NEWS
COMPASS' Violence Prevention Day Celebration
June 13th, 2008
Violence Prevention Day is an annual year end celebration with students and staff, featuring student speakers, student recognitions and awards, and demonstrations of musical and dance performances. This year's Violence Prevention Day Ceremony included the following events and recognitions:
This year's T-Shirt design contest was open to students in all COMPASS programs. The winning design was done by a student at COMPASS' Jamaica Plain School, who won a $50 gift certificate and his design on 500 T-Shirts. The winning design and message, "Make Peace In The Streets" was in evidence on all in attendance, staff, students and visitors alike, a visible reminder of the theme of the day's events.
This year's Violence Prevention Day T-Shirts were purchased with a grant awarded to COMPASS from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) through the MCCA's Community Partnership & Hospitality Scholarship Fund.
Following the ceremony a delicious lunch, prepared by COMPASS Cafe, was enjoyed by all. Our special thanks to Chris Rocher and his Culinary Arts students for preparing and serving lunch.
Violence Prevention Day is an annual year end celebration with students and staff, featuring student speakers, student recognitions and awards, and demonstrations of musical and dance performances. This year's Violence Prevention Day Ceremony included the following events and recognitions:
- Welcome from John Lydon, COMPASS Executive Director
- A Drumming Selection from Nuradafina Abena
- Dedication by Beth Labbe and Terry Belli
- Announcement of Awards in memory of Kip Sowpel and Jason Mitchell, and Remembrances by Middle School Students
- Dance Presentation and Poetry under the direction of Necole Mance:
Poem read by Chantel Wade
Dance Troupe Akela Jackson, Jannie Johnson, Sade Ridley, Vanessa Rivera,Chantel Wade, Jamal Williams, and Melanie Williams
Elementary Class Summer Poetry - Basketball/Track Awards by Coaches Brent and Chris
- Student Poetry Presentation by Staya Daily
- Student Speaker Shenika Nicole Street
- Track and Field Awards presented by Daniela Fairchild and Pam Stich
- Outdoor Education Awards presented by Daniela Fairchild and BenMcCormick to: Corallis Delgado, Ayana Driggs, Miguel Hidalgo, MichaelShepard
- Congratulations were extended to graduating seniors Jeffrey Anitus,Corey Eaton, Jessica Firicano, Carlos Fuentes, Deoman Hamilton, Jeff Jones, and T.J. Rodriguez
This year's T-Shirt design contest was open to students in all COMPASS programs. The winning design was done by a student at COMPASS' Jamaica Plain School, who won a $50 gift certificate and his design on 500 T-Shirts. The winning design and message, "Make Peace In The Streets" was in evidence on all in attendance, staff, students and visitors alike, a visible reminder of the theme of the day's events.
This year's Violence Prevention Day T-Shirts were purchased with a grant awarded to COMPASS from the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) through the MCCA's Community Partnership & Hospitality Scholarship Fund.
Following the ceremony a delicious lunch, prepared by COMPASS Cafe, was enjoyed by all. Our special thanks to Chris Rocher and his Culinary Arts students for preparing and serving lunch.
COMPASS Graduation Day 2008
June 6th, 2008
This year students from both COMPASS schools, our Jamaica Plain school and the Holden School in Charlestown
celebrated their graduation together. The ceremonies were well attended by staff, family members, service providers and
members of the Board of Directors and Advisory Committees. Following opening remarks by John Lydon, Executive Director and
Janice Brenner, Director of the Holden School, the group enjoyed a Keynote Speech by Ms. Joan Landers, Superintendent of Public Schools in
Wakefield. Ms. Landers supported the students' perseverance to earn their diplomas and celebrated their success.
In addition to diplomas, traditional Holden School awards were given. Awards include a check and the placement of the winning students' names on plaques posted at the school. This year's winners were:
Jeefery Anitus, Corey Eaton, Jessica Firicano, Carlos Fuentes, Deoman Hamilton, Jeffery Jones, Tony (TJ) Rodriguez
Following the ceremonies, everyone enjoyed a lavish buffet at the Holden School. Congratulations and thanks to all who made the day possible!
In addition to diplomas, traditional Holden School awards were given. Awards include a check and the placement of the winning students' names on plaques posted at the school. This year's winners were:
- Nicholas Brown for the Bob Heard Community Award
- Gevens Mayala for the Dr. Tom Frank Personal Growth Award
- Anastashia Daily for the John P. Santry Sportsmanship Award
Jeefery Anitus, Corey Eaton, Jessica Firicano, Carlos Fuentes, Deoman Hamilton, Jeffery Jones, Tony (TJ) Rodriguez
Following the ceremonies, everyone enjoyed a lavish buffet at the Holden School. Congratulations and thanks to all who made the day possible!
In Memory of Jason Mitchell, 1970 - 2008
June 2008COMPASS' Jamaica Plain School students and staff, and the whole COMPASS community, were shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of a much loved, respected and longtime COMPASS case worker, Jason Mitchell, on May 6th. Jason's contributions during his seven years of working for COMPASS were immense. His loss continues to be felt throughout the COMPASS community of staff, students and families.
