FROM YOUR ADMINISTRATOR
Welcome to the new school year at Crossroads. Our theme this year is from Jeremiah 17:7-8. ROOTED – GROUNDED – GROWING
Paraphrased the verse says: Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by the stream, its leaves remain green and does not cease to bear fruit.
This is a great theme for the school year as we are reminded of the importance of being rooted in Christ. In this hot season of summer we are easily reminded from nature of how vital it is that plant roots go deep in order to get needed water and nutrients. We too must make sure we are rooted firmly and grounded in Christ and the truth of the gospel. We experience times of “heat” that are not confined to summer. It is in those times that our “roots” being planted by streams of living water (the gospel) are vital for our ability to grow and bear fruit.
My prayer for each of us this year is that we may be rooted, grounded and growing in Jesus Christ. Looking forward to growing together!
Jenny Bartz
ALL REGISTRATION CLOSES AUGUST 1, 2025.
FIRST FACULTY MEETING – Come early to check in.
Saturday August 9, 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! One parent is required to attend four faculty meetings during the year. One in August, October, January and March! Look at the calendar graphic and put the meetings on your calendar.
CHURCH SCHOOL ENROLLMENT FORMS
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 for all 9th–12th grade students and at least one parent.
Saturday, August 9, 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 8, 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 8, 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. Please contact the office with any issues. Email Jenny Bartz or call the school office at 205-640-2174.
HOMESCHOOLING 101
Tuesday, August 5, 1:30 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church – Gym Side
Do you have friends or family who are thinking about homeschooling next year?
Crossroads offers a FREE seminar to share information with 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 have scheduled the first two of several Homeschooling 101 seminars. We will schedule more before the summer ends! Spread the word!
A Milestone Worth Celebrating — and Preparing For! 🎓
High School graduation is a beautiful and memorable event that marks years of hard work, growth, and dedication. These moments are truly monumental, and for many, the journey to this point can feel overwhelming at times.
That’s why we want to strongly encourage every family with students in 8th grade and above to attend our “How to Homeschool Through High School” seminar at least once. This seminar is packed with essential information to help you confidently navigate the high school years and support your student in reaching their own graduation milestone.
Planning ahead makes all the difference. Let us walk alongside you with tools, tips, and guidance so that your family can experience the joy and celebration that comes from finishing well.
Your future graduate will thank you!
HOW TO HOMESCHOOL THROUGH HIGH SCHOOL
Tuesday, August 12, 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 May, and then again 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, and 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. office@crossroadschristian.us.
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
Thursday, September 11, 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 7, 2025 from 1–4 PM
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center
2100 Richard Arrington Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203
Christian College Fair NACCAP
North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals
Thursday, October 30, 2025
12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Westminster Oak Mountain
5080 Cahaba Valley Trace
Birmingham, Alabama, 35242
PICK UP YOUR 2024-2025 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.
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.
LOOK FOR US AT THE FACULTY MEETING THIS YEAR!
We will have a table where you can register your teens for ballroom dance class ($15 fee), complete paperwork, ask questions, get answers, and even make suggestions. We look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new Crossroads students and parents.
Let us introduce ourselves and briefly explain our roles.
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.
Mary Beth Brown—Teen Events Coordinator
(205) 527-8394
Mary Beth uses her creativity to bring incredible dances and Christmas parties as well as ballroom dance camp and classes to our Crossroads teenagers.
Kristy Rosenow—Field Trip Coordinator
(205) 413-7336
Kaitlin Rich—Field Trip Coordinator
(205) 405-0243
Kristy and Kaitlin work together to coordinate the details and destinations for our field trips, whether these are on site or off campus. Kristy tends to focus on wonderful excursions for the older grades while Kaitlin finds great experiences 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, Mary Beth, Kristy, 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 must be received in the school office 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. Please do not advertise “tickets” on social media.
- Generally, CRCS does not issue refunds for activities and field trips.
