FROM YOUR ADMINISTRATOR
Our Theme this year is Hope Anchors the Soul. It comes from Hebrews 6:19: We have this hope as an anchor to the soul, firm and secure.
As we begin the 2024-2025 school year, let us use this verse as a focus on Hope. What is our Hope? Our Hope is in Christ and his finished work on the cross for us. May this Hope be an anchor this year no matter where you find yourself.
Blessings as you begin your year. We have many exciting opportunities this year. Pick and choose what works best for your family.
Looking forward to a wonderful year!
Jenny Bartz
FIRST FACULTY MEETING – Come early to check in.
Saturday August 10, 10 a.m.
Bethel Baptist Church
8332 Moody Parkway, Odenville 35120
(about 4 miles north on Highway 411 from Community Presbyterian Church)
Doors will open at 9 a.m. When you arrive, check in at the administration table. Please DO NOT wait till the last minute to check in. Last year there was quite a line at the table! Lori and Karen will be there for you to check in. If you need a CSEF for any reason, we’ll have them at the administration tables. You can pay tuition too!
As a school, we only have this one opportunity each year to get together in one place, and I look forward to the excitement, noise, and activity.
In the foyer and hallways there will be tables set up with clubs, fine arts team members, sports, college prep, and others, who will be available for you to speak with personally about other extra-curricular activities for your homeschooled students. Take the time to check them out.
This is a mandatory meeting, so if you are providentially hindered from attending, please contact the school office to let us know and pick up the agenda the week after the meeting.
You may need to complete a Church School Enrollment Form IF:
- Your family has moved from one school district to another during this past school year
- You are adding another school-age student to the Crossroads family
- You have a child who turned 6 years old this past school year
High School Orientation
Required 9th–12th grade students and at least one parent.
Saturday, August 10, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Bethel Baptist Church
8332 Moody Parkway, Odenville 35120
If your family has a student enrolled in Crossroads in grades 9-12, your high school student(s) and at least one parent must attend this meeting.
Crossroads faculty members are its parents, not the paid staff. As a staff, our job is to come alongside parents in the education of their children. The purpose of this meeting is to educate, encourage, and equip parents and students as they journey through the high school years. Homeschooling provides spiritual growth and character development as well as academic excellence, positive socialization, and individual instruction by parents in basic living skills.
Because there are so many variations in the way homeschoolers do high school, we feel it is important to take the opportunity yearly to discuss some of the things that are necessary before high school graduation. Also, because of the variety of social situations in which high school students are involved, the students need to be reminded about some of the things we require of them. We will update you on new opportunities for high school students through dual enrollment programs with colleges, both local and on-line. The diploma requirements for Crossroads and for the state of Alabama will be highlighted as part of this meeting. Crossroads Christian School is committed to helping parents pursue both spiritual and academic excellence in their children. This high school orientation meeting is designed to aid families as they journey through the high school years.
NEW FAMILY ORIENTATION
Mandatory for all families who are newly enrolled in Crossroads this year
Friday, August 9, 7 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church – Sanctuary
If this is your first year to homeschool with Crossroads, you must attend the New Family Orientation meeting on Friday night August 9, at 7 pm, in the sanctuary at Community Presbyterian. Even if you are a veteran homeschooler, if this is your first year with Crossroads, you must attend this meeting.
At this meeting, you will:
- Meet Crossroads staff
- Become familiar with our school’s dress and behavior codes
- Learn how to sign up for field trips and activities
- Learn CRCS record-keeping requirements
- Learn what is expected of you as a faculty member
This is a mandatory meeting. If you are providentially hindered from attending the meeting, please contact the office. Email Jenny Bartz or call the school office at 205-640-2174.
Each month we put out a BOOK…OOPS…I mean a NEWSLETTER to help you stay up to date on the happenings at Crossroads. You will always find it on our website under the Newsletter tab. It is divided up into 5 sections. You can click any of these sections at the beginning of the newsletter and it will drop you to that information. They are the sections and what you may find there.
- Things you Need to Know: You will find administrative info here. Information about meetings, grades, testing, upcoming seminars, yearbook and such.
- Activities: This section has all the information and instructions related to field trips, dances and school wide events.
- Candid Corner: Encouragement for your Homeschool Journey.
- Fine Arts: Here you will find all the information about Crossroads plays and choirs. You will also find any art-related activities or contests here.
- Clubs and Others: Find information here about Co-op, Key and Builders Clubs, CC Flyers as well as Yearbook and a few outside opportunities that come up.
Thursday, August 1, 10 a.m.
Community Presbyterian Church – Back Building
Do you have friends or family who are thinking about homeschooling next year?
Crossroads offers a FREE seminar to share information to those who are investigating this educational option. This seminar lasts about 1-1/2 hours and covers Alabama state law, how church schools fit in, some of the specifics about Crossroads Christian School, curricula choices, and a little bit on recordkeeping.
Attending does not obligate anyone to homeschool, or to join Crossroads. We want to get out the word about homeschooling, but since we do not have a lot of 1-hour blocks of time to talk individually with families, we schedule these several times throughout the year. Let others know about this seminar.
HOW TO HOMESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Thursday, August 1, at 1 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church-Back Building
Questions about whether or not you are prepared to teach your children all the way through high school?
