FROM YOUR ADMINISTRATOR
Happy New Year Crossroads Families. As we begin a new year, my prayer for you is that you will be refreshed and ready to begin the second half of the year strong. Now let’s be honest. We often feel less than strong! That is why I like 2 Corinthians 12: 9-11 that says:
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
So my real prayer for each of us will be that God’s Grace is sufficient in all of our weaknesses. Let’s lean into that in 2025 and be content!
Blessings,
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.
Quarter 2 grades are due by Tuesday, January 14, 2025
Please plan on having them submitted by then. If you have extenuating circumstances and will be late, please contact the office. Everyone should have Quarter 1 turned in.
Resuming Normal Office Hours
Normal Crossroads office hours will resume Tuesday, January 7. We are open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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.
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.
Make sure you are checking your email. I will be sending this list out to the senior families. This is the current Class of 2025. Check for spelling. If there is an error, contact the office to correct it. If you have a senior planning on graduating and they are not on this list, please contact the office immediately.
Keira Elyse Allison
Savannah Ashley Anderson
Andrew Hudson Barksdale
Carson Andrew Barnett
Brody Finch Barrentine
Aurora Faith Blasingame
Briley Jill Brasher
Ethan Caleb Busby
Anna Marissa Cade
Caleb Andrew Conaway
Marshall Knox Cooper
Jonathan David Dumas *
Zebulun Allen Dungan
Lillian Ruth Ensley
Chloe Dian Ferrill
Keith Zhufu Ferrill
Elizabeth Kay-Lee Frederick
Addison Elizabeth Freeman
Sophie Haris Freeman
Daniel Seth Gilbert
GraceAnne Makayla Gilbert
Slaten Robert Hinds
Yacia Jade Horton
Mallory Kae Isbell
Lucas Wayne Jackson
Jackson Robert Killingsworth
Asher Thomas King
Lucille Ann Kuykendall
Jeb Thomas Lacy
Emma Jean Nelson
Emma Joy Ines Nielsen
Rebekah Anne Platt
Chandler Luke Poston
Christian Evan Ramsey
Emily Grace Rea
Hendley Rainier Reid
Corah Corrin Rosenow
Rosemary Cullen Sharp
Samuel Lewis Sharp
Lydia Rose Sink
Autumn Denise Skinner
Evan Thomas Smith
Virginia Evette Smith
Morgan Allister Smith
Sawyer Boden Smith
Abigail Rozemary Stephens
Sarah Lynn Strickland
Tucker Boyd Wadsworth
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
St. Clair County 4th Grade History Fair
February 19-21, 2025
Each year the St. Clair Historical Society sponsors the county-wide 4th Grade History Fair. This is a hands-on activity resulting from historical research and creative thinking. The 4th Graders create projects based on historical churches, schools, persons, areas, events, industry, crafts, etc. from the history of our county. Ribbons and cash prizes are given at the local school level and the 1st place winner from each school goes to the county where 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place county-wide winners are selected.
As the students learn about the history behind their project, they gain a greater appreciation for their heritage and often bridge the generation gap by interviewing grandparents or elder friends and relatives.
If you would like your 4th grader to participate, contact the office for information.
Tuesday through Friday, April 22-25, 2025
$35 per student
Order early so we will know if we have enough to test.
Deadline for payment to Crossroad’s office or at faculty meeting March 11.
10:00 am-12:00 pm | Grades 3, 4, 5, 6
1-3 pm | Grades 7, 8
Tues-Wed 1-4 pm | Grades 9-12
Crossroads does not require that you have your student tested, but we do provide an opportunity if you choose to test. The tests will be given at Community Presbyterian Church in the Back Building. You’ll need to bring your student for a 2-hour period for 4 days (Tuesday through Friday). Cost for each test is $35. There is an extra $25 charge for non-Crossroads students. We’ll need your student’s name and grade level when you turn in your order to the school office by Tuesday, March 11.
If you’re interested in testing, but bringing your student to Moody is not possible, there are online testing options. Seton has several options. Just check them out for yourself, to see if this is a better option for your family.
www.setontesting.com
ASVAB
(Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery)
For students in grades 11-12, and graduates
Tuesday April 15, 12:30 – 4 pm
Test results: TBA
CPC Back Building
The ASVAB Career Exploration Program provides high-quality career exploration and planning materials at no cost to high schools throughout the country. The program encourages students to explore a wide variety of careers, rather than limiting their exploration by telling them what they can or should do. Students explore occupations in line with their interests and skills and develop effective strategies to realize their career goals.