FALL SEMESTER @ a Glance
August
29-B2SB (Register by Aug. 17th)
September
5- Ballroom Resumes
10-Turkey Creek (Register by Aug. 20th)
12-Ballroom
13 – Union Chapel Mine (Register by Aug 28)
19-Ballroom
24-Alabama Nature Center (Register by Sep. 3rd)
26-Ballroom
October
1-“Treble in the Library” – ASO (Register by Sep. 9th)
4-High School Dance (Register by Sep. 13th)
8-Itty-Bitty Baker (Register by Sep. 17th)
10-Ballroom
15-Vecchia Pizzeria (Register by Sep. 24th)
16-Sports Hall of Fame (Register by Sep. 25th)
17-Ballroom
23-“The City Mouse & the Country Mouse” @ BCT (Register by Oct. 2nd)
24-Ballroom
31-Ballroom
November
7-Ballroom
14-Ballroom
18-True Adventure Sports (Register by Oct. 28th)
December
4-Jr. High Christmas Party (Register by Nov. 13th)
4-High School Christmas Party (Register by Nov. 13th)
5-PreK/Elementary Christmas Party (Register by Nov. 14th)
11-“Narnia, the Musical” @ BCT (Register by Nov. 13th)
18-Alabama Ballet – “The Nutcracker” (Register by Sep. 30th)
A Sneak Peek
April 2–Spring Formal 2026
BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH 2025
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 29, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $20 per family (additional activities are also available for purchase)
Thanks to unexpected funds, we were able to reduce the cost of this year’s family fee—but please note this is a one-time reduction for this year only.
Included in the Family Rate (subject to change)
Swimming Water Slide Basketball Volleyball Miniature Golf Playground
Gaga Ball Horseshoes Four Square Fishing and Tennis (bring your own equipment)
Additional Recreational Activities for Ages 6-18 (not adults)
Bazooka Ball ($5)
Aqua Park ($8)
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 and these instructions to complete the required waiver for each person in your group:
https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/e/NDvsiQFEdk3YjXp5DSi3pk/
On this link you will be given the option to sign a release as an adult or an adult with minors, you can add up to 10 minors to each waiver. Once your release is complete and finished, you will receive an email from SmartWaiver saying they have received your release, and they ask you to confirm your email address. PLEASE, open this email and click the bright orange button that says, “confirm email address.”
***IF YOU DO NOT CONFIRM YOUR EMAIL, WE WILL NOT RECEIVE YOUR RELEASE***
Map: Access Shocco’s Campus Map by using this link:
https://www.shocco.org/campus/?map=campus
REGISTRATION: Visit Cheddar Up! Registration closes Sunday, August 17th (no exceptions).
Please, please, please do not delay! Finish your registration right now AND complete the online waiver!
The August 17th 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!
PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY ACTIVITIES
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 9TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP!
Searching for Fossils
@ Union Chapel Mine
56 Madison Hill Road, Jasper, AL 35501
Gear up as we head to Union Chapel Mine to hunt for fossils from the Paleozoic Era. Noted as the “most important Coal Age footprint in the world,” the hunt will focus on plant and animal track fossils. Our paleontologist guide will teach us about our findings.
Who: 3rd – 6th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: September 13, 9 a.m. – noon
Cost: $8
Creek Adventure
@ Alabama Nature Center
3050 Lanark Road, Millbrook, AL 36054
Join us as we learn about Alabama’s amazing aquatic biodiversity while hiking through Still Creek. Explore the amazing critters that live in our own backyards!
Who: Preschoolers – 2nd Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $14.00 per child
Cookies & Ice Cream, Anyone?
@ CRCS
825 Oak Boulevard, Moody, AL 35004
As itty-bitty bakers, youngsters will learn how to measure, pour, and stir up some baked masterpieces. Each student will create their own bundle to take home. While the cookies bake, the children will take turns shaking up something sweet—ice cream in a bag!
Who: Preschoolers – 2nd Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025
1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $12.00 per participant
Time to “Toss the Dough”
@ VECCHIA PIZZERIA
610 Preserve Parkway, Hoover, AL 35226
Watch the flour fly as we learn from a chef how to create the pizzeria’s famed creations! We will enjoy a full cooking class and finish with a student-made pizza and tasty chocolate cannoli.
Who: 3rd – 6th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $35.00 per participant
MacGyver Mania
@ CRCS with TRUE ADVENTURE SPORTS
825 Oak Boulevard, Moody, AL 35004
Like MacGyver, let’s practice some practical ingenuity by learning creative ways to repair, build, and create things. We will find fun solutions to problems and solve the impossible!
Who: Preschoolers – 6th Graders*
* Note the different times, per grade groups.
