Monday Morning Update (MMU) - Compass Charter Schools - October 5, 2026
MESSAGE FROM SUPERINTENDENT & CEO LIZ BRENNER:
Dear Compass families,
Our first Parent Advisory Committee meeting of the year was a huge success. We had over twenty parents participate, despite some technical errors, which have since been resolved. Our next meeting is on Friday, October 16th at 3:00. You can RSVP here to attend. We will be announcing our new PAC Chair. If you are interested in being considered for the Chair position, you can apply here. Applications will be accepted through October 9th.
If you have suggestions that you would like us to consider, please submit your ideas through our Parent Suggestion box or our Scholar Suggestion Box. We want to hear from you!
Kind regards,
Elizabeth Brenner
Monday, October 5 - Scholar Clubs Meetings
Monday, October 5 - Learning Coach Academy (LCA)
Tuesday, October 6 - Community Meet-Up at Hurless Barton Park Adventure Playground
UPCOMING ENGAGEMENT EVENT REGISTRATION DEADLINES ~
Friday, October 9 - San Bernardino County Field Trip - Logan's Candies (October 21 Event)
Friday, October 9 - Sacramento County Field Trip - Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker (December 17 Event)
Friday, October 9 - San Diego County Field Trip - LEGOLAND California (February 4 Event)
Friday, October 16 - Los Angeles County Field Trip - Sloomoo Institute (November 4 Event)
Friday, October 16 - San Bernardino County Field Trip - Community Meet-Up at Heritage Park (November 5 Event)
Friday, October 16 - San Diego County Field Trip - San Diego Fleet Week (November 10 Event)
Friday, October 16 - Riverside County Field Trip - Dinosaur Dig at Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center (November 17 Event)
Friday, October 16 - Virtual Scholar Workshop - California History: When California Was Mexico with Dr. Damian Bacich (October 30 Event)
Friday, October 16 - Virtual Scholar Workshop - Veteran's Day Assembly (November 6 Event)
Interested in more Engagement events? See our upcoming schedule and registration launch dates here!
ONLINE (ALL SCHOLAR) NEWS ~
All Live Learning Labs are cancelled Friday, 10/9/26 due to Teacher In-Service Day. Good News!! AE is still open and ready for you to learn. Log-in daily and complete your assigned tasks.
ASSESSMENTS ~
Continuing our series on the CA School Dashboard: The Dashboard features local indicators (also referred to as measures) that local educational agencies (LEAs) such as districts, county offices of education (COEs), and charter schools use to report progress based on local data. Learn about Getting to Know Local Measures & Information on Local Measures for Parents.
Translated flyers are available on the Translations Tab of the Dashboard Resources web page.
Good news! We now have access to myON in Renaissance. What is myON? myON is a digital reading platform from Renaissance designed to give scholars access to a large online library of books matched to their reading level, interests, and grade level. It often works alongside STAR Reading - STAR can help estimate a scholar’s reading level, and myON can then recommend books that are appropriate for that level. For access, please log into Renaissance through Clever and click on the myON tile.
LCs of scholars in grades 2-12: The mySAEBRS window opens on October 13th! mySAEBRS is a brief scholar self-assessment that helps schools better understand how scholars are feeling and functioning socially, academically, and emotionally. The information helps staff identify areas where scholars may benefit from additional support and allows us to respond proactively to scholar needs. Scholars can access the assessment through Renassiance, using Clever. The assessment is short and is designed to be completed independently by the scholar. All scholars in grades 2-12 need to complete their mySAEBRS self-assessment no later than Friday, October 30. Please remind your scholar to complete the assessment during the open window.
AVID ~ AVID Focus of the month: Help scholars make meaning of their learning with focused notetaking & gist strategy.
What is Focused-Note Taking (FNT)? An AVID process for actively capturing and processing learning. The FNT process is a strategy that helps scholars learn effectively from their notes. It consists of five phases: Taking Notes, Processing Notes, Connecting Notes, Summarizing and Reflecting on Notes, and Applying Notes. What do scholars do? Identify key ideas, record details, add thinking/questions, revisit notes. Paraphrases instead of copying; captures key ideas; adds questions; uses notes to explain learning.
What is the Gist strategy? Short summarization strategy focused on the “big picture.” The who, what, why, when, how in 20 words or less. Learn More Here! What do scholars do? Determine what's most important and summarize it concisely.
COMMUNITY PROVIDERS (Options Program) ~
26 - 27 Educational Support Resources - 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 (Community Providers Information). 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!