Click to read more about Jason, along with remembrances from friends and family.
COMPASS Receives Clowes Fund Award
June 2008
COMPASS' efforts to help students transition to post-secondary educationand jobs got a big boost this month when we
received word that our application to The Clowes Fund was successful and we will be awarded $20,000
for stipend-supported job apprenticeships for COMPASS students at both the Holden School in Charlestown and our
Jamaica Plain School. This means that we can place students in jobs where they can "try on" careers in which they
are interested, while developing job experience and references, along with some regular income.
Staff at both schools will be seeking apprenticeship sites and monitoring placements for students. We are very excited about this opportunity and very grateful to The Clowes Fund.
The Clowes Fund, a family foundation, seeks to enhance the common good by encouraging organizations and projects that help to build a just and equitable society, create opportunities for initiatives, foster creativity and the growth of knowledge, and promote appreciation of the natural environment.
Staff at both schools will be seeking apprenticeship sites and monitoring placements for students. We are very excited about this opportunity and very grateful to The Clowes Fund.
The Clowes Fund, a family foundation, seeks to enhance the common good by encouraging organizations and projects that help to build a just and equitable society, create opportunities for initiatives, foster creativity and the growth of knowledge, and promote appreciation of the natural environment.
COMPASS Jamaica Plain School Trip to New York City
May 2008Students had a good time on the 2008 New York City trip. They attended an exciting Yankees game, where Erin got featured on a Q & A session on the CW11 local news, and students got their first NYC subway experience. They saw the filming of the Today show, where Jonathan and Miguel got to meet Al Roker and actually got filmed in the show. Everyone enjoyed climbing the Empire State Building and seeing how small the city looks from above. A favorite was eating a late lunch at the Jekyll and Hyde Club where students interacted with the waitstaff as well as the fixtures on the wall. Some other things the students saw were Ground Zero, the NBA store, 5th Ave, Central Park, and relaxing by the pool.
In Memory of Kip Sowpel, 1955 - 2008
April 2008Longtime COMPASS special education teacher Kip Sowpel recently passed away due to illness. He will be remembered for his devotion to helping others, and for pioneering the first public school girls' ice hockey program at Simsbury High School, Connecticut in 1987. He remained their head coach until 2008, and in 2007 the CCGHL championship trophy was renamed the SOWPEL CUP in his honor.
Click to read more about Kip, along with some COMPASS staff remembrances.
March Madness?
March 2008The Holden and Compass Schools' basketball teams merged this year and the results have been excellent! Coaches Brent and Chris, and Assistant Coaches Lester and Alex, have led the team to 3 victories in 4 games, by wide margins. The team capped off that performance by scoring a victory in the Greater Boston Basketball League Tournament! The spirit of Basketball affects the staff, too. The annual "Pep Rally" celebration is planned for March 31st at the Jordan Boys' and Girls' Club in Chelsea. The game between staff and students will be followed by lunch and music in the Holden School's break room.
Peg Savage - COMPASS Business Manager, 1981 - 2008
February 26th, 2008COMPASS recently held a party in honor of Peg Savage, our Business Manager of over 25 years. On February 26th over 50 current and past staff, some from more than 20 years ago, gathered at historic Doyle's Café on Washington St. in Jamaica Plain. Peg's retirement was marked by gifts, laughter and good wishes from the many employees who came to know her well over the years and who considered her a friend.
Click to read more and see pictures from the event!
COMPASS Launches A.S.A.P. After School Program
January 2008COMPASS resumed after school services in January 2008 at the Middle School Academy in Dorchester. The program, called COMPASS' Middle School Academy After School Action Program (A.S.A.P.), will provide remediation and academic and enrichment services for low-income students aged 12-15.
Check back soon for more information about this program!
Holiday Gifts for COMPASS Kids
December 2007Continuing their long-standing tradition of giving, associates at Talbots headquarters in Hingham, Mass., generously donated gifts to 200 deserving COMPASS children and adolescents this past holiday season. With each child’s name, age and wish list decoratively displayed on individual holiday gift tags, Talbots associates kindly bought and beautifully wrapped gifts that were opened with joy and enthusiasm. A COMPASS staff member who participated in the gift giving was moved by the children’s reaction, stating, "It was wonderful to see some of the teenagers transformed from sophisticated young adults to excited children." COMPASS and all of the children send their gratitude to Talbots for their generosity.
COMPASS Receives Grant from MCCA
December 18th, 2007COMPASS staff member Kevin Rainsford shared information last month which led to our applying for a grant with the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA). We were chosen to receive a $5,000 grant through the MCAA's Community Partnership Program designated for COMPASS' Violence Prevention Day. Kathy O'Neill, COMPASS' Director of External Relations and Development, received the check on behalf of COMPASS at an award luncheon held at the Convention Center on Tuesday, December 18th.
COMPASS School Trip to Philadelphia
November 2007A small group of staff and students from the COMPASS School recently spent three days on a fun and informative trip to the city of Philadelphia. Highlights of the trip included visits to Constitution Hall, the Mint, and the Liberty Bell. The group got to watch a 76ers basketball game and sampled "Philly Cheese Steaks."