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. (PreK-2nd grade)
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. (3rd-6th grade)
Cost: $24.00 per child
Fellowship Fun at the Christmas Party
@ CPC GYM
Our preschool and elementary students will enjoy activity rotations as we remember the real meaning of Christmas and celebrate the birth of our risen Savior. This grand celebration draws us all to the significance of the season. We will conclude with a light lunch for the youngsters.
Who: Preschoolers – 5th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Friday, December 5, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $8 per student
TEEN ACTIVITIES
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 9TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP!
Life of a Stream
@ TURKEY CREEK NATURE PRESERVE
3906 Turkey Creek Road, Pinson, AL 35126
“Life of a Stream” program introduces concepts associated with stream ecology, freshwater biodiversity, and conservation. Students will be led on a short hike to learn about watersheds and explore how scientists monitor our aquatic systems by conducting a biological survey (i.e., searching for aquatic macro-invertebrates).
Pack a lunch, come dressed to explore the creek, and get ready to learn some new things!
All students and adults in attendance will be expected to enter the creek. Appropriate footwear includes water shoes, crocs, tennis shoes, slides, or sandals. Bug spray, sunscreen, and a bottle of water are also recommended. Following the program, hang around to picnic and enjoy the falls.
Parents/legal guardians are responsible for supervising their child(ren) or must have a named adult to accompany and supervise their child(ren).
Who: 7th – 12th Graders
When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. + picnic lunch
Cost: $17.50 per person
Wild, Wild West Dance
@ THE BARNYARD (a.k.a. CPC GYM)
Yeehaw, partner! Saddle up as we kick off the first high school dance of the year, cowboy-style.
Dress in your best boot-scootin’ boogie attire (but remember the CRCS dress code!) as we barn dance the night away. You don’t want to miss it!
Who: 9th – 12th Graders
When: Saturday, October 4, 2025
6:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 per student
Sports . . . Always in Season
@ THE ALABAMA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
2150 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd. N., Birmingham, AL
The Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, located in the Uptown District of Birmingham, houses over 6,000 pieces of sports memorabilia. The ASHOF Museum is one of the largest sports halls of fame in the nation with memorabilia from each inductee, dating back to the first induction class in 1969.
An ASHOF staff member will relate the history of the Hall of Fame prior to leading participants in a guided scavenger hunt of the three-story, 33,000 square-foot facility. Students will learn firsthand about the rich sports heritage of Alabama as well as the qualities that make someone a Hall of Famer. The emphasis will be on discipline, determination, and character in hopes of inspiring Alabama’s youth to succeed on the field and in the classroom.
Who: 7th – 8th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Thursday, October 16, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (approximately)
Cost: $1.00 per person
MacGyver Mania
@ CRCS with TRUE ADVENTURE SPORTS
825 Oak Boulevard, Moody, AL 35004
Like MacGyver, let’s practice some practical ingenuity by learning creative ways to repair, build, and create things. We will find fun solutions to problems and solve the impossible!
Who: 7th – 12th Graders
When: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
9:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Cost: $24.00 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 festive pancake bar, holiday crafts, and fun games as you share the joy of the birth of our Savior with your friends.
Who: 6th – 8th Graders
When: Thursday, December 4, 2025
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 festive pancake bar, holiday crafts, and fun games as you share the joy of the birth of our Savior with your friends.
Who: 9th – 12th Graders
When: Thursday, December 4, 2025
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $12 per student
Birmingham Children’s Theater
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 9TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP FOR MORE DETAILS!
Wee Folks: “The City Mouse & the Country Mouse”
October 23, 2025
9:30 a.m.
Ages 4-8
$11/child; $14/adult
MainStage: “Narnia, the Musical”
December 11, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Ages 6 and older
$14/child; $20/adult
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 9TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP FOR MORE DETAILS!
Young People’s Concert: “Treble in the Library”
October 1, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Grades 3rd – 6th
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 18, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Cost: $1 per student; $25 per adult
REGISTRATION BEGINS AUGUST 9TH FOLLOWING THE FACULTY MEETING. VISIT CHEDDAR UP FOR MORE DETAILS!
