FROM YOUR ADMINISTRATOR
Merry Christmas CRCS Family. I know everyone is making plans for the holiday season. Our schedule fills up before we know it. I hope you will take some time to slow down and remember the reason we celebrate. To help with this, Community has updated our Advent resources for you to consider. Advent starts Sunday, December 1 this year so you have a bit of time to bring out your tried-and-true resources or maybe order something new this year. You will see a compilation of staff favorite picks in this document. The resource is in the Candid Corner section of the newsletter.
My prayer is that you will find something on this list that will draw you and your family closer to the “Reason for the Season,” Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas from our home to yours.
Jenny
SAVE THE DATE:
January Faculty Meetings
- Monday, January 13 at 7 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church
- Tuesday, January 14 at 7 p.m. at Eden Westside Baptist Church
Choose the day or time that best fits your schedule. Attendance is required as part of membership. If you are providentially hindered from attending, let us know.
The office will be closed the following dates:
Dec. 24, 26, 31, Jan. 2. Reopen Tuesday, January 7.
You can always send us an email if you need us. We tend to check and answer emails even when the office is closed. It may be a bit slower, but you will hear back.
New Family Registration is now OPEN!
New Family Registration opened December 1st and will close on December 18th! All personal family interviews must take place on or before December 19th.
Spread the word if you know of any family interested in joining CRCS!
HOMESCHOOLING 101
Monday, December 9, 2024
7 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church in Moody in the back education building.
This FREE seminar is for anyone interested in information about homeschooling, getting started, picking curricula, Alabama state laws, etc. It will last about 1-1/2 hours. Attending this seminar does not obligate you to homeschool or to join Crossroads. This is simply our way of getting out information to the community about homeschooling.
Our school’s New Family registration will open December 1st and close December 18th, 2024 for midyear registration. We will open again in May for registration for next school year.
If you are coming, please respond to the school office (by email or by phone) and let us know.
Jenny Bartz, Administrator,
Crossroads Christian School
825 Oak Blvd, Moody AL 35004
(205) 640-2174
Important Dual Enrollment Information
If you have a student taking Dual Enrollment, you will need to report those grades on your quarterly submission. We understand you will not have a grade when you turn in the first quarter, but you still need to report what course your student is taking. In the comment section on the grade submission report, put that it is a Dual Enrollment course, and that you will give the grade at the end of the semester…either quarter 2 or quarter 4. Then in May/June, when you turn in your End of the Year form, make sure you have the Dual Enrollment course/s listed with the credit earned.
ACT TESTING
If your student takes the ACT test WITH WRITING, please let us know in the office. When the writing portion is taken, the test scores come back MUCH LATER than the normal scoring. We do not know to be looking for it and it is easily missed. If you let us know when they are taking it, then we will be able to keep looking until it comes in.
Welcome to AllPencilsDown
ACT – SAT Prep
AllPencilsDown has spent over 20 years developing and teaching courses to help students improve their ACT and SAT test scores. They had a table set up at the August faculty meeting and had an incredible offer for the first 15 Crossroads students who sign up for their course. They have extended that offer. It is a $100 discount on courses through December.
Here are the stipulations:
- It’s for the first 15 Crossroads students who register.
- It applies to a live course, foundations or advanced.
- You will need to show proof of enrollment at Crossroads. (Student ID card or CSEF)
Kim Brittle is the only one who can register students for the classes and her number is 205-989-4356 or you can email her at kim@allpencilsdown.com.
“We used AllPencilsDown for several of our students and it helped them raise their ACT score. Check out their website and read the reviews. It was very helpful for our family.” (Jenny Bartz)
“I graduated from Crossroads in 2015. I did the AllPencilsDown ACT prep and raised my score 5 points. It enabled me to go to UAH on a scholarship!” (Tymon Sharp)
Senior Day
Friday, February 7, 2025
8:30 a.m. – noon
CPC- Sanctuary
Graduation will be at First Baptist Church in Trussville, and we should know the actual graduation date by the February 7th meeting. They do not start scheduling until January, and they fill the slots their ministries need first.
This is a mandatory meeting for all seniors and at least one parent.
