Compass Partners in Learning

10/02/2026

Staff Spotlight: Aaron “AJ” Jundt

“Take it a day at a time, or even minutes at a time if you have to. All you can do is your best, and God has the rest.”

For Aaron, those words are a reminder that you don’t have to have everything figured out to make a difference. You show up, do the best you can with what’s in front of you, and trust God with the rest. It’s an outlook that has guided Aaron throughout his career and continues to shape the way he supports others as a new Learning Specialist at Compass.

Aaron came to education through counseling, where he discovered how much he valued being there for people, especially during challenging times. Grounded in a person-centered philosophy, he believes support starts with building genuine relationships, meeting people where they are, and helping them recognize the strengths and positives already present in their lives.

That same philosophy shapes how Aaron approaches his new role. He doesn’t measure his impact by having all the answers. Instead, he focuses on being willing to learn, observe, and give his best to the people he serves. “I may not know how to do something, but I will observe and learn in order to do the best for others.”

Some of the most meaningful reminders of that impact have come from his previous work in counseling. Aaron often worked with children and families when they were struggling, so hearing from those kids later in life and learning that they are growing and thriving means a lot. Knowing that someone remembers him simply for being there during a difficult time reinforces his belief in the power of showing up for others.

At Compass, Aaron is excited to continue building relationships and helping provide educators with resources and support that strengthen their work with students, families, and communities.

Outside of work, Aaron loves just about anything that keeps him active and outdoors, including fishing, camping, kayaking, biking, hunting, hiking, swimming, snowmobiling, and traveling. He’s also a lifelong sports fan and competitor, with college basketball and the Arizona Wildcats at the top of his list. Bear Down! Most importantly, he enjoys quality time with his wife, family, and friends, whether they’re playing games, watching movies, getting outside, or simply sharing a meal.

We’re grateful to have Aaron on the Compass team and for the genuine care, positivity, and willingness to learn that he brings to his work and the people around him.

09/18/2026

Sometimes the most meaningful moments at a Family Fun Night are the ones you don’t plan.
During a recent Family Reading Quest at General Beadle Elementary in Rapid City, a caregiver participating in the Word Ladder station began adding Lakota translations to the word cards as families worked through the activity.

What started as a literacy activity became an opportunity to share language, knowledge, and culture with others in the room, and a powerful example of family engagement in action.

That’s what Family Fun Nights are all about: creating welcoming, interactive experiences where families can learn together, connect with their school community, and bring their own knowledge and strengths into the learning experience.

Compass partners with schools to bring Family Fun Nights to their communities, with engaging activities and resources designed to make family engagement meaningful, approachable, and fun.

Interested in bringing a Family Fun Night to your school? Learn more about the options available and how we can partner with you: compass.bhssc.org/ffn

09/17/2026

Staff Spotlight: Darbi Hunt

“Use your head to follow your heart.”

Darbi came up with those words on the fly for her high school yearbook, but decades later, they still capture the way she approaches her work: leading with purpose and compassion while thinking carefully about how to turn good intentions into meaningful action.

As Deputy Director of Compass and Director of SFEC South Dakota, Darbi supports programs, partnerships, and initiatives that strengthen education for children, families, educators, and communities across South Dakota. After nearly three decades with Black Hills Special Services Cooperative, some of her most important work today is investing in the people around her. She helps staff recognize their strengths, navigate challenges, and grow as leaders so they can expand their own impact.

What fills Darbi’s cup is seeing people succeed. Whether it’s a staff member gaining confidence, a family finding its voice, or organizations coming together around a shared goal, she believes meaningful change happens through relationships and collaboration. “Small actions, strong partnerships, and ongoing support can create meaningful change in people’s lives.”

That belief also shapes how Darbi measures impact. She looks to the stories of educators who feel better supported, families who find the resources they need, and students who benefit as a result. Her work often involves bridging the gaps between systems, organizations, and the people they serve, bringing different perspectives together and helping everyone move toward a common goal.

Outside of work, Darbi is a mom to teenage twins and is doing her best to soak up this season of life before it passes too quickly. She especially loves the spontaneous, unplanned moments with her kids that create genuine connection. She’s also an avid audiobook listener, fitting in her latest listen while walking the dog, cooking, exercising, or tackling chores. Add in good food and time with family and friends, and she’s happiest appreciating the simple moments that make life meaningful.

We’re grateful for Darbi’s thoughtful leadership, her commitment to helping others grow, and nearly three decades of putting both her head and her heart into work that makes a difference.

09/14/2026

No single reason explains why students miss school, and addressing chronic absenteeism often means looking beyond attendance numbers.

For Attendance Awareness Month, we’re highlighting three areas schools can consider as part of the bigger picture: family engagement, student well-being, and school systems and supports.

