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Christina Somerville
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    Middle school students will learn how to improve their critical thinking for deeper understanding using strategies in reading comprehension. They will learn how to sort, analyze, describe, and compare information they read for a variety of purposes.The class will evaluate examples from age-appropriate fiction and nonfiction works where a dilemma is presented or a claim is made. Students will learn to ask, "Is this a good argument? Is it well constructed and convincing?" They will discover how to define terms and break a whole concept into its component parts in order to formulate and defend their own arguments.First semester, the class will examine short stories such as Alice & Wonderland, Animal Farm, and The Lottery, along with excerpts from familiar teen fiction like Harry Potter, the Hunger Games and Divergent. Middle school students should expect to spend an average of two hours per week on reading and short written responses for this class. Topics in this series include: Short Stories (Semester 1) and Non-Fiction (Semester 2).

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    2
    Anne Taranto
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    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.

    First quarter, students will examine the theme of courage through Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird and Stephen Crane's Red Badge of Courage.

    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.

    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.

    2
    Shona D'Cruz

    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.


    First quarter, students will create one-of-a-kind sculptures and will learn to work with materials such as papier mache, air-dry and polymer clays, wire, plaster, etc. Example past projects include a wire wave sculpture, layered paper collage, clay animals, or sculpey flowers. Some projects may take two weeks to complete with one week dedicated to forming and shaping the base sculpture and the second week focused on finishing techniques such as painting and embellishing. A supply fee of $40.00 per student is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.


    Topics in this Series: Sculpture Skills (Quarter 1), Marvelous Mosaics (Quarter 2), Fiber Arts Fun (Quarter 3), and Upcycled, Recycled Projects (Quarter 4).

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Ethan Hay
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    In Digital Clubhouse, students will take their first steps towards coding by completing web-based challenges, interactive stories, games, and animations to develop fluency in essential computer skills and a fun, interactive introduction to the world of coding.Our youngest coders will use the simple drag-and-drop block programming language designed for kids. Kids will learn the logic statements, variable inputs, algorithms, and sequencing patterns behind coding. Using a colorful and visual framework to reach young learners, each lesson includes hands-on activities and problem-solving adventures to develop a foundation for future coding classes. Non-readers should wait another year and not register for this level.Digital Clubhouse is a computer lab environment in which students work through the Black Rocket curriculum under the direction of computer science coaches. The lab environment allows students to enroll at any quarter, fosters brand new coders, and encourages those with prior coding experience. In the "Intro" level of a course (i.e., Part 1), students will work through the fundamentals of a new digital skill. In the "Continuing" level (i.e., Part 2), students who continue from "Intro" will develop new skills and will design and code an individual project. New students who enroll in "Intro" will begin with the introductory lessons. In order to differentiate instruction between new and continuing students, coaches work with small pull-out groups, pairs, or individuals to provide additional support as needed. The class tuition includes a student technology fee that covers the use of instructor-provided classroom laptops loaded with the required software, applications, and licenses. At the end of the class, students will receive access to Black Rocket's interactive learning platform to continue their coding journey at home. Topics in this Series: Young Coders (Quarters 1, 2); Make Your First 3D Video Game (Quarters 3, 4).

    2
    Taliesin Knol

    3000 years ago, western civilization, as the ancients knew it, almost disappeared. This was known as the Bronze Age Collapse, a near total ending of all civilization in the Mediterranean world. Only the mightiest empires would be able to withstand the onslaught of displaced invaders, climate disasters, and the breakdown of trade that had fueled the Bronze age. The last bastion of early human civilization was the New Kingdom of Egypt. Protected from land invasion by an impassable desert, their greatest threat would arrive by sea, giving the invaders the name, "the Sea Peoples." Because of the breakdown in civilization, little is known about Sea Peoples, but they forced the Empire of Ramses to change completely, or face extinction!Using artistic model-making techniques, hand tools, paint, and miniatures, each student will craft a 10 X 16 diorama. In class, they will view historical maps, artistic renderings, and/or photographs to understand the topography and development of this time and place in history. Students will customize their dioramas with landforms, landscape elements, waterways, and structures to represent a scene from this period. Once individual projects are constructed, students will populate them with 1:72 scale miniature figures. Students will combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to approximate a larger terrain and then compete in a history-based role-playing game which will reinforce lessons about the culture, economy, and/or warfare of the time. Each student will have at least one board and 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 year's series include:Ancient Egypt & the Sea Peoples (Quarter 1); Ancient Greece & the Trojan War (Quarter 2); The Roman Republic (Quarter 3); and Viking Invasions (Quarter 4)

    0
    Marybeth Henry
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    Physician. Physical Therapist. Phlebotomist. Paramedic. Did you know that the Healthcare Industry makes up more than 18% of the US economy and employs 20 million workers in the US? Chances are that several Compass teens will work in this field. This course is designed to give students an overview of the healthcare field and a foot in the door to begin work as an EMT.

    An EMT, or Emergency Medical Technician, is a frontline healthcare worker who, in Virginia, can work as early as age 16 once certified. Work as an EMT can be a young adult's side gig throughout college and can help them earn clinical hours that advanced medical programs want to see.

    This year-long course will cover medical terminology, anatomy, trauma scenarios- such as bleeding, broken bones, wounds, head injuries, and medical scenarios- such as illness, seizures, stroke, and cardiac or respiratory distress. The class will learn field techniques like using a tourniquet, applying dressings, splinting, testing blood glucose level, taking vital signs, and administering a few, limited OTC medications. Students will identify the role of an EMT during a mental health crisis and how to help deescalate a confrontation. They will discover how HIPPA, privacy, consent, and legal issues play in the EMT's role and how EMTs interface with law enforcement, hospitals, and other specialties in the community. Students in this class will use critical thinking skills to reason through problems they might encounter during emergencies. Finally, students will learn how to care for themselves in a field which can be emotionally and physically draining.

    This course is organized to prepare students to take the National Registry exam and earn their Virginia license as an EMT. Once licensed, a student can volunteer as an EMT on an ambulance until age 18 when he/she can be paid. At age 18, certified individuals could work for private transport companies or as a Clinical Technician in an Emergency Room.

    Notes: (1) Students must be age 16 no later than October 1 to enroll in this course. (2) Some colleges will retroactively award a student credit for earning their EMT certification.

    Prerequisite: Students should have completed a workshop in CPR prior to taking this course and will be asked to provide a copy of their certification. An option is the Compass 2-day. 6-hour First Aid/CPR training on May 14 and 21.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 6 hours per week outside of class.

    Assignments: Students will be assigned 1-2 chapters each week to read at home each week so class time can be dedicated to the practice of hands-on skills.

    Assessments: The instructor may give short quizzes to ensure that students are keeping up with their reading, which is necessary to prepare for the exam. In addition, students will be "signed off" and approved on hands-on skills throughout the course. The National Registry Exam will be administered in May 2024.

    Textbook/Materials: Students should purchase or rent Emergency Care and Transportation of the Sick and Injured Essentials Package 12th Edition by AAOS (ISBN # 978-1284227222)

    Supplies: Students should purchase the following items and bring to class each week:

    • Lightning X Small First Responder Stocked EMT Trauma Bag (student's choice of 7 colors) on Amazon.

    https://www.amazon.com/dp/B010G2I3PU/?coliid=I18ZZZ79D6Z0EF&colid=1BQJV62J905ZD&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

    Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $50.00 is due payable to the instructor for consumable and in-class supplies and equipment.

    What to Bring: Students should bring their textbook, notebook/paper, pen or pencil, and medical kit to class each week.

    What to Wear: Students should wear comfortable clothing that would allow them to participate in occasional demonstrations on the floor.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Science, Health, Elective, or Career Exploration for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: CPR Certification

    2
    Anne Taranto

    In this introductory high school English workshop, students will be introduced to the concepts of literary genres and analytical writing. Each quarter, the class will examine one select work or genre. Students will learn to recognize figurative language, tone, subtext and diction, identify symbolism and imagery, and develop an awareness of narrative perspective and of the social-historical contexts in which these works were created. First quarter will feature The Novel: Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Sallinger.Composition: Students will also learn the fundamental components of academic writing, including how to construct a thesis statement that makes an argument, how to support their ideas effectively with textual evidence, how to organize an argument logically, and how to cite sources in MLA format. Some class periods will be dedicated Writing Lab session in which students write in-class in order to get on-the-spot support and feedback from the teacher. Students should bring laptops to these class sessions.Topics in this Series: The Novel (Quarter 1), Poetry (Quarter 2), The Play (Quarter 3), and The Epic (Quarter 4). Students who continue from one quarter to the next will receive priority registration.Prerequisites: Students should be able to read at grade level, and it is recommended that students have had a middle school writing class.Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and 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 for the select novel.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 passages/pages.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a partial credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

    0
    Ange Goueti
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    Eureka Math 5 is a full-year, complete math curriculum for students who have mastered the equivalent of Eureka's Math 4 content (below). This class meets twice a week and is designed to be a full program where students receive instruction in person at Compass and complete homework on off-days at home. Parents do not have to select a curriculum or deliver the instruction, but rather are expected to ensure that homework is being completed at home and assist the student in checking attempted homework.Topics in Eureka 5 include:

      • Writing and interpreting numerical expressions
      • Understanding place value system
      • Performing four basic operations on multi-digital whole numbers with decimals to hundredths.
      • Adding and subtracting fractions with unlike denominators
      • Multiplying and dividing fractions
      • Converting units within a measurement system
      • Working with volumes
      • Graphing points on a coordinate plane
      • Classifying 2D figures
    Publisher Great Minds.org describes the Eureka curriculum as a "holistic Prekindergarten through Grade 12 curriculum that carefully sequences mathematical progressions in expertly crafted modules, making math a joy to teach and learn." Eureka is aligned with most state standards. Read more about Eureka Math HERE. https://greatminds.org/math/eurekamath. Eureka Math 5 is being offered at Compass as a full year class with 59 in-person class meetings. Attendance is very important. In the event of a missed class due to illness or travel, students may cover the missed lesson through online recorded lectures available in the Eureka suite of online supplements.Prerequisites: Math 4 or equivalent with mastery of the following:
    • Has learned/memorized all math facts fluently: addition/subtraction (1-20) and multiplication/division through 10 x 10
    • Uses four basic operations with whole numbers to solve work problems.
    • Understands factors and multiples
    • Understands multi-digit place value
    • Adds and subtracts multi-digit whole numbers
    • Multiplies multi-digit whole numbers
    • Divides four-digit dividends by one digit divisors
    • Understands fraction equivalents and common decimal equivalents
    • Adds and subtracts fractions with like denominators
    • Completes word problems with measurements and conversions from larger unit to smaller
    • Represents and interpreting data
    • Draws and classifies lines, angles, and shapes
     Assignments: Assignments will be made in class as a range of pages to complete on the topics that were taught in class. The instructor will follow up with an email repeating the assigned pages. Assessments: Each class, the instructor will check that students have completed the assigned homework. Homework will be recorded as attempted or not attempted. Parents will be provided with an answer key for homework. Students will be given short, in-class quizzes to encourage them to be prepared and engaged. The instructor will record quiz scores in order to track a student's overall understanding and progression in class, but the instructor will not provide a letter grade. Parents may track quiz scores in order to assign their own grades and complete homeschool record-keeping.Textbooks/Workbooks: Students will need a set of 4 "Learn" softcover textbooks and 3 "Succeed" softcover workbooks. To make sure that students get the correct edition, Compass will purchase book bundles for each students (See supply fee below). Students will receive one textbook and one workbook at a time, and the future editions will be stored at Compass until needed to prevent loss or damage.Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $90.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for the class workbook.What to Bring: Students should bring a spiral notebook, pencil, and their workbook to class each week.

    2
    Fencing Sports Academy
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    Fencing is the clashing of steel and competitive spirit combined with the battle of the wits. Apply the rules of Olympic fencing, and you have a physically and mentally challenging game of strategy, often called, "physical chess." In Beginning Fencing, students will learn the rules of the sport as well as footwork, attacks, parries, responses, and how to judge matches. Beginning students will use the epee, a thin, lightweight sword with broad hand guard and will wear a wireless electronic scoring sensor over layers of protective gear. Returning students will work with both the epee and foil. The physical benefits of fencing are an increase in agility, balance and coordination. Fencing also provides mental benefits such as improved focus, strategy and confidence. Fencing is safety-oriented with blunt tip weapons, chest protectors, chest/sleeve pads, fencing jacket, gloves, and face mask. Students may enroll any quarter. All equipment is provided by the instructor. Students are asked to wear comfortable athletic pants such as running pants or sweatpants (no jeans, no dresses), and low-heeled athletic shoes.

    2
    Edwige Pinover
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    Bonjour! French Foundations is an introductory class for middle school-aged students. The class will be taught in a predominantly immersion environment. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students or explain difficult concepts. French language instruction will be presented in a natural learning sequence beginning with nouns (such as colors, numbers, clothing, foods, animals, days/dates, etc), adjectives, greetings, and simple phrases. Students will learn beginning grammatical constructions such as noun-verb agreement, noun-adjective agreement, adjective placement, and the rules of regular verb conjugation. Students will be encouraged to speak aloud and converse with classmates, but also to learn to sound out, spell, and read beginning, written French. Aspects of Francophone culture such as holidays, foods, and traditions will be incorporated in the classes. Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in French, so continuing students can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, grammar, and usage while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Students should be at grade level in their reading. Fluency should not be expected at this level.

    2
    Edwige Pinover

    **Note, this course is being offered as semi-private instruction for select students who had French II with this instructor. Tuition is based on two students in the class. If an additional student wishes to enroll, he/she must speak with the instructor to confirm placement. Tuition will be recalculated for all students with the addition of a 3rd or 4th student.**

    Bonjour et bienvenue dans notre classe de francais 3 ! Welcome to the third year of high school French. This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build more vocabulary and will be able to communicate using more and more complex sentences. The class will continue using the present tense, the future proche (a future), the passe recent (recent past), the passe-compose and imparfait (two forms of past tense) and will learn the future and the conditional forms of verb. Vocabulary will include school activities, professions, the theme of fairy tales, nature and environment, and the media. At this point in learning French, students should be using all of the vocabulary they know to become better listeners, more fluent speakers, and stronger writers.

    Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos.

    Prerequisites: French II

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class.

    Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class.

    Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade.

    Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Bien Dit!: Student Edition Level 3, 2013 edition (ISBN-13: 978-0547871691)

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: French II

    0
    Iman Castaneda

    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.

    0
    David Chelf
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    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 Algebra I in order to take this class.Workload: Students should expect to spend 1.25-1.75 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 13-day cycle in this class with: a new unit introduced on a Friday (day 1), lecture on Wednesday (day 6), questions and answers on the next Friday (day 8), and homework due the next Wednesday (day 13). After introduction of a new topic (day 1), students will be expected to read the assigned section and look through worked, sample problems before the lecture the following Wednesday (day 6). Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of all 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: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by checking that weekly homework sets are complete and giving periodic take-home tests; class participation is also strongly encouraged. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade.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.

    Prerequisites: Algebra I

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature 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:

    • Bruschetta
    • Italian Wedding Soup
    • Classic Chopped Italian Salad
    • Baked Zucchini
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pesto (nuts)
    • Homemade Marinara and Linguini
    • Tiramisu (decaf)

    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: Italian (Quarter 1), Mexican (Quarter 2), Pan Asian (Quarter 3), French (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..

    2
    Ney Mello
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    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.

    2
    David Chelf
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    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 of 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 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 an approximately 11-day cycle in this class with: a new unit introduced on a Tuesday (day 1), lecture on Friday (day 4), questions and answers on the next Tuesday (day 8), and homework due the next Friday (day 11). After introduction of a new topic (day 1), students will be expected to read the assigned section and look through worked, sample problems before the next lecture. Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of all work.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: 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.

    Prerequisites: Algebra II

    2
    Karen Shumway
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    Why do I have to stretch before I exercise? Why are my legs sore after running? Why did my doctor put a cast on my wrist? Kids have lots of questions about their own bodies and development. Little Doctor Academy helps answer these questions and more in the context of fun, age-appropriate medical lessons and in-class activities that introduce children to themes in science, medicine, anatomy, and biology.First quarter, kids will learn about the dynamic specialty of Sports Medicine. They will learn about the skeletal and muscular systems in their bodies and what nutrition is needed to support healthy bones and muscles. The class will also talk about different types of physical activity, which bones and muscles are used in each, and conduct simple in-class activities to demonstrate some of these such as: testing their strength in dominant versus non-dominant hand, run in place to raise heartrate, and test flexibility and reflexes.There is a supply fee of $20.00 due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a take-home kit consisting of a medical coat, doctor name tag, class notebook, and take-home manipulatives and props for the medical specialty studied. Topics in this Series: Sports Medicine (Quarter 1); Paramedic (Quarter 2); Virologist (Quarter 3); Neurologist/Ophthalmologist- Brain & Sight (Quarter 4)

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Compass Staff
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    Lunch-N-Learn is a supervised lunch hour for kids ages 8-12 whose parents are unable to be on campus during their break. If a family is unable to find a suitable class during a specific hour, kids can enroll in Lunch-N-Learn where they will eat their own lunches or snacks with other kids under the supervision of a Compass staff member.Lunch is not provided. Parents can make arrangements for food delivery such as Grub Hub, Door Dash, or Uber Eats. Some snacks are available for sale at Compass.During each hour, Compass staff will show educational programming such as Planet Earth, National Geographic, or How It's Made. Students are encouraged to bring homework, games, or puzzles to work on after lunch is finished. Students may bring tablets or hand-held video games but must have headphones or ear buds. The content of any video game or video streamed at Compass must be rated "E" for everyone.Students must be enrolled in other classes at Compass to participate in Lunch-N-Learn. The lunchtime program cannot be a student's only class at Compass.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Paula Shaibani
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    Explore the world of gargantuan gods, humble heroes, and malevolent monsters! Mythology is the birthplace of some of the most entertaining and incredible cultural stories ever written. Some ancient myths even have plots that rival today's comics and blockbuster movies. Many myths still have millennia-old appeal because of their timeless tales of good versus evil, life and death, creation and the afterlife. This class explores the origins of early mythology, from the Egyptians to the Greeks and Romans, through epics, plays and poetry. Readers will explore the realm of mythology through short stories, class discussion, analyses, extension activities and projects that will boost comprehension and the understanding of myths as the basis for many other forms of modern media. Students will enjoy reading and discussing battles, romance, treachery, larger than life heroes and characters, intricate gods and goddesses, and all sorts of fantastical creatures!First quarter, the class will explore myths from Ancient Egypt such as The Story of Re; Isis and Osiris; Reign of Ra the Sun God; and Rhodopis: The Egyptian Cinderella. Meet Anubis, Horus, Hatshepsut, Ptah, Set, and others. Discover how ancient Egyptian mythology influenced their faith, guided the pharaohs, influenced Egyptian art and architecture, and explained natural phenomena such as the annual flooding of the Nile.For this class, students need to be on-grade-level for reading. There is a $10.00 supply fee payable to the instructor on the first day for photocopied reading selections and class materials.Topics in this series include: Ancient Egypt (Quarter 1); Greek and Roman Epics (Quarter 2); Greek and Roman Plays (Quarter 3); Greek and Roman Poetry (Quarter 4)

    2
    Judith Harmon

    Who doesn't love a good "Whodunnit" mystery? In this workshop, teens actors will work together to bring a cast of characters to life through creative adaptations and interpretive improvisation. Using materials from a commercial murder mystery role playing game (RPG), students will assume the personas of outrageous and offbeat characters. As the drama unfolds in rounds guided by clue cards, eclectic evidence, and fictitious forensics, a victim, a motive, and eventually the murderer will be revealed.