Times Tales (Materials; Math/ELA)
Times Tales offers engaging, self-paced online courses and supplemental learning materials designed to help elementary students build confidence and mastery in essential academic and real-life skills. Our prerecorded courses feature easy-to-follow video instruction, interactive activities, printable worksheets, quizzes, tests, and other hands-on learning resources that allow students to learn independently at home, or with the support of a parent, tutor, or educator. Our courses cover a variety of subjects and grade levels, including multiplication and division, addition and subtraction, fractions, math vocabulary and concepts, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and cursive handwriting. Video Link to more info!
Art With Lauren (Materials, online, ART all ages)
Make art class the highlight of your week with the nation's top-rated homeschool art program. Enjoy over 100 on-demand, 30-45 minute lessons using simple, everyday materials. Families can stream classes on a computer, tablet, or TV with flexible subscription plans available. Try your first week free at www.artwithlauren.com (If your scholar loves it then place an order in OPS!)
Sampa Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (services, in-person, PE; All ages, Fontana)
Our Jiu-Jitsu program provides safe, structured, and age-appropriate instruction for children and teens. Classes focus on practical self-defense, physical fitness, coordination, discipline, confidence, and respect. Students learn both traditional Gi and No-Gi Jiu-Jitsu in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. We offer beginner through advanced classes flexible schedules during the school week. Kick Boxing is not an approved class for CCS scholars.
RG Vacaville (services, in-person, PE; All ages, Vacaville)
Carlson Gracie Vacaville provides Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo instruction for children and teens, including Adaptive Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for neurodivergent children and students with developmental or other support needs. Our programs focus on physical fitness, self-confidence, discipline, respect, coordination, self-defense, and personal growth in a safe, structured, and supportive environment.
COUNSELING ~ Help Recruit for the School Counseling Advisory Council!
We’re looking for Learning Coaches, Scholars, and members of the CCS Community to join our School Counseling Advisory Council — Representatives make recommendations regarding scholar and community needs, the school counseling department’s response to those needs, and advocate for and support the school counseling program.
Meetings will be held in the Fall and Spring to review our counseling program goals and results:
Fall Meeting - Goal Plans: 12/10/2026 (12-1:30 PM)
Spring Meeting - Results Review: 6/3/2027 (12-1:30 PM)
We will also hold 3 additional meetings throughout the school year for our school community and council members to collaborate. Committee Collaboration Dates/Times: 10/27/2026, 2/16/2027, and 4/13/2027 (12-1pm).
Questions? Email Michelle Bateman at mbateman@compasscharters.org
Counselor's Compass - Guide to a Happy Life: Positive Outlook
This one-page resource highlights "Positive Outlook," a science-based approach for living a happy life; including the impact of our mindsets, tips for positivity, and practice activities.
SCHOLAR SUCCESS (ACADEMIC SUPPORT) ~
Please take a look at our October Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Newsletter which is all about having a GROWTH MINDSET. These resources are great for incorporating Social-Emotional Learning into your everyday activities. Each month we will continue to share social-emotional highlights and activities for families to use at home. For activities to foster a growth mindset, click here.
SPECIAL EDUCATION ~
SEPAC: Thank you to everyone who joined us for our first SEPAC meeting on September 24th! You can view the meeting agenda and access all of the helpful resources we discussed here: [Link]
Please mark your calendars for our next SEPAC meeting on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 3:00 PM!
It is that time again for new Community Advisory Committee (CAC) representatives to represent Compass at the SELPA CAC meetings and to support our SEPAC. Committee Applications are open here.
CAC Meeting Registration: October 13, 2026 | 10:00am-11:00am | Registration Link
El Dorado Charter Parent Learning Series
Looking ahead, please click the links below to register for the upcoming Zoom parent workshops:
Autism: Homework Strategies for Parents — Tuesday, Oct 6 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM [Register]
Autism: Understanding Executive Functioning for Parents — Tuesday, Oct 20 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM [Register]
TeachTown: Hi Learning Coaches! You’re invited to join our Community of Practice: Roundtable with Parents and Staff on Thursday, Oct 15 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Come meet the team, share feedback, and bring any TeachTown questions you have so we can best support your family!
🔗 Zoom Link: [Zoom Link]
ENGAGEMENT SNAPSHOT ~
Click here to view a snapshot of Engagement information for this week
SCHOLAR OF THE MONTH ~
We are proud of our scholars and use our Scholar of the Month Program to recognize their accomplishments. Join us in congratulating our
September Scholars of the Month:
Options Learning Program
CCS of Los Angeles
Elementary: Mykah W.
Middle School: Michael T.
High School: Schyler C.
CCS of San Diego
Elementary: Samuel G.
Middle School: Abrie C.
High School: Melody T.
CCS of Yolo
Elementary: Alexander F.
Middle School: Bella T.
High School: Bianca C.
Online Learning Program
CCS of Los Angeles
Elementary: Luna C.
Middle School: Mercy W.
