The office will be closed on the following dates:
Nov. 25, 27 and Dec. 23, 25, 31, Jan. 1. Reopen Tuesday, January 6.
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.
1st Quarter Grades Are Due Now
This is very important for everyone. By this time there will have been 10 weeks to get your first quarter work completed. Typically, a quarter is 8 to 9 weeks, so this is ample time. Once you submit your grades, we have work we do on our end. If there is a valid reason your grades will be late, let us know in the office.
Things to remember when submitting grades online:
- Pay close attention to what is being asked and answer accordingly. For example, when it asks for Your Name, we are assuming the adult is filling this out, so it is the parent’s name, not the student. Student’s name will be asked for as well.
- Remember to select the correct quarter and enter the beginning and ending dates.
- When it says to “Choose One”, please select one of the options. “Not Covered This Quarter” is one of the options if you did not cover that subject.
- Once you submit, you will receive an email. Open the email and either digitally save or print and file the pdf of your student’s grades. You will need these at the end of the year to fill out the End of Year Forms.
New Family Registration will open Mid-Year
New Family Registration will open December 1st and will close on December 15th! All personal family interviews must take place on or before December 18th.
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 the course along with the number. i.e. English 101; Math 112. Also note 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 6, 2026
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 6th 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 items. 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.
HOMESCHOOLING 101
Monday, December 9, 2025
1 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 15th, 2025 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
St. Clair County 4th Grade History Fair
February 18-20, 2026
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, people, 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.
The Crossroads Yearbook is the perfect way to remember all the special moments of the 2025-2026 school year! Our dedicated yearbook team works hard to capture memories that you will treasure for years to come. Don’t miss out on this keepsake – order your yearbook today for just $45. Go to Cheddar Up and look for the Yearbook collection. Don’t wait!
WE NEED YOUR PHOTOS!
Our yearbook staff works hard all year to capture the memories of the 2025-2026 school year, but we can’t do it without you! We need your help to make this year’s yearbook the best it can be. As your students participate in school events, sports, fine arts, and other activities, take a moment to upload your favorite photos to the yearbook site under the Media tab. Share the best of the best from your camera roll—those fun, candid, and special moments that only you capture. Together, we can create a yearbook full of memories that every student will treasure for years to come!
The CRCS Lending Library is a wonderful resource for our homeschool families! With new items being added regularly, there’s always something fresh to discover. You will find many items to enrich your homeschool journey. Using the library is simple: just sign out what you need and sign it back in when you’re done. Take advantage of this free and convenient way to add variety and excitement to your learning at home!
ACTIVITIES @ CRCS!
Wow! With a finger snap! A blink of an eye! In no time at all! Before you can say Jack Robinson! Yep, the semester is almost over.
There is still time, though, to register for the Christmas parties. Do that now in Cheddar Up. Don’t delay!
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 Albus—Activities Director – (205) 863-9585
Courtney Wrenn—Schoolwide Events Coordinator – (205) 863-9931
Mary Beth Brown—Teen Events Coordinator – (205) 527-8394
Kristy Rosenow—Field Trip Coordinator – (205) 413-7336
Kaitlin Rich—Field Trip Coordinator – (205) 405-0243
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
November
7-Ballroom
14-Ballroom
18-True Adventure Sports (Registration closed.)
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” (Sold out.)
A Sneak Peek
April 2–Spring Formal 2026
PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY ACTIVITIES
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
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
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
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
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
MainStage: “Narnia, the Musical”
December 11, 2025
10:00 a.m.
Ages 6 and older
$14/child; $20/adult
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 CASH per lesson
- The yearly registration fee may be paid in Cheddar Up, or in person at the check-in table.
- ALL students must visit the check-in table weekly to get their registration stickers.
Schedule (subject to change):
November 7, 14
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!
Christmas Ornament Exchange
Tuesday, December 2, 2025
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
CPC – Upstairs in the room with the double doors.
Join us for a fun and meaningful Christmas Ornament Exchange with your fellow Crossroads Moms! Just bring a wrapped ornament to share, and enjoy a night filled with fellowship, laughter, and encouragement. It’s the perfect chance to spend time with friends you know while also meeting new moms in our community. Let’s kick off the Christmas season together in a sweet and memorable way!
Go on this Signup Genius link to select a Christmas treat to bring or to just let us know you are coming.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0E48AAAB28A3F94-58972397-christmas
Check out the Fine Arts activities going on this first half of the 2025-2026 school year.
