NEW RECORDINGS are on the website!
If you are a new family and were unable to attend the New Family Orientation, this year’s recording is on our website under Media. This is vital as you go into this year because it will give you important information on submitting grades and requirements specific to Crossroads.
If your 9th – 12th grade student and one parent were unable to come to the High School Orientation, the recording of the August 10th meeting is up on the website under Media. Please watch.
The recording for How To Homeschool Through High School is on the website as well. If you have a student in 8th or above and have not attended or watched this seminar, I highly encourage you to watch it. This seminar answers many of the questions you have or will have about teaching your student in the high school years.
We have our senior class list. If you have a senior and their name is not on this list, please contact the office and let us know.
Each month we put out a BOOK…OOPS…I mean a NEWSLETTER to help you stay up to date on the happenings at Crossroads. You will always find it on our website under the Newsletter tab. It is divided up into 5 sections. You can click any of these sections at the beginning of the newsletter and it will drop you to that information. They are the sections and what you may find there.
- Things you Need to Know: You will find administrative info here. Information about meetings, grades, testing, upcoming seminars, yearbook and such.
- Activities: This section has all the information and instructions related to field trips, dances and school wide events.
- Candid Corner: Encouragement for your Homeschool Journey.
- Fine Arts: Here you will find all the information about Crossroads plays and choirs. You will also find any art-related activities or contests here.
- Clubs and Others: Find information here about Co-op, Key and Builders Clubs, CC Flyers as well as Yearbook and a few outside opportunities that come up.
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE
Thursday, September 12, 1 p.m.
Community Presbyterian Church
Do you have a junior or senior homeschooled student looking to attend college, either a 2-year or a 4-year school? If this is your first student headed that way, then you may have questions and concerns. This workshop is Crossroads’ efforts to provide guidance counseling. We don’t consider ourselves experts, but we do have a few years of experience: with our own children, with Crossroads graduates, and time spent with admissions officers from local colleges. We’ll discuss the admissions process, financial aid, preparation, and skills, among other things. Bring your questions to ask! We schedule this workshop right before the two college fairs in the Birmingham area. See the information below about them. Check websites for any possible changes.
Contact the school office to let us know you plan to attend our Preparing for College meeting.
National College Fair
Sunday, September 8, 2024 from 1–4 PM
Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center, East Exhibit Hall 3
2100 Richard Arrington Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35203
Christian College Fair NACCAP
North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals
Thursday, October 31, 2024
12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Briarwood Christian School
6255 Cahaba Valley Road
Birmingham, Alabama, 35242
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)
Irondale Library is offering a FREE ACT Prep Workshop.
Saturday, September 28th from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Irondale Public Library. You must register to attend. Register here: https://forms.gle/zFqM6oEcTN4bL1Yk8
AP – Advanced Placement Testing | May 2024
Crossroads Christian School will again offer AP testing. If you have a student who wants to take an AP test, contact Karen Cunningham at records@crossroadschristian.us by October 24 and tell her what test(s) you want your student to take. Total cost for each AP test is $135; we are requiring a $40 deposit per test by October 24, 2024. Full payment will be required by April 3, 2024. Checks may be made out to Crossroads Christian School.
This year the testing is digital so your student will have to have a computer/ipad. There will be an app they will install and test questions they answer prior to exam day. Contact Karen for details.
Tests will be given at Crossroads Christian School, 825 Oak Blvd, Moody, AL. Test dates are May 5-9 and May 23-16. Specific dates and times can be found on the College Board AP site.
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
We have a growing lending library at Crossroads. Feel free to “CHECK OUT” any of the materials you find. We have various titles, and it is worth a look. You will simply “CHECK OUT” the item by bringing it to the office. You will write your name and date checked out. When you return it to the office, you will write the date it was returned. Simple! All items will be marked with CRCS Lending Library – Not for Resale. If you have fairly current curriculum you would like to donate to the lending library, contact the office.