Balfour representative will be there to take orders for caps & gowns, graduation announcements, and other senior stuff. We’ll discuss other topics pertinent to graduation and life afterwards (like soft skills). We will also be taking a group photo!
Leslie Howard will be scheduling tux and drape pictures if you want to have them made in the afternoon. This is optional for our Crossroads families. Leslie is a professional photographer and was a CRCS mom for many years.
There is a $20 sitting fee that is due that day. Call Leslie at (205) 706-4623 to make this appointment.
If your student does not plan to walk and participate in graduation, we need you to contact us and let us know ASAP.
Details will be sent in an email to all senior families closer to the meeting time.
January Night with the Stars
Senior Scholarship Fundraiser
Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 6 p.m.
CPC Gym
Cost: $20 per person
Join us for an evening of dinner and entertainment. We will have a delicious dinner while being entertained by some of our students from the Advanced Theater class. Many of the students competed recently in the Trumbauer Regionals and have advanced to State in December. They will be sharing their musical as well as monologue/duet numbers that they learned and performed.
It will be an evening of delight, laughter, and celebration. All proceeds will but used for 2025 Senior Scholarships for either college or technical programs.
Details and Tickets on Cheddar Up under the Yearbook – Choir and Plays Collection.
Join us for a night of food and fellowship at the Inaugural Women’s Night at Crossroads. Sign up on SignUpGenius to bring a dish from somewhere around the world. What a great opportunity to try out a new recipe! It is divided up into Main, Sides and Desserts, Drinks. Sign up and then come enjoy a meal and some great visiting with friends you may already know and meet some new ones!
Please connect this link and say:
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E48AAAB28A3F94-53415718-dinner
Well, inflation has caught up to the yearbook. The price went up on us. The cost this year is $45 per book. Remember that you must pre-order to secure one. At times we have extra to sell but this past year we only had three extra. You can order them on Cheddar Up under the collection Yearbook- T-Shirts- Choirs and Plays.
Ads in our yearbook help us each year so consider putting an ad in our yearbook. Contact Jenny Bartz or Trenity Whitfield.
PICTURES PLEASE!
Our yearbook staff takes the pictures you give us during the year to make a wonderful keepsake to capture many memoirs of the school year. The staff works all year long learning and then creating.
We need your help to make this happen. Help us by staying on top of your photos and submitting them quickly so the staff can “do their thing.” As your student participates in field trips, dances, home activities, individual arts or sports…take photos. Pick the best of the best. PLEASE do not upload your whole stash of photos on the event. Just pick a few. Submit within 2 weeks of the event. The students will know they have photos they can work with to create the pages.
Go to the website and find the link under the Media/Yearbook tab.
Please use the code: CROSSROADS20215
ACTIVITIES @ CRCS!!!
Wow! Just like that! One semester is closing as we plan for the next. The Activities Team is always at work to bring you a variety of field trips, parties, dances, and more. Please look over the choices, mark your planners, register in Cheddar Up, and promptly pay.
Also, here is a recap (again) of the important information given at the October faculty meetings:
- Parents, ensure that your students are where they are supposed to be and not where they are not supposed to be.
- Paying by credit card or e-check is the easiest way to make sure that your payment is made in a timely fashion. If you choose to pay by cash/check, make sure that the school office receives your funds no later than two weeks (in most cases) PRIOR to the date of the first item in your Cheddar Up order. The entire balance of the order is due at the same time.
- To avoid paying a large amount at once, distribute your Cheddar Up items across several orders.
- Choosing the cash/check payment option assumes payment will be made and attendance will take place. Please do not take someone else’s spot.
- Failure to pay on time will result in forfeiture of participation.
- Late registrations will no longer be accepted. Please watch the deadlines.
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
Sallie Albus
Activities Director
smalbus7@gmail.com
Courtney Wrenn
Schoolwide Events Coordinator
carbmom2@gmail.com
Mary Beth Brown
Teen Coordinator
hoganma23@gmail.com
Kristy Rosenow
Field Trip Coordinator
rosenowpk@yahoo.com
Kaitlin Rich
Preschool Coordinator
krich542013@gmail.com
SPRING SEMESTER @ a Glance
December
5-Jr. High Christmas Party (Registration closed.)