A lot of families do, so we’ll try to answer those questions at this seminar in August. As homeschoolers, you actually have a great deal of latitude in how you educate, but it does help to plan ahead of time.
This seminar is to introduce you to new ideas, ways of doing things, options for navigating high school to individualize instruction for your students. We also cover some of the nuts and bolts about high school: how to determine credits if you’re designing your own courses, Alabama state diploma requirements, dual enrollment courses at local community colleges, vocational education. If you have students going into 8th grade and above, please join us for this free seminar.
Contact the school office to let us know you plan to attend.
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
Thursday, September 12, 1 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church
Do you have a junior or senior homeschooled student looking to attend college, either a 2-year or a 4-year school? If this is your first student headed that way, then you may have questions and concerns. This workshop is Crossroads’ efforts to provide guidance counseling. We don’t consider ourselves experts, but we do have a few years of experience: with our own children, with Crossroads graduates, and time spent with admissions officers from local colleges. We’ll discuss the admissions process, financial aid, preparation, and skills, among other things. Bring your questions to ask! We schedule this workshop right before the two college fairs in the Birmingham area. See the information below about them. Check websites for any possible changes.
Contact the school office to let us know you plan to attend our Preparing for College meeting.
National College Fair
Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 1–4 PM
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, East Exhibit Hall 3
2100 Richard Arrington Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203
Christian College Fair NACCAP
North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals
Thursday, October 31, 2024
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Briarwood Christian School
6255 Cahaba Valley Road
Birmingham, Alabama, 35242
PICK UP YOUR 2023-2024 YEARBOOK AT THE FACULTY MEETING OR IN THE OFFICE.
We have a growing lending library at Crossroads. Feel free to “CHECK OUT” any of the materials you find. We have various titles, and it is worth a look. You will simply “CHECK OUT” the item by bringing it to the office. You will write your name and date checked out. When you return it to the office, you will write the date it was returned. Simple! All items will be marked with CRCS Lending Library – Not for Resale. If you have fairly current curriculum you would like to donate to the lending library, contact the office.
WELCOME TO ACTIVITIES @ CRCS!
With a new academic year in sight, the Activities Team offers you a wonderful semester of events. Our hope is that you and your students enthusiastically engage in these extracurricular activities with an awe and appreciation for school beyond the ordinary.
Let us introduce ourselves and briefly explain our roles.
Kaitlin Rich—Preschool Events Coordinator
(205) 405-0243
Kaitlin plans specific events for Pre-K thru 2nd graders so that these youngsters and parents have a seamless transition into the Crossroads family.
Kristy Rosenow—Field Trip Coordinator
(205) 413-7336
Kristy coordinates the details and destinations for our field trips, whether these are on site or off campus.
Mary Beth Brown—Teen Events Coordinator
(205) 527-8394
Mary Beth uses her creativity to bring incredible dances and Christmas parties to our Crossroads teenagers.
Courtney Wrenn—Schoolwide Events Coordinator
(205) 863-9931
Courtney specializes in events for the entire school— such as B2SB, Valentine Box Competition, May Day, and more—as well as the Christmas party for our younger students.
Sallie Albus—Activities Director
(205) 863-9585
As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us via email, text, or phone. We are here for you, and we absolutely love doing what we do for the Crossroads Family.
Sallie, Courtney, Kristy, Mary Beth, and Kaitlin
Visit Cheddar Up for detailed information, registration, and deadlines for all activities.
Note the following guidelines/suggestions as you study the available activities and register via Cheddar Up.
- Find what activities fit your family.
- Follow the age and grade stipulations. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of your payment.
- Read all the notes on Cheddar Up. Some field trips require certain attire, a signed waiver, etc.
- Know that the Crossroads dress and behavior guidelines, as noted in the school handbook, also apply to field trips. Parents/guardians are responsible for their own children.
- Please know that we endeavor to locate enriching, educational, and enjoyable activities. However, we cannot always know from which perspective or philosophical background a topic may be presented. We encourage you to always discuss with your students what they have “learned.”
- Our preferred method of payment on Cheddar Up is e-check or credit card. However, if you choose to pay the school office by cash/check, you still must register via Cheddar Up. Payment is expected no later than two weeks prior to an event.
- Remember that fees will be added to each transaction as explained on Cheddar Up.
- Register by set deadlines.
- Cheddar Up purchases for activities and field trips are not transferable to other persons.
- Generally, CRCS does not issue refunds for activities and field trips.
FALL SEMESTER @ a Glance
August
23-B2SB (Register by Aug. 12th)
September
6- Ballroom Resumes
9-Team Building Adventure (Register by Aug. 19th)
11-“Teddy Bears Picnic” @ BCT (Register by Aug. 25th)
13-Ballroom
16-Let’s Play (Register by Aug. 26th)
20-Ballroom
24-Berman Museum (Register by Sep. 3rd)
27-Ballroom
October
2-“Rhythm, Rhyme, and Flow” – ASO
5-High School Dance
10-“Peter and the Wolf” with the ASO @ BCT
11-Ballroom
15-Paintball
17-“The Three Little Kittens” @ BCT
18-Ballroom
24-Cook Museum
25-Ballroom
November
7-Tennessee Aquarium
1-Ballroom
8-Ballroom
15-Ballroom
December
5-Jr. High Christmas Party
5-High School Christmas Party
6-Elementary Christmas Party
11-“A Christmas Carol” @ BCT
19-Alabama Ballet – “The Nutcracker”
A Sneak Peek
March 6 – Alabama Ballet – “Peter Pan”
BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH 2024
REGISTER NOW!!!