Samford University Theater for Youth
The Lightning Thief – A Percy Jackson Musical – Theater for Young Audiences
Grades 4th – 12th
Thursday, October 2 at 9:30 – 70 minutes long
Samford University – Harrison Theater
As the half-blood son of a Greek god, Percy Jackson has newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want, and a mythology textbook’s worth of monsters on his trail. When Zeus’s master lightning bolt is stolen and Percy becomes the prime suspect, he has to find and return the bolt to prove his innocence and prevent a war between the gods. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the thief. He must travel to the Underworld and back; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of betrayal by a friend; and come to terms with the father who abandoned him. This thrilling musical with an original rock score is adapted from the best-selling book The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan.
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
- The yearly registration fee may be paid in Cheddar Up, at the August faculty meeting, or at the first lesson.*
*Remember that we will have a table at the faculty meeting where you can register your teens, pay fees, and complete paperwork.
- There are TWO payment methods available for weekly lessons:
- Details for the “full semester payment”option are in 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 5, 12, 19, 26
October 10, 17, 24, 31*
November 7, 14
*Seniors will vote for the winter dance theme.
Hey homeschool moms! We would love for you to join us for a fun and relaxing Mom’s Night Out—special evenings planned just for you! It’s the perfect chance to step away from the daily routine, enjoy some sweet fellowship, meet other moms on the same journey, and be encouraged. Whether you’re new to homeschooling or have been at it for years, we all need a little time to laugh, connect, and recharge. We can’t wait to see you there!
Mystery Dinner
Tuesday, September 16
6 – 9 p.m.
Cost $20 Dinner and Entertainment
CPC Gym
Sign up on Cheddar Up
Join your fellow homeschool moms for a well-deserved night of mystery, laughter, and good food. Solve a crime, make some new friends, and enjoy grown-up conversation that doesn’t involve phonics or fractions. RSVP is required so that everyone can be given a “Role” to play for the night. You’ll be assigned a character and given all you need to know to be prepared for the mystery fun ahead of time! No guesswork needed and all the planning will be taken care of for you!
Contact Jenny Bartz for questions. office@crossroadschristiain.us
Pottery
October 28, Tuesday
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Max 12 – Cost $40
Sign up on Cheddar Up once details are complete
Join us as Debby Simmons leads us in making a treasured piece of pottery. We are still planning this one. We will either do a nativity or mug. If you have already done the nativity, you will do an angel and animal to go with your nativity. Details TBD.
Ornament Exchange
December 2, Tuesday
Sign Up Genius- No cost
Join us for a fun and festive Christmas Ornament Exchange just for homeschool moms! Sign up, bring a snack to share and an ornament to exchange and let’s enjoy a sweet time of fellowship and encouragement as we head into the busy Christmas season. It’s so easy to get caught up in the hustle, but let’s remind each other to slow down and keep our hearts focused on the true reason we celebrate—Jesus Christ. We hope you’ll join us for laughter, connection, and a little sparkle of Christmas joy!
The Fine Arts Team has been busy planning another exciting school year full of arts opportunities for our students!
We will have two elementary school productions this fall. See info below and sign up for Auditions! In the spring, we will have our Jr High (7th – 9th) and Sr High (10th – 12th) productions. More details coming in October!
A note about High School play rotations. We traditionally have rotated between straight plays and musicals for several reasons. When we saw the need to permanently divide Jr High and Sr High a few years ago, we dealt with the rotation issue the best we could at the time. As we have continued to evaluate all the various parts that go into performances, including how the current rotation affects incoming students, the following plan will be implemented.
2025-26 School Year: Jr High – Musical / Sr High – Straight Play
2026-27 School Year: Jr High – Straight Play / Sr High – Musical
2027-28 School Year: Jr High – Musical AND Sr High – Musical
Jr High and Sr High will be on the same rotation starting in 2027-28 and moving forward. This will give all high schoolers 3 plays and 3 musicals, but gives the current upper classmen time to work through their rotation as anticipated.
We will again have Jr/Sr High choirs this fall. 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 with an Art Contest for fall program covers coming up soon.
Please visit our fine arts table at the August faculty meeting, and remember, we cannot do all this without substantial parent volunteer support.
We are looking forward to a fantastic school year!
Karen Cunningham – 2025-26 Fine Arts Team Chair
Lower Elementary Play – Grades 1-3
“We Like Sheep” A Children’s Musical Teaching of the Good Shepherd
“We like sheep cause’ sheep is what we are!” Join us as we learn about the Good Shepherd and watch what happens when we decide to go our own way. Watch as this flock learns about the “Abundawonderful Life” we have in Jesus!