5-High School Christmas Party (Registration closed.)
6-Elementary Christmas Party (Registration closed.)
11-“A Christmas Carol” @ BCT (Sold out.)
19-Alabama Ballet – “The Nutcracker” (Sold out.)
January
9-All About Art! (Register by December 19th)
10-Ballroom
17-Ballroom
25-High School Dance (Register by January 4th)
31-Ballroom
February
5-Top Golf (high school)
7-Ballroom
14-Valentine Box Competition (schoolwide)
14-Ballroom
21-Ballroom
28-Ballroom
March
TBD-Rickwood Caverns (preschool & elementary)
6-Peter Pan (schoolwide)
19-American Village (junior high & high school)
21-Ballroom
28-Ballroom
April
3-Spring Formal (high school)
7-Survival Skills (5th-8th grades)
11-Ballroom
14-Wildlife Center (preschool-4th grade)
May
2-May Day (schoolwide)
SCHOOLWIDE ACTIVITIES
(Most Activities ~ All Ages)
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
All About Art!
@ COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
825 Oak Boulevard, Moody, AL 35004
Join us as we experience a day of multiple art mediums. Students will experience pottery making and painting. Come learn new skills while you create a masterpiece to take home!
Who: Preschoolers – 8th Graders
When: Thursday, January 9, 2025
TIME: 9:00–10:30 a.m. (PreK-1st Grade)*
*Due to attention spans, the PreK-1st grade group will have thirty minutes each of painting/pottery classes AND a craft class.
TIME: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (2nd-4th Grades)
TIME: 12:30–2:30 p.m. (5th-8th Grades)
Cost*: $45 per student (PreK-1st Grade)
$55 per student (2nd-8th Grades)
*Cost includes each teacher’s class and the materials for each project.
Valentine Box Competition
@ CPC GYM
Let your children and teens unleash their creativity by designing some of the most amazing Valentine boxes ever! The Crossroads Key Club will also host educational booths, some of which have goodies to take home. This popular and fun event highlights the incredible abilities of CRCS students of all ages. Come and be astounded by the talent in our group!
Visit Cheddar Up for full contest rules.
Who: Preschoolers – 12th Graders
When: Friday, February 14, 2025
10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $2 per student entry
May Day
@ Moody Park Pavilion
Join us at the Moody City Park for a fun day of family activities. There will be something for everyone!
More details to come.
Who: Crossroads Families
When: Friday, May 2, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $1 per family + 25 cents per game
PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY ACTIVITIES
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
Found Under the Ground
@ RICKWOOD CAVERNS STATE PARK
370 Rickwood Park Road, Warrior, AL 35180
Take time to explore this massive local treasure that features one mile of God’s underground wonders. Marvel at the stalactites and stalagmites as we travel 175 feet below Earth! Our guided tour will conclude with panning for gems and an outdoor picnic/playground time (weather permitting).
Who: Preschoolers – 6th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: March (Date TBD)
TIME: TBD
Cost: TBD
Eye-to-Eye with Raptors
@ ALABAMA WILDLIFE CENTER
100 Terrace Drive, Pelham, AL 35124
Get up close and personal with the abundance of birds and raptors that fill Alabama’s backyards. Join us as we take a tour of the Alabama Wildlife Center located in Oak Mountain State Park. See the dozens of birds being treated for release, including the hand-fed baby birds in their own nursery. Enjoy a captivating “Birds of Prey” presentation that features at least two glove-trained raptors.
Plan to stay the afternoon at the park. Bring a lunch, enjoy a hike, and play on the new playground.
Who: Preschoolers – 4th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Monday, April 14, 2025
TIME: 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Cost: TBD
TEEN/ PRETEEN ACTIVITIES
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
“Wish Upon a Star” Dance
@ THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH
Pull out your princess dresses, Mickey ears, and childhood memories as we take a trip to the “happiest place on Earth” (a.k.a. the CPC gym). Enjoy snacks “a la Disney,” a nostalgic playlist, and as much Disney magic as we can cram into the night. Feel free to dress as your favorite Disney character, villain, or even a tacky tourist. Use your imagination and be sure to follow the CRCS dress code.