    Student actors will be guided through the development of a strong, compelling character, complete with unique ways of speaking, gesturing, and moving, an original costume, a backstory, and of course, an alibi.

    You're invited to a mysterious escape room party in a rented mansion in a fog-shrouded Noxhelm's Crossing. The invitation says you will work as a team with the other guests to escape the room with puzzles, riddles, and codes before time runs out. You have no idea who invited you, but you know everyone on the guest list- the most ambitious yet scandalous people in town- until one of them turns up dead. Who could have done it?

    In this workshop, students benefit from experimenting with acting and improvisation and working as a team. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and enjoy working in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. This is a 6-week class that does not meet on 10/20/23

    Topics in this Series: Murder in the Escape Room (Quarter 1), Toga Terror (Quarter 2), The Last Will of Hunter Bentley (Quarter 3), Prison Pardon (Quarter 4), etc. Students continuing from the prior quarter will receive priority pre-registration for next quarter.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-1.5 hours per week outside of class.

    Assignments: Will be posted in a Google classroom.

    Assessments: Informal qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a script and costs related to props and performance license fee.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in fine arts or performing arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    0
    Sevim Kalyoncu
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    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.

    2
    Sevim Kalyoncu
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    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.

    2
    Becca Sticha
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    Design, build, and program a robotic vehicle to simulate a lunar lander which can traverse an uneven terrain and collect "moon rocks." Each week, students will improve their landers though the addition of new sensors and components and will program their creations to complete changing lunar challenges.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)

    2
    Alexander Shumway
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    Students will explore the science and technology of robotics in an open workshop environment. They will work in pairs by experience level and interests to plan, conceptualize, build, program, and test a robot of their own design. Student partners will set their own design and performance criteria for their robot. Will it be one that plays a game, gathers data, or completes a mission using custom code that the team has written and tested? This laboratory is open to beginners as well as returning students with prior experience.The class will focus on construction and programming, with the goal of having functional robots by the end of the semester. There will be an emphasis on the engineering-design process with repeated build-test-redesign iterations until the robot performs as expected. Student pairs will be encouraged to think creatively and apply problem-solving skills to find unique solutions to their scenario. Groups will move at their own pace, and completed robots may have different levels of complexity depending on the experience of the team.An experienced robotics competitor will serve as a mentor and facilitator during the lab. He will not teach formal lessons but will instead circulate among the partner teams to trouble-shoot and offer advice on hardware and software issues, spending more time with newer builders and programmers. Students will enjoy the collaboration and camaraderie that comes from watching the successes, missteps, and eventual solutions of other teams. They will build with Tetrix Prime metal robotics components, incorporate sensors [such as, ultrasonic distance, infrared (IR) proximity, mini-LIDAR (laser radar), touch, line-following, color- sensing, or sound sensors], electronics, and motors from Tetrix Prizm, and code using the Arduino IDE. Please note: Prior experience with robotics and coding are not required. Also, students do not get to keep finished projects.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Little kids will learn the basics of hand sewing and discover it is "sew simple" to create fun things they can play with and use every day. First quarter, Sew Simple students will sew a storybook with memorable characters from a children's class tale.Kids will learn practical sewing skills such as pinning and placement, a running stitch, attaching a button, scissor skills, and stuffing. The group will be working with pre-cut felt components from kits that will be enhanced with buttons and accessories. Since students may work at different rates, some projects may not be completed in class and will be sent home to finish sewing with the newly learned skills. Students should be at age/grade level for fine motor skills for this class and should be a minimum of age 6. A material fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class. Topics in this series include: Sew a Story (Quarter 1), Monster Mash-Up (Quarter 2), Polar Pals (Quarter 3), and Fairytale Fun (Quarter 4).

    2
    Sarah Fraser
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    Quizzes, tests, homework, projects, reports, teams, clubs, jobs, internships, volunteer work, applications, life decisions arghhh! The demands of high school can be overwhelming or downright intimidating to most teens, even those who are homeschooled! And guess what? That variety of new responsibilities and expectations doesn t go away. They will likely increase in the later years of high school and into college. But don t worry- there are strategies and core skills that will help prepare a teen for success in high school and beyond.

    Study skills and college success basics include a toolbox of key life skills that will help your teen tackle high school and prepare for college. These skills are taught through in-class activities, some at-home trials, and by evaluating best practices. They are not taught as a one-size-fits all, but rather a range of options to accomplish the same thing for individual learners and different learning styles. Skills that will be addressed in this class include time management skills and tools like planners, to-do lists, calendars, and reminders- paper or electronic- what are the options, and what works best? Students will look at ways to manage short-term and long-term assignments; setting goals; how to break a bigger project into manageable steps and milestones; and how to avoid procrastination. The class will also learn fundamentals such as how to tackle a new chapter, read to retain, recall details, annotate, make margin notes, and take notes from readings, lectures, or videos; outline, and the art of brainstorming. Students will learn how to study and prepare for tests.

    In their toolbox, teens will also learn soft skills needed in school such as communicating and coordinating with a team on group projects and how to ask for information from teachers, employers, and other adults. The group will complete a career inventory and think about what they might be interested in doing in the future and will get tips on internships, mentor relationships, and options for junior/senior summer or a gap year. Finally, the class will look at sleep, diet, stress, screen time, and other personal habits that can impact a teen's work and effectiveness.

    2
    Sirdley Taborga

    Buenas tardes! Spanish Exploradores (Explorers) is a fun, immersive introductory Spanish class for older elementary students. Much like learning their native language, students will be exposed to the sounds, vocabulary, and phrases in Spanish through songs, games, stories, and hands-on activities. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks. The teacher will bring objects each week to give students tangible, hands-on examples of the vocabulary being introduced. In this level, students will be encouraged to begin to combine adjectives with nouns and nouns with verbs.Each quarter introduces new themes and new vocabulary in Spanish, so children can continue to build their language basics. However, themes and units are non-sequential, so students may enroll in this level in any quarter. While the theme might be the same as that of a younger level of instruction, more vocabulary will be introduced at the older level. The goal of this introductory course is to lay foundations in sounds, vocabulary, and simple phrases while having fun and building confidence in a foreign language. Instruction will be predominantly verbal, but key vocabulary words may be written down for students to begin a sense of spelling. Students will be encouraged to write down new words each week, but reading, writing, and spelling will not be expected. Fluency should not be expected at this level.Material/Supply Fee: The instructor will order a South-American written/published Spanish activity book for students in-class use after assessing their ages/skill levels. Parents will be asked to reimburse the instructor for the expense, typically $10-$15.

    0
    Sirdley Taborga
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    Hola! Get ready for a full year of beginner level high school Spanish! This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary quickly beginning with the alphabet, numbers, time, dates, seasons, school, free time activities/hobbies, likes/dislikes, personal descriptions, family relationships, emotions, food/restaurants, places/locations in town, and shopping/clothing. There will be a strong emphasis on conversation with common grammar concepts such as articles, pronouns, adjectives, comparative phrases, and present tense and regular past tense verbs learned and practiced in the context of conversation (rather than stand-along grammar exercises).

    Class will be conducted primarily in Spanish and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions. At home, students will be responsible for practicing vocabulary and grammar and completing written assignments, and watching language immersion video clips.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day approximately 4 days per week on homework outside of class.

    Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer for videos that are assigned.

    Assessments: Quizzes and tests will be scored with a points system that parents can use in calculating a grade .

    Textbook: Students should purchase or rent Avancemos!: Student Edition Level 1, 2018 edition (ISBN # 978-0544861213)

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    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:
    Q1

    • Mochi Brownies
    • Pate De Fruits
    • Cherry Pistachio Muffins (nuts)
    • Pear Clafoutis
    • Vanilla Souffle
    • Cinnamon Donuts
    • Caramel Pecan Trifle (nuts)

    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 Casual 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).

    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.

    2
    Paula Shaibani
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    Do you recognize McDonald's golden arches, Amazon's smile, or Twitter's blue bird from a block away? Can you connect a company and its slogan: "Just Do It" (Nike) or "Taste the Rainbow" (Skittles)? If so, you have experienced the work of the advertising and marketing industries! These dynamic career fields merge applied creativity, psychology, writing, and design. This class will explore the theory and practice of advertising and marketing, from the skills and structure of each position to in-class experience in creating campaigns.

    Students will examine the processes and finished products of both advertising and marketing teams through case studies and projects and will discover what sets the two specialties apart. They will learn the underlying principles of advertising and marketing and understand the responsibilities, expectations, and cultures of both fields.

    First semester, the class will cover the choices of hiring an advertising agency or performing advertising in-house with a team comprised of account managers, creatives, media buyers, and others. Students will explore the skills necessary for each role, such as writing, consumer psychology, budgeting, interpersonal skills, public speaking, presentation creation, graphic design, and more. The class will look at case studies and examples from print, television, and online media content. Sample projects could include a group project where each member takes on a different role within an ad agency or in-house team and/or individual case studies and critiques on individual brands.

    This class provides a practical opportunity for students to assess their own interests and strengths for a future a career in advertising or marketing. Do they enjoy working with potential clients, or would they rather stay behind a computer? Do they like the creative execution of writing and designing, or are they more theoretical with their brainstorming? Do they prefer leading, or would they rather have a specific designated role within a team? This class also prepares students to be informed consumers and analytical thinkers about the branded content they consume and encounter in daily life. The class will also explore ethical and legal implications of campaigns, such as marketing to children, disclosing sponsored content, subliminal messaging, and more.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend about 2-3 hours per week on homework and projects.