Audition Info: Students auditioning need to be prepared to sing a simple song like “Happy Birthday” or “Twinkle Little Star”. Students are encouraged to memorize a verse or a line of a poem, etc. Auditions will take place at the same time as the upper elementary’s auditions.
Sign up on Cheddar Up. Cost: $10 per student
-Important Dates: Auditions: Aug 26th & Aug 28th 1:30-3:30 p.m. (back building)
*Sign up on CheddarUp by August 16 to receive the link for Audition time slots.
-Mandatory Parent Meeting with upper elementary: Sept. 2nd 1 p.m. (gym)
-Rehearsals: Fridays from 1:00 – 2:15 p.m., Sept 5th – Nov 7th
-Dress Rehearsal: Nov. 7th during regular practice
-Performances: Nov 7th (Evening) and Nov 8th 1:30 (Matinee)
Performances will be at Community Presbyterian Church – Sanctuary.
Please Remember:
- As always, we ask that parents make sure that the child wants to participate. We want this to be a positive experience for your child and for the others in the show.
- Please check all the dates that are given to ensure you can commit to the show performances, practices, and the time required to help your child memorize lines before choosing to sign up.
- Parents are responsible for acquiring costumes for their students. As always, guidance will be given by the director.
Upper Elementary Play – Grades 4-6
CRCS Fine Arts Team is excited to bring you
The Fearsome Pirate Frank
An Upper Elementary Production
Set in Shakespearean times, this comedy is about an actor, Frank, who plays a pirate in a smash hit show. Things take an interesting turn when Frank and the rest of his cast get kidnapped by real pirates. As Frank and his friends begin working on the pirate ship, they soon discover the pirates aren’t the scariest thing on the seven seas. It’s going to be an exciting ride, as mermaids, phantoms, and even Spiderman make appearances!
Grades: 4st to 6th grade
Cost: $15 per student
Sign-up: Via Cheddar Up- Aug 9th -16th (Info below)
Important Dates: Auditions- Aug 26th 1:00-3:00pm and Aug 28th 1:00-3:00pm (back building)
Mandatory Parent Meeting- Sept 2nd 1:00pm (gym)
Rehearsals- Fridays from 12:45-2:30, Sept 5th – Nov 7th (Sanctuary)
Tech Week (Including Performances)- Nov 10th -15th (Location: TBA)
Director: Elise Hill
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. They should not participate simply because an older sibling is doing an activity in the same time frame.
- 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 time sign up.
- 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 not yet decided as the venue hasn’t been chosen, 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.
- Our venue will be announced at the August faculty meeting.
How to participate?
- Sign up to participate will be done via Cheddar Up, which will be available immediately after the August Faculty meeting (Aug 9th). You will have until August 16th 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 16th.
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!
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 5th from 1:30 p.m.- 2:40 pm, with a joint concert on November 21st with the Senior High Choir at Eden Westside at 6:30pm.
There are no auditions and no max on participants, but this group is only for 7th and 8th graders.
A choir fee of $25 per family is required and includes all printed music, binders, and licensing fees. Registration will be on Cheddar Up.
We hope you’ll join us! Stop by the Fine Arts table at the August 9th faculty meeting for more information.
High School Choir
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 5th, and we will meet each Friday until our Fall Concert Friday, November 21 at Eden Westside at 6:30 p.m.
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 $25 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 Friday co-op
9/11 First day of Thursday co-op
11/14 Last day of Friday co-op
11/20 Last day of Thursday co-op
11/21 Co-op showcase
Registration Details
9:15 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Teacher registration
10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.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.
Registration will be set up in the back building. We will have a map/signs to help you find the right class sheets. New this semester: we will have a mandatory checklist to help with completing the steps for registration and hopefully alleviate confusion! See more information here: https://cccmasterminds.wixsite.com/crcs-co-op/parents
Please feel free to print the checklist and/or forms (landscape orientation) in advance and fill them out to save time at registration. Do not use an older saved copy as we have updated our forms.
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. Please have fees ready before getting into the checkout line.
Find the schedule and class descriptions here: https://cccmasterminds.wixsite.com/crcs-co-op/fall-semester-2025
We have so many families that have joined us that our space 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 building.
In order for co-op to function, everyone must help! If you are not a teacher for fall semester classes, you must sign up for helping positions. See the website for details on a pre-registration helper signup opportunity.
