Monday Morning Update (MMU) - Compass Charter Schools - January 12, 2026
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT & CEO LIZ BRENNER:
Dear Compass families,
As we kick off 2026, I have exciting news to share regarding our accreditation. WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) accreditation is a powerful mark of quality that validates our commitment to high educational standards and continuous improvement. It ensures that our diplomas are recognized by colleges and universities, paving the way for our scholars' future success.
Compass Charter Schools is currently in the midst of its six-year accreditation cycle. Key dates for this cycle include:
Original Visit Date: January 31 – February 1, 2023.
Mid-cycle Review Date: December 12, 2025.
The visiting committee recently confirmed that Compass has shown "meaningful progress" during this period and has the capacity to continue meeting its goals for the remainder of the accreditation cycle.
A major highlight of this mid-cycle review was our achievement of a state testing participation rate nearing 95% or higher across all charters. This milestone is a testament to the incredible partnership between our staff and families. By working together to reduce testing anxiety and simplify scheduling, we now have the reliable data needed to further personalize instruction and improve outcomes for all scholars.
Thank you for your continued support in making assessment a positive and embedded part of our school culture. Our continued accreditation is one more example of how important it is that we work together to achieve our goals so that we can continue to show that Compass offers the Gold Standard in Virtual Education.
The visiting committee has provided their findings to the commission. Once the report has been reviewed and approved, I will provide all families with a copy of the report.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth Brenner
Superintendent and CEO
ELPAC Prep Sessions for Multilingual Learners (Grades 6-8)- January 13, 3pm. Scholars in grades 6-8 should see this event on their calendar, every Tuesday at 3p starting January 6, 2026 until February 3, 2026.
Monday, January 12 ~ Learning Coach Academy
Monday, January 12 ~ Scholar Club Meetings
Tuesday, January 13 ~ Field Trip - Fleet Science Center
Tuesday, January 13 ~ Scholar Leadership Council Meeting
Thursday, January 15 ~ Field Trip - SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity
Thursday, January 15 ~ English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)
Friday, January 16 ~ Virtual Scholar Workshop - Annual Spelling Bee
Friday, January 16 ~ Parent Advisory Council Meeting
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT EVENT REGISTRATION DEADLINES ~
Friday, January 16 ~ Virtual Scholar Workshop - Firefighting & Fire Safety (January 23 Event)
Friday, January 16 ~ Sacramento County Field Trip - Sacramento Zoo (January 28 Event)
Friday, January 23 ~ Los Angeles County Field Trip - 8th Grade Grad Bash (April 30 Event)
Friday, January 23 ~ Los Angeles County Field Trip - 12th Grade Grad Bash (May 20 Event)
Friday, January 23 ~ Virtual Scholar Workshop - Black History Month Assembly (February 6 Event)
Interested in more Engagement events? See our upcoming schedule and registration launch dates here!
OPTIONS (ALL SCHOLAR) NEWS ~
Hello, Learning Coaches! If your scholar has not taken the middle-of-the-year STAR (internal benchmark) please connect with your supervising teacher to complete this mandatory assessment.
The last day of this semester is Wednesday, January 28th. Please be sure to meet with your supervising teacher this month for your Semester 1 report card connection meeting to discuss your scholar’s grades and progress toward mastery of grade-level standards. Grades will be finalized by your ST on the Semester 1 final report card.
ASSESSMENTS ~
Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
LCs of scholars in grades 5, 7 and 9: it is time to sign up for the Physical Fitness Test (PFT)! The PFT will be conducted in person only. Families must sign up for one testing date and select their preferred park location at registration.
Please click on this sign up form to choose the option that works best for your schedule, as scholars should attend only the date and location they register for. Please sign up by 1/31/26. We appreciate your support in helping us ensure a smooth and organized testing experience.
Supporting Early Reading Success (Grades K–2) with the Reading Difficulties Screener by Amira
In alignment with California Education Code 53008, CCS scholars in grades K–2 will participate in the Reading Difficulties Screener by Amira in February 2026. Families can learn more about the screener and how results guide instructional supports by reading the full letter on ParentSquare.
AVID ~ We are moving into a new quarterly focus on Reading & Inquiry under the WICOR umbrella. Please review this week’s’ bite sized bit on the LC Resource document.
COMMUNITY PROVIDERS (Options Program) ~
Educational Support Funds Guidelines (please check before placing an order)
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Amazon:
ALL Amazon orders are limited to a maximum of 20 line items
Limitations on School/Art/PE supplies: Please ask your Supervising Teacher for info
Provider News! Providers can find the Pre-Application for Interested Businesses form* link on the Compass website (Options Program Page). Please note that due to a high volume of scholar orders, the onboarding process will be delayed.
EMERGENT MULTILINGUAL/ENGLISH LEARNER SUPPORT ~ 📢 Join Us for the English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) Meeting!
Mark your calendars! We’re excited to invite you to our second 25/26 ELAC meeting on Thursday, January 15, at 11 am: Link.
What’s on the Agenda? We’ll discuss the ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California), review LCAP updates, and get a glimpse into our ELD pilot!
As a Learning Coach, you’ll have the opportunity to:
Collaborate with school leadership and staff to shape our site plan for English learners.