Lower Elementary Play – Grades 1-3
Get ready to join the Good Shepherd’s flock as we watch the lower elementary students perform “We Like Sheep” by Kathy Hill.
Performances:
Friday, November 7 at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 8 at 1:30 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church.
Tickets go on sale October 26th-November 3rd. Tickets will also be sold at the door on a first come first serve basis.
Upper Elementary Play – Grades 4-6
CRCS’s Upper Elementary Students Presents:
The Fearsome Pirate Frank
Performances:
Nov 14th at 7:00 p.m.
Nov 15th at 2:00 p.m.
New Hope Baptist Church, Pell City.
Tickets go on sale October 26th-November 9th. Tickets will also be sold at the door on a first come first serve basis.
Arrg Matey! We hope to see you there!
7th-9th Grade Musical – The Sound of Music: Youth Edition
Jessica Lloyd – Director
Jennifer Day – Music Director
The Sound of Music is one of the most beloved musicals of all time! In Austria, 1938, an exuberant young governess brings music and joy back to a broken family, only to face danger and intrigue as the Nazis gain power. Our 7th-9th graders will bring this story to live in March.
This musical is for 7th through 9th grade students only. Auditions will consist of the students singing a portion of a selection of their choice from the show, reading sides (scenes from the musical), and learning a small bit of choreography.
The deadline to sign-up to participate in this show via Cheddar Up is Thursday, November 13th.
Auditions – Mon Nov 17th 12:30-1:30 or 1:30-2:30 upstairs in gym building and Tues Nov 18th 1:30-2:30 in the back building – Parents are required to come in and sign an audition form with their student(s).
Callbacks IF NEEDED – Wed Nov 19th 12:30-1:30
Audition slots must be selected after you complete your registration at this Sign Up Genius Link
Once both registration and audition sign-up have been completed, PLEASE be sure your student has access to this OneDrive folder so they may be thoroughly prepared for the audition.
Mandatory meeting for PARENTS and STUDENTS on Tues Dec 2nd 1:00-2:30pm.
Tech week (REQUIRED): March 2nd-4th
Performances (CEPA in Pell City): March 5th – 6th at 7pm
Questions/Concerns: Jessica Lloyd 205-613-7011 or jessicalloydsmusic@gmail.com
Sr High Play – Quest! One Play to Rule Them All
10th – 12th Grade Play
Karen Cunningham – Director
“Quest! One Play to Rule Them All” is a hilarious straight play about a group of lesser-known heroes from all across myth, legend and fantasy tales, who each have a tale of their own to share.
This play is for 10th through 12th grade students. Practices will be 2:45-4:45 on Fridays starting in January, with two Saturday practices on Jan 31 and March 21 from 10:00 – 2:00 as called.
Please be sure you are available for all of Tech/Performance week before you audition!
Tech week: Tech week with required attendance will be March 23-26.
Performances: March 27th (7:00) & 28th (2:30 and 7:00) at CEPA in Pell City.
Be aware performance week is Spring Break for much of our area. Crossroads does not take a Spring Break. Plan accordingly.
Auditions: Mon/Tues, Dec 1st/2nd, 1:00 – 3:30 (only attend during your time slot)
Callbacks: Wed Dec 3rd from 1:00-3:00.
Audition slots using SignUp Genius are open. Use link below. You will also need to sign up on Cheddar Up by December 12th to pay the student fee as well. Preparation “sides” and instructions for auditioning will be emailed when you reserve your on Sign Up Genius. Please make sure you get that.
Mandatory meeting for PARENTS and STUDENTS on Dec 12th, 1:45 -2:45 in the Sanctuary.
The Jr. High Chamber Choir and the High School Choir have been working hard to prepare for their joint fall concert. And they are sounding amazing! Please join us for this worshipful event on Friday, November 21 at 6:30 at Eden Westside Baptist Church in Pell City.
CRCS Fine Arts Showcase and Chili Cook-off
January 27 from 6–8 p.m.
$5 Entry Fee
CPC Gym
ART – BAKING – CHILI COOK-OFF
This is a great opportunity for STUDENTS to show off their creative talents—whether through artwork, baked goods, or delicious chili! Students can bring their creations to display or even sell if they wish. The Chili Cook-off is open to both students and parents. We need plenty of Chili entries to make this night a success (and to keep everyone well-fed!). There is a $5 entry fee for art/ baking (Students Only), and a $5 entry fee for chili entries (Students and Adults). For all Entries, sign up on Cheddar Up by January 15.