Get ready for a whole lot of fun!
@ SHOCCO SPRINGS
1314 Shocco Springs Road, Talladega, AL 35160
Who: Current CRCS students, their parents/legal guardians, and younger siblings in the same household
When: Friday, August 23, 2024
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $27 per family* (additional activities are also available for purchase)
Included in the Family Rate (subject to change)
Swimming Water Slide Basketball Volleyball Miniature Golf Playground
Gagaball Horseshoes Four Square Fishing and Tennis (bring your own equipment)
Additional Recreational Activities
Ages 6-18
Rec Barn [a.k.a. Bazooka Ball] ($3)
Aqua Park ($8)
Giant Swing ($4)
Food: Bring your own lunch and drinks.
Shocco will have shaved ice on site for $5, with the proceeds going to MISSIONS.
Other: Bring lawn chairs, cash (for shaved ice), towels, etc.
Mandatory Waiver: Use this link to complete the required waiver for each person in your group:
https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/5LgTTP6BCV9t9zAFp7hRCU/
PLEASE be sure to finish the waiver process by confirming the email sent immediately upon completion of the waiver. The email subject line will look like this—”Please Confirm your E-Signature on the Event Waiver and Release (for name).”
Map: Access Shocco’s Campus Map by using this link:
https://www.shocco.org/campus/?map=campus
REGISTRATION: Visit Cheddar Up! Registration closes Monday, August 12th!
Please, please, please do not delay! Finish your registration right now!
The August 12th deadline is extremely important so that Shocco can get adequate staffing for our huge Crossroads family.
Thanks in advance for your cooperation in this regard.
We look forward to seeing our families soon!
SCHOOLWIDE ACTIVITIES (ALL AGES)
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 10TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP!
Exploring Ocean Depths
@ THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM
1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Join us for a fun field trip for the whole family! We are headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for an o-fish-ally grand time as we romp with otters, congregate with alligators, and learn about wonders from around the world. We encourage you to bring the entire family and enjoy a day of going about the aquarium at your own pace.
Find important logistical details on Cheddar Up, such as parking, food, drink, etc.
Who: Preschoolers – 12th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Thursday, November 7, 2024
TIME: 9:15 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Cost: $13 per child (ages 4-12th grade),
$35 per adult, no cost for ages 0-3
PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY ACTIVITIES
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 10TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP!
It’s Playtime!
@ LET’S PLAY 280
5025 Highway 280 S., Suite 102, Birmingham, AL 35242
Meet new friends and hang out with old ones as you enjoy all that Let’s Play has to offer. Kids can let loose on a huge, soft play enclosure; climb and slide; and hang around on the ropes course (only a foot above a net for safety)!
Who: Preschoolers – 2nd Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Monday, September 16, 2024
12:00 – 2:00 p.m. (approximately)
Cost: $14.00 per child (Cost includes one free adult admission.*)
*Additional adult tickets may be purchased for $6.00 each.
Other: Required waivers must be completed for children AND adults. Use the following link to complete the online waiver:
https://waiver.roller.app/letsplaybirmingham/
Peek behind the Curtain!
@ THE BERMAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY
800 Museum Drive, Anniston, AL 36206
Join us as we go BEHIND THE SCENES and explore the exhibits that are NOT on display! After the tour, access is also included for the museum itself. Dive into history with Ming Dynasty pottery, Greek armor, Napoleon’s camp plate, and Hitler’s tea set. Get ready for the tour of a lifetime!
Who: 3rd – 6th Graders* and parents/legal guardians
* Due to the fragile nature of artifacts and the small availability of space on the tour, this Crossroads field trip is only for these grades. Thank you in advance for understanding.
When: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Time TBD
Cost: $16.50 per person (all attendees pay)
COOKing Up Some Fun!
@ COOK MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
133 4TH Avenue NE, Decatur, AL 35601
Explore the majesty of God’s creation from the tiniest features of His wonders to the vast expanse of the universe. The Cook Museum contains live animal galleries, space exhibits, weather displays, all types of habitats complete with hands-on learning opportunities, and a beautiful 15,000 gallon saltwater aquarium.
Who: Preschoolers – 5th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Thursday, October 24, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (approximately)
Cost: $15 per child, $20 per adult
Fellowship Fun at the Christmas Party
@ CPC GYM
Our preschool and elementary students will enjoy the activity rotations as we remember the significance of Christmas and celebrate the birth of our risen Savior. This grand celebration will re-focus us all on the true meaning of the season. We will conclude with a light lunch for the youngsters.
Who: Preschoolers – 5th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $8 per student
TEEN ACTIVITIES
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 10TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP!
Team Building Adventure
@ Ocoee Adventure River Rafting
629 Welcome Valley Road, Benton, TN 37307
From the company’s website: With all equipment and round-trip transportation provided from the rafting company to the river, this 3.5 hour trip is convenient for all groups, ages 12 and up! Never been rafting before? No problem! Our highly trained guides will teach your crew all the whitewater rafting techniques and safety skills you need for your adventure. With five miles of Class III and IV rapids, the Middle Ocoee River provides excitement and challenge for any group. The whole crew works together to make it down the river for summer adventure, true camaraderie, and enduring stories!