If you have any questions, reach out to Mrs. Mary Beth.
Who: 9th – 12th Graders (ages 14-19)
When: Saturday, January 25, 2025
6:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $15 per student; CRCS SENIORS—FREE!
Take a Swing!
@ TOPGOLF
1111 24th St N, Birmingham, AL 35234
Grab a club and grab a Crossroads friend as you take aim at the giant outfield targets at Topgolf. The cost includes all equipment PLUS lunch (turkey sandwich, chips, cookie, drink).
Who: 9th – 12th Graders
When: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
TIME: 12:00–2:00 p.m.
Cost: $22 per student
The Road to Independence
@ AMERICAN VILLAGE
3727 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115
Come and join us for a trip back in time to revisit some of our nation’s amazing historical moments. We will relive historical events like Paul Revere’s ride, the battles at Lexington and Concord, the Continental Congress, and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Additionally, students take part in the Yorktown Encampment, learn about medical practices in the Continental Army, attend the 5th Virginia Convention and argue for independence, meet the Sons of Liberty, and carry a secret message vital to the patriots’ cause. This program will certainly be an interactive one that will bring to life the struggles and sacrifices our country endured to bring about independence.
Who: 7th – 12th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
TIME: 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Cost: $12 per person
Other: Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy on the grounds following our group tour.
Spring Formal
“In the Garden”
@ Micah’s Meadow ~ Mathews Manor
3279 US Highway 11, Springville, AL 35146
Enter an enchanted garden, with ivy creeping up trellises and delicate string lights twinkling like fireflies amidst a sea of lush greenery. The garden, set under a sky kissed by dusk, blooms with the vibrant essence in full flourish for this year’s Spring Formal! While we may not be in the enchanted garden, the beautiful setting of Mathew’s Manor will carry our high schoolers to an evening celebration nearing the end of the academic year. We will honor our graduating seniors with a special processional, and the students will enjoy dinner, dancing, and fun. It’s a night where nature’s beauty meets youthful energy in celebration of friendship, love, and unforgettable moments.
Specific guidelines regarding attire and stipulations for non-Crossroads guests are on Cheddar Up.
Who: 9th – 12th Graders (ages 14-19) and
approved guests
When: Thursday, April 3, 2025
6:00 – 10:00 p.m.
[Arrive at 5 p.m. to take pictures.]
Cost: $60 per person [Dinner included.]
Survival Skills Experience
@ TRUE ADVENTURE SPORTS
13102 AL HWY 176, Ft. Payne, AL 35967
Get ready to stretch your survival skills knowledge! Join us as we learn from experts who certify first responders for search and rescue. Discover how to plan and build personal shelters, find and purify water, navigate by the sun, and signal for help. You won’t want to miss this field trip!
Who: 5th – 8th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Monday, April 7, 2025
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (approximately)
Cost: $30 per person
Alabama Ballet—Peter Pan
@ BJCC
1 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
We all know the story of Peter Pan and The Lost Boys, but how did Peter end up in Neverland? That’s what Alabama Ballet Artistic Director Christopher Stuart explores in his version of Peter Pan. With all the Neverland characters you know and love, this story is sure to leave you feeling like you can fly!
Who: CRCS students and parents/legal guardians
When: Thursday, March 6, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Cost: $1 per student; $25 per adult
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):
- January 10, 17, 31
- February 7, 14, 21, 28
- March 21, 28
- April 11
Advent is a time for us to reflect and prepare our hearts for Christ’s birth. We wait in anticipation like his people did so long ago. That is one aspect of the waiting. We also are waiting for Christ’s ultimate return. Oh, how we wait! In this season we can use prayer, reflections, music as well as fun activities to encourage ourselves and our families to draw closer to our savior. Below, we have collected a variety of resources to help you and your family to slow down from the hurried life, breathe, remember, and wait.