The Holden School's Twentieth Annual Thanksgiving
November 2007
As always, it was a delicious and delightful day! Students, staff and
volunteers spent the morning preparing the meal and transforming the classroom into a dining room complete with candles
and holiday decorations. We then enjoyed a multi-cultural feast - we are grateful to Johnnie's Foodmaster
for the donation of two big turkeys, to parents for rice and beans and pastellitos, and to staff members for home made
desserts. Everyone got to give thanks by posting a gratitude leaf on our Thanksgiving tree which was
created by teachers and students.
This year we were happy to share our meal with representatives from our new partners, COMPASS. We were joined by John Marston, Board Chair and John Lydon, Executive Director as well as Terry Belli, Clinical Director and Sandy Skinner, Director of Development for Special Events. Our thanks goes to all who shared the day with us!
This year we were happy to share our meal with representatives from our new partners, COMPASS. We were joined by John Marston, Board Chair and John Lydon, Executive Director as well as Terry Belli, Clinical Director and Sandy Skinner, Director of Development for Special Events. Our thanks goes to all who shared the day with us!
COMPASS Selected for Harvard Business School Board Fellows Program
October 2007
John Lydon and Janice Brenner, Director of the Holden School, were informed recently that COMPASS has been selected for
participation in the Board Fellows program of the Harvard Business School (HBS).
The HBS Board Fellows Program matches Harvard MBA candidates with the boards of directors of nonprofit organizations for eight month engagements. Fellows attend board sessions and relevant committee meetings while completing a strategic project for the organization under the mentorship of the executive director or a current board member or staff member. Board Fellows work with the board and staff to refine and develop the project scope, target key deliverables, conduct necessary analysis, and ultimately prepare recommendations for review.
COMPASS welcomes the opportunity to work with Shannah Varon, Harvard Business School student, for the upcoming academic year.
The HBS Board Fellows Program matches Harvard MBA candidates with the boards of directors of nonprofit organizations for eight month engagements. Fellows attend board sessions and relevant committee meetings while completing a strategic project for the organization under the mentorship of the executive director or a current board member or staff member. Board Fellows work with the board and staff to refine and develop the project scope, target key deliverables, conduct necessary analysis, and ultimately prepare recommendations for review.
COMPASS welcomes the opportunity to work with Shannah Varon, Harvard Business School student, for the upcoming academic year.
COMPASS Café Reopens
October 5th, 2007The Café, located in the lower level of the COMPASS School, 26 Sunnyside Street, Jamaica Plain, recently celebrated its Grand Re-Opening on Friday, October 5th, after being closed for the summer. The Café is managed and run by COMPASS School students and open for lunch on Fridays between 11:30 and 1:00. The Café's menu changes weekly, and includes a number of delicious and different choices each week.
Please join us for a wonderful lunch when you're in the neighborhood.
COMPASS Has Moved Down the Street!
August 27, 2007On Monday, August 27, 2007, COMPASS' Administration and Community Services Program Staff moved to their new headquarters at 327 Centre St. in Jamaica Plain. The telephone number at the new location is (617) 524-1290, fax is (617) 524-1294. Please note that our mailing address has not changed, nor have the phone and fax numbers for the COMPASS School. Please update your records!
click here to go to the Administration contact page
COMPASS has Merged with The Holden School
July 2007On July 1st, 2007, COMPASS merged with The Holden School, a small, private, non-profit middle/high school located in Charlestown. Since 1976, the school has been guided by the belief that young people who many believe will fail can succeed and contribute constructively to their communities if they receive a supportive yet disciplined environment and the attention of caring, skilled adults. We'd like to extend a warm welcome to the staff of the Holden School as they join us in our mission to serve at-risk youth.
Links: COMPASS at Holden Program Page The Holden School Web Site
COMPASS' Violence Prevention Day Celebration - Friday, June 8th, 2007Violence Prevention Day is an annual year end celebration with students and staff, featuring student speakers, student recognitions and awards, and demonstrations of musical and dance performances. During the celebration COMPASS was awarded the 1st Annual Jackson Katz MVP Award from Sport in Society (a Northeastern University Center) for its leadership in and raising of awareness about violence prevention. Announcing the award was the guest speaker for the event, Kirsten Watson, of Northeastern University Mentors In Violence Prevention. Following the event program, students, family members and staff enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by COMPASS' Culinary Arts Program students, with donations of food from SYSCO.
COMPASS Consulting hired by Jordan Brand, a
division of NIKE, Inc., to manage Jordan
Fundamentals Grant Program
March 2007COMPASS Consulting has been hired by Jordan Brand to manage Jordan Fundamentals, the largest single grant program offered by NIKE totaling $1 million. The program was born out of world-class athlete Michael Jordan's firm belief that education is a key to opportunity and helps build commitment to core values which foster personal excellence and achievement. The program is presented by the Jordan Brand and is committed to improving education by supporting and engaging teachers from across the country in reflecting on best practices in their work.