Please know that you will need to get your student(s) to the rafting company in Benton, TN, the day of the event and back home following the adventure.
Who: 7th – 12th Graders [minimum age = 12] and parents/legal guardians*
*Parents/legal guardians are welcome to attend and are responsible for supervising their student(s) or must have a named adult responsible to supervise their student(s).
When: Monday, September 9, 2024
ALL day long
Cost: $45 per person (per rafter)
Other: Waiver(s) will be available closer to the activity date.
Embrace the Color!
@ CENTRAL ALABAMA PAINTBALL PARK
55 Rosebud Lane, Calera, AL 35040
Get ready for some action-packed fun as we get together and take aim in a morning of friendly paintball. Bring a lunch, and we can all picnic together afterwards.
Who: 6th – 8th Graders
When: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 per student
Other: Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
Sweet Beats Dance
@ CANDY LAND (a.k.a. CPC GYM)
Down the colorful pathways and over Rainbow Trails, past the Peppermint Forest and the Gumdrop Pass, you are invited to the Candyland Costume Dance! Come as your favorite candy or get creative with a sweet original outfit as we dance, play games, and make great memories together.
Remember to adhere to the CRCS dress code.
Who: 9th – 12th Graders
When: Saturday, October 5, 2024
6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 per student
Pancakes and Pajamas Christmas Party – Junior High
@ CPC GYM
Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas and join us for a Pancakes and PJs Christmas Party! Enjoy a pancake bar, crafts, and games as you share the joy of the birth of our Savior with your friends.
Who: 6th – 8th Graders
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $12 per student
Pancakes and Pajamas Christmas Party – High School
@ CPC GYM
Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas and join us for a Pancakes and PJs Christmas Party! Enjoy a pancake bar, crafts, and games as you share the joy of the birth of our Savior with your friends.
Who: 9th – 12th Graders
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $12 per student
Birmingham Children’s Theater
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 10TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP FOR MORE DETAILS!
PlaySpace: “Teddy Bears Picnic”
September 11, 2024
9:30 a.m.
Ages 1-4
$10/child; $13/adult
MainStage: “Peter & the Wolf” w/ the Alabama
Symphony Orchestra
October 10, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Ages 6 and older
$14/child; $20/adult
Wee Folks: “The Three Little Kittens”
October 17, 2024
9:30 a.m.
Grades K-2nd
$10/child; $13/adult
MainStage: “A Christmas Carol”
December 11, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Ages 6 and older
$13/child; $18/adult
Samford University Theater for Youth Matinee Series Presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”.
3rd – 12th Grade
When: Thursday, October 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $5 per person (students and parents)
Deadline to sign up: August 31.
Crossroads has reserved a limited block of seats so sign up soon.
Sign up NOW on Cheddar Up.
For any questions, contact Jenny Bartz or Karen Cunningham at the office.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 10TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP FOR MORE DETAILS!
Young People’s Concert: “Rhythm, Rhyme, and Flow”
October 2, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Grades 3rd – 12th
Alabama Ballet—The Nutcracker
@ BJCC
1 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
As one of only eight companies in the world licensed by the Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece, the Alabama Ballet is proud to present George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.”®
Who: CRCS students and parents/legal guardians
When: Thursday, December 19, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Cost: $1 per student; $25 per adult
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 10TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP FOR MORE DETAILS!
Ballroom Dance Class
@ CPC GYM
Ballroom dancing not only teaches the skill of dancing but also etiquette. It helps promote confidence and self-esteem. It builds coordination, grace, poise, and good posture. And, of course, dancing is great exercise. Our lead instructor, Chris Bailey, has an exemplary record of teaching and performing. So, with all these positives, come “cut a rug” with your friends!
Who: 9th – 12th Grade CRCS Students who are at least 14 years old
When: Most Fridays (see dates below)
1:30 – 2:40 p.m.
Cost: $15 yearly registration fee per student and $5 per lesson
- There are TWO payment methods available:
- Details for the “full semester payment”option are on Cheddar Up.
- The other option is to pay $5 CASH each week at the beginning of dance class.
- Regardless of the chosen payment method, ALL students must visit the check-in table weekly to get their registration stickers.
Schedule (subject to change):
September 6, 13, 20, 27
October 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15
“Your Homeschool Hero”
Aimee Smith
What does the Iliad teach us about homeschooling?
This classic epic is pagan literature that is filled with violence, chaos, and false gods. Surely it’s not suitable for a Christian homeschool. Surely it’s not applicable to the life of a homeschool parent. Or is it?
Recently, I have fallen in love with teaching the ancient epics and discovered the value of comparing them with Scripture and a Biblical worldview. The contrast of chaos highlights the orderly nature of God. The contrast of deceit emphasizes God’s loving relationship with His children. The contrast of evil reveals the human need for redemption through Jesus.
When using comparison, however, we must look at the differences and the similarities. This is where the mirror of ancient literature might reveal some difficult truths about ourselves as parents.
But first, do you know the story of the Iliad? Honestly, most parents and students I have led through this epic say they don’t like the characters. In this epic poem, Homer tells the story of Achilles during a two-week period in the 9th year of the Trojan War. Achilles is the hero the Greeks need to defeat the Trojans, but he feels dishonored, leaves the battle, and goes off to his ship to pout. Lots of life lessons with Achilles, but for now, let’s focus on Hector.
