
Firebird Chat: Let's Explore
By Firebird Chat: Let's Explore


FAFSA-30 Second Clip
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November 2025: What is FAFSA, and Why Should You Care?
In this episode, "What is FAFSA, and Why Should You Care?" , counselors Mrs. Schwartzberg and Mr. Samples share how FAFSA can open doors to free college funding. We break down the types of funding which includes grants, subsidized funding, and more. We also break down the benefits of applying, who’s eligible, and step-by-step tips to complete your FAFSA smoothly. Tune in to learn more.
(To apply for FAFSA now, go to https://studentaid.gov/ and reach out to your College and Career Readiness Counselor: jmejia@compasscharters.org for LA; and molson@compasscharters.org for SD and Yolo)
Extra Brownie Points- Subscribe to the Channel, Leave a Comment, and/or Send a message over to us via chat or E-mail giving us some feedback. If you missed all of our episodes last year, take a look at past episodes here.

September 2025 - Impulse Control Hacks: How to Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions
In this episode, Impulse Control Hacks: How to Stay Focused and Avoid Distractions, we’ll share a simple hack to help you stay focused and avoid common distractions that can get in the way of your success. You’ll learn an easy strategy to beat procrastination, manage your time better, and build habits that actually stick. Whether you’re working on school assignments or personal goals, these tips are designed to help Compass scholars stay on track and feel more in control!
💫Extra Brownie Points- ✅Subscribe to the Channel, 💬 Leave a Comment, and/or 📩 Send a message over to us via chat or E-mail giving us some feedback.
If you missed all of our episodes last year, take a look at past episodes here.

April '25 Good Stress, Bad Stress, and How To Manage Both
Stress is a part of life, but not all stress is bad! In this episode of Firebird Chat, counselors Mandi Schwartzberg and Jacob Samples break down the difference between good stress and bad stress, offering practical strategies for scholars, parents, and educators to manage both. Tune in for an insightful and quick discussion on recognizing stress, building healthy coping skills, and creating a supportive environment at home and school. Don’t miss these valuable tips for reducing stress and promoting well-being!

March '25 Spring Forward! Task Initiation for Scholars
Please join Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg in the March episode for Firebird Chat. This episode is titled "Spring Forward- Task Initiation for Scholars." Let's explore strategies to get going and avoid procrastination. We will explore psychology concepts like the Zeigarnik and Pomodoro effect. If this sounds like something that may benefit you, click in for 8-ish minutes and explore this topic along with us today. Thank you for coming along. If you missed last month's episode, you can find it here along with a whole library of topics.

Feb '25 Heart Smarts: Lessons in Empathy
Please join Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg in the February episode for Firebird Chat. This episode is titled "Heart Smarts: Lessons in Empathy." Let's explore how empathy and compassion relate to connection, boundaries, and overall interpersonal relationships . If this sounds like something that may benefit you, click in for 8-ish minutes and explore this topic along with us today. Thank you for coming along.

Click Refresh: Strategies For A Mental Reset
Please join Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg in the first 2025 episode for Firebird Chat. This episode is titled "Click Refresh: Strategies for a Mental Reset" whereby 12 tips are shared on how to increase motivation for the remainder of the Fall semester. If this sounds like something that may benefit you, click in for 8-ish minutes and explore this topic with us today. Thank you for coming along.

Nov '24 Pen To Paper: The Power Of Daily Writing
November is Academic Writing Month! Please join Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg in the November episode for Firebird Chat. Science backed benefits of writing will be shared along with tips and trick on how to get writing, even if you are not the writing type. For more on writing prompts, please check out this resource: https://www.collegetransitions.com/blog/creative-writing-prompts-middle-school-high-school/

Oct '24 Cyberbullying: Navigating Online Harassment
In the October 2024 episode of Firebird Chat, Counselors Mrs. Schwartzberg and Mr. Samples from the Compass Counseling Department delve into the critical issue of cyberbullying, a prevalent concern for teens in our digital age. The hosts discuss effective strategies for handling cyberbullying, and maintaining privacy on social media. They emphasize the importance of community and communication in creating a safe online environment, reminding listeners that understanding and empathy are crucial in addressing this pervasive issue.

Sept '24 Finding your Flow: The Benefits of Yoga for Mind and Body
In this episode of Firebird Chat, hosts Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg discuss the mind and body benefits of yoga. They bring forth information from recent studies and discuss how and when yoga can be used, including resources in our Calming Corner. You don't want to miss this one to kick off the school year on the right foot. Tune in for more!

May 2024: Framing Your Future - Exploring Post-Secondary Pathways and Decision-Making
In this episode of Firebird Chat, hosts Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg provide an introduction into the discussion of post secondary planning. The topic is divided into 4 main post secondary options for life after high school. Practical tips are suggested to help take control of the post secondary planning thought process by providing helpful tips to aid in the decision making process. Scholars of all grade levels will benefit from this listen. Tune in for more!