Help develop a schoolwide needs assessment.
Learn strategies to educate parents and coaches on the importance of regular school attendance.
Analyze demographic and achievement data for English learners to guide decision-making.
We look forward to your participation! For questions, contact our EL Coordinator, Christy Saez, at csaez@compasscharters.org.
Together, let’s support the success of our Emergent Multilingual learners! 🌟
ENGAGEMENT SNAPSHOT ~
Click here to view a snapshot of Engagement information for this week
ENGAGEMENT SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK ~
FIELD TRIP SPOTLIGHT ~ 🎉 Grad Bash Is Almost Here! 🎉
It’s time to celebrate a major milestone and make memories you’ll never forget! Grad Bash is all about fun, friends, and honoring how far you’ve come before stepping into your next chapter. Whether you’re wrapping up middle school or graduating high school, this unforgettable experience is just for YOU!
✨ Scholars will enjoy:
• An exclusive after-hours park experience with shorter lines and more time for fun
• Thrilling rides and attractions, including the world-famous Studio Tour, Jurassic World – The Ride, and more
• Graduation-themed photo opportunities throughout the park
• High-energy dance parties hosted by live DJs
📅 8th Grade Grad Bash: April 30, 2026
📅 12th Grade Grad Bash: May 20, 2026
Registration for these events are open through next Friday, January 23. For more details and registration information, please visit ParentSquare.
VIRTUAL SCHOLAR WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT ~ Let's celebrate Black History Month virtually on Friday, February 6 at 1pm! We invite all of our scholars to participate in this important celebration where we will discuss the importance of Black History Month! Registration for this virtual event is open through next Friday, January 23. For more details and registration information, please visit ParentSquare.
LEARNING COACH ACADEMY ~ We’re excited to invite you to our Learning Coach Academy Social Session happening this afternoon, Monday, January 12, at 1:00 PM! Join us for Making Subjects Exciting: Hands-on Learning & Project-Based Approaches, a fun and supportive session designed especially for Learning Coaches.
This session will focus on simple, engaging ways to bring learning to life through hands-on activities and project-based approaches across subject areas. We’ll share practical ideas that help spark curiosity, encourage creativity, and support scholar independence while making learning feel meaningful and enjoyable.
Families will leave with easy, actionable ideas they can try right away, along with inspiration to make everyday learning moments more exciting and connected. It’s a wonderful way to spend part of your afternoon—and it’s not too late to join!
Use this link to sign up today!
SCHOLAR CLUB HIGHLIGHT ~ The Chess Club is the perfect space for TK-5th grade scholars who love chess or want to learn the game. Meeting on the 1st Monday of each month at 1:00 PM, this club provides scholars with the opportunity to receive tips, practice their chess skills, and play with other scholars. In partnership with ChessKid.com, this club helps scholars improve critical thinking, concentration, strategic skills, and confidence. Whether your scholar is a beginner or an advanced player, this club welcomes everyone! Sign up today to join and connect with other chess enthusiasts!
OPTIONS MIDDLE SCHOOL ~ Don’t forget: All middle school semester projects/finals are due no later than Jan 28th, but please follow your supervising teacher’s due date. Please reach out to your supervising teacher if you have any questions or need support with these end-of-term requirements.
SCHOLAR CLUB HIGHLIGHT ~ The Minecraft Club is the perfect space for 6th-12th grade scholars who love creativity and teamwork. Meeting on the 1st Monday of each month at 3:00 PM, this club dives into the educational possibilities of the Minecraft world. Together, scholars will design and implement exciting enhancements, from building roadways and waterways to developing electrical systems and more. Whether you're a Minecraft expert or just getting started, this club is a great opportunity to share your ideas, learn new techniques, and collaborate on amazing projects. Sign up today to join and help shape this incredible digital realm!
(*Community Providers, Counseling, Engagement, and SPED, please add information and events by grade level)
ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL ~
Final Exams are HERE and proctoring will begin Thursday, 1/15! AE courses are A-G accredited, and therefore must be proctored live, by a Compass teacher. Consult THIS CALENDAR for more information, proctoring days/times, and the Zoom link. Good luck to all the hard-working Compass High School scholars!
OPTIONS HIGH SCHOOL ~ Please see the December/January Options High School Newsletter for upcoming events and information: HS Options Monthly Newsletter
COUNSELING SERVICES ~
Counseling Learning Lab - Time-Management #1: Where does the timg go?
We invite scholars in grades 9-12 to join us on Thursday, January 15th in the Counseling Learning Lab at noon for the first of 3 lessons on Time-management Skills. Scholars will practice using calendars, identify how time is being spent, and reflect on how time spent impacts their goals.
SCHOLAR CLUB HIGHLIGHT ~ The Minecraft Club is the perfect space for 6th-12th grade scholars who love creativity and teamwork. Meeting on the 1st Monday of each month at 3:00 PM, this club dives into the educational possibilities of the Minecraft world. Together, scholars will design and implement exciting enhancements, from building roadways and waterways to developing electrical systems and more. Whether you're a Minecraft expert or just getting started, this club is a great opportunity to share your ideas, learn new techniques, and collaborate on amazing projects. Sign up today to join and help shape this incredible digital realm!
Check out the National Today Calendar website for January celebrations!