Hector is a Trojan prince, son of King Priam, brother of Paris (who, incidentally, started the entire Trojan War by kidnapping/seducing/wooing Helen from her Greek husband). While reading the Iliad, Hector is one of the few characters Christian readers actually like. Why? Because he acts with a sense of honor. There’s a touching scene of him with his wife and young son where he struggles with the tension of his choice: stay home with his family or return to the battle and risk losing his life.
Hector chooses battle. In one sense, it’s a noble choice to protect and defend his people. On the other, however, it’s also a selfish choice to pursue his own glory. That’s what heroes of this time did. The Greeks called it kleos, glory earned in battle that enabled heroes to become legends.
Achilles pouts. Paris takes what he wants. Hector pursues self-glory. All of the characters have some sort of fatal flaw. All of the characters reveal life lessons for the Christian homeschool family even if we don’t really like them. Perhaps we struggle to like them because we see a glimpse of ourselves. Ouch.
Let’s consider the bottom line of the Greek pursuit of self-glory: My value is in what I do, not in who I am. I try to be the hero by solving all the problems; I pursue a self-made image of what I should be; I seek personal value in actions rather than identity.
As I look in the mirror of these Greek heroes’ lives, I ask myself a difficult question as a homeschool parent: How often do I try to be the hero in my homeschool?
Do I, like Hector, even in small ways, seek my own self-glory?
We try to keep an organized home, find the best curriculum, train our children’s character, maintain consistency and routine, check off all the boxes, fix our children’s struggles. All noble efforts. I’m certainly not saying we should quit doing these.
But it’s no wonder we grow weary when we take the burden on our own shoulders. It’s no wonder we live anxious when we expect ourselves to be the savior of our families. It’s no wonder we become insecure when we seek our value in what we do rather than who we are, or more importantly, Whose we are.
Over the years, I have learned I can’t fix everything in my homeschool. I don’t know the best solutions. I can’t solve the issues. I can’t see the future. But God does and can.
Deep in my heart, I want Jesus to be the hero for my family.
It starts with allowing Him to be my hero.
Mom, Dad, you are created in God’s image. You can be rescued through what Jesus did on the cross. You are chosen by God Himself to be mom or dad in your family.
Ultimately, your value is in Jesus, not in what you do. Teach your family well. Serve your family well. Love your family well. But remember the burden is not on you to be the hero.
Let Jesus be the hero for yourself and your family.
Aimee Smith
- Author of “The Restful Homeschool Resolution: 21 Days to Transform Your Homeschool”
- Host of the “Rest in the Homeschool Trench” podcast
- But more importantly, Wife to Aron and Mom to 2 Crossroads high schoolers (Micah and Caleb) and 2 Crossroads graduates (Jackson and Malyn)
FINE ARTS
The Fine Arts Team has been busy planning another exciting school year full of arts opportunities for our students! We want to thank the parents who completed feedback surveys–they were invaluable to us in the planning process.
We will have two elementary school productions this fall. Lower elementary (grades 1-3) will perform at CPC on Nov 1st & 2nd. Upper elementary production (grades 4-6) will perform at Grace Community Church with Tech Week on Nov 11 – 16th. Both will be a musical, and both groups will be practicing on Fridays. In the spring, our junior high straight play (non-musical) this year will be for grades 7-9, and our senior high musical production will be for grades 10-12. More details coming in October!
We will again have a junior high and a high school choir this fall and the co-op will offer an Advanced Performing Arts class, which will provide competition opportunities. As usual, we plan for our elementary students to have a choir in the spring. Additionally, keep an eye out for various art opportunities for our painters and visual artists throughout the year. Art Contests for the Elementary Plays are coming up soon!
We continue to refine our offerings in response to YOUR input, so feel free to visit our fine arts table at the August faculty meeting. We will also plan to continue anonymous feedback surveys with each production to gather ideas and suggestions from our participating families. And of course, we cannot do all this without substantial parent volunteer support, so if you can assist our fearless leaders in any way, be sure to let us know of your interest and availability.
We are looking forward to a fantastic school year!
Karen Cunningham – 2024-25 Fine Arts Team Lead
CRCS Fine Arts Team is excited to bring you two great play opportunities:
Lower Elementary Play – Grades 1-3
Bugz! A Musical Play for Young Voices
There’s going to be a picnic, and everyone is pitching in – the Lady Bugs, the Army Ants, the fireflies, and the bumble bees. But will Stink Bug come too? Buzz on over to this 20-minute musical to find out.
Auditioners need to be prepared to sing a simple song like “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle Little Star”. No other preparation will be necessary. Auditions will be in fun small groups. Sign up on Cheddar Up when it opens on the 10th to get info about signing up for a time slot!
Grades: 1st to 3rd
Cost: $10 per student
Sign-up: Via Cheddar Up – Aug 10th – 15th (Info below)
Important Dates: Auditions – Tuesday, Aug 20th 1:00-3:00 p.m. (back building) Sign up on CheddarUp to be sent link for Audition time slots.
