PIONEER IMPACT REPORT 2024-2025
THE COMPASS SCHOOL OF TEXAS CREATING CREATIVE AND CONFIDENT LEADERS OF TOMORROW
NOVEMBER 2025 ISSUE NO.01
Taking Inventory of the Year A QUANTITATIVE LOOK AT THE IMPACT MADE POSSIBLE BY SUPPORTERS LIKE YOU!
A LETTER FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL As I reflect on this past school year, I am genuinely moved by the strides made. In addition to the academic achievements, I am constantly impressed by the stories of personal growth. Our students show up every day, eager to face challenges, make new discoveries, and surpass expectations. I am incredibly proud of all the accomplishments and grateful for the support of the faculty, staff and parent volunteers that made everything possible. It is wonderful to see the quantitative impact, knowing that these numbers just touch the surface of the true impact made for our students and community. I want to thank every person that has given Compass time, energy, knowledge, funding, enthusiasm, and kindness of spirit. Each day, the mission is at the forefront of the work being done. This report captures a small piece of the joy taking place in the classrooms, in the garden, on the field, and all throughout Dallas with educational experiences at Frontiers of Flight, Omni Hotel kitchens, Dallas Arboretum, Dallas Children’s Theater, St. Mark’s Planetarium, Klyde Warren Park, and Dallas Museum of Art. I invite everyone to celebrate the tremendous work being done.
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COMPASS TO THE CORE
A lively, curiosity-filled day at the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA): The field trip welcomed a strong turnout of students, families, and guests. It served as an opportunity to blend classroom lessons with hands-on cultural experiences in the heart of Dallas. The museum visit connected to conversations about the many forms art can take beyond traditional paint and clay. The day began with students gathering at Klyde Warren Park to release some excited energy before becoming the first group to enter the museum. Equipped with a thoughtfully designed treasure hunt and art prompts for their adult companions, students split into small groups and discovered featured works and crowd-favorites, like this Indigenous American sculpture.
“It was so fun to see the kids totally immersed and excited, turning the museum into their own little adventure.” -Mariana Crespo Barnetche, Compass Art Educator
In partnership with Teach For America, Compass proudly hosted Crafts for a Cause, an inspiring event that brought together Compass students and parents to show appreciation for the vital role teachers play in shaping young minds. Held on the Compass campus, families engaged in hands-on crafting activities, all designed with gratitude in mind. There were a variety of “crafty” stations such as decorating wooden keychains, assembling bath salts for relaxation, designing custom coasters, planting succulents paired with handwritten gratitude notes, crafting personalized bookmarks, and building colorful, unique lanyards. Each station was designed to provide a thoughtful, handmade gift to honor local educators’ dedication, care, and daily impact in the classroom.
In 2nd Grade, lessons on the heart went from metaphorical explanations in English to representative three-foot models in art to scientific applications in the real world with an informative visit from cardiologist, Dr. Matthew Dickson. Students wrapped up the unit with a showcase, where students examined blood cells under a microscope, calculated heart rates by multiplying beats in a fifteen second period by four, taught attendees about balance and nutrition for heart health, shared essays on the heart, and engaged guests in a game to learn about the cardiovascular system. International Day was designed to promote global awareness and cultural pride. This year’s event featured a vibrant mix of activities that allowed attendees to explore the unique customs of various countries represented by the school’s student body. With booths representing countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, China, India, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, England, Greece, Italy, Poland, Turkey, Ukraine, Iran, Syria, Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Chile, Peru, and Venezuela, students and families offered a personal look into heritage through food, music, dress, and artifacts.
In addition to many field trips, professionals came to campus to share their expertise. With engaging and practical instruction, these individuals gave invaluable wisdom that allowed students to see real world examples and careers that incorporate their classroom learning. Themed lessons centering on Texas prompted Pre-K students to study major cities, paint bluebonnets, and recite the state pledge daily. Excited to expand upon their knowledge of Dallas landmarks, they integrated Farm-to-Table learning as they delved into plant growth near freeways with guest, Kit Sawers delving into the details about city planning and things to consider when creating parks in urban areas.