The ASVAB test covers eight areas including science, word knowledge, mathematics, and mechanical comprehension. It assesses a student’s ability to learn new skills and is a predictor of success in training and education programs. The Find Your Interests (FYI) inventory is a 90- item interest inventory based on John Holland’s widely accepted theory of career choice. When students complete the FYI, they have three interest codes to use with the OCCU-Find for career exploration. The OCCU-Find contains 400+ occupations sorted by interest codes so students can identify the occupations that match their own interests. For more information, go to www.asvabprogram.com.
Please sign up by contacting the office via email or phone.
No cost, but we do need to know who and how many plan to attend. Check your calendar and only sign up if you are sure you want your student to take the test. We only have 30 slots available.
ACTIVITIES @ CRCS!!!
Welcome to 2025! We trust that your year has started well and that you are looking forward to another semester at Crossroads. The Activities Team has an assortment of field trips, events, dances, and more for our students and families.
PLEASE don’t delay in checking out Cheddar Up so that you meet the registration deadlines and get your calendar marked. As you do so, please remember the important information shared at the October faculty meetings and recapped here for your convenience:
- 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
January
9-All About Art! (Registration closed.)
10-Ballroom
17-Ballroom
25-High School Dance (REGISTER BY JANUARY 4TH!)
31-Ballroom
February
5-Top Golf (Register by January 15th)
7-Ballroom
14-Valentine Box Competition (Register by January 24th)
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 (All Ages)
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
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: Thursday, March 20, 2025
TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (approximately)
Cost: $15 per person*
*While all attendees pay, only children will pan for gems.
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: $9 per person
TEEN/ PRETEEN ACTIVITIES
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
“Wish Upon a Star” Dance
@ THE HAPPIEST PLACE ON EARTH
REGISTER BY JANUARY 4TH!
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!
REGISTER BY JANUARY 4TH!
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.
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
“When You Want to Quit”
You’re not the only one who wants to quit.
Just ask around at any of our Crossroads events, and you will find someone in a similar place. Despite our love of homeschooling, the days can simply be hard. Honestly, I think it was my eleventh year before I quit trying to quit sometime during the school year. Who knows how many hundreds of texts I sent my husband during our school days saying, “I really can’t do this anymore.”
You know God’s Word instructs us to “not grow weary in doing good” for in due season we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. But knowing this truth may not simply change your daily reality: you are weary. You’re planting seeds day after day, but you can’t see the harvest. You’re striving to teach well, but those seeds lie dormant in the winter ground. You’re putting on your happy face in public, but inwardly, you just want to fade away and call it quits. Deeper inside, however, you really want to keep on going. But how?
As we begin a new semester, a few thoughtful reflections can help renew your commitment and refuel your joy so you can continue homeschooling.
Recognize your triggers. What factors contribute to your frustrations or weariness? When feelings take over, you may not even know why you feel like quitting. Common triggers include self-criticism, student struggles, family dynamics, overwhelming tasks, and external circumstances. Start by recognizing what triggers your thoughts of wanting to quit.
Refocus your vision. Why did you decide to homeschool? In the midst of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of your purpose. Intentionally remind yourself of your family’s vision for homeschooling. Write a simple statement: “We homeschool because . . .” Write a short list: “When our children graduate, we want them to . . .” Remember why you homeschool.
Refine your assessment. What really defines your overall homeschool success? Today’s struggles are not good indicators of the long-term harvest. If the hands-on learning activity flops, someone cries during read-aloud time, or you get confused with a math concept, it does not mean you have failed. Step back and consider the big picture in relation to your family’s homeschool purpose.
Reconnect with your community. Who can help you persevere through this hard season? You might feel alone, but you’re not. You are surrounded by the body of Christ, so call or text a friend who understands. Not sure who can help? Be courageous and reach out to an experienced Crossroads parent at our faculty meeting or Friday activities or one of the new Crossroads Connections groups. You just might find a new friend.
Receive grace and power. Are you weary because you’re depending on yourself? Admitting your weakness might actually be your greatest asset as a homeschool parent. God’s power is perfected in weakness, and weakness remind us how much we need His strength. God’s grace is sufficient, even on your hardest homeschool days. Choose to receive God’s grace and power so you can keep on going.