Mandatory Parent Meeting – Aug 30th 1 p.m. (gym) (Combined with Upper Elementary)
Rehearsals – Fridays from 1:00 – 2:15 p.m., Sept 6th – Nov 1st
Performances – Nov 1st 6:30 p.m. and Nov 2nd 1:30 p.m., with Dress Rehearsal during regular practice time on Friday, Nov 1st. Performances will be at Community Presbyterian Church – Sanctuary.
Please Remember:
- As always, we ask that parents make sure that the child wants to participate. This is not a time filler for elementary students while older students participate in another activity.
- Please check all the dates that are given to ensure you can commit to the show before choosing to sign up.
- Parents are responsible for acquiring costumes for their students. As always, guidance will be given by the directors.
Director: Hilary Cunningham
An Upper Elementary Production – Grades 4-6
Rainbow Fish: The Musical
Based on the beloved children’s book, Rainbow Fish: The Musical is a wonderful story that teaches about the values of humbleness, friendship, and sharing. Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful fish in the ocean- and boy does she know it! Little Fish would like just one of her glittering scales. When she refuses, Rainbow Fish discovers that selfishness doesn’t make a lot of friends. She seeks out the Wise Octopus, who teaches her how to be a friend. This underwater adventure is full of fun music, new friends, and timeless lessons.
Grades: 4th to 6th grade
Cost: $15 per student
Sign-up: Via Cheddar Up- Aug 10th -15th (Info below)
Important Dates: Auditions- Aug 20th 1:00-3:00pm and Aug 22nd 1:00-3:00pm (back building)
Mandatory Parent Meeting- Aug 30th 1:00pm (gym)
Rehearsals- Fridays from 12:45-2:30, Sept 6th – Nov 8th (Sanctuary)
Tech Week (Including Performances)- Nov 11th -16th (Grace Community)
Director: Elise Hill
Musical Director: Jessica Gilbert
Please Keep in Mind!
- Important!! Please ask your child if they WANT to be part of this production. Your child’s attitude and willingness to participate is the biggest factor in their enjoyment of the process and in how much they will learn.
- No experience is needed- just a willingness to do one’s best and listen to instructions. We do have auditions to determine what part students get. More information on what to prepare for the auditions will be emailed out with Audition sign ups.
- Please check all the dates that are given to ensure you can commit to the show before choosing to sign up.
- Parents are responsible for acquiring costumes for their students. As always, guidance will be given by the directors.
- Exact times for Tech Week are still being set in stone, but most likely, they will be in the 1:00 to 4:00 window for Mon, Tues, Wed, and Thur. We will have shows on Friday, most likely at 7:00, and Saturday, most likely at 2:00. Please keep in mind that Tech Week is extremely important and therefore, those rehearsals are mandatory.
How to participate?
- Sign up to participate will be done via Cheddar Up, which will be available after the August Faculty meeting (Aug 10). You will have until August 15 to sign up. There will be no signups after it closes!!
- Audition time sign up will be online as well. A link to Signup Genius will be sent out after Cheddar Up has closed on the 15th.
We look forward to another great elementary show! There will be a table for Fine Arts at the August Faculty Meeting. Feel free to stop by with any questions! See you then!
Froggielise@gmail.com
Jr. High Chamber Choir
7th and 8th graders!
Come join Ms. Jennifer Day and Ms. Jessica LLoyd in Chamber Choir! What is Chamber Choir? A chamber choir is simply a small or medium-sized choir of roughly 8 to 40 singers. Choir practice will be held in the back building each Friday beginning on September 6th from 1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m., with a joint concert on November 10th at 6:30 p.m. with the Senior High Choir.
There are no auditions and no max on participants. We are however limiting this group to just 7th and 8th graders. We will have more information at the Choir table at the first faculty meeting on August 10th.
A choir fee of $20 per family is required and includes all printed music, binders, licensing fees. Registration will be on Cheddar Up.
We hope you’ll join us! Stop by the Fine Arts table at the August 10th faculty meeting for more information.
Jennifer Day
Teen Choir
9th – 12 Graders
It’s time for High School Choir!
High school choir is open to students of all musical abilities in grades 9 to 12. There is no audition or maximum number for participation. All are welcome to sing with us! We will meet in the sanctuary from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Fridays. Our first meeting will be on September 6th, and we will meet each Friday until our Fall Concert. Date and time TBD.
Choir members will be exposed to vocal technique, harmonizing/part singing, general musicianship, music history, hymns, modern worship and will learn how to work well inside a team. A typical practice for us begins with vocal warm-ups, a vocal technique lesson, and then we dive into our music. We end with a fun song for all of us to sing, and we strive to make every minute in choir productive but fun!
A choir fee of $20 per family is required and includes all printed music, binders, and licensing fees. We hope you’ll join us!
Registration will be on Cheddar Up.
CO-OP
Co-op Calendar
8/22 Co-op registration
9/5 First day of Thursday co-op
9/6 First day of Friday co-op
10/31 Thursday co-op will not meet
11/14 Last day of Thursday co-op
11/15 Last day of Friday co-op
11/22 Co-op showcase
Registration Details
9:00a.m.-9:30a.m. Teacher registration
10:00a.m.-11:00a.m. Regular registration
This is our only registration time. If you cannot come, please send a friend to register for you. If you are not a teacher, do not arrive early. The 10 a.m. starting time is firm for regular registration.
Family registration fee for co-op is $25 (or $20 for teachers). Please bring cash or check payable to CRCS for this fee. Background checks are required yearly. The fee for this is $10 cash or check payable to CRCS. Please keep these two payments separate. You will also need money to pay each teacher for classes.