Upper Room
Friday, September 5, 2025 (First Friday for most months)
12-1:30 p.m.
7th – 12 Grade
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
GET INVOLVED WITH KEY CLUB!
A new school year is here, and so is your opportunity to join one of the most active and impactful organizations we offer: Key Club! As part of an international student-led organization, Key Club gives high schoolers the opportunity to make a difference in their school and communities while growing as leaders.
Last year, we had nearly 100 students involved with Key Club, and we are hoping to have even more students serve with us in the year ahead. Our officer team has been working hard to prepare exciting service projects, events, and opportunities for connection and leadership development.
IMPORTANT DATES
August 9th – Faculty Meeting
Stop by the Key Club table to learn more about who we are as a club, register a new or returning member, and take care of your membership fee.
Membership options:
- $60 with a T-shirt
- $85 with a hoodie or sweatshirt
September 12th at 12:30 PM – First Key Club meeting in the Crossroads Gym
Join us as we kick off the year with games, important information, and a chance to connect with other students. We especially encourage incoming 9th graders and new students to attend!
PLEASE NOTE
We ask that each student bring a parent or guardian to the first 15 to 20 minutes of our first meeting. Important information will be shared that will help both students and parents to better understand what Key Club is, how it works, and what to expect in the upcoming school year.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact:
Catherine Clyde, Student Editor
(205) 493-0160
catclyde36@gmail.com
Juniper Self, Key Club President
(205) 200-3258
juniperclaireself@gmail.com
Sallie Albus, Faculty Advisor
(205) 863-9585
smalbus7@gmail.com
We are so excited for all that this year will bring and hope that you will be a part of it!
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 12th at 12:30 pm on the second floor of the gym building at Crossroads. Registration cost is being determined at the national level. Last year it was $35 per student which includes a club t-shirt. We will have those numbers at the faculty meeting.
To register come to the Builders Club table at the Faculty Meeting on August 9th.
Any other questions may be directed to me by email. More information will be posted on our Builders Club Facebook page.
Advisor: Jessica Guyton 205-505-9149 guytonhomeschool2023@gmail.com
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, while creating an energetic environment in which to forge relationships. The Sigma Zeta Chapter at Crossroads incorporates social, scholastic, and service aspects into our organization, staying active with fun game night hangouts and service projects planned for each semester. 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. The most typical test used for admission is the ACT; the required score is a 26 or greater. More pathways are outlined on the website.
Our new officers are Tucker Brown (president) and William Rea (VP)
Come visit us at the information table at the first faculty meeting. Our first meeting for the year will be on September 18 at 1 pm.
Please contact Mary Beth Brown (hoganma23@gmail.com) with any questions or for more information.
Mary Beth Brown
205-527-8394
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 19, 2025 / 12:30-1:30 CRCS back building.
Sign up at the faculty meeting or contact the yearbook advisors:
Advisors: Jenny Bartz or Trenity Whitfield
4-H Club
2nd Tuesday of the Month (Note Change from 1st Tuesday)
1 – 2 p.m.
September 9, October 14, November 11, January 13, February 10, March 10, and April 14.
This year we are offering a variety of learning experiences such as leadership, career exploration, healthy living, STEM, financial literacy, and teamwork! Youth will be able to build skills in a variety of areas and have the opportunity to showcase their acquired skills in contests and competitions. Older 4-H members will also have options of attending summer camp, joining our youth leadership council, attending leadership conferences, and more!
Robotics
7th – 12th Grade
CRCS Robotics Team Kick-Off Party & Parent Info Night
Thursday, August 21, 2025 – 6:00 to 8:00 PM
Trussville Playstation
Want to build a robot? You’re in luck. CRCS Robotics Season 2025 is ready to launch! Whether your student is into programming, engineering, electronics, design, or marketing, there’s a place for them on the team. Parents, come learn more about the season while your student skates, munches on pizza, and hangs out with future teammates.
Questions? Contact James Stanley at js091501@gmail.com or Leigh McKibben at leigh@mediamerge.com.
CC Flyers
The CC Flyers Running Club will begin its Fall Season Kick Off with registration on Monday, August 11 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. https://www.eastcentralpatriots.com/
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 Dan Jett – Athletic Director 205-746-5917
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 2025-26 began on June 1, 2025 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.