World Compass Academy engages and inspires learners in a safe, challenging,
and individualized learning environment, which cultivates and fosters character,
a lifelong love of learning, and the skills to engage in the global community.
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR INTERIM PRINCIPAL
Dear WCA Families,
I hope you had a Happy Fourth of July. The last few weeks of summer are rocketing past and many members of our dedicated staff have already been in the building prepping for the new year.
There are many exciting changes afoot to make WCA even better this year. We are pleased to add a part-time Gifted Specialist role to build our gifted program and develop enrichment opportunities for WCA students. These enrichment offerings will not only benefit our gifted students, but also any student seeking an additional challenge. In addition, we have added support for Guided Reading and Math this year to allow us to more fully embrace ability grouping and mastery learning. Keep reading because I introduce the new teachers below!
Please let me support you in making this year a success for your child. If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to talk, please reach out to me directly. Thank you to the many families who have offered your support and encouragement this summer. We truly have a special community. I feel confident moving into the start of school and anticipate an amazing year.
Sincerely,
Bethany Merkling
Interim Principal
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WELCOME OUR NEW TEACHERS!
Linda Brown - Guided Reading Teacher
: Linda is joining us all the way from Maine. Linda grew up in Nova Scotia and has a B.Ed from Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. She is a veteran in the field of education and has over 15 years of experience. She is a talented educator who is passionate about high quality instruction. Speaking with her, you will quickly see she is dedicated with high standards and the knowledge and ability to help her kids climb mountains.
Emily Chan - Fourth Grade:
A self-described cultural chameleon, Emily joins the WCA family with 9 years of teaching experience and an extensive background in international travel.
In addition to teaching stateside, she has also spent four years teaching in China and the Philippines. Emily is coming to WCA as a Curriculum Designer from Project Explorer.
More than just being culturally fluent, Emily is a talented teacher. Speaking with Emily, you will find her filled with enthusiasm and a passion for teaching. Her upbeat positive nature is contagious; I can't wait to visit her class!
Kristina Carney - Sixth Grade Language Arts and History:
Kristie joined the WCA family last Spring as a Teacher Assistant in fourth grade. This year, we are excited to watch her teaching talents grow as she joins our sixth grade team. Kristie was an elementary teacher in California for seven years before moving to CO in 2015. After her interview, my first thought was, "WOW, I want to be in her class!" Kristie is funny and smart; our Middle School students are going to love her. Although she will also be teaching history next year, as our Middle School grows, Kristie will become our Middle School Language Arts Teacher.
Kate Parker - Sixth Grade Math and Science, Gifted Specialist:
Another East Coaster...Kate joins us from Pennsylvania! During her interview, Kate shared some of the innovative projects she has done with her students. My favorite was her students describing artwork in a foreign language, and then parents scanning the description with the google translator app and guessing which picture and description went together. Kate will spend the morning in sixth grade. In the afternoon, Kate will be building and designing our gifted program and enrichment offerings. I am so excited to see all the great programming and student opportunities Kate will bring to WCA!
Shelli Williams - Sixth Grade:
Shelli hails from New Mexico, where she spent many years in the classroom. Currently, Shelli works at Huntington Learning Center where I've been told parents and students LOVE her. Shelli is passionate about teaching and history. As our Middle School grows, she will become our Middle School History teacher. Shelli has already been in the building getting curriculum to prepare for the school year. What great commitment! I know she is going be an amazing addition to our team!
Tina Bowes - Guided Reading Teacher:
We are so happy to have Tina join the elementary school this year. Last year, Tina was a Teacher Assistant in our preschool. After discovering a love for teaching, she took several education classes and is now a teacher in our elementary. Tina has been invested in WCA for years. She helped tag furniture to move into the new building, worked on the team to build the WCA float for the rodeo parade, and has consistently gone above and beyond to help WCA succeed. I am confident this perseverance, positive outlook, and attitude of service will be huge assets that will make her an incredible teacher!
Mikaela Sanders - 2nd Grade:
Do you remember how amazing teacher appreciation week was? Mikaela is the PTO parent behind that unbelievable week! Next year, she will be a member of the second grade team. Mikaela has 12 years of teaching experience and some of the most amazing reference letters I have ever read. In addition, she has a strong background in Singapore Math. Her experience, attention to detail, and upbeat attitude will make her a valuable addition to the 2nd grade team.
Robin Reed - Technology Specialist: Robin comes to us as the Technology Coordinator for a school of over 1,200 students. She has a M.Ed in Instructional Technology. Her family is moving to Castle Rock in the next few weeks, and her children will also be joining us at WCA. Robin is poised, patient, and has a great sense of humor. She traveled extensively playing professional basketball and has also worked as a Marine Corps Fitness Coordinator and Department of Defense Tutor and Coach in Okinawa, Japan. Her can do spirit and willingness to innovate and problem solve make her perfect in this role.
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ANNOUNCEMENTS
PTO Playdate. Have you missed your friends this summer? Moms, are you dying for some adult conversation? Come join us Thursday, July 21 (tomorrow!) at 6:00pm at the MAC. Swim in the pool, run around in the splash pad, or play on the huge playground. Hope to see you there!
Teacher Assignments.
Teachers have their class lists and will be sending a letter welcoming each student to their class. You should expect to receive a letter from your teacher by August 6. Please also watch for sign-up information for Goal Setting Conferences held August 16 and 17.
Principal Hiring Update.
Principal interviews are next week. There are many highly accomplished and talented educators who have applied. The principal hiring committee will be interviewing 8 candidates.
Formal Uniform Days.
The first day of school, August 18, will be a formal uniform day.
There will be no other formal uniform days in August. This year, parents will receive a monthly formal uniform calendar, beginning with September.
First Day Assembly.
We will have an assembly to welcome our teachers and students on the first day of school at 10:00am. Afternoon Kindergarten won't miss out! They will have a special visit by the principal and school staff during their class time to welcome them to WCA.
School Supply Lists. Click here
for the grade level school supply lists. Please note that the lists include homeroom, art, music, and language supplies.
2016-17 Elementary Calendar Changes. We have made a few changes to the elementary calendar. Download the updated elementary calendar here. These are the changes: there will be no school on September 6 due to Professional Development, April 20 will be a normal school day and April 21 will be an Early Release Day at 12:30pm, with Professional Development in the afternoon. You may also view the updated calendar on our website.
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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
WCA Board of Directors and Staff would like to thank local business owner Sean Hakes for his Title Sponsorship to
"A Date Night to Remember" and Silver Sponsorshi
p to World Compass Academy.
Mr. Hakes is the owner of
Altitude SEO.
Mr. Hakes, and his wife Adriana, have a Kindergartener at WCA this year; they are excited to support our amazing new school in our fundraising efforts.
Altitude SEO is an advanced level, specialty search engine optimization company. We specialize in high-competition markets and the overall search experience from search engine placement, social media visibility, local maps optimization, user experience optimization and have an in-depth process inline with Google's Webmaster Guidelines.
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2490 S. Perry Street
Castle Rock, CO 80104
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Attendance: 303-814-5280
Nurse: 303-814-5260
Preschool: 303-229-0935
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