    Assignments: Homework assignments will be explained in class and emailed to parents and students.

    Assessments: The instructor will assign points using a class rubric, which will include homework, quizzes, tests, projects and participation. Parents will receive a detailed evaluation at the end of the year with sufficient information and feedback to calculate a grade.

    Textbook: Links to case studies and class materials will be emailed or posted in an online classroom management system.

    What to Bring: Students will need loose leaf paper, a binder or notebook, and pencils for daily classes and homework. Laptops may be required in some class meetings for online research and projects. Projects may require occasional additional materials.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a partial credit in Fine Arts, Career Exploration or General Elective for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Karen Shumway
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    Ragdoll vaccinated for rabies. A Scottish Fold sprayed for skin mites. A Tonkinese treated for a toothache. Sometimes even our feline friends need medical care! Lots of kids love animals, and some even think about becoming veterinarians and animal specialists. There is a lot of science in the care and keeping of animals.In this class, future cat veterinarians will learn all about cat care (nutrition, play, grooming), cat anatomy, and cat behavior. Kids will learn to recognize signs that a cat is unfriendly, afraid, aggressive, or unwell. They will learn to perform steps of a well-pet check-up and identify some common medical care and preventatives recommended for cats. The class will also learn about cat behavior and natural instincts. Kids will discover fun and fascinating facts, similarities, and differences in cat breeds. Students will learn about the cat's relationship with humans and the history of domesticated cats as companion animals. Finally, students will take one class session to journey to other corners of the continents to meet some wild members of the cat (Felidae) family such as the leopard, caracal, lynx, ocelot, and puma. (And say, why aren't lions and tigers on that list?)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 plush cat for demonstrations, and a class workbook. They will "adopt" and name their cat, and during the final week, they will receive a diploma. (Pets, 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.

    2
    Osk Huneycutt

    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.First quarter, we will learn some basics of paleontology and geology. Students will learn about the science and methods of paleontology as they prepare for a mock fossil dig. They will handle real fossils, learn how fossilization occurs, and simulate excavating fossils and reconstructing a dig site. While they are still in the dirt, students will learn about the field of geology. The class will discover how geologists study rocks, dig up our own mineral samples, identify them, and learn about the geologic processes that formed them. Students will make their own crystal gardens to take home and observe. 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.

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Shannon McClain
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    Scriptophobia. Break the block. Get past the paralysis. Every student struggles with writing at some point. Fearful writers worry what others will think. Reluctant writers have trouble getting started. Even strong, prolific writers experience roadblocks in their writing. Every teen can benefit from Writing Lab, a safe, supportive writing workshop where an experienced writing coach facilitates peer revision groups. Writing Lab is based on the idea of revision, revision, revision; teaching teens that writing does not have to be perfect; sometimes they just need to put words on paper to get started.Writing Lab will give students the opportunity to revise their own writing at their own pace. Writing Lab may be taken stand-alone or to complement other classes. Each class will include the opportunity to write to a prompt or on a topic of choice, to confer with classmates about writing, and to work on developing pieces. Each session will include dedicated writing time. Students may bring pieces of writing from another class or something they are working on at home-- history paper, English composition, lab report, short story, personal essay, etc. No two will be the same. If a student shows up with no in-progress writing, the instructor will provide sample prompts to get the writing process started. After writing, students will break up into groups of 3-4 students to share their work and receive feedback from peers. Writers will benefit from having an audience and receiving input on their drafts. That feedback will inspire further revision, refinement, and clarification of their writing as well as ideas for new pieces. Each week the writing coach will provide writing tips and guidance on everything from organizing big ideas and writing mechanics to how to give and receive constructive criticism.Revision is a vital step in the writing process in which writers consider what they have accomplished and what they can do to make their work more effective. Having the opportunity to revise is helpful to reluctant writers, who learn to free themselves of high expectations of every word they put to paper, as well as prolific writers, who benefit from honing their craft. Having models written by peers in addition to a peer audience is inspiring, and it trains writers to be critical readers who can give constructive feedback. Students will improve as writers if they choose to work on their pieces in class only, but working independently will significantly amplify the benefits of the class. Topics in this Series: Writing Lab will continue in Semester 2, and students may continue the course to further develop/improve their writing. Continuing students from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Workload: Students should expect to spend time outside of class writing, however the time will vary based on the type of writing and students' goals for the writing.Assignments: Students should bring works-in-progress to lab. The number of assignments completed or advanced will depend on the amount of outside writing a student does and the length of his/her piece.Assessments: The writing coach will provide individual feedback on pieces that a student brings to work on in lab.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Shannon McClain
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    Writing is one of the most essential communication skills, and it gives kids a voice! In this class, upper elementary-aged students will learn the FUN-damentals of Writing Well! Kids will learn the foundations of good writing, step-by-step, in manageable, weekly pieces. Students will start the year with learning to formulate strong sentences and eventually move to organized, cohesive paragraphs in this class series. Classes will consist of lessons on writing basics, reading great examples (and weak ones) from literature and publications, and in-class writing practice. The emphasis will be on varying sentence structures, word choice, and correct structure- all with fun, creative topics that will keep kids interested in writing!Quarter one, students will learn all about sentences. The class will learn how to choose descriptive words from word lists and avoid dull, overused words (like good, bad, said) in their writing. They will learn about different sentence structures (simple, complex, and compound) and which one works best for different meanings. Each week, students will practice writing descriptive, informative, argumentative sentences in response to a variety of creative and non-fiction prompts in class. By the end of the quarter, students will feel confident writing three to four sentences cohesively and be prepared for constructing full paragraphs in Quarter two.The goal for this course is for students to increase their writing fluency, gain confidence, and strengthen their abilities to write clear, cohesive, and grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs. The group will learn the stages of writing--prewriting, drafting, revising, and editing--and various approaches to each stage. Throughout the quarter, mini-lessons on vocabulary and grammar will be presented on topics such as correct capitalization, agreement, tenses, parts of speech, synonyms, etc. Each week, students will have brief homework assignments based on what was covered in class using creative and non-fiction free response prompts to practice techniques at home. Regular writing practice improves fluency and comfort level. Students should expect 45-60 minutes of writing at home throughout the week (3-4 days at 15 minutes per sitting.)Topics in this series include Sentences that Speak (Quarter 1), Planning Paragraphs (Quarter 2), Fascinating Fiction Paragraphs (Quarter 3), and Fun Factual Paragraphs (Quarter 4).

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Becca Sticha

    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.First quarter, junior engineers will tackle Super Structures, using the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Wall of China, the Seattle Space Needed, Eiffel Tower, and the world's biggest bridges for their inspiration.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).

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Catherine Vanlandingham
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    Reading affects a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong literacy skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small reading group where students are placed with 2-4 peers who read at a similar level to follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of experienced reading specialist Catherine Vanlandingham. Each Monday meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as either a supplement to another at-home reading curriculum or as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum. Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization. First time registrations in Reading Rally include the cost of a 30-minute, individual assessment conducted in-person or virtually by Mrs. Vanlandingham. Parents are encouraged to contact Compass to schedule their child's reading assessment before registering. Families register without the assessment for grade-level placement must be prepared to reschedule to a different reading group if indicated by the assessment. Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or in additional 1-on-1 private reading instruction to make up ground in reading skills. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. The instructor may recommend a more complete evaluation by a neuropsychologist if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's reading. Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $93.00 is due payable to Compass for class materials. Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group and do not have to pay for an additional assessment.

    2
    Pete Van Riper
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    Students will be introduced to painting with acrylics in a relaxed, informal studio setting under the guidance of a professional art instructor. Students will work on canvas boards and will learn elements of art, principles of design, and color theory in addition to methods in painting. Each week, the instructor will demonstrate a different technique in acrylic painting rather than a different subject. Techniques will include mixing and blending paints, wet and dry brush techniques, sponge techniques, glazing, washing, gradient relief, sgraffito, impasto, smudging, dot techniques, stippling, pouring, splattering, dabbing, underpainting, and detailing. The emphasis will be on methods and effects so that each student has a "toolbox" of techniques for working in acrylics. Students will have the freedom to mix and match the techniques that they have learned to create original pieces. In the open studio concepts, each student will have a different goal and unique project in-progress such as still life, floral, landscape, portrait, fantasy, abstract, or pop art. Student will complete two or three boards each quarter, depending on the level of detailing.

    This class is suitable for beginners who have never painted before, and for experienced art students who have worked in other mediums and are interested in exploring acrylic painting. Compass parents are welcome to register for this class to work alongside their teens, or to work on their own, while their teen is in another Compass class. Painting can provide a relaxing, needed break from rigorous academic classes and over-scheduled lives in a fun, supportive environment.

    Prerequisites: None

    Workload: Work outside of class is optional, however students who want to continue to practice their painting techniques might want to purchase a tabletop easel (approx. $10.00) and set of basic acrylic paints ($30.00+) for home use.

    Assessments: Individual feedback is given in class. Formal assessments will not be given.

    Lab/Supply Fee: A supply fee of $25.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for up to 6 canvas boards and shared class supplies (paints, brushes, paper products, etc.). Students who paint more quickly need more than 6 boards can purchase additional ones from the instructor for $4.00/each.

    What to Wear: Students may wish to wear an apron, smock, or paint shirt when working with acrylic paints.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Two rookie detectives are grilling a motley crew of suspects and witnesses in a small-town crime. These suspicious characters are combative, ridiculous, and downright incompetent, but none of them seems guilty. One is the high school mascot, while another appears to be a character right out of a popular video game. With the clock ticking and their jobs on the line, can this good cop and bad cop duo collar a suspect before it's too late? Tweens will appreciate the quirky, off-beat humor of this scripted comedy. They will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of working together to bring this humorous piece to stage.

    Students, along with their acting instructor, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance of this comedy. Students will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. Student actors will be expected to learn their lines and participate fully. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work in a collaborative group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class. This is not an "anything goes" or free-for-all class. The students will perform for family and friends at the end of the semester.

