Compass is a social emotional curriculum used with staff and students to build upon their social and emotional wellness. We know that students cannot perform academically until they are socially and emotionally balanced. This program helps them develop both individually and in relationships within our school community. Students complete Compass work and hold weekly circle in their daily mentoring groups. Mentoring groups meet at the beginning and end of every school day. This allows mentors to work with students.

Be Safe

I commit to keeping myself and others safe.

This commitment embodies our deep belief that learning and growth can only happen when we feel safe. As members of the Valor community, we expect everyone to commit to being physically and emotionally safe, to living lives of integrity, to being thoughtful with regard to their actions and their impact on others, and to being actively protective of their own and others’ well being.

Be Inclusive

I commit to leaving no community member behind.

This commitment embodies our belief in the South African principle of Ubuntu – that our individual well-being and success is connected to the well-being and success of the community as a whole. This commitment means being compassionate, being conscientious, and being connected to a vision and purpose that is larger than our own.

I commit to seeking diversity of perspective.

This commitment represents our fundamental belief in and commitment to diversity. This commitment asks us to be curious, to be open-minded, to be flexible in our thinking, to be inclusive, and to be multi-storied in our self- and other- understanding.

Be Kind

I commit to speaking to the person, not about the person.

This commitment represents our fundamental belief in and commitment to diversity. This commitment asks us to be curious, to be open-minded, to be flexible in our thinking, to be inclusive, and to be multi-storied in our self- and other- understanding.

I commit to speaking from my heart, but using my head.

This commitment embodies our core belief that everything can be done with kindness and reminds us that while it is important to access and express our thoughts, feelings, and needs, that the most effective and wise way to do this is in a manner that will ensure that our communication can be heard and understood.

Work Hard

I commit to working the Compass.

This commitment embodies our belief in working hard, in practicing, and in striving for excellence. It also reminds us to stay in balance and to attend to all of the dimensions of our growth.

Be Accountable

I commit to walking my talk.

This commitment represents our belief in trust as a foundational aspect of a strong community and calls us to be honest and trustworthy, to live with integrity, and to ensure that our actions and their impact align with our intentions.

Be Brave

I commit to showing up with valor.

This commitment embodies our belief that it takes great courage to grow and reminds us to take risks daily, to be vulnerable, to bring an open heart into all situations, and to live out our purpose.

Within these documents you will find references to Valor Charter School, who designed the Compass curriculum.

Methodology and Theory

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Compass Phases

In the Compass Curriculum students go through a series of 5 phases. They are the initial commitment, commitment, exploration, responsibility, and community phases. Faculty have three phases of initial commitment, commitment, and exploration. Here is a document with the three phases of the Compass curriculum. You can click within document links to see the various student and faculty assignments.

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