Do you have 8th graders who meet any of the following criteria:

• Are English-language learners?
• Are reading 2 or more years below grade level?
• Have a GPA below 2.0?
• May not be graduating from the 8th grade?
• Want a high school head start?
• Have social and/or emotional needs for adjusting to high school?
• Want a productive and enjoyable summer experience?

Please refer those students to the Sequoia district Compass Program. It is designed to offer 9th graders a head start in high school by giving them confidence and skills for success. Students will take classes that target the skills necessary for success in high school: study skills, algebra, language arts and a variety of activities and learning opportunities that include computer training, contests and sports. Transportation to Carlmont and Woodside will be provided as well as a daily brunch. Limited service transportation will be provided from Redwood City to Menlo-Atherton High School.

If the students complete the summer program, they will be better prepared for high school, will receive 5 credits toward high school graduation, and will have intensive monitoring throughout the school year with tutorials, advisories, counseling and parent contacts.

We’re looking for students who will benefit from our program:

Study Skills: Using the AVID program, students will learn organizational skills, note-taking, outlining, summarizing, time management and other essential study skills.

Preparation for Algebra: Students will be better prepared for their 9th grade math class by using variables, simple equations and tools for problem solving. Students will participate in investigations of fundamental principles of math and science.

Reading/Writing development: Students will improve reading speed, comprehension and vocabulary. They will read and discuss 9th grade books and will work on sentence and paragraph skills.

Students must attend the Compass Program at the high school they will attend in September. 8th Grade non-graduates must meet all their school’s requirements for graduation. Participation in the Compass Program may not qualify 8th grade non-graduates for high school.

Representatives from the Compass Program will be visiting your school this spring. For the names and phone numbers of the high school Compass coordinators, please call Michael Hermosillo, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, at (650) 369-1411, ext. 2389 or 2390.