    Topics in this Series: Good Cop, Bad Cop (Semester 1) and Everyone Gets Eaten By Sharks: A Cautionary Tale (Semester 2).

    Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a copy of the licensed script, performance royalty, and project materials.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    It's not always what it seems! Sometimes, a thrilling performance seems to lead the audience in one direction only to make a theatrical turn-around to reveal a different tale. Teens will enjoy the creativity and camaraderie of selecting, casting, rehearsing, and performing a short play that "breaks: the 4th wall, meaning a theatrical twist when the cast of a play directly addresses and involves the audience.

    The class will begin by reading through 2-4* possible scripts to select one that bests suits their group and grabs their interest from among Appropriate Audience Behavior, The Monologue Show (From Hell), Casting Catastrophes, and Artistic Inspiration.

    Students, along with their acting coach, will cast, rehearse, and coordinate a class performance. Teens will enjoy taking on unusual personas and bringing their characters to life while interacting with classmates. They will be encouraged to design and assemble simple costumes, props, and backdrops from items at home. They will be expected to learn their lines and fully participate in planning their performance. The group will perform the 45-60 minute piece for family and friends at the end of the semester.

    Classes in acting and theater education build a teen's confidence along with improving their social and communication skills. This class is best suited for students who are active listeners, are flexible and easily adapt, have a sense of humor, and can work collaboratively in a group. Students need to be able to stay in sync with the flow of the class.

    (*An additional script might be introduced based on final cast size.)

    Topics in this Series: Breaking the 4th Wall (Semester 1), Folklore & Fairytales Reimagined (Semester 2). Continuing students from the prior quarter will receive priority pre-registration for next semester.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class.

    Assignments: If any, will be posted in a Google Classroom.

    Assessments: Informal, qualitative feedback will be given in class throughout the semester. A quantitative score/grade will not be provided.

    Supply Fee: A class fee of $40.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a copy of the licensed script, performance royalty, and project materials.

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    David Chelf

    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 1.25-1.75 hours per day on reading, review, and homework on most non-class days. Homework assignments will run on a 13-day cycle in this class with: a new unit introduced on a Friday (day 1), lecture on Wednesday (day 6), questions and answers on the next Friday (day 8), and homework due the next Wednesday (day 13). After introduction of a new topic (day 1), students will be expected to read the assigned section and look through worked, sample problems before the lecture the following Wednesday (day 6). Solutions will be provided for some homework problems, but students are expected to show all steps of all 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. In lieu of a graphing calculator, students should have access to websites desmos.com and wolframalpha.com for graphing assignments.Assessments: In this class, the instructor will assess a student's progress by checking that weekly homework sets are complete and giving periodic take-home tests; class participation is also strongly encouraged. Parents will be able to view accumulated points awarded in the class for the purpose of determining a parent-awarded course grade.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.

    Prerequisites: Algebra I

    0
    Taliesin Knol
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    On "December 7, 1941, -- a date which will live in infamy--, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan" declared Franklin Delano Roosevelt. This would plunge the United States fully into the Second World War. This class will cover the lead-up to the attack, Imperial Japan's unchecked aggression across the Pacific, and ultimately the attack on the US fleet at Pearl Harbor.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 the US base at Pearl Harbor Hawaii. 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 totally recreate the entirety of the battlefield at Pearl Harbor.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 War at Sea gaming rule system for moving ships and equipment. Along with their classmates, students will see how this battle progressed and test different scenarios that might have occurred with different battlefield choices. Can the US fleet intercept the Imperial Japanese navy? What would happen if the Navy's aircraft carriers were in the harbor? We can simulate these and other conditions of the Early Pacific theater of WWII.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).

    2
    Becca Sticha

    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.First quarter, students will construct Animated Animals such as a hopping bunny, lumbering elephant, creeping frog, leaf-munching giraffe, trotting horse, mommy and baby bird, flapping owl, and a prowling, growling tiger.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).

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Karl Peterson
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    Teens will enjoy the logic and challenge of the timeless strategy board game as they learn and play chess with classmates. This is a multi-level class open to Beginners, Advanced Beginners, or Intermediate Players. Instruction will be differentiated based on the make-up of the class, and teens will be placed in pairs or groups depending on experience. Since teens move quickly through lessons and enjoy the interaction of the game, instruction will be approximately 20 minutes, with 35 minutes reserved for weekly in-class matches that are monitored and supported by the coach. Beginners may play as a group against the instructor which is a low-pressure way to learn the game. Teens who are engrossed in their games may continue their play into Friday Teen Game Night.

    Learning and playing chess supports problem solving, decision making, critical and creative thinking, general cognitive ability, scholastic skills, and mathematical achievement (Univ. of Minnesota). Experts suggest that the game of chess teaches analytical and disciplined thinking skills, while raising self esteem, teaching motivation and determination, and sportsmanship (Kasparov Foundation).

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in logic/reasoning or and elective for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    Students will enjoy making fresh fall recipes and family favorites that feature a variety of fruits, vegetables, and fresh ingredients. Fall Fare 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:

    • Corn and Bean Hand Pies
    • Coconut Curry Soup
    • Insalata
    • Stuffed Zucchini
    • Very Veggie Poke Bowl
    • Cast Iron Casserole
    • Neapolitan 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..

    2
    Shona D\'Cruz
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    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.First quarter, students will create one-of-a-kind sculptures and will learn to work with materials such as papier mache, air-dry and polymer clays, wire, plaster, etc. Example past projects include a wire wave sculpture, layered paper collage, clay animals, or sculpey flowers. Some projects may take two weeks to complete with one week dedicated to forming and shaping the base sculpture and the second week focused on finishing techniques such as painting and embellishing. A supply fee of $40.00 per student is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class. Topics in this Series: Sculpture Skills (Quarter 1), Marvelous Mosaics (Quarter 2), Fiber Arts Fun (Quarter 3), and Upcycled, Recycled Projects (Quarter 4).

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Taliesin Knol

    Explore the State of Virginia from its earliest colonial settlement 400 years ago. The class will discuss the driving factors for colonization of the "New World" by European powers, especially Great Britain and The Virginia Company which founded the colony. In counterpoint, the existing Powhatan Confederacy of Native Americans will also be studied, as well as several failed attempts at colonizing and how Jamestown narrowly escaped complete destruction!Each student will create an individual diorama. Students will craft and hand-shape their scene on a 10 x 16 inch foam board using artistic, model-making techniques. They will customize their dioramas with landscape elements, waterways, structures of the time, and paint. Once individual projects are constructed, students will populate them with 1:72 scale miniature figures and combine their dioramas alongside those of their classmates to create a larger terrain. Students will then compete in a history-based strategy game. This will reinforce lessons about the culture, economy, warfare, and politics of the time. Each student will have at least one board and 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 year's series include Virginia History: Jamestown and the Powhatan Confederacy, 1607 (1st quarter), The American War of Independence (2nd quarter), The War of 1812 (3rd quarter), and The Civil War 1861-1865 (4th quarter).

    0
    Anne Taranto
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    This full-credit English course is designed to prepare students for college level academic writing. It will deepen student's critical reading and textual analysis skills by asking students to think critically about the "American Dream" and what it means to be an American by reading texts that engage with these topics from the 18th century to today. In this course, students will read and respond in writing to both fiction and non-fiction texts, and our analytical method will focus on rhetorical context (subject, purpose and audience).Fall Semester will feature Daisy Miller (James), Incidents in the Life of a Slave Girl (Jacobs), The Crucible (Miller), and The Great Gatsby (F. Scott Fitzgerald)Writing Lab: An essential component of this course will be an in-class Writing Lab. Students in this class should have mastered the basics of academic writing, such as constructing a thesis statement that makes an argument and organizing their thoughts through effective topic sentences and transition statements. This class will deepen students' textual analysis skills with a focus on developing rhetorical analysis, the study of how a text makes meaning. Over the course of the year, students will develop familiarity with a variety of writing styles and forms including rhetorical analysis, literary analysis, critical response, close reading, opinion essay, and personal essay. Students should bring a laptop to class one day per week for in-class writing.Prerequisites: Students taking this class should have mastered the foundations of Introduction to Genre and British Literature (or similar English courses), are expected to take an active role in discussion and complete all writing assignments.Topics in this Series: American Literature, Part I (Semester 1) and American Literature, Part II (Semester 2). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester. This is a 13.5 week course that will not meet on 11/7/23.Workload: Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.Assignments: All assignments will be posted in a Google Classroom management site. Students will need their own gmail accounts to access Google Classroom.Assessments: Students' written assignments will be graded using a rubric and assigned points that the homeschool parent can use when assigning an overall class grade.Textbook/Materials: Because students will need clean, inexpensive copies of each novel to mark in, and 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 $33.00 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for the class pack of books and handouts.What to Bring: Students should bring the current literature, 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 passages/pages.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a half-credit (one semester) or full credit (both semesters) in English for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Paula Shaibani
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    Be part of a team! Join the Compass Collaborative newspaper staff. The Compass student newspaper is growing to include a faculty advisor to help coordinate and schedule the efforts of the student editors, writers, and contributors. The staff will be a mixed age team, with students from 6th-12th grade, where younger students will be informally paired with older students for peer review and feedback on their writing.Students will learn to write with a purpose and create effective factual articles, interviews, and reviews. While taking notes, gathering data, and collecting details may happen outside of class, part of each weekly staff meeting will be dedicated to writing. In weekly meetings, the advisor will discuss examples from a variety of printed media to demonstrate what constitutes 'good' writing and what is less effective. The group will also learn about the formatting, layout, and graphic design elements that go into the newspaper. All staff members will practice editing skills to improve grammar, punctation, and overall clarity and accuracy in their writing.Each quarter, the group will decide on writing assignments and divvy up responsibilities based on individual interests. Staff members will report on Compass news and events, interview teachers, review classes, cover clubs, and write about community happenings that would interest other homeschoolers. Students may opt to write reviews of books, movies, tv shows, games, restaurants, or field trips. They may compose editorials, short stories, or poetry. Some may wish to create an ongoing column about a particular interest such as pets, sports, or space. Staff members may submit their own artwork, comics, or photographs, but will also work with Compass art teachers to get scans of other students' works each quarter. Staff may also elect to include regular features such as a recipe, a puzzle, riddles, jokes, trivia questions, or student poll result in each issue. Staff members will each contribute at least 2-3 items to the Collaborative edition each quarter.Student staff will serve not only as writers and contributors, but also as editors of works that are submitted by other students. One or two high school members will have the opportunity to serve as editors of the student paper, roles that demonstrate leadership and are favorable in the college application process. In addition, one or two other students will serve the layout editors and will be expected to learn newspaper layout using Microsoft Publisher. All students register for the same class, and roles and responsibilities will be reviewed and delegated during the first class meeting. Students will be expected to bring a laptop, notebook, and pen/pencil to each class meeting.