COMMUNITY - FAMILY - LEADERSHIP - PURPOSE - RESILIENCE
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TRADITIONS
The second annual Thanksgiving Feast came to life with floats, artwork, and written contributions by the students. Veteran’s Day joined together generations with an inspirational speech by a war veteran, celebrating the heroic work being done by men and women dedicated to serving our nation. Other notable gratitude gatherings were “Are you smarter than a 3rd grader,” Muffins with Mom and Pancakes with Dad. Grandfriend’s Day was a tea party for the ages with guitar playing, bouquet making, and an exploration of the grounds. The Compass in Bloom: Farmer’s Market hosted many outside vendors in addition to Compass’ own students and staff, who sold produce and handmade goods. Older students showed off their entrepreneurial skills, setting up tables to sell alphabet crayons and 3D printed items like dragons and chess sets. This year, a few new traditions were started, including Pioneer Day and the Compass Readathon, which deepened students love of reading with some healthy competition for a gift card to purchase more books at Interabang Books.
FIRESIDE CHATS
The 2024-2025 season kicked off at Frontiers of Flight Museum with James Keyes, Dr. Linda Silver, and Dr. Lori Cook discussing A Child’s Brain Development and the Case for Nature and Science. With Frances Mitchell moderating, attendees had the opportunity to listen to how environmental factors influence the pace of development of a child’s brain. The series continued at HALL Arts Hotel with Arnie Holtberg prompting Dr. Haley Fournier, Shelly Sender, and Laine DiStefano to address the impact of excessive screen time on youth, emphasizing the importance of outdoor activity and human interaction. They explored how rising anxiety among students and parents affects daily life. Concluding the season, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science hosted a conversation on Navigating Leadership with Ross Perot Jr. and Admiral Pat Walsh answering questions from Peter Brundage. A common thread was that true leadership is synonymous with integrity and altruism. When dissecting the qualities of accomplished leaders, Walsh declared, “There's an element of capacity that is just never exceeded. True leaders always find capacity.” Walsh’s words inspired people to take action and led to internships for six Cristo Rey students by Compass parents and community members that attended the spring event.
Panel Speakers Dr. Lori Cook, Director of Clinical Research at the Center for Brain Health Laine DiStefano, Therapist at Thinkspace Counseling Dr. Haley Fournier, Co-Founder of Screenwell and Founder of Dallas Wellness Group James Keyes, Former CEO of 7-11 and Author of Education is Freedom Ross Perot Jr., Chairman of the Perot Companies and Hillwood Shelly Sender, Head of School for the Compass School of Texas Dr. Linda Silver, CEO of the Perot Museum of Nature and Science Admiral Pat Walsh, President of Cristo Rey Dallas and former U.S. Navy Four-star Admiral 6 6
Every dollar Every dollar matters. matters. Donations and Fundraising Income Fall Festival Proceeds
$18,500
North Texas Giving Day
$23,210
Fireside Chat Sponsorships $26,268 2025 Fiesta Auction
$2,530,614
Donations
$2,581,106
New Pledges
$5,837,538
Total
$11,017,236
The funds raised contribute to the unique learning experience of every individual on campus. Additional support allows Compass to offer competitive salaries and benefits to hire top educators, expand and implement a mission-focused curriculum for Pre-K through 8th grade, enhance program experiences for brainhealth, city service, core values, financial literacy, physical education, robotics, and wellness, provide scholarships and tuition assistance, and increase the impact on the community year after year.
As Compass embarks on this expansion to serve more children and families throughout Dallas, we are consulting a myriad of experts to weigh in and help design intentional programs and spaces for learning that promote the Compass mission and establish an institution that serves future leaders for generations to come. The Advisory Council has been instrumental to this process for both curriculum and design with their many years of experience in education, design, and entrepreneurship. Students have also contributed to this process. They met with Compass architect, Scott Hall, giving their own insight and sketches to represent their dream spaces for the future campus.