Elementary Choir
Grades 1-6
Begins January 24, 2025
Fridays 12:45-2:15
Concert: April 17 at Grace Community Church
Cost: $20 per family
Elementary Choir will resume on January 24. We will meet on co-op Fridays from 12:45 to 2:15 in the Sanctuary. Your choir director Ms. Jessica Gilbert can’t wait to see all your smiling faces! Parents, this is a great opportunity for your kids to not only have fun but to learn lifelong music skills! We will study music through fun theory games, rhythm and dynamic exercises, and stage presence development. This year we are planning a wonderful program centered around worshiping our risen Savior Jesus Christ!
Open to all students in Grades 1-6. The fee is $20 per family and signup is on Cheddar Up. Sign up and payment deadline is January 24. For more information, please contact Jessica Gilbert via email or by calling 205-240-4074.
JR High Play
December
7th-9th Grade Play
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Jessica Lloyd – Director
Jennifer Day – Assistant Director
For those who signed up for auditions, please arrive a few minutes before your time slot to fill out paperwork. A parent signature is required on the audition form. If you chose the cash/check option on Cheddar Up, please be sure you have turned that into the office before auditioning.
Auditions – Mon/Tues, December 2nd and 3rd – 1pm-3pm (only come to your time slot, Callbacks IF NEEDED Wed 12/4 – 1pm-2pm
Students MUST have access to this OneDrive folder link so they can be thoroughly prepared for the audition.
Parent Meeting (30 minutes)/Read-through Rehearsal: Fri. Dec. 13th, 11am-Noon
Tech week (REQUIRED): May 5th-7th
Performances: May 8th – 11th
Questions/Concerns: Jessica Lloyd 205-613-7011 or jessicalloydsmusic@gmail.com
Sr High Play – Fiddler on the Roof Jr
10th – 12th Grade Musical
Karen Cunningham – Director
“Fiddler on the Roof Jr” is for 10th through 12th grade students. We will have two music practices before Christmas on Dec 6th from 1:00 – 3:00, and Dec 13th 1:30-3:30. Practices will continue at 2:30-4:45 on Fridays starting in January, with additional Saturday practices on Jan 11, Feb 22 and March 1. Tech week with required attendance will be March 3-6, with Performances March 7 & 8 at CEPA in Pell City. Cast members should refer to cast emails for detailed practice information.
CO-OP
Co-op Calendar:
January 10 Spring Registration
January 24 First day of spring Th/F co-op
February 7 No Co-op (Senior Day)
February 14 No Co-op (Box Competition)
April 11 Last day of Th/F spring co-op
Our spring schedule is available on our website.
Spring 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. If you purchased a background check in the fall, you will not need one for spring.
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/spring-semester-2025 . 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 do not allow them to run 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. We have helper registration open now and will close the sign up one week before registration. If you do not sign up for spots before-hand, we will have a helper table at registration. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F44A9AE2EA1F8CF8-52908496-spring#/
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 ) 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) if you have not done so on signup genius. 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 who 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.
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
Our next Upper Room will not be until the new year. Watch the Newsletters and This Week’s News for updates on when.
KEY CLUB NEWS!
November meetings went well as we got going with multiple service project ideas and more. A representative of Moody Miracle League spoke to us about the organization and opportunities for service. We signed some patriotic cards that Gracie Gilbert made. Cody Albus and Bear Bosworth delivered them on Veteran’s Day to the VA home in Pell City. Our grade reps are planning projects left and right in which members can serve. Mrs. Jenny also spoke with us about an opportunity to help the local Kiwanis club serve the community. And let’s not forget the yummy baked goods we had at our last meeting that helped raise funds for the Thirst Project. Thank you to all who cooked and to all who purchased the items.
Our next meeting is December 13th. This will be our Key Club Christmas party. The officers are busy planning the details.
Be sure to check the GroupMe chats from your grade rep. There is so much going on right now with the club, and the grade reps are doing an awesome job to keep everyone informed. [If by some chance you are not receiving GroupMe messages, talk with your grade rep or any Key Club officer to get the issue resolved.]
