Monday (Tuesday) Morning Update (MMU) - Compass Charter Schools - January 20, 2026
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT & CEO LIZ BRENNER:
Dear Compass families,
As we begin the new calendar year, it is time for us to start the enrollment process for next school year. We opened enrollment for new families on January 13th and we are looking forward to welcoming new and returning scholars to Compass for the 2026-27 school year. In order to ensure that all of our scholars have everything that they need to begin the new school year, we are implementing some new deadlines during the enrollment process. There are two very important dates that all returning families need to know.
February 27th is the deadline for returning families to let us know if you are NOT returning to Compass next year. If we do not hear from you, then we understand that you are committed to continuing with Compass and we look forward to supporting your scholar next school year.
May 29th is the deadline for returning families to sign their Master Agreements. This is the final step in the enrollment process for the school year and it is how you can ensure that your scholar has a seat. Master agreements will be ready by May 1st so families have time to work with their supervising teachers to sign their MAs by the deadline.
You will be hearing more about the process from your ST. Please reach out if you have any questions.
Kind regards,
Elizabeth Brenner
Superintendent and CEO
Monday, January 19 ~ CCS Closed- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Tuesday, January 20, 3pm ~ ELPAC Prep Session, grades 6-8
Thursday, January 22 ~ Field Trip - SoFi Stadium Tour
Friday, January 23 ~ Virtual Scholar Workshop - Firefighting & Fire Safety
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT EVENT REGISTRATION DEADLINES ~
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 ~
The last day of the 1st semester (and Learning Period 4) is Wednesday, January 29th. Please ensure you have submitted all of your scholar’s completed assignments to your Supervising Teacher no later than this date. Please also be sure to enter your scholar’s attendance to School Pathways.
Report card connections are in progress. Be sure to connect with your supervising teacher, as they will finalize grades at the end of the learning period. Submit all assignments as requested by your ST to ensure they are included in your final course grades.
ASSESSMENTS ~
PFT: For LCs of scholars in grades 5, 7 and 9: as a reminder, please sign up for the PFT by 1/31/26! You will receive more information once we receive all sign ups.
-
CAASPP: CAASPP testing begins March 16, 2026. To ensure scholars are prepared for these assessments, we are hosting Live Scholar Workshops beginning February 6, 2026 at noon. We welcome scholars in grades 3-8* and 10-12** to attend. Register to attend these informative workshops today.
*Grades 3-8 take ELA & math, and grades 5 & 8 take the CA Science Test (CAST).
**Grade 11 is scheduled to take ELA & math, and may take CAST if assigned. Grades 10 & 12 should attend if scheduled to take CAST.
ELPAC: ELPAC Prep Sessions for Multilingual Learners (Grades 6-8)- January 20, 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.
Headphones are recommended (not required) for the ELA CAASPP assessment and/or the ELPAC Listening domain. If you are in need of wired headphones to access your assessments, please fill out this form by Friday 2/20.
AVID ~ Review the LC resource document for this week’s bite-sized tip on Reading and Inquiry.
COMMUNITY PROVIDERS (Options Program) ~
Educational Support Funds Guidelines (please check before placing an order)
-
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 the onboarding is a lengthy process that can be delayed during school breaks, and when there is a high volume of ordering. Thank you for your patience!
Drawn2Art - Glendora (services; in-person; TK -12; LA)
Students, ages 4 - 12, teens and adults, begin by using drawing mediums and then move onto painting. Students receive extensive instruction in the use of each painting medium, including color-mixing, painting techniques, and the proper use and care of materials. Simple step-by-step instruction avoids frustration, and makes learning enjoyable for all ages!
Land & Sea Adventures (services; in-person; TK -12; OC)
Land & Sea Adventures provides hands-on science and STEM classes for students in grades K-12. Our instructor-led lessons cover general science, marine/ocean, earth science, chemistry, physics, zoology, and environmental science through engaging experiments and interactive activities. Classes are held at outdoor parks in Buena Park, Anaheim, Orange, Irvine, Mission Viejo and more OC locations.