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BUZZING WITH EXCITEMENT FOR SPANISH A look at the Spanish Program and the creation of the Concurso de Ortografia y Deletreo Daily practice and consistent use is one of the best ways to learn a language. Compass and Spanish educator, Mercedes Macedo, subscribes to this belief full-heartedly. As the Director of Spanish Program and Pedagogy, Macedo continues to build the Spanish program for Compass, designing a curriculum that gives students Pre-K through 8th grade the confidence to speak in Spanish-speaking countries around the world. When tasked with the challenge of building out a multilevel program, Macedo knew that the lessons needed to extend beyond the basics of language. Fluency and proficiency are a priority, but so is the study of culture. Each grade learns about significant Hispano figures and by 8th grade students will have completed a unit about each of the countries that have Spanish as the official language. At the forefront of her mind in curating the curriculum is the need to garner student excitement for the language. As is the Compass way, a large part of increasing engagement comes from understanding the real-world significance of dual language. This is achieved through a multitude of activities, including ‘trips’ around the world, where students carried cardboard suitcases and handmade passports to the transformed hallway, more fondly known as, Puerta A5. They answered questions for the customs official to show off their language skills. The enthusiasm demonstrated by students inspired Macedo to create more opportunities to showcase their linguistic knowledge.
“THEIR GROWING JOY IN LEARNING SPANISH AND THEIR EAGERNESS TO DEEPEN THEIR UNDERSTANDING INSPIRED US TO CREATE OPPORTUNITIES THAT MATCHED THEIR MOMENTUM.” MERCEDES MACEDO On April 23, 2025, the 2nd and 3rd grade classes participated in Concurso de Ortografía y Deletreo, Spanish Spelling Bee. Deciding to showcase through competition was an easy decision for Macedo. She states, “Competitions are important because students learn valuable life skills, such as resilience, teamwork, and partnership, and grow in confidence to showcase their knowledge, all while being part of an experience that can be stressful and requires working under pressure.”
The competition began with an in-class Pruebas de Ortografía y Deletreo, where students took written tests. Every child sought to make it to the finals by applying the lessons from class on foundational phonetic skills. The students’ enthusiastic response demonstrated their growth in their spelling skills and phonemic awareness. As they competed for the finals, the maturing confidence in speaking a secondary language emanated as they competed in front of a panel of judges, volunteer Spanish speakers from the Compass community. The three winners exuded with pride as they received their customized trophies at a school-wide ceremony. The celebrations didn’t end there. The date aligned with Día Internacional del Idioma, offering an opportunity to incorporate studies of the life and legacy of the celebrated literary figure, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. The significance of the event demonstrated the students’ progress and continued to nurture their curiosity and love for the Spanish language. Looking to next year, students expressed a desire to expand the event to more grades and other schools. The enthusiasm from the event is the most significant measure of success in the developing Spanish program. Macedo declared, “We are a young school with big dreams.” 10 10
Asha and Brian Adams Lynne Adams Danaree Allgood Libby and Al Allred Anonymous Dana and Mike Arnold Allison and Amon Austin Stefanie and Richie Auter Fariborz Azarian Marika Baca and Christian deLarios Anne and Robert Bailey Donna Bajaj Lee Baldwin Faith and Matthew Baldwin Elizabeth Banks Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Lauren and Adam Barrer Megan and Joseph Barrie-Schwarz Danielle Bartlett Courtney and Dominik Bauch Kathie and James Baugh Elaine and Trent Beagle Rachel and Ryan Beaupre Lindsay Bendorf Natalie and David Benefield Jamaal Benjamin Hayden and Henry Benton Cassie and David Bernard Paige and Jon Bernstein Hassie Harrison Bingham and Ryan Bingham Cristina and Colin Bird Rylie and Mark Bland Casie and Austin Blankenbeckler Tatyana and Jamie Bloom Natalie and James Bloomingdale Jessica and Kevin Boardman Elayna and John Bowden Mara Brachtl Suzi and Kieran Brennan Mackenzie Brittingham and Matt Severs Katy and Parker Brooks Janis and Sam Brous Lindsay and Mitchell Brown Susi and Peter Brundage Mary Bryan Kate and Brack Bryant Nancy Burgher Claire and Brooks Bussard Annika and Dennis Cail
THANK YOU!