And, as we always say, the best way to know what is happening with OUR student-led Key Club is to attend the meetings, ask questions, and participate. At each meeting, check in with Marissa and William. Then, look at the service opportunities and sign up. That’s what this whole organization is about—SERVING OTHERS!
Find us on Facebook at CRCS Key Club and Instagram at crossroads_key_club.
If you have any questions, please contact us. See you soon!
Cody Albus, Student Editor
205-864-7082z
codyedwardalbus@gmail.com
Roark McKibben, Student President
205-405-5706
roarkmckibben@gmail.com
Sallie Albus, Faculty Advisor
205-863-9585
smalbus7@gmail.com
Key Club is an international service organization that is led by high school students, which encourages leadership through serving others. Crossroads has a great group of Key Clubbers who serve their homes, school, communities, and God through both organized and informal service opportunities.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
December
6 – Elementary Christmas Party (service)
13 – Key Club Christmas Party
January
10 – Key Club Meeting
18 – Dinner Theater (service)
24 – Key Club Meeting
February
14 – Valentine Box Competition (service)
28 – Key Club Meeting
March
14 – Key Club Meeting & Elections (must be present to run for office)
14-16 – District Convention (DCON) in Birmingham
28 – Key Club Meeting (tentative)
April
11 – Key Club Meeting
25 – Key Club Meeting
May
2 – May Day (service) and Key Club Awards Ceremony
3 – Pancake Cook-off (service)
Builders Club
No meeting in December.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Next Meeting: Friday, January 24
Officers at 12:00
Members at 12:30
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. Please contact Mary Beth Brown (hoganma23@gmail.com) with any questions or for more information.
Mary Beth Brown – Advisor
Hendley Reid, President (hendleyreid@icloud.com)
Emily Rea, Vice President (emilyrea@outlook.com)
William Rea, Secretary (johnwilliamrea@outlook.com)
Yearbook
Next Meeting: 3rd Friday
December 20, 2024
11:00 a.m. – 1 p.m. CRCS /CPC Back Building
Advisors: Jenny Bartz or Trenity Whilfield
4-H Club
Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 1 pm.
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.
Robotics
CRCS Robotics Team Advances to Regional Finals at Alabama A&M University!
The CRCS Robotics Team showcased their exceptional talent and determination at the Tennessee Valley BEST Robotics Competition on November 16th in Madison, AL. BEST, (Boosting Engineering, Science and Technology), is a middle and high school robotics competition whose mission is to engage and excite students about engineering, science, and technology. But it is so much more than just that. The competition has something for everyone. The team members created a theme-based website, T-shirt design, trade booth exhibit and interview, marketing team presentation, engineering notebook, commercial, and a robot all while exhibiting great sportsmanship and enthusiasm!
Taking on the challenges of the “Low G” game, the team engineered an innovative robot designed for a simulated moon landing, securing their place in the upcoming regional finals on December 13-14 at Alabama A&M University.
This season wasn’t without its hurdles, but the team’s perseverance paid off in a big way. They earned 2nd Place Overall BEST Award, a recognition of their engineering skills and all-around performance in the competition. The team also took home first place in the Spirit of Sportsmanship award and celebrated Eric Jackson’s recognition with the TOYOTA Teacher Leadership Award. All first-time honors for CRCS Robotics. A huge thanks to Eric Jackson for his incredible leadership and dedication to the team! And thank you James Stanley for your expertise and guidance with the team.
The November competition was not only a rewarding experience but also a chance for the team to shine across multiple categories. Their impressive efforts earned them a collection of awards, including:
- 2nd Place Overall BEST Award
- TOYOTA Teacher Leadership Award – Eric Jackson
- 1st place Spirit of Sportsmanship
- Best Website
- Best T-shirt
- Best Commercial
- 2nd Place: Creative Design
- 2nd Place: Engineering Notebook
- 2nd Place: Team Exhibit & Interview
- 2nd Place: Marketing Presentation
- Spirit Stick
Congratulations to the CRCS Robotics Team for their outstanding performance and for representing our school with creativity, grit, and enthusiasm. Best wishes as they take on the regional finals!
Thanks to all the parents who helped all season and especially on game day!
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.