Coffee Connections: Encouragement for Moms of Students with Learning Differences
Coffee Connections:
Tuesday, September 24, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
There is a cup waiting for you. Come enjoy apple cake, fellowship and encouragement as Jessica shares some take aways from Sarah Mackenzie’s, Teaching from Rest.
Our first meeting will be held at the home of Jessica Gilbert, 205-240-4074
940 Honeysuckle Lane, Leeds, Alabama 35094 (Yellow House on Honeysuckle)
Join the Remind Thread for announcements and text/email reminders of upcoming meetings.
ENTER THIS NUMBER: 81010
TEXT: @bcb6784
Order your CRCS 24-25 T-Shirt now.
Fundraiser! Children’s Hospital
Promoted by the Crossroads Key Club
School Shirts are on sale now on Cheddar UP! $20
Color Shown may vary.
WELCOME to ACTIVITIES @ CRCS!!!
Well, we kicked off the school year with a terrific Back 2 School Bash at Shocco Springs. The weather was perfect, and our Crossroads families were amazing! You all handled the couple of hiccups with grace and patience. We totally and completely appreciate that about you and trust that you enjoyed yourselves for the day.
Please remember to look closely in Cheddar Up for details and registration deadlines for the upcoming activities and events. Also, if you choose to pay by cash or check, the funds are due no later than two weeks prior to the first event in your order (what was in your cart). Finally, if you “check out” in Cheddar Up, you should receive a confirmation email of your order. If you don’t get that email, something went awry. Contact Sallie Albus immediately if this happens.
As always, if you have any questions or need additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us via email, text, or phone. We are here for you, and we absolutely love doing what we do for the Crossroads Family.
Sallie, Courtney, Kristy, Mary Beth, and Kaitlin
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
Visit Cheddar Up for detailed information, registration, and deadlines for all activities.
Note the following guidelines/suggestions as you study the available activities and register via Cheddar Up.
- Find what activities fit your family.
- Follow the age and grade stipulations. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of your payment.
- Read all the notes on Cheddar Up. Some field trips require certain attire, a signed waiver, etc.
- Know that the Crossroads dress and behavior guidelines, as noted in the school handbook, also apply to field trips. Parents/guardians are responsible for their own children.
- Please know that we endeavor to locate enriching, educational, and enjoyable activities. However, we cannot always know from which perspective or philosophical background a topic may be presented. We encourage you to always discuss with your students what they have “learned.”
- Our preferred method of payment on Cheddar Up is e-check or credit card. However, if you choose to pay the school office by cash/check, you still must register via Cheddar Up. Payment is expected no later than two weeks prior to an event.
- Remember that fees will be added to each transaction as explained on Cheddar Up.
- Register by set deadlines.
- Cheddar Up purchases for activities and field trips are not transferable to other persons.
- Generally, CRCS does not issue refunds for activities and field trips.
FALL SEMESTER @ a Glance
September
6- Ballroom Resumes
7-Team Building Adventure (Registration closed.)
11-“Teddy Bears Picnic” @ BCT (Registration closed.)
13-Ballroom
16-Let’s Play (Registration closed.)
20-Ballroom
24-Berman Museum (Act fast! Register by Sep. 3rd)
27-Ballroom
October
2-“Rhythm, Rhyme, and Flow” – ASO (Register by Sep. 11th)
3 – Samford – You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown (Register by Aug 31st)
5-High School Dance (Register by Sep. 14th)
10-“Peter and the Wolf” with the ASO @ BCT (Register by Sep. 23rd)
11-Ballroom
15-Paintball (Register by Sep. 24th)
17-“The Three Little Kittens” @ BCT (Register by Sep. 30th)
18-Ballroom
24-Cook Museum (Register by Oct. 3rd)
25-Ballroom
November
1-Ballroom
7-Tennessee Aquarium
8-Ballroom
15-Ballroom
December
5-Jr. High Christmas Party
5-High School Christmas Party
6-Elementary Christmas Party
11-“A Christmas Carol” @ BCT
19-Alabama Ballet – “The Nutcracker”
A Sneak Peek
March 6 – Alabama Ballet – “Peter Pan”
SCHOOLWIDE ACTIVITIES (ALL AGES)
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
Exploring Ocean Depths
@ THE TENNESSEE AQUARIUM
1 Broad Street, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Join us for a fun field trip for the whole family! We are headed to the Tennessee Aquarium for an o-fish-ally grand time as we romp with otters, congregate with alligators, and learn about wonders from around the world. We encourage you to bring the entire family and enjoy a day of going about the aquarium at your own pace.