Anne-Marie and Walker Cain Susan and Ned Cammack Greg Cannon Abby and Robert Cannon Dawn Capp Eric Caraballo Denisse Cardenas Whitney and Aaron Carroll Takhmina and Rob Ceravolo Parker Chaddick Brandi and Cam Chalmers Meredith Chiles Sarah Christian Brad Clark Sharon and Max Clark Jennifer Cloud Graham and Toben Cocklin Christopher Coffman Sarah and Austin Conway Vodi Cook and Evan Meagher Bela and Chase Cooley Jenna Cooper Tigger and Leo Corrigan III Grecia Crosby Kathy and Harlan Crow Natalie and Andrew Cryer Alaa Daghlas and Matt Sunbulli Jessica and Jack Dale Carla and Clark Damon Gordon Damon Sherri and Alan Darver Mallory and Robert Davies Tyler Davies Pilar and Lew Davies Miranda and Conn Davis Tanya and Brandon Davis Christie and Brian Davis Jeri Davis Debra and Michael Decker JoAnne and Matthew Decker Tara and Matthew Dickson Annie Diehl Caroline Diehl Kelly and John Diehl Laine and Rich DiStefano Alison and Edward Doherty Katie and Neal Doherty Lauren and DJ Donohoe Mawk Donahue Berkeley and Jason Downie Amira Duck
Sarah Eastburn Elizabeth and Gary Eckeberger Blake Eltis Nancy and Jon Esber Linda Jo Evans Toni Evans Jennifer and Peter Eyestone Mimi Falb Taryn and Austin Federer Rebecca Marcus Fernandes Lori Feste Jessica and Paul Field Kerrie and Ross Forbes Jamie and Charlie Foster Jessica Frank Anna and Elisha French Mia and Clayton Frenzel Chelsea and Austin Fry Sally Fryer and Mark Dietz Abby and Bradon Fuqua Susanna Gibb and Joe Nemmers Haley and Charles Gigliotti Haley and Scott Gill Sophie and Mason Gilmore Julia and Hank Glasgow Sarah and Hayden Godat Shelby and Travis Goff Nancy Gopez Lindsay and Jonathon Gorbach Janet Goulding Evanna and Robert Goulding Shannon Graham Mary and Rob Grasso Carolyn and Loren Greaves Kelly and Paul Greenwell Abby and Michael Gregory Anna and Thomas Gresham Nancy and Jim Groth Debra and Michael Gunter Brieann Handahl Darla Halbert Francis Harrison and Manuel Brito Patricia Harrison Bailey Harrison Anne Harrison Michelle Harvey Dayna and David Harwood Louisa and Joseph Harwood Jena and Brian Hattendorff Amy and Wade Havins Ivan Havins
Toshi Hayashi Jenni and Todd Heinz Emily and Ryan Helm Carolina and Christopher Helms Kathy Helms Margretta and Will Henderson Lisa and Luke Henderson Alayna and David Hensley Maureen and Bill Hodges Whitney and Ross Hodges Jan and Arnold Holtberg Jena Holtberg-Benge Michelle and Austin Hopper Libby and Matthew Howard Mallory Hubbard Madalene and Garrett Huffines Holly and Phillip Huffines Danielle and Ben Hughes Jane and Matt Humphrey Sharron Hunt Charlotte and John Hunt Sloane and Mike Hunter Kelsie Huntsman Mandi Hutchison Elisa Jacobo Nora and Dale Jacobs Allie and Mark Jacobs Christina and Sal Jafar Katherine and Clay Jahnke Katlin and Zach James Sarah and Will James Duke Jimerson Marsland Johnson Julia and Bill Jones Heather Jones Carole and Chris Jordan Bru Juracek Susan and Matthew Kairis Katie and Ben Kardell Leigh and Jim Karol Karen Kaufman Leslie Kavanaugh Olivia and Jeffrey Kearney Meredith and JR Kennedy Jessica Khan Susanne Kirk Shelby and Tim Kirksey Monica Kitt Bernardy Linda and Oliver Klinger Lisa and Chris Kopecky Valerie and Kent Krause
