K-12 Spotlight: Compass Academy Network

Join us for our January 15^th at 4pm (CDT) when we hear the leadership team of Compass Academy Network discuss their exciting free academic summer program (all school supplies, healthy lunches, and snacks are provided) that offers a unique and engaging summer enrichment program for middle school students in the Four-State Area.

Specifically designed for rising students entering grades 6^th through 9^th, CAN fosters personal growth, academic success, self-confidence & leadership through their 4-week summer learning experiences. Their curriculum includes enrichment activities in reading, writing, STEM, fine arts, civics, and personal development. CAN’s curriculum is designed by a team of experienced and dedicated educators to support student growth.

You can find out more about Compass Academy Network at their website: Free Summer Enrichment Program | Compass Academy Network.

Panelists:

Debra Humphreys

Compass Academy Network, Founder and CEO

Debra Humphreys is the Founder and CEO of Compass Academy Network, an educational non-profit that provides summer and academic year enrichment opportunities for underserved, rural middle school students. She has been involved in education for more than 30 years and continues to serve as Chair Emeritus of the Board of Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in Joplin, Missouri, a K-12, non-sectarian, independent college-preparatory school that she and her husband co-founded in 1993. Debra is a graduate of New York University (B.S. and LL.M. in taxation) and Brooklyn Law School (J.D.).  Upon graduation from law school, Debra joined Davis Polk & Wardwell where she worked in the firm’s corporate tax group for nearly eight years, specializing in complex financial instruments and M&A transactions.  Debra is a member of the TAMKO Building Products, LLC Board, and serves on the board of American Southern Homes LLC, a regional homebuilder operating in the southeastern United States. In addition, she leads her family’s philanthropic efforts in support of secondary and higher education and community enhancement.  David and her husband, David, live in Joplin, Missouri, and have five adult children ages 25-35 and six grandchildren.

Laura McDonald

Compass Academy Network, Executive Director

Laura has been a part of the Compass Academy Network community since its founding in 2019. She currently serves as Head of School of Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in Joplin, Missouri. For over 25 years, Laura has devoted her career to helping students make the most of their abilities as a math and science teacher, coach, College Counselor, Dean of Girls, and in several other leadership capacities. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from Kenyon College, a Master’s degree in Education from Missouri State University, and completed the Executive Scholar Program in Nonprofit Management through Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Laura and her husband live in Lowell, Arkansas, and have four grown children. She strongly believes that the middle school years are pivotal to an individual’s growth and development, and providing nurturing and enriching experiences can help build efficacy and confidence that will carry students through their secondary and post-secondary journeys.

Syeda Greenlee

Compass Academy Network, Regional Director

Syeda Greenlee joined the CAN team in 2023 and has worked in education since 2006 as a math teacher, technology integration specialist, and assessment coordinator. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Middle School Education from Missouri State University, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University, and a Specialist in Educational Leadership – Superintendency from Southwest Baptist University. Syeda and her family reside in Joplin, Missouri, where they are active in the community, as well as gymnastics and volleyball for their two daughters. Syeda believes Compass provides students with the tools necessary to guide them through the transformative middle school years.