    2
    Fencing Sports Academy
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    Fencing is the clashing of steel and competitive spirit combined with the battle of the wits. Apply the rules of Olympic fencing, and you have a physically and mentally challenging game of strategy, often called, "physical chess." In Beginning Fencing, students will learn the rules of the sport as well as footwork, attacks, parries, responses, and how to judge matches. Beginning students will use the epee, a thin, lightweight sword with broad hand guard and will wear a wireless electronic scoring sensor over layers of protective gear. Returning students will work with both the epee and foil. The physical benefits of fencing are an increase in agility, balance and coordination. Fencing also provides mental benefits such as improved focus, strategy and confidence. Fencing is safety-oriented with blunt tip weapons, chest protectors, chest/sleeve pads, fencing jacket, gloves, and face mask. Students may enroll any quarter. All equipment is provided by the instructor. Students are asked to wear comfortable athletic pants such as running pants or sweatpants (no jeans, no dresses), and low-heeled athletic shoes.

    2
    Edwige Pinover
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    Bonjour and get ready for a full year French Fundamentals! French Fundamentals is a year-long class which covers that same content and uses the same textbook as high school French I. This level is for students middle school age (under age 14) who have taken at least two quarters of French Foundations with the instructor, but who are not yet ready to age up and attend Friday high school classes. The expectation is that middle school-aged Fundamentals students will be ready for high school French II the following school year. Registration for Fundamentals is by semester. The corresponding French I description follows:

    French I is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary quickly and learn essential grammar skills in French. Vocabulary will include numbers, time, dates, seasons, school, free time activities/hobbies, likes/dislikes, personal descriptions, family relationships, emotions, food/restaurants, and places/locations in town. There will be a strong emphasis on competency using regular and irregular present tense verbs and common grammar concepts such as articles, pronouns, adjectives, and comparative phrases.

    Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions, and correct use of grammar. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day, 4 days per week on homework outside of class.

    Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer and internet service for computer-based videos and practice tools that are assigned as homework and are essential to success in the class.

    Assessments: Quizzes, tests, and individual performance reviews will be given to all students at regular intervals to provide parents with sufficient feedback to assign a grade.

    Textbook: Students should purchase or rent the required textbook for this class: Bien Dit!: Student Edition Level 1 2013 (French Edition) (ISBN-13 978-0547871790)

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Edwige Pinover
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    **Note, this course is being offered as semi-private instruction for select students who had French III with this instructor. Tuition is based on 3 students in the class. If an additional student wishes to enroll, he/she must speak with the instructor to confirm placement. Tuition will be recalculated for all students with the addition of a 4th or more students or if only 2 students enroll.**

    Bonjour et bienvenue dans notre classe de Français 4 ! Welcome to the fourth year of high school French. This is a conversation-focused program in which students will communicate among each other about different topics. The class will naturally continue using the present tenses, the future tenses, the past tenses, and the conditional tense. At this point in learning French, students should be able to communicate fluently about various topics using their knowledge.  Students will also develop new vocabulary and new grammar points via the use of different readings.

    Fall semester, the class will be reading a novel that will be selected by the instructor in France. Students will be asked to reimburse her for the cost of the novel, approximately $10.00-$15.00

    Class will be conducted primarily in French and will focus on listening and speaking skills. At home, students will be responsible for memorizing vocabulary and grammar, completing homework assignments, and watching both grammar instruction and language immersion videos.

    Prerequisites: French III

    2
    Mylene Nyman
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    Compass cooks will enjoy a culinary tour of the world with Global Gourmet classes! Menus feature 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:

    • Bruschetta
    • Italian Wedding Soup
    • Classic Chopped Italian Salad
    • Baked Zucchini
    • Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pesto (nuts)
    • Homemade Marinara and Linguini
    • Tiramisu (decaf)

    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: Italian (Quarter 1), Mexican (Quarter 2), Pan Asian (Quarter 3), French (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..

    2
    Danielle Mercadal

    Discover geography and diverse cultures in this interactive, imaginary tour of the world. Each quarter, students will take a classroom journey to two distinct nations. They will locate the highlighted countries on the world map and complete a map project before buckling in for a fictional flight to the featured locales. Once they have "arrived" in the country, they will begin with an introduction to home and school life by meeting a child through a story or video. Students will learn to recognize similarities and appreciate differences when they compare that child's home, clothing, food, town, daily activities, and school to their own. In subsequent weeks, our Globe Trotters will learn about the culture and traditions of the country through songs, games, projects, and activities that highlight elements like folktales, customs, celebrations, distinct features, language, points of interest, or native species.First quarter, students will journey to Egypt and South Korea. Egypt has one of the longest histories of any country (6000 BCE) with a rich traditions and unique cultural heritage consisting of grand monuments and significant architecture, a system of writing, agriculture, and organized religion. Today, Egypt has bustling, modern metropolises and seaside resorts. South Korea, in contrast, is a small mountainous peninsula nation with a homogeneous population. South Korea is home to advanced technology, industry, and modern cities, but also a diverse array of wildlife. Example projects from these countries may include: a perfume bottle project and inlaid shell box (Egypt) and a drum craft and celebration of the Ancestors Festival (South Korea).Students will be excited by geography and culture when approached through this engaging, multi-disciplinary exploration of diverse countries of the globe! Topics in this Series include Egypt and Korea (Quarter 1); Philippines and Germany (Quarter 2); China and England (Quarter 3); New Zealand and Ghana (Quarter 4). A supply fee of $15.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    0
    Christina Somerville
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    Great Books for Girls is a facilitated book club just for preteen girls. Girls will read high-quality, age-appropriate literature and expand their understanding of what they read through book discussion and hands-on extension activities. Girls will be encouraged to interact with the story and each other through activities such as acting out or illustrating favorite scenes, discussing and writing alternate endings, prequels, origin or spinoff stories, or researching specific aspects of the story. Through guided class discussion, the group will be exposed to beginning literary analysis in a fun, interactive setting by discussing plot, theme, characters, setting, genre, writing style, and artistry using specific examples from the story. They will learn to analyze characters, their actions and motives, respond to hypothetical questions, make predictions, and answer prompts using examples from the book.Each quarter, the class will read one book that is teacher's choice and a second book that the students select as a group from a short list curated by the instructor and student nominations on the relevant them. Students must read assigned chapters from their books at home, either as individual silent reading, read-aloud with parents' support, or listening to an audiobook edition. Readers will be encouraged to take notes on key passages or questions. All books are selected from among Newbery Medalists and Honor Books, Caldecott Medal books, and proven classics of children's fiction.Topics in this Series and teacher's choice books include: Perseverance- The Borrowers Aloft by Mary Norton (Quarter 1), Freedom- Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown by Maud Hart Lovelace (Quarter 2), Optimism- The Moffats by Eleanor Estes (Quarter 3), and Talent- Dancing Shoes by Noel Streatfeild (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 for students for the first book. (See Supply Fee below). Parents will be responsible for buying or checking-out a copy of the second book, once selected.Supply Fee: A class fee of $9.50 is due payable to Compass on the first day of class for Book 1.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.Level: This class is for 5th-6th graders. 4th grade students may enroll, but they should be reading above grade level.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Mylene Nyman

    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:

    • Mochi Brownies
    • Pate De Fruits
    • Cherry Pistachio Muffins (nuts)
    • Pear Clafoutis
    • Vanilla Souffle
    • Cinnamon Donuts
    • Caramel Pecan Trifle (nuts)

    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..

    0
    Karen Shumway
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    Why do I have to stretch before I exercise? Why are my legs sore after running? Why did my doctor put a cast on my wrist? Kids have lots of questions about their own bodies and development. Little Doctor Academy helps answer these questions and more in the context of fun, age-appropriate medical lessons and in-class activities that introduce children to themes in science, medicine, anatomy, and biology.First quarter, kids will learn about the dynamic specialty of Sports Medicine. They will learn about the skeletal and muscular systems in their bodies and what nutrition is needed to support healthy bones and muscles. The class will also talk about different types of physical activity, which bones and muscles are used in each, and conduct simple in-class activities to demonstrate some of these such as: testing their strength in dominant versus non-dominant hand, run in place to raise heartrate, and test flexibility and reflexes.There is a supply fee of $20.00 due payable to the instructor on the first day of class for a take-home kit consisting of a medical coat, doctor name tag, class notebook, and take-home manipulatives and props for the medical specialty studied. Topics in this Series: Sports Medicine (Quarter 1); Paramedic (Quarter 2); Virologist (Quarter 3); Neurologist/Ophthalmologist- Brain & Sight (Quarter 4)

    2
    Becca Sticha
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    Each week, students will tackle math puzzles, challenges, and learn new "tricks" and techniques to solve a variety of math problems, all while learning about the masterminds behind founding principles of modern mathematics. Students will learn about the life and times of a great mathematician and then explore key concepts, principles, and formulas introduced by the featured master. Students' problem- solving skills will be honed as they examine the historical, cultural, and personal context for discoveries in mathematics. The class will work sample problems and use experiments and manipulatives to demonstrate the formulas, theories, short-cuts, or alternate approaches suggested by famous mathematicians.First quarter, students will be exposed to a wide variety of math terms and concepts from the great "Geometers" including Euclid, Pythagoras, Heron, and Descartes. Topics in this Series: Geometry Challenges (Quarter 1); Pattens & Problems Solvers (Quarter 2); Great Discoveries (Quarter 3); and Modern Challenges (Quarter 4).