Marlys Krueck Christina Kuo and Keith Jensen Joyce and Larry Lacerte Mary Elizabeth and Chris Lafield Emily and Mark LaGrone Ellie and Sam Lam Madelaine and Russell Lam Eileen and Chip LaMarca Lacey and Brett Land Laura and Michall LaRochelle Cindi Larson Linda and Greg Leftin Lou and Jeff Lehman Robin and Michael Lewis Margaret and Keet Lewis Janet Lipnick Kathy and David Lipnick Caroline Harrison Loehr and Gavin Loehr Meghan Looney Heather and Andrew Lothes Amanda Loughmiller Tina Lynch Mercedes Macedo Bethany and Caleb Malone Stacey Martin Michele Matamoros Dassi and Gillad Matiteyahu Kalize and Clay Mauldin Eleanor and Charles May Marla and David Maymon Carolyn and Michael McBee Lydia and Nick McCutchen Mary McDermott Cook Shirley McDonnold Jasmine and Jeremy McGown Lonnie McGown Maddy McGuire Sophie McGuire Karla and Mark McKinley Adam McLintock Caitlyn and Mike McNair Becky and Brad Means Eduardo Medina Anne and Edward Mercer Bill Merchant Kendra and Caleb Messer Hunter Miller Vicki and Brian Miller Nina and Chris Miller Nancy Miller Amy and Malone Mitchell
Frances and Noah Mitchell Lynde and Briggs Mitchell Yuko Mochida Poonam Mohan Frances Moody-Buzbee and Tony Buzbee Lyndsey Motamarry Cecilia Muris Kendall Murphy Sara and Travis Murray Siobhain Naughton Lauren and Lila Claire Newburn Ashley and Erik Noland Tammy and Jack Novak Michelle and Bernard Nussbaumer Nancy and John Oberman Kelly and Cameron Ongena Alicia and Soner Ozkan Jodi and Rick Perdue Alex Perry Lara Perschke Bailey Pham and Alan Arnold Morgan and Andrew Pieper Laura and Lloyd Pierson Lauren Pingree Noel Pittman Meredith and Mark Plunkett Stefanie and Michael Prentiss Laura and Jon Price Lara and Brian Pryor Elizabeth Quezada Mary Lucille and Robert Quick Cindy and Howard Rachofsky John Ralph Catharine Recht Sheridan and Bryan Reeder Jennifer and Stewart Richards Morgan Roberson Michael “Mico” Rodriguez Bianca Rodriguez Frances Rogers Nancy and Richard Rogers Jordan and Jonathan Rosen Brooke and Eric Rosenstock Ginger and Eric Rosiak Janet Ryan Kristy and Patrick Sands Lacy and Clayton Sands Sandi and Lowell Sands Stephen Hunt Sands Bowmer Sands Lauren Rose Sands Laurie Sands Harrison
Lydia Sands Angela and Dave Schmidt Tova and Craig Schrank Katie and John Scoggins Austin Seewald Tannaz Sedighi Shelly Sender Taylor and Christopher Severs Gina and Scott Shapiro Alvin Shepherd Amanda and Charlie Shufeldt Kate and Steve Sigfusson Claudia and Stuart Simpson Genna and Lev Skolnik Raquel and Wayne Slavin Anne Smead Ashley Smith Sierra Snowden Shab and Rob Snyder Terri and Doug Snyder Taylynn Snyder Jennifer Spoonts Becca and Staton Standridge Don Stansell Chuck Steeleman Harold Rhett Stein Erin and Steven Stich Christine and Haynes Strader Leisa Street Sofi Sugasti Katherine and Sean Sundby Emily and Kane Sutphin Cole Suttle Liz and Mike Swail
Larissa Szczupak Carrie and Sean Tackett Amy Taitel Caroline and Nick Thicksten Julie and George Tobolowsky Erika and Michael Todd Charlotte and Paul Tripplehorn Chandler Tucker Samantha and Joel Turner Medley and Worth Turner Chasta and George Valis Fallon and Robert Vaughn Khadicha Vinokur Susan and Mike Viracola Yasmin and Braden Wages Leigh Wainer Anne Marie Walker Fay Walker Jourdy Wallace Jennifer Walters Amanda Ward Katie and Cooper Waterman Ashley and Holt Wesson Chad West Roxane West Dylan White Sara and Alex Wilcox Sheryl and Gary Wood Sara and Bill Woodall Suzanne Woodburn Blake Wu Barbara and Michael York Sallie Zubek and Eric Jancovech Connie and Greg Zubek