Recent research makes the family engagement connection especially interesting. A 2026 study from Learning Heroes and TNTP found that schools with strong family engagement saw 39% less growth in chronic absenteeism than schools with weak family engagement. The researchers also found that family engagement was more strongly related to chronic absenteeism than poverty.

But attendance is a multi-pronged issue. Mental health, academic success, school climate, disability supports, and a student’s sense of belonging can all be part of the bigger picture. Schools also need systems to identify concerns early and coordinate support before absenteeism patterns become harder to address.

Our services can support schools at several of these points. Family Engagement services and Family Fun Nights provide opportunities to strengthen relationships with families. Mental health training and consultation help schools support student well-being. MTSS can help teams identify needs early and coordinate academic and behavioral supports. Special Education services and Professional Learning and Educational Support help schools strengthen practices that support student success and inclusion.

Find the support that fits your school’s needs: compass.bhssc.org

09/09/2026

There's still time to register for Artificial Intelligence Workshops! compass.bhssc.org/trainings

There's still time to register for Artificial Intelligence Workshops. Learn more at: https://www.wdt.edu/corporate.../short-term-classes/

09/04/2026

Every classroom is different. Your support should be, too.

A few weeks into the school year, you’re starting to see what your students and your team really need.

Maybe it’s finding new ways to keep students engaged, strengthening classroom routines and behavior supports, making instruction more explicit, or using student data to determine where additional support is needed.

We can help!

Through Student Centered Learning, Behavior Support, Explicit Instruction, Tiered Instruction, and other customizable services, we work alongside educators to strengthen the practices that make a difference in the
classroom.

See how we can support your classroom or team this school year: go.bhssc.org/classroom-support

09/03/2026

SAVE THE DATE: TIE27

TIE27 is coming to Sioux Falls, April 8–9, 2027!

Join educators, administrators, and changemakers for two days of connection, collaboration, and learning designed to inspire new ideas and strengthen education across our region.

📍 Canopy by Hilton Sioux Falls Downtown
🗓 April 8–9, 2027

Mark your calendar and get ready for two days of connection, inspiration, and big ideas.

More details coming soon. Stay tuned!

08/27/2026

Staff Spotlight: Connie Godfrey

“Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred Rogers

For Connie, those words reflect both the people who inspired her and the role she has built her career around. A proud product of public education, Connie credits the many teachers who supported and encouraged her with inspiring her to become an educator herself. Today, she continues that cycle by helping students and families find the support and learning opportunities that work best for them.

Connie has served as a Project Manager with Black Hills Online Learning Community (BHOLC) since 2014. Before joining the team, she spent several years teaching second grade, developing a deep appreciation for helping children learn and grow. Now, she partners with families and schools to expand access to quality online education for public school students across South Dakota.

Over the years, Connie has seen firsthand how the right learning environment can change a student’s path. One story that has stayed with her is that of a single mother of two who returned to school after dropping out. With her own determination, support from her local school, and the flexibility of online courses, she earned her high school diploma and opened new opportunities for herself and her family.

For Connie, that story is also a reminder that success looks different for every student. Sometimes it means thriving through online learning. Other times, it means recognizing that a traditional classroom is the better fit. Her goal is to meet students where they are, help them see the value of their education, and work alongside them to find a path toward success.

Outside of work, Connie’s favorite thing is spending time with family. She and her husband have two grown children and two granddaughters, along with large extended families they see often. She also lives just a block away from her 89-year-old mother and cherishes the time they can spend together.

We’re grateful for Connie’s dedication to students and families, and for the many years she has spent being one of the “helpers” who makes sure students have opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed.

08/21/2026

📚 Meet the Educators Behind Compass: Erin Bauer

Throwing it back to 2009! This photo is from Erin’s very first day of teaching, when she began her career as a 4th and 5th grade teacher.

She spent eight years in the classroom before serving five years as a school administrator, experiences that continue to shape the way she supports educators today through her work at Compass.

Her biggest piece of advice for new teachers?
“Build relationships. Give yourself grace. Ask for help. Laugh when things don’t go as planned. And remember, you’re learning, too.”

From the classroom to school leadership and now Compass, Erin has never lost sight of what matters most: supporting both students and the educators who serve them. We’re grateful to have her experience, perspective, and encouragement supporting educators, families, and communities through her work at Compass.

08/21/2026

We’re excited to partner on this upcoming event! Find event details and explore more upcoming trainings: compass.bhssc.org/trainings

Western Dakota Technical College and COMPASS Partners in Learning Invite the Rapid City Community to Explore the Future of Artificial Intelligence. Learn more: https://www.wdt.edu/corporate-education-center/short-term-classes/