Third Space Jiu Jitsu (services; in-person; TK -12; Brea)
Third Space Jiu Jitsu provides jiu jitsu and grappling instruction focused on physical fitness, mental resilience, character development, and community building. We offer age-appropriate programs for youth and teens that emphasize discipline, confidence, problem-solving, respect, and perseverance through structured martial arts training.
COUNSELING ~ Parenting Resource: Free On-Demand Courses Looking for expert advice on navigating the "tough stuff"? ParentGuidance.org offers over 70 free online courses created by licensed therapists. Topics include managing anxiety, depression, social media usage, bullying, and more. These courses are self-paced, confidential, and available in both English and Spanish to help you support your child’s mental health at home.
SCHOLAR SUCCESS (ACADEMIC SUPPORT) ~ Fall semester math and reading intervention tutoring and resource groups will end this week (Friday, January 23rd). We saw TREMENDOUS growth in scholars who participated weekly!
Spring notification emails and invitations will be sent by February 3rd. Invitations are for scholars who scored Intervention (yellow) or Urgent Intervention (red) on any of the STAR assessments. Spring sessions will begin the week of February 9th.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ~
Community Advisory Committee Meeting
The meeting will be held on Tuesday January 20,2026 at 10 am via zoom..
Please see the agenda. The agenda contain the link to attend and the topics covered.
ENGAGEMENT SNAPSHOT ~
Click here to view a snapshot of Engagement information for this week
ENGAGEMENT SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK ~ Scholars had a fantastic time at the Fleet Science Center last Tuesday, January 13! We enjoyed the IMAX film Pandas and explored the museum’s many hands-on exhibits together.
FIELD TRIP SPOTLIGHT ~ ICYMI: 🎉 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 ~ ICYMI: 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 upcoming Learning Coach Academy Informational Session on Monday, January 26! Join us for Writing Support for Scholars: Building Stronger Writers at Any Level, a session designed to support Learning Coaches as they help their scholars with writing at any grade level.
During this session, we’ll take time to ground ourselves in what AVID is and how it supports scholars, then connect that to WICOR, with a special focus on the W for Writing. We’ll talk about why writing skills matter so much, not just for academics, but for building confidence and communication across all subject areas.
We’ll walk through writing development at different stages and share practical, AVID-aligned writing strategies you can use at home for TK–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12. These strategies are meant to feel realistic, supportive, and doable.
Families will leave with ready-to-use tools, simple ways to support writing at home, and a clearer understanding of how AVID writing strategies can support their scholar’s growth.
Use this link to sign up today!
SCHOLAR CLUB HIGHLIGHT ~ The Awesome Artist’s Club (TK–5) is a creative space where scholars can explore and celebrate the performing arts. Scholars will research local and virtual performances, connect with others who share a passion for the arts, and help shape club meetings based on shared interests. This club is all about creativity, expression, and meaningful connection with fellow young artists. Sign up today and let your scholar’s creativity shine!
OPTIONS MIDDLE SCHOOL ~ Final Reminder: 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 Crafts Club (Grades 6–12) is designed for middle and high school scholars who enjoy hands-on creative projects and want to share ideas with peers. Club activities are chosen by members and may include drawing, painting, DIY crafts, and more. This is a welcoming space to explore creativity, collaborate, and create something amazing together. Sign up today and join the fun!
ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL ~
Final Exam Proctoring continues this entire week. See THIS CALENDAR for the Zoom link and times. Good luck to all Compass Scholars taking AE courses!
COUNSELING SERVICES ~
Counseling Learning Lab - Time-Management #2: Prioritizing
We invite scholars in grades 9-12 to join us on Thursday, January 22nd in the Counseling Learning Lab at noon for the second of 3 lessons on Time-management Skills. Scholars will practice prioritizing responsibilities and using tools like the Eisenhower matrix.
SCHOLAR CLUB HIGHLIGHT ~ The Crafts Club (Grades 6–12) is designed for middle and high school scholars who enjoy hands-on creative projects and want to share ideas with peers. Club activities are chosen by members and may include drawing, painting, DIY crafts, and more. This is a welcoming space to explore creativity, collaborate, and create something amazing together. Sign up today and join the fun!
Check out the National Today Calendar website for January celebrations!