Foundations Bellevue Foundation Deborah Capera Ryan Fund Dian Graves Owen Foundation The Forth Foundation Lipnick Foundation Merrymac-McKinley Foundation The Moozie Foundation Pinon Foundation Robert M. Rogers Foundation The Rosewood Foundation The Doherty Foundation The Eugene McDermott Foundation The Michael Bright White Family Foundation The Prentiss Family Foundation The Sands Foundation Tartaglino Richards Family Foundation Vela Education Fund
From North Texas Giving Day, the Fall Festival, the Auction and the Farmer’s Market and our True North Capital Campaign, every gift—large or small—has helped chart the course for Compass. -Katie Doherty, Director of Advancement
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Community Partners & Sponsors All American Pet Resorts Dallas Gally's Wine and Spirits O2 Aspen 2, LLC Amir Taghi LLC Gibb Insurance Odelay Benchmark Bank Goff Capital, Inc. Old Parkland Bingham's Bourbon Hall Architecture Studio LLC Omni Hotels and Resorts Dallas Bobbie's Airway Grill HALL Arts Hotel Perfect Placement Bonton Farms Heart of Texas Mobile Detailing Perot Museum of Nature and Science By Chari Hilltop Property Tax Plug Public Relations Center for BrainHealth Home Protection Centre Inc. Prominus Real Estate Central Market Interabang Books Rachel Gaffney's Real Ireland Charles Schwab Co., Inc. John Bunker Sands Wetland Center RIATA Management LLC City Futsal J.P. Morgan Chase Private Bank Richards Law PLLC Clinic Concierge Jones Day Ruthie’s Fueled by Good Coffman Interests JSX Ryan Bingham and the Texas Gentleman Communities Foundation of Texas Klyde Warren Park Satori Capital Dallas Children’s Theater La Boca Gelato Sewell Dani Adams-Barry Photography Lil' Bits Mini-Donuts Swain & Baldwin Insurance Diamonds Direct LTO Consulting Swingle Collins and Associates Dondolo Luther King Capital Management The Terminal at Katy Trail Edge Realty Partners Malai Kitchen Think Space Counseling Fin Ewing and the Wrong Direction The Mitchell Group United to Learn Frontiers of Flight Museum Mo & Co. Custom Events Vista Bank
A special thank you to the expert speakers that interacted with the students through hands-on workshops and seminars on campus: Peter Brundage, Senior Managing Director at Evercore Annika Cail and Bradley Adams, Executive Director and Analyst at JP Morgan Greg Cannon, Poetry Enthusiast Dr. Matthew Dickson, Cardiologist Scott Hall, Architect Malone Mitchell, CEO of TransAtlantic Petroleum Kaitlyn Merchant, Fine Artist Kit Sawers, President & CEO of Klyde Warren Park Lavanya Srinivasan, Managing Director at Trive Capital
In the News
Compass is making headlines. Students and community members were featured on multiple section covers and highlighted in over 23 articles, celebrating academic programming, contributions to the city by members of the founding team, and mission-led events, like the auction, fireside chats and service projects.
What makes Compass special? "The community of parents, teachers, administrators and more. I’ve never felt so welcomed so fast to a new group with genuine and authentic feelings. It feels really special to be on this journey with everyone, knowing that everyone is invested in the mission and children, and only wants it to succeed" - Evie Goulding, Compass Parent 14
“You all are what make Dallas an incredible city to live in and dream big in. Thank you for prioritizing education, and thank you for supporting The Compass School of Texas.” -Francis Harrison, President and Founder
Scan the QR code to watch Compass students’ recitiation of “If” by Rudyard Kipling