April 2024: Thought Stopping - A Discussion On Overcoming Negative Thinking and Conquering Inner Obstacles
Join us for a discussion on the practice of thought stopping in order to overcome and manage negative, intrusive thoughts that can impact our ability to be healthy, productive scholars and people. Learn specific techniques to practice thought-stopping in your daily lives as scholars, here at CCS.

March 2024: Scrolling Realities - Navigating Social Media Challenges
In this episode of Firebird Chat, hosts Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg discuss 3 main challenges of participating in the cyberworld. Topics include cyberbullying, how to protect one's digital footprint, and the realities of comparison culture. With practical applications and examples, they encourage scholars to take control of their social media experience by developing their self advocacy skills and providing useful tips while engaging in that space.

February 2024: Be Your Own Advocate - How To Incorporate Self-Advocacy To Empower Your Own School Success
In this episode of Firebird Chat, hosts Mr. Samples and Mrs. Schwartzberg emphasize the importance of self-advocacy for scholars at Compass. They break down the concept, encouraging scholars to confidently voice their needs and goals through the three "C's": Confidence, Communication, and Connection. With practical strategies and encouragement, they empower scholars to take an active role in their education, fostering a supportive environment for growth and success in Semester 2 and beyond.

January 2024: Heartfelt Connections - Exploring Compassion, Empathy, and the Beauty of Diversity
In January's Firebird Chat, we will be discussing how our differences are often our strongest connectors. It is through our differences, that we can put compassion and empathy into practice.

December 2023 - How To Have A Festive Feast: Let's Navigate Dynamic Personalities This Holiday Season
Join us for our December Firebird Chat, where we will be talking about strategies to help us navigate dynamic personalities this holiday season, to help us achieve harmonious collaboration and co-existence with those who differ from us.

November 2023: Emotional Resilience: Navigating and Managing Challenging Feelings
In today's episode of Firebird Chat, Counselors Jacob and Mandi discuss how to navigate and manage challenging feelings in an effort to hone one's emotional resilience muscle. We define emotional resilience, and offer helpful tips on how to begin working on this skill. We also explore helpful resources to continue your education on this topic. Click for a great listen!

October 2023: Striking A Balance - Exploring Confidence and its Distinction from Arrogance
In today's episode of Firebird Chat, Counselor's Jacob and Mandi discuss the thin line between confidence and arrogance, and how both can impact a scholar's academic performances, and social wellbeing.

September 2023: Harnessing The Superpower Of Your School Counselor
Tune in to this month's podcast episode, to learn about all the ways in which you can harness the strengths and "superpowers" of your school counselor. From social and emotional support and resources, to course planning, to college and career readiness, let's learn all the ways in which you can use your school counselor to your advantage!

April 2023: Emotional Intelligence
What is Emotional Intelligence, and why do our scholars need to develop it, and practice it daily? In this month's Firebird Chat, we go over 5 ways that scholars can work on developing their emotional intelligence.

March 2023: Let's Talk! ... About Communication
Communication is one of the pillars in a healthy relationship. How can we effectively communicate to those we love while maintaining healthy boundaries? Click to listen more on this topic.

February 2023: What. Just. Happened. - Time to Reflect!
On today's Podcast, Mr. Samples will go over how to reflect back on Semester 1 in a meaningful and productive way, that allows us all to move forward into Semester 2, with a Growth Mindset and a plan for success.

January 2023: New Year, New You?
A new year brings new opportunities. Resolutions are made and expectations are high. Is there something we can do to increase our chances of sticking to our resolutions? Or are we doomed to be old dogs who can't learn new tricks? Tune in to learn 6 strategies to help you succeed in achieving your resolutions

December 2022: Behavioral Activation
Taking control of our environments, through deliberate choices and actions, in order to foster a healthier sense of self.

November 2022: Positivity, Gratitude, & Mood
A theme during the month of November is often about giving thanks to others…our focus is, essentially…. Outward. Helping others is a noble virtue, yes, but it’s benefits are all to often short-lived or futile when our goal is for sustainable and long-term change. Let's Explore how we can obtain long-lasting impact to our community by achieving Positivity, Gratitude, and Increased Mood. We will be looking at research presented in the book, The Happiness Advantage, by Shawn Achor.

October 2022: Grit & Building Resilience
Overcoming those “challenging days” and moments at school, and fostering our own resilience and grit. Please visit www.compasscharters.org to learn more about us.

September 2022: Start strong
September 2022 Avoid these top 3 mistakes and learn research backed tips for setting a strong foundation for the year.