New for this year, our background checks will include a training component that will need to be completed before participation in co-op. This is mandated from the church’s insurance.
Find the schedule and class descriptions here: https://cccmasterminds.wixsite.com/crcs-co-op/fall-semester-2024
We have so many families that have joined us that the gym is becoming crowded during registration. If at all possible, please leave your kids at home. If they must come with you, please keep them with you and not running around. When you have completed registration, please leave the gym.
In order for co-op to function, everyone must help! If you are not a teacher you must help in classes. If you are here for 3 hours, you need to sign up to help in two spots. One of those spots can be a floater position. If you are here for 2 hours, you must help in one class and a floater position. If you are here for just one hour, you must help in one spot or be a floater. Floaters are on hand to help in any class that needs help that week due to absences.
Registration will be set up in alphabetical order by teacher’s last name. Take a registration sheet (found here: https://cccmasterminds.wixsite.com/crcs-co-op/parents-teachers ) and fill it out for your students. Find each class and put your child’s information on the class sheet and pay the teacher. Then, go to the helper table and sign up for your helping position(s). Finally, go to the check out table and pay the registration and background fees to complete registration. Parents must attend co-op with their children. We have a drop-off exception for students that are able to drive themselves. The fee for drop-off is $50/family.
Make sure that you have signed up all of your children for classes during the hours your family will be on campus. We cannot have kids with no place to be during co-op.
Starting this semester after co-op, the front building will be locked. If you are remaining on campus for lunch and afternoon activities, you will need to use the back building or outside. Please clean up after yourself and your family. Also, please be responsible for watching your kids.
Upper Room
Friday, September 6, 2024 (First Friday for most months)
12-1:30 p.m.
7th – 12 Grade
Led by Brandon Ellis – Crossroads Board Member and CRCS Dad
Meet in the gym at noon for fellowship as we have lunch together. Then we will transition into a time of study and prayer. It is a great time to connect with others, learn and lift each other up in prayer.
CRCS will facilitate the lunch. To do that, we need help. There will be a FB event with the menu and parents will sign up to bring food. That is usually posted the week before each event. We also will need volunteers to help with the set-up, serving of the food, and clean up. If you can volunteer, please contact the office or reply on the FB post when it is created. We can NOT do it without you.
KEY CLUB NEWS!
Key Club is an international service organization for high school students that encourages leadership through serving others. Crossroads had an outstanding group of over one hundred Key Clubbers last year!
Our officers have been working this summer to make 2024-2025 a great year of service and fun. Look for us at the Faculty Meeting on August 10th where you can take care of the following business:
- Learn more about Key Club.
- Become a first-time member or renew your annual membership.
- Pay the Key Club fee [$60—t-shirt option; $85—hoodie/sweatshirt option]
Our first Key Club meeting is September 13th at 12:30 p.m. at Crossroads (gym).
We look forward to seeing our current members and meeting new ones, especially rising ninth graders and new Crossroads students. We will have some games, good information, and more!
NOTE: We also ask that each student have a parent/guardian with them for the first 15-20 minutes only of this first meeting of the year. Some super-important information will be presented that will help both adults and teens understand Key Club, its structure, and its mission.
If you have any questions or desire more information, please contact our student president, Roark McKibben, or the faculty advisor, Sallie Albus.
Roark McKibben, Key Club President
(205) 405-5706
Sallie Albus, Faculty Advisor
(205) 863-9585
Builders Club
Are you a 6th – 8th grader that would love to participate in projects and fundraisers that benefit your community and school? Then Builders Club might be the place for you! Builders Club is the largest service organization for middle school and junior high students, with more than 45,000 members worldwide. Members learn to work together and develop servant-leader skills as they serve their school and community. We have some exciting things planned for this year and can’t wait for you to be a part of it!
Builders Club meets on the second Friday of each month during the school year at Crossroads. Our first meeting of the year will be held on September 6th at 12:30 pm on the second floor of the gym building at Crossroads. Registration is $30 per student which includes a club t-shirt.
To register come to the Builders Club table at the Faculty Meeting on August 12th or fill out the Google form
Any other questions may be directed to me by email link below.
More information will be posted on our Builders Club Facebook page.
Jessica Guyton – Advisor
Eta Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Eta Sigma Alpha is the first honor society established exclusively for homeschooled students in Grades 9-12. The purpose of Eta Sigma Alpha National Home School Honor Society is to recognize and encourage scholarship among homeschool students. A candidate for membership must meet all of the requirements set forth at etasigmaalpha.com/membership as well as requirements described on the local chapter application. Applications will be available at the Eta Sigma Alpha table during the August faculty meeting.
Mary Beth Brown – Advisor
Yearbook
Students in grades 9-12
Yearbook is a great choice as an activity this year! Why? The reasons are many but just to highlight a few:
- Learn skills by working together in a group.
- Learn about the new Canva program used by Herff Jones to produce a fantastic yearbook.
- Learn and use leadership skills
- Have opportunities to use photography skills.
- Have FUN!
Requirements:
- Must be in grades 9-12
- Must be able to attend monthly meetings on the 3rd Friday of each month from 12:30-1:30.
- Must have a laptop that they can bring to each meeting. We have found that without a laptop (not a tablet), there is not much you can do at the meetings.
