Westfield’s Compass SchoolHouse Goes Hi-Tech

WESTFIELD, NJ — Compass SchoolHouse in Westfield is setting the bar for teaching in this digital age as they rolled out a number of technology upgrades recently.

“At Compass, we work to stay on the forefront of best practices in early childhood learning, as well as technology. Both areas are constantly evolving and we strive to grow with them,” said Alexis Collado, one of the Board Trustees for Compass SchoolHouse.

To get the ball rolling, Compass created a Technology Department, staffed with two Technology Specialists, who are responsible for the planning, purchasing, training, maintenance and enhancements of technology at the school.

After much research, Compass purchased a Hatch Interactive Smart Board, which is used by Kindergarten students for reading, math, gross motor development and coordination, artwork display/public speaking, talking calendar, morning messages and more.

Students are able to dance to GONOODLE videos, which help improve their coordination. And the board can also be used as a projector for learning assignments.

Watch as students learn with the Hatch Smart Board:

All 11 classroom were also implemented with iPads for music and also used to improve communications with parents. A daily newsletter of the class activities is sent to parents along with photos.

“I like how seamless it all is between the school and classroom and parents,” said Caroline Trigaux, President at Compass. “It’s easy to do too much with technology but the way it’s woven in, it doesn’t dominate the conversation but instead serves as a wonderful addition.”

Compass also implemented a few apps such as Artsonia where students’ artwork can be photographed and accessed by parents to print out on products such as mugs and more.

There is also a Remind app for parents to remind them of any important announcements. Lastly, teachers and staff use the Group Me app to keep in touch and improve communications.

Lastly, Compass is using Skype and Facetime to all the school board to hold monthly meetings no matter where everyone is.

“Communication is so much about who we are,” said Director Sue DeWeever. “We place such high importance on communication with families… And when that is supported at home it makes it so much more enriching for a child. And with this technology this is such a wonderful way to do that.”

Compass SchoolHouse will be hosting two Open House presentations for the full day kindergarten program for the 2017-18 school year. The presentations will be held on Jan. 7 at 10 a.m. and noon. Parents can also visit all of the other classrooms between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Based in Westfield, Compass SchoolHouse draws children from all over Union and Somerset counties.

For more information visit compassschoolhouse.com or Facebook.

(Photos and video by Alexis Tarrazi)

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