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    David Chelf
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    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:

    • Banking and Checking Accounts including balancing a checkbook (on paper and spreadsheet), understanding fees, and interest.
     
    • Saving and Investing  including how money grows, simple and compounding interest, overview of how stocks, bonds, savings accounts, and CDs work, and discussion on personal emergency fund.
    • Credit Cards including fees, minimum payments, interest, what happens when the balance is not paid off, and a look at consumer credit scores.
    • Measurement/Metric System/Unit Conversion  including a review of what units are used for what items in imperial and metric systems, common ballparks and estimates, mathematical methods to convert and compare units, and the use of apps to make conversions.
     
    • Sales/Discounts  by looking at examples to compare various promotions and to calculate which is a better deal.
     
    • Wages/Income  including calculating weekly or bi-weekly or annual pay from a rate, estimate payroll withholdings as percentages, look at hour overtime affects earnings, commissions, and a survey of the salaries and hourly rates for variety of jobs teens and young adults might have.
    • Pricing and Cost  including sales taxes and how goods and services are priced and what mark-ups should be considered- useful for those wanting to have their own business.
    • Rent/Mortgages  For rentals, understand application fees, security deposits, and pre-paid amounts, monthly rate and what is included, and term of lease and make comparison among options. For purchases: understand how mortgages vary based on down payment, term, and interest rate. Students will look at cost of homes in their area and practice using online calculators to adjust down payment, term, interest rate, and homeowners’ insurance affect monthly payment, and they will look briefly at how the amount paid towards principle and interest (P/I) change over time.
    • Types of Insurance  including auto, health, and hazard insurance. What is required, what is recommended, and how much do they cost? Understanding option such as employer-paid v. self-pay; private insurance v. ACA marketplace policy; and terminology such as  co-pay, co-insurance, deductible, out-of-pocket maximum, etc.
    • Loans- Auto/Student/Personal/Consumer  (such as furniture) including understanding how down payment, term, and interest rate affect your monthly payment and what it means to have “no interest for 12 months” or “zero down.”
    • Automobiles including the cost of warranties and what they cover, the costs of owning and operating a vehicle, fuel efficiency, and the metrics of EVs.
    •  Budgeting including a personal plan given assumed career/average salary, and all anticipated expenses (housing, utilities, transportation, food, insurance, medical, clothing, entertainment).
     
    • Prerequisites: Pre-Algebra
     
    • Workload:  Students should expect to spend 2-3 hours per week outside of class.
     
    • Assignments:  All assignments will be posted on password-protected Canvas classroom management site. There, students access assignments, upload homework, and message the instructor.
    • Textbook/Materials:  Students should purchase or rent the selected textbook and/or workbook. The specific editions will be identified by August 1.
     
    • What to Bring:  Notebook or paper, pen or pencil, textbook and/or workbook. From time to time the instructor may ask students to being 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.

    Prerequisites: PreCalculus

    2
    Danielle Mercadal

    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.

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    Daniel Greenberg
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    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.

    2
    Dr. John Kornacki
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    Eighteen American Presidents guided our country through the 20th Century and some of the greatest changes in history: electrification, immigration, desegregation. First flight, deep Depression, two World Wars, big bombs, baby boom, space race, not to mention the Cold War, computer age, and more.The 2024 Presidential race is already underway, so it is a great time for teens to re-examine the highest office in the land. Meet the Presidents of the 20th century from Teddy Roosevelt through Bill Clinton. Learn more about particularly influential presidents like Franklin Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. Meet other, less familiar Presidents who served during momentous periods such as Harry Truman at the conclusion of World War II, John F. Kennedy during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and Richard Nixon who opened to China and ended the Vietnam War.Join former college professor Dr. John Kornacki for this discussion-based class, where students will look more closely at the political, economic, social, and cultural context of the 20th century presidents. This class will integrate rich resources, presentations, and virtual tours from the network of Presidential Libraries and the National Archives.Meeting Dates: This is a 13- week semester class that will not meet on 10/20/23. Topics in this Series: This is the first of a three semester series consisting of: Presidential Reflections (Semester 1), Presidential Primaries (Semester 2), and Presidential Elections (Fall 2024). Students continuing from first semester receive priority pre-registration for second semester.Prerequisites: NoneWorkload: Students should expect to spend 1-2 hours per week outside of class on homework.Assignments: Assignments will consist of readings, short essays, individual and group projects, including a final paper and presentation. All assignments will be posted on Google Classroom site.Assessments: Points will be awarded for the competition of assignments, quizzes, and projects, and parents can assign a grade based on the number of points earned as compared to the number of points available.Textbook/Materials: The instructor will provide pdfs of articles or links to weekly readings or videos.Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as partial credit in American Government for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Sirdley Taborga
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    Que pasa? Get ready for a full year of intermediate level high school Spanish! This is a conversation-focused program in which students will build their vocabulary describing homes and chores; planning a party; health, body parts and sports; vacations, leisure time activities, fun events and places of interest; communicating via phone and computer; and daily routines. There will be a strong emphasis on conversation with common grammar concepts such as regular and irregular past tense verbs and common grammar concepts such as commands, direct and indirect object pronouns, reflexive verbs, learned and practiced in the context of conversation (rather than stand-along grammar exercises).

    Class will be conducted primarily in Spanish and will focus on listening and speaking skills, asking and answering questions. At home, students will be responsible for practicing vocabulary and grammar and completing written assignments, and watching language immersion video clips.

    Workload: Students should expect to spend 30-45 minutes per day approximately 4 days per week on homework outside of class.

    Assignments: Are sent by e-mail to parents and students. Students must have access to a computer for videos that are assigned.

    Assessments: Quizzes and tests will be scored with a points system that parents can use in calculating a grade .

    Textbook: Students should purchase or rent Avancemos!: Student Edition Level 2, 2018 edition (ISBN # 978-0544841956)

    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a full credit in Foreign Language for purposes of a high school transcript.

    Prerequisites: Spanish I

    2
    Sirdley Taborga
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    Buenas tardes! Spanish Para Estudiantes is an immersive introductory Spanish class for middle school students. In a natural learning progression, students will be exposed to vocabulary and phrases in Spanish through in-class activities and conversations. Limited cues in English will be used to prompt students in the first few weeks.This is a conversation-focused class where students are encouraged to speak in class. Vocabulary and phrases will be introduced in thematic units such as weather, time, members of the family, clothing, food, places in town, hobbies and sports, holidays, etc. As students learn new vocabulary, they will be encouraged to begin to combine adjectives with nouns and nouns with verbs in short phrases, often in mock conversations with classmates.Grammar will be introduced as it comes up in conversation and in phrases. Students will be exposed to pronouns, noun-verb agreement, adjective-noun agreement, familar vs. formal, ordinal and cardinal numbers, comparisons and superlatives, and more. Students are not expected to read or write at this stage, but are expected to take notes and to gain a sense of spelling in Spanish. Fluency should not be expected at this level.Material/Supply Fee: The instructor will order a South-American written/published Spanish activity book for students in-class use after assessing their ages/skill levels. Parents will be asked to reimburse the instructor for the expense, typically $10-$15.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    "Set the stage" and contribute to the artistry, aesthetic, and atmosphere of a live performance. While technical theater can encompass the visual, mechanical, and auditory elements of a performance, this course focuses on the design and fabrication of sets, consisting of scenery, props, backdrops, or other creations to help the performers tell the story.

    First semester, Compass stage-crafters will design a set for the Nutcracker ballet. Compass has formed a unique partnership with Alchemy Ballet, a program of Artists in Motion, to design and fabricate the sets for their two annual performances. The Compass team will meet with the artistic directors and key personnel to hear their vision for the performance and ask questions. The team will consider the dimensions, access, and limitations of the physical performance space before looking at examples of other sets. The team will also create sketches or design boards showing how they propose to bring the stage to life for the performance. Students will have to budget their design and work within a set budget provided by the studio. The set design team will work with a wide range of materials and crafting techniques to construct unique elements to tell the story of the Nutcracker.

    Since Artists in Motion is a non-profit organization, the time that students spend planning, budgeting, and building sets can be counted as volunteer hours which are noteworthy to future college applications and can apply to the student's earning a President's Volunteer Service Award.

    This is a 15-week course in which the first two class sessions (8/18/23 and 8/25/23) will be 1-hour virtual meetings from 2:00 pm- 3:00 pm to go over introductory information on set design and to prepare for a meeting with the artistic directors. All other class meetings will be in-person design and work sessions.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    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 would happen if everyday items and ordinary objects came to life? Will they be friends or foes?

    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).