There will be a prize for the winning Chili – One for the student category, and one for the adult category.
No sign up needed to attend. Bring your appetite, as well as some cash to purchase original artwork or baked goods!
CO-OP
Co-op Calendar
11/3-11/14 Class submissions for spring semester
11/14 Last day of Friday co-op
11/20 Last day of Thursday co-op
11/21 Co-op showcase 10am-12pm
2026
1/9 Spring co-op registration
1/23 First day of Friday co-op
1/29 First day of Thursday co-op
2/6 No Co-op for Senior Day
2/13 No Co-op for Box Competition
4/3 No Co-op for Good Friday
4/16 Last day of Thursday co-op
4/17 Last day of Friday co-op
We hope you are enjoying fall semester so far. We are very excited to show what our students have been learning and working on this semester. On Friday November 21st from 10am-12pm we will have a Co-op Showcase in the gym featuring live acts and displays.
Class submission for teaching in the spring will be open from November 3rd-November 14th or until we are full. The forms can be accessed here: https://cccmasterminds.wixsite.com/crcs-co-op/teachers. Please choose the form with the most appropriate age grouping to submit into. In order to accommodate more people who would like to teach before classes fill up, we are asking that you only submit one class initially. On November 9th and following, you may submit a second or third class if there is still availability.
Look for more details on spring semester registration and the class schedule in the next newsletter.
CRCS Co-op Team
Upper Room
Friday, November 7, 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
October was a super fun and eventful month for Key Club! Our meetings were full of productivity, teamwork, and laughter. We had the privilege of hearing from our Division 7 Lieutenant Governor, Valentina Pedraza, who shared encouragement and updates from across our division.
We are thrilled to announce Jacob Kuykendall as our Key Club Member of the Month! Jacob has been actively involved in service projects and has done a wonderful job keeping up with his service hours. He also put his creative skills to work by designing our official 2025 Key Club t-shirt and hoodie, which we will proudly be wearing this year.
Shoutout to everyone who turned in their service hours! Make sure to start keeping up with your hours for the next time they are due on January 9th.
This month also marked the start of our new committees, giving members more opportunities to get involved in areas like service projects, DCON, and fundraising. These teams will help make our club even more organized, creative, and community-focused this year.
And let’s not forget one of the highlights of the month, after reaching (and surpassing!) our Children’s Hospital fundraising goal, our officers faced their “punishment.” Our president, Juniper Self, and vice president, Cody Albus, were turned into an omelet: eggs, toppings, and all!
Our next meeting will be November 14th, and we will be hosting a Bake Sale!
Make sure to bake something, bring money to buy some treats, or do both! If you plan to bring baked goods, please sign up on the SignUpGenius so we can keep everything organized
Let’s keep showing our school and community what servant leadership looks like!
Stay connected! Follow us on Facebook at CRCS Key Club and Instagram at crossroads_key_club
If you have any questions or need more info, please contact us!
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
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
November
14 – Key Club Meeting
December
5 – Elementary Christmas Party (serving)
12 – Key Club Christmas Party
Meeting on November 14 at 12:30 in the Gym Building Upstairs. We will be packing OCC boxes this day. Please have your child bring items to pack and we will pack as a group.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to Mrs. Jessica. Again if you aren’t in the group me, please let Mr. Jessica know.
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)
Please contact Mary Beth Brown (hoganma23@gmail.com) with any questions or for more information.
Mary Beth Brown
205-527-8394
Yearbook
Next Meeting: 3rd Friday
November 21, 2025
12:30 – 1:30 CRCS /CPC Back Building
Advisors: Jenny Bartz or Trenity Whitfield
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
Come Cheer on the CRCS Robotics Team!
BEST Robotics Competition
Saturday, November 1
James Clemens High School
11306 County Line Rd, Madison, AL 35756
Competition times vary! Event begins at 1 p.m.
All CRCS families are invited to come support our Robotics Team as they compete! Bring your pom poms, your loudest cheers, and plenty of school spirit (the team actually earns points for team spirit from the crowd)!
Let’s fill the stands and show our students how much we support them. Go Crossroads Robotics!
Questions?
Contact James Stanley at js091501@gmail.com or Leigh McKibben at leigh@mediamerge.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.