After graduating two of our students, Aron and I have a more complete perspective of our homeschool. Was everything perfect? Certainly not. Would we do things differently? Of course. But is God able to take the seeds we planted and produce His harvest in our children’s lives? Absolutely. I’m thankful we never quit so we can now see the beginning of His harvest.
As we begin the new year, I encourage you to set aside time to reflect on your homeschool, talk and pray with your spouse, and reach out to someone if you need help. God’s grace is sufficient, friends, and His power is perfected in your weakness. Through Him, you can do this.
(Scriptures referenced above: Galatians 6:9, II Corinthians 12:9, Philippians 4:13)
By Aimee Smith is a Crossroads mom and author of The Restful Homeschool Resolution: 21 Days to Transform Your Homeschool
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
Rehearsals: Fridays – January 10 through May 2 – 2:45-4:30 unless otherwise noted on your schedule.
Tech Week: May 5th-8th
Performances: May 9th-12th
Where: ACTA in Trussville
Tickets: Will be on Cheddar Up. Information coming in the Spring!
Cast: Check emails for details, info and updates
Contact: Ms. Jessica – (205) 613-7011 and Ms. Jennifer – (205) 999-8558
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. Practices will begin again 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
(No Upper Room in January. Then next lunch and meeting is Friday, February 7, 2025)
Upper Room
Friday, February 7, 2025
12:30 -1:30 p.m. (a little later because of Senior Day)
Led by Robby Grames – Community Church Pastor
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!
The CRCS Key Club has continued to serve both collectively and individually.
A December highlight was helping with the Elementary Christmas Party at Crossroads. We helped set up, sign in, guide groups, run stations, plate meals, serve food, and clean up. We love serving our school!
We also love serving our community! Emily Rea, Grade Rep for the seniors, led a service project with the Moody Backpack Buddies. Several members also worked with Mrs. Jenny Bartz and the local Kiwanis Club to help pack comfort backpacks for the nearby schools and police to distribute to those in need. Thank you to all who served at these projects.
In December, we had our own Key Club Christmas party with food, fun, gifts, a costume contest, and even a new member induction ceremony. Our chaplain, Gracie Gilbert, led a time of Bible reading to focus on the meaning of the Christmas season.
Our next meeting is January 10th at 12:30 in the gym! As always, the best way to know what is happening with YOUR Key Club is to attend the meetings, ask questions, and participate.
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
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
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
January 17, 2025
12:30 -1:30 p.m. CRCS /CPC Back Building
Advisors: Jenny Bartz or Trenity Whilfield
4-H Club
No January Meeting.
Next meeting is Tuesday, February 4 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.
Robotics
A big congratulations to the CRCS Robotics Team for their awesome performance at the regional finals, held December 13-14 at Alabama A&M University! Competing in the exciting “Low G” game, the team designed a robot for a simulated moon landing, showcasing their creativity and engineering skills.
We are proud to announce that our team earned two awards: 1st place in T-shirt Design and 3rd place in Website Design—a testament to their hard work and innovation both on and off the field.
Although this season has come to an end, we’re already looking ahead to next year! Did you know that robotics is about so much more than engineering and programming? The competition includes five components—Notebook, Marketing Presentation, Spirit & Sportsmanship, Exhibit & Interviews, and Robot Performance—offering plenty of opportunities to showcase a wide variety of talents and skills. Do you enjoy video editing or graphic design? Maybe you love the idea of creating a commercial to promote our team? Whether you’re interested in writing and editing, have a knack for team leadership, or are passionate about mechanical engineering, there’s a place for you. Every role is essential in helping the team succeed!
Robotics is open to students in grades 6-12, so there’s room for a range of ages and skills! If you’re interested in joining the CRCS Robotics Team, don’t hesitate to contact Eric Jackson at ericjacksonbbq@gmail.com, Leigh McKibben at leigh@mediamerge.com or James Stanley at js091501@gmail.com.
CC Flyers
The CC Flyers Running Club wound down their fall season with an invitational cross country meet at Lake Cosby on November 16. This was followed up with an Awards Night on December 12 held at Crossroads Christian School. Over 200 personal improvement certificates were given out to some hard-working kids. A total of eighty-five runners finished the season comprising of ages between 5 to 16 yrs old. Spring season will start in the middle of March. For information email Coach Trippe at 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.