Compass officially turns 10 tomorrow, October 28, 2021!
What an incredible ten years it has been of serving scholars and working each and every day to uphold the Gold Standard in Virtual Education. In this week’s blog, we highlight our board members and providers who have worked closely with us every step of the way. These incredible individuals and companies have been instrumental to the success of Compass. And for that, we are forever grateful!
Therese Christopher has been a dedicated board member since joining in June of this year. In addition, Therese has served on the Parent Advisory Council from its start in 2016. She truly enjoys being involved in the development of Compass. Therese’s daughter Elizabeth came to Compass in 6-grade and graduated last year. While at Compass, Elizabeth received the President’s Award for Educational Achievement for outstanding educational growth and commitment to her education.
Therese shares, “When asked to become a board member at Compass Charter Schools, I did not think on it very long before I accepted. My daughter had been with the school for over six years and was preparing to graduate, but we were not ready to say goodbye to our Compass family.
From the very beginning, we felt that we were part of a community fostered at Compass. My husband, Tony, and I had been on the Parent Advisory Council, and our daughter had been on the Scholar Leadership Council, serving as the chair in her senior year. We realized that we were going to miss being such an active part of this wonderful organization. Serving as a board member was a way to give back to the school and also stay connected with the Compass family, ensuring that all existing and new scholars, with their families, feel the same connection that we did and will continue to thrive at Compass.”
We interviewed Therese to hear more about her experiences at Compass over the years.
What has been your favorite standout moment over the ten years since Compass’ inception?
The moment would be attending a baseball game with some of our favorite Compass staff. We had a great time getting to know our Compass family. It also helped us realize our love for the game of baseball, which in turn has given my husband, daughter, and myself many wonderful moments of excitement and bonding through the game. My daughter is even now considering a career path in the sports industry, which most likely would not have been possible without this Compass moment.
What is your favorite Compass scholar success story?
My favorite Compass scholar success story would have to be my daughter’s last couple of years with the school. Having to fight through the struggles with Covid-19, she still graduated with good grades, achieved many accomplishments, and served on the Scholar Leadership Council as Chair in her senior year. I couldn’t be more proud of her, both as a parent and member of the Compass family.
What is your proudest moment as a board member at Compass?
So far, it would be taking a leap of faith and venturing into a new area by becoming a board member! I do not necessarily have the same experience as some of my fellow board members, but I do have the perspective of a Compass parent and someone who has worked with the school for more than six years. I am proud of myself for choosing to use that experience and knowledge to benefit others.
What is your most significant memory serving as a board member at Compass?
My most significant memory as a new board member is going to the Board Advance and Compass Family Reunion in San Diego this summer. Meeting the board members and the staff at Compass and being warmly welcomed as a new board member was an incredible experience. It helped us bond with one another and improve our morale and strength.
In your opinion, why is Compass the Gold Standard in virtual learning?
Compass is the Gold Standard in virtual education because every member of the Compass staff truly cares about their scholars. They provide an excellent platform for learning and support all their scholars’ needs. Since I am connected with Compass, I have seen how much they listen to their community and always strive to improve and make things better for their scholars. Compass truly puts its scholars first!
What do you say to those considering pursuing an online education?
I believe that Covid-19 has opened up people’s eyes to the virtual school experience more than ever before. To those considering pursuing an online education, I would like to say, whether you select the Online or the Options Program, you will have an education that is tailor-made for your scholar. You will also have a lot more flexibility than in a regular school setting.
Any other fun memories to share?
I will never forget going on our first field trip to the Carlsbad Flower Fields. Meeting our scholar’s teachers made our family realize that online learning in general, and Compass Charter Schools especially, is a place where you are even more connected with your peers, teachers, and school community than you could ever be with any brick and mortar school.
Lisa Robotham served as a dedicated board member for almost three years. Lisa’s two children graduated from Compass. And Lisa was not only a positive advocate for her scholars but worked diligently as the chair of our Parent Advisory Council and secretary of our Board of Directors to ensure that all our scholars received the support they needed to thrive and be successful.
What has been your favorite standout moment over the ten years since Compass’ inception?
It would be J.J. Lewis taking over and making Compass a school that families are proud of. However, it is not a standout moment but an overall moment.
What is your favorite Compass scholar success story?
Both of my children attended Compass, graduated, and are now in college. My daughter started in the 5-grade and is currently continuing her education. I am very proud of both of them; they both had great success at Compass.
What is your proudest moment as a board member at Compass?
Watching the graduating classes in person and seeing the young scholars ready for the next step is amazing!
What is your most significant memory serving as a board member at Compass?
I loved meeting all of the staff and teachers. I also enjoyed meeting other board members and being a different voice, as I was not a school administrator or teacher but a parent. They made me feel that my voice mattered.
In your opinion, why is Compass the Gold Standard in virtual learning?
Compass does online learning and options “at-home” learning, using excellent platforms and meeting each scholar’s needs.
What do you say to those considering pursuing an online education?
I highly recommend it. My children are doing some of their college work online, and it was less of a transition for them. It is truly the way of the future!
Any other fun memories to share?
I miss Coffee with Compass! I miss talking to Janae Smith, Director of Online Learning, and Mandi Schwartzberg, counselor. But, I try to keep them updated each year.
We have been working with Travonnie Mackey and Edgility Consulting since 2018. Travonnie and Edgility have helped to steer Compass to success for many years. We spoke with Travonnie, and this is what she had to share.
What made you decide to work with Compass Charter Schools?
While I joined Compass after the project had begun, I could tell right away that the leaders of this organization were serious about making tangible progress. We are always looking to partner with organizations, like Compass which really walk the talk.
What is your proudest moment in partnering with Compass?
I loved having office hours with the management team. I got to witness firsthand their team’s commitment to doing right by their people.
In your opinion, why is Compass the Gold Standard in virtual learning?
Compass supervising teachers are some of the most passionate individuals I’ve ever come across. They care so much about helping scholars reach their goals. Compass excels because the staff are truly dedicated to scholar success.
What do you say to those considering pursuing an online education?
It is always best to meet people where they are. It is excellent that Compass provides an option for families who need something different than a traditional school setting.