    2
    Mike Hummer
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    Curious coins, baffling balls, confounding cards, and puzzling papers! Students will learn tricks of the trade from a professional magician using the Discover Magic curriculum! This class will present tricks from the Purple Wand curriculum.Each week, kids will learn how to perform a unique magic trick, and students will practice and perfect the illusion in class so they can come home and mystify their friends and family. Students will unlock the secrets to eight special magic tricks: Heads-Up, Bermuda Papers, Mind Trip, Baffling Bandana, Acrobatic Jacks, Magic IOU, IncrediBall and Presto Print. and others. For each trick, students will receive a custom magic prop and full color instructions, and at the end of each class, every magician will take home a Top Secret file folder with additional tricks they can practice. Student magicians will be given a secret password each week to gain access to an additional magic trick on the Discover Magic website (parents will need to work the magic to set up the child's online account.) Along with the actual magic, students will discuss a life skill each week that is essential to a good magician (and student) such as public speaking, presentation skills, practicing, being prepared, and reading your audience. Magicians who complete the class will receive a certificate and magic wand.Topics in this Series: Baffling Blue Wand (Quarter 1); TBD (Quarter 2); TBD (Quarter 3) TBD (Quarter 4)Lab/Supply Fee: A class fee of $45.00 is due payable to the instructor on the first day of class.

    2
    Karen Shumway
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    Ragdoll vaccinated for rabies. A Scottish Fold sprayed for skin mites. A Tonkinese treated for a toothache. Sometimes even our feline friends need medical care! Lots of kids love animals, and some even think about becoming veterinarians and animal specialists. There is a lot of science in the care and keeping of animals.In this class, future cat veterinarians will learn all about cat care (nutrition, play, grooming), cat anatomy, and cat behavior. Kids will learn to recognize signs that a cat is unfriendly, afraid, aggressive, or unwell. They will learn to perform steps of a well-pet check-up and identify some common medical care and preventatives recommended for cats. The class will also learn about cat behavior and natural instincts. Kids will discover fun and fascinating facts, similarities, and differences in cat breeds. Students will learn about the cat's relationship with humans and the history of domesticated cats as companion animals. Finally, students will take one class session to journey to other corners of the continents to meet some wild members of the cat (Felidae) family such as the leopard, caracal, lynx, ocelot, and puma. (And say, why aren't lions and tigers on that list?)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 plush cat for demonstrations, and a class workbook. They will "adopt" and name their cat, and during the final week, they will receive a diploma. (Pets, 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.

    2
    Osk Huneycutt
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    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 or experiments during each class.First quarter, we will learn some basics of paleontology and geology. Students will learn about the science and methods of paleontology as they prepare for a mock fossil dig. They will handle real fossils, learn how fossilization occurs, and simulate excavating fossils and reconstructing a dig site. While they are still in the dirt, students will learn about the field of geology. The class will discover how geologists study rocks, dig up our own mineral samples, identify them, and learn about the geologic processes that formed them. Students will make their own crystal gardens to take home and observe. 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.

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Shannon McClain
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    Writers @ Work is a fundamental writing class that will prepare seventh and eighth grade students for high school level composition. The class will progress from getting started on learning how to effectively structure purposeful paragraphs) (first semester) to multiple paragraphs linked into articulate and organized essays (second semester).First semester will be all about paragraphs! Early in the term, the goal will be writing fluency- encouraging students to get ideas onto paper. The class will introduce not only sentence structure, paragraph structure, and effective language, but will also help students define the objective of their paragraph. Students will be given broad prompts and a variety of writing options to encourage them to write about things they care about. Over the course of the semester, writers will compose descriptive and informative paragraphs encompassing fiction and non-fiction themes.Grammar concepts will be introduced throughout the year, and students will be encouraged to incorporate the technique in their next writing or revision. Grammar concepts will include a "toolbox" of writing techniques and rules such as sentence structure, complex and compound sentences, independent and dependent clauses, parts of speech, agreement, tense, use of dialogue and quotation marks, and correct use of punctuation. Students will also be taught techniques for brainstorming and outlining before beginning to write and will be given tips on choosing creative, interesting, and powerful words over mundane, vague, and over-used words.In both semesters, there will be an emphasis on revision. Writing is seldom just the way the author hopes in the first draft. At times, students will be encouraged to use the same paragraph for several weeks to build-upon their first draft, incorporate feedback, apply writing and grammar techniques, in order for them to see the benefits of revision. They will learn to read their own writing from a reader's perspective and develop strategies for improving it. Students will give and receive feedback from class peers and receive regular feedback from the instructor. Time will be set aside in most classes for dedicated, in-class writing (8-10 minutes.)

    Prerequisites: None

    2
    Shannon McClain

    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."First quarter, students will write about personal experiences and memories. This is one of the easiest themes for children to start writing about, as they are usually bubbling over with stories to tell. They will learn to organize their recollections into a logical structure of what happened first, second, last, etc.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).

    Prerequisites: None

    0
    Mylene Nyman
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    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. Throughout the quarter, the instructor will suggest possible themes for projects based on the featured materials, but students are always welcome to pursue a different direction.
    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 be able to 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:

  • Flat, rectangular substrate, whole tiles, symmetric design, proper spacing and adhesion
  • Flat, circular substrate, tile cutting with nippers, themed design and color choice
  • Flat or curved substrate, cutting sheet glass with pistol grip, breaking pliers, and running pliers, composition and color design
  • 3D substrate, adhesion substances, and techniques
  • Porcelain and ceramic cutting, special application, advanced design
  • 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 Fee: Materials used vary depending on a student's experience with mosaic.

    Beginner Material Fee: $40.00 for a selection of Beginner Materials, including: vitreous glass, ceramic, mini, eco recycled glass, beach glass, glitter glass, glass gems, ceramic pebble, shells, metallic crystal, subway glass; Adhesive: weld bond; Grout: bone or charcoal color; Cutters: wheeled tile nippers; Substrate: 2D/Flat 12" x 12",10" x 10", 8" X 8", 4" X 4", framed mirrors, ornament shapes.

    Advanced Material Fee: $50.00 for a selection of Advanced Materials including: All Beginner Materials plus, iridized glass, cathedral sheet glass, opaque sheet glass, color fusion, millefiori, Van Gogh glass, natural stone and minerals, special effects glass, water glass, colored mirror, illumination glass, china plates, rhinestone, ball chain; Adhesives: weld bond, thin-set mortar, silicone; Grout: Custom colors (purple, rose, green, blue, earth, orange); Cutters: wheeled tile nippers, porcelain hand tool, hand file, pistol grip, beetle bits cutting system; Substrates: All flat shapes plus, 3D forms (egg, sphere, cone, pyramid etc),cut out sentiments, trays, glass bottle, mini sleds, flower pot, picture frame, sun catcher.


    Additional Fee: Tesserae by request and consultation with instructor: mother of pearl, 24 kt gold tiles (market rate), specially cut substrate. All material fees are due payable to the instructor on the first day of class by cash, check or electronic payment.


    What to Bring: In-progress project must be brought back to studio each week.


    Credit: Homeschool families may wish to count this course as a component (partial) credit in Fine Arts for purposes of a high school transcript.

    2
    Catherine Vanlandingham
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    Reading affects a student's achievement in all aspects of schoolwork, so strong literacy skills are fundamental to success in homeschooling. This weekly class is a small reading group where students are placed with 2-4 peers who read at a similar level to follow a comprehensive language arts curriculum under the guidance of experienced reading specialist Catherine Vanlandingham. Each Monday meeting will include a short story with select vocabulary words, a graphic organizer, main themes, and embedded learning objectives. Students will continue to practice language arts skills at home with easy-to-implement "page a day" workbook activities assigned by the instructor and implemented by the parents. For most early elementary learners, enrollment in Reading Rally can serve as either a supplement to another at-home reading curriculum or as a complete, self-contained language arts curriculum. Weekly readings are organized around thematic units. The instructor will teach students how to approach a new story as a fun reading puzzle. For example, before reading in class, students will conduct a "picture walk" to overview and predict elements of the story from the illustrations, review a graphic organizer to assist in writing sentences, define vocabulary words, and preview summary questions. Then, the instructor will read the story aloud, model good reading practices, and encourage students to read. Students will only be asked to read aloud when they feel comfortable and have built trust in their group. All follow-up activities are designed around learning objectives such as decoding, comprehension, prediction, visualization, and verbalization. First time registrations in Reading Rally include the cost of a 30-minute, individual assessment conducted in-person or virtually by Mrs. Vanlandingham. Parents are encouraged to contact Compass to schedule their child's reading assessment before registering. Families register without the assessment for grade-level placement must be prepared to reschedule to a different reading group if indicated by the assessment. Grade level references in Reading Rally are based on scope, sequence and pacing that correlate to the Grade Level Equivalent (GLE) standards of learning. Students who are more than one year behind in GLE may be recommended for a second, weekly class meeting on Fridays or in additional 1-on-1 private reading instruction to make up ground in reading skills. The instructor has experience working with reluctant and fearful readers, those who are late bloomers, neurodivergent, dyslexic, and ESOL students. The instructor may recommend a more complete evaluation by a neuropsychologist if she suspects other learning differences are impacting the student's reading. Students will work from a spiral bound copy of reading textbook and workbook by Pearson. A class fee of $95.00 is due payable to Compass for class materials. Students continuing from one semester to the next will receive priority registration to remain with their reading group and do not have to pay for an additional assessment.

    2
    Judith Harmon
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    Character Club is an "afterschool" club for some of Compass's most colorful characters! Students will enjoy a wacky Wednesday afternoon filled with imaginative play and active fun. Beloved acting teacher "Miss Judy" (Judith Harmon) will play favorite kid soundtracks and lead sing-alongs and movement-based games and dances such as conga lines, the Macarena, shuffle, and more. Each week she will open her treasure box of costume accessories (hats, vests, masks, tiaras, capes, etc) for kids to transform into fun characters as they sing, dance, and play. Kids are welcome to bring costumes from home. Each Character Club will include a group snack time with juice boxes and snacks (such as Goldfish crackers, pretzels, animal crackers, etc.) provided. Students with allergies to conventional ingredients should bring a snack from home.

    2
    Judith Harmon

    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.
    First quarter project themes are:
      • Animal Adventures
      • Monster Mash
    Note: Project themes or materials are subject to change due to availability or sourcing at the time of the class.

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