Find important logistical details on Cheddar Up, such as parking, food, drink, etc.
Who: Preschoolers – 12th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Thursday, November 7, 2024
TIME: 9:15 a.m. (Eastern Standard Time)
Cost: $13 per child (ages 4-12th grade),
$35 per adult, no cost for ages 0-3
PRESCHOOL & ELEMENTARY ACTIVITIES
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
Peek behind the Curtain!
@ THE BERMAN MUSEUM OF HISTORY
800 Museum Drive, Anniston, AL 36206
Join us as we go BEHIND THE SCENES and explore the exhibits that are NOT on display! After the tour, access is also included for the museum itself. Dive into history with Ming Dynasty pottery, Greek armor, Napoleon’s camp plate, and Hitler’s tea set. Get ready for the tour of a lifetime!
Who: 3rd – 6th Graders* and parents/legal guardians
* Due to the fragile nature of artifacts and the small availability of space on the tour, this Crossroads field trip is only for these grades. Thank you in advance for understanding.
When: Tuesday, September 24, 2024
1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Cost: $16.50 per person (all attendees pay)
COOKing Up Some Fun!
@ COOK MUSEUM OF NATURAL SCIENCE
133 4TH Avenue NE, Decatur, AL 35601
Explore the majesty of God’s creation from the tiniest features of His wonders to the vast expanse of the universe. The Cook Museum contains live animal galleries, space exhibits, weather displays, all types of habitats complete with hands-on learning opportunities, and a beautiful 15,000 gallon saltwater aquarium.
Who: Preschoolers – 5th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Thursday, October 24, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (approximately)
Cost: $15 per child, $20 per adult
Fellowship Fun at the Christmas Party
@ CPC GYM
Our preschool and elementary students will enjoy the activity rotations as we remember the significance of Christmas and celebrate the birth of our risen Savior. This grand celebration will re-focus us all on the true meaning of the season. We will conclude with a light lunch for the youngsters.
Who: Preschoolers – 5th Graders and parents/legal guardians
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $8 per student
TEEN ACTIVITIES
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
Embrace the Color!
@ CENTRAL ALABAMA PAINTBALL PARK
55 Rosebud Lane, Calera, AL 35040
Get ready for some action-packed fun as we get together and take aim in a morning of friendly paintball. Bring a lunch, and we can all picnic together afterwards.
Who: 6th – 8th Graders
When: Tuesday, October 15, 2024
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Cost: $40 per student
Other: Don’t forget to pack a lunch!
Sweet Beats Dance
@ CANDY LAND (a.k.a. CPC GYM)
Down the colorful pathways and over Rainbow Trails, past the Peppermint Forest and the Gumdrop Pass, you are invited to the Candyland Costume Dance! Come as your favorite candy or get creative with a sweet original outfit as we dance, play games, and make great memories together.
Remember to adhere to the CRCS dress code.
Who: 9th – 12th Graders
When: Saturday, October 5, 2024
6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Cost: $15 per student
Pancakes and Pajamas Christmas Party – Junior High
@ CPC GYM
Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas and join us for a Pancakes and PJs Christmas Party! Enjoy a pancake bar, crafts, and games as you share the joy of the birth of our Savior with your friends.
Who: 6th – 8th Graders
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Cost: $12 per student
Pancakes and Pajamas Christmas Party – High School
@ CPC GYM
Wear your favorite Christmas pajamas and join us for a Pancakes and PJs Christmas Party! Enjoy a pancake bar, crafts, and games as you share the joy of the birth of our Savior with your friends.