1st meeting Friday, September 20, 2024 / 12:30-1:30 CRCS back building.
Sign up at the faculty meeting or contact the yearbook advisors:
Advisors: Jenny Bartz or Trenity Whilfield
4-H Club
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 1 p.m.
4-H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing. Involvement in 4-H includes hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture and civic engagement, all in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids can concentrate on one focus area or they can try a variety of programs throughout their 4-H experience. Regardless of the project area, all 4-H programs include mentoring and career readiness as core elements. This year, our club will cover mammals, financial literacy, communication, and team building! For more information, contact Alayna Jackson, 4-H Agent and check out our Facebook page.
Calling All Innovators: The CRCS Robotics Season 2024 is about to begin!
Do you have a CRCS student interested in programming, engineering, design, marketing, or electronics? We have an amazing opportunity for them to join the CRCS Robotics Team!
What is the CRCS Robotics Team? Our team is made up of students from 6th to 12th grade who compete in the BEST Robotics Competition every fall. This competition combines the excitement of sport with the challenges of science and technology. Under strict rules and with limited time and resources, our team works together to build a robot capable of completing various tasks while competing against other schools in the area. Our students get hands-on experience with Fusion 360 and Softworks CAD (Computer-Aided Design) software, the RobotC programming language and editor, and a variety of power tools as they design and build their robot. If your student wants to be part of the 2024 CRCS Robotics Team, please visit our table at the CRCS Faculty Meeting on August 10th to ask questions or sign up for the new season. We will also host a Kick-off Party and Parent Information Meeting at the end of August (date to be determined). Keep an eye on the CRCS Facebook page for more details. We look forward to seeing you there and embarking on another exciting robotics season together!
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Eric Jackson at ericjacksonbbq@gmail.com or Leigh McKibbben at leigh@mediamerge.com.
CC Flyers
The CC Flyers Running Club will begin its Fall Season Kick Off with registration on Monday, August 12 at 4 p.m. at Moody Park. The club is open to girls and boys ages 6 thru 18. Workouts are held at Moody Park on Monday afternoons at 4:00PM and on Saturday mornings at 8:00AM. The club offers a total physical fitness program that develops a child’s cardio-respiratory system, lower body strength, flexibility and balance. The CC Flyers Running program is not in competition with other sports programs but rather it complements them by improving one’s speed, reducing potential for injuries and giving one the stamina to outperform in any type of sports program. For more information please email: Coach Barry Trippe ccflyers4u@gmail.com
East Central Patriots
East Central Homeschool Organized Sports provides opportunities for homeschooled kids to participate in a variety of sports in a Christian atmosphere! Some of our sports have a firm foundation with longstanding success, while startup programs are constantly changing the climate here at East Central. Excitement is at an all-time high! East Central provides excellent instruction and competition to over 200 junior and senior high school athletes.
East Central is affiliated with the ACSC – Alabama Christian Sports Conference. For more information about the Conference, required forms, and a calendar of important events, visit their website.
East Central is a non-profit corporation exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Join us today! Need more information? Be sure to contact us. We are here to serve the Crossroads Community! For more information contact Daniel Smith – Athletic Director – 205-585-0955.
Contact Information:
Feel free to contact us at the email addresses below, depending on the concern.
Office: office@crossroadschristian.us (General Communications)
Records: records@crossroadschristian.us (Records, Grades, Transcripts, etc.)
Accounting: accounting@crossroadschristian.us (Financial)
OFFICE HOURS: Crossroads office has regular office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am to 3 pm. Call and leave a message, and we’ll return your phone call. E-mail is always a good way to get in touch with us, almost any time!
TUITION: All Crossroads families will receive a monthly email reminder (through QuickBooks Online) on the last day of each month about next month’s tuition. It is due by the 15th of each month. There is a link through the QuickBooks e-mail to pay tuition from your bank to the Crossroads bank and you can pay for more than one month at a time. School year 2024-25 began on June 1, 2024 for Returning Families. Tuition for New Families who joined over the summer begins in August. You always have the option of paying by cash or check at faculty meetings or in the office. And you can mail checks also. We do not accept credit cards. If you believe there is a discrepancy, please contact the office so we can verify. If you are not receiving the QuickBooks e-mail, please let us know that also.
TRANSCRIPT REQUESTS: If you need a transcript for any reason, the first step is to go to our website, and under records, fill out the transcript request form. Lori Booth, our registrar, will send your transcript where you have requested. She will also contact you if she has any questions. Feel free to contact her with any questions you may have as well. If we have to prepare a transcript from scratch, it may take up to two weeks to produce it, depending on work volume. So don’t wait until the last minute to make that transcript request, and remember we need your up-to-date records before we can do it!
WORK PERMITS: Under the current state law, work permits are no longer required for your teenager. If a 14YO or 15YO is working, he or she must provide an Eligibility to Work form to employers, which can be obtained from the Crossroads office. Students 16 years or older do not need anything from the school. For more information, check the Child Labor Law .
DRIVERS PERMIT and DRIVERS LICENSE: If your student plans to take the driver’s permit or driver’s license test, the student must provide proof of school enrollment. Contact the school office for a ALEA form 1-93 enrollment/exclusion form. Or, call and request that we mail it to you. These forms will also be available at faculty meetings.