High School: Everin B.
CCS of San Diego
Elementary: Nash S.
Middle School: Heidy S.
High School: Isabella O.
CCS of Yolo
Elementary: Diego C.L.
Middle School: Colin P.
High School: Brian L.
🎉 Congratulations to all our scholars for their hard work and dedication! 🎉
ENGAGEMENT SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK ~
FIELD TRIP SPOTLIGHT ~ Fleet Week San Diego celebrates our military! On November 10, join us for STEM Day, an interactive field trip featuring hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math activities. We will explore real-world STEM careers and learn how STEM is used in the military, maritime industries, and our community. Please note that adults attending this field trip must have a Real ID. Adults without a Real ID will not be permitted on the pier. Registration for this trip is open through next Friday, October 16. For more information, please visit ParentSquare.
VIRTUAL SCHOLAR WORKSHOP SPOTLIGHT ~ On October 30, Dr. Damian Bacich brings Mexican-era California to life, exploring how independence transformed the region and sparked the rise of the Rancho Era. Discover daily rancho life, the world of Vaqueros and Native Americans, and firsthand accounts from Californios and Californians that reveal the people and experiences behind this fascinating chapter of California history. Registration for this virtual event is open through next Friday, October 16. For more information, please visit ParentSquare.
LEARNING COACH ACADEMY ~ Join us for this week’s Learning Coach Academy session today, October 5 at 1:00 PM. This session will focus on Executive Functioning Support at Home: Organization, Focus & Follow Through. Families will have the chance to learn strategies, share ideas, and support one another in helping scholars build organization and focus at home. If you are interested in participating in Learning Coach Academy, please register here. If you missed a session, you can catch up here: LCA Tracker and Library. We look forward to seeing you there!
National Honor Society (NHS) Application Deadline extended ~ Attention Scholars in grades 10-12 with a GPA of 3.0 or higher: You are invited to join the National Honor Society (NHS)! This prestigious group is an excellent opportunity for you to be recognized for your academic achievements, develop leadership skills, and contribute to our community. National Honor Society application deadline has been extended to Friday, October 9. Questions? Reach out to Rebecca MacAlpine rmcalpine@compasscharters.org.
SCHOLAR CLUB HIGHLIGHT ~ Awesome Artist Club (TK-5)
Does your scholar love to perform? The Awesome Artist Club is a space where scholars get to explore and celebrate the performing arts. Scholars will research local and virtual performances, connect with others who share a passion for the arts, and shape club meetings based on shared interests. This club fosters connection and creativity. Sign your scholar(s) up to join our clubs using this club sign up form.
COUNSELING SERVICES ~ Middle School Counseling Learning Lab: Building a Trusted Space #4: Acting on Our Intentions
Scholars in grades 6-8 are invited to join Mrs. Sara Abdelhadi and Mrs. Mandi Schwartzberg in the Counseling Learning Lab for "Building a Trusted Space," an opportunity for scholars to develop self-management and social skills while building community with CCS peers. Trusted Spaces are places for joy to live, healing to happen, and learning to occur. They are spaces where individualism is celebrated and acceptance thrives. They are spaces where authority is maintained while relationships are cultivated. Trusted spaces help us all thrive.
SCHOLAR CLUB HIGHLIGHT ~ Art Club (6-12)
Is your scholar passionate about drawing, painting, or other art forms? Have your scholar join the Art Club every 1st Monday of the month! Whether your scholar is into sketching, experimenting with different mediums like watercolors or charcoal, or just loves creating, this club is for your scholar. Sign your scholar(s) up to join our clubs using this club sign up form.
ONLINE HIGH SCHOOL ~
All Live Learning Labs are cancelled Friday, 10/9/26 due to Teacher In-Service Day. Good News!! AE is still open and ready for you to learn. Log-in daily and complete your assigned tasks. You got this!
COUNSELING SERVICES ~ High School Counseling Learning Lab: Welcoming Communities #1: My multi-cultural self
Scholars in grades 9-12 are invited to join Ms. Bateman and Mr. Duarte in the Counseling Learning Lab for "Welcoming Communities," an opportunity for scholars to develop self- and social-awareness while building community with CCS peers. Social awareness refers to the ability to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Over the next 3 weeks, we will learn about mult-cultural identities, acting with compassion, and celebrating diversity.
SCHOLAR CLUB HIGHLIGHT ~ Art Club (6-12)
Is your scholar passionate about drawing, painting, or other art forms? Have your scholar join the Art Club every 1st Monday of the month! Whether your scholar is into sketching, experimenting with different mediums like watercolors or charcoal, or just loves creating, this club is for your scholar. Sign your scholar(s) up to join our clubs using this club sign up form.
Check out the National Today Calendar website for September celebrations!