Who: 9th – 12th Graders
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Cost: $12 per student
Birmingham Children’s Theater
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
MainStage: “Peter & the Wolf” w/ the Alabama
Symphony Orchestra
October 10, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Ages 6 and older
$14/child; $20/adult
Wee Folks: “The Three Little Kittens”
October 17, 2024
9:30 a.m.
Grades K-2nd
$10/child; $13/adult
MainStage: “A Christmas Carol”
December 11, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Ages 6 and older
$13/child; $18/adult
Samford University Theater for Youth Matinee Series Presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown”.
3rd – 12th Grade
When: Thursday, October 3 at 9:30 a.m.
Cost: $5 per person (students and parents)
Deadline to sign up: September 1.
Crossroads has reserved a limited block of seats so sign up soon.
Sign up NOW on Cheddar Up.
For any questions, contact Jenny Bartz or Karen Cunningham at the office.
Alabama Symphony Orchestra
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
Young People’s Concert: “Rhythm, Rhyme, and Flow”
October 2, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Grades 3rd – 12th
Alabama Ballet—The Nutcracker
@ BJCC
1 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
As one of only eight companies in the world licensed by the Balanchine Trust to perform this holiday masterpiece, the Alabama Ballet is proud to present George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.”®
Who: CRCS students and parents/legal guardians
When: Thursday, December 19, 2024
10:00 a.m.
Cost: $1 per student; $25 per adult
REGISTER IN CHEDDAR UP!
Ballroom Dance Class
@ CPC GYM
Ballroom dancing not only teaches the skill of dancing but also etiquette. It helps promote confidence and self-esteem. It builds coordination, grace, poise, and good posture. And, of course, dancing is great exercise. Our lead instructor, Chris Bailey, has an exemplary record of teaching and performing. So, with all these positives, come “cut a rug” with your friends!
Who: 9th – 12th Grade CRCS Students who are at least 14 years old
When: Most Fridays (see dates below)
1:30 – 2:40 p.m.
Cost: $15 yearly registration fee per student and $5 per lesson
- There are TWO payment methods available:
- Details for the “full semester payment”option are on Cheddar Up.
- The other option is to pay $5 CASH each week at the beginning of dance class.
- Regardless of the chosen payment method, ALL students must visit the check-in table weekly to get their registration stickers.
Schedule (subject to change):
September 6, 13, 20, 27
October 11, 18, 25
November 1, 8, 15
Cultivating the Seeds We Sow
by Lauren Webber
The loquats hang heavy, tempting kids to swing from their branches and feast on the succulent fruit. The flame tree is ablaze on the playground, carpeting the field with a blanket as bright orange as the rising sun. The rains have mostly subsided, but the mornings remain crisp and misty, perfect weather for hot cocoa and a read aloud in our pj’s. Ahh…the familiar picture of winter in the Southern hemisphere coming to a close and signaling the time to pull out the books and calendars and gear up for a new school year.
In my early years homeschooling, these tangible signs of closing out “summer” and gearing up for the start of school would cause angst and anxiety in me. In fact, usually from the time we closed out one year until we started the next, I was analyzing what we could have done better and strategizing how to make changes for the next year that would allow us to actually finish a book, accomplish the academic goals, and have more time for the spontaneous moments of adventure that were flying by. This confounding trifecta would sometimes nearly bring me to the end of myself.
With a few years under my belt, I see things differently. Sarah Mackenzie writes in Teaching from Rest, “[Our children are not] projects to be managed, but souls to be cultivated.” This has helped me to view home education from a standpoint of cultivation rather than factory production, shifting my mind from analyzing results to nurturing growth. By doing this, I am no longer bound to calendars and deadlines, curriculum and common core standards. I can look at the handful of seeds God has placed in my palm and consider what each one needs in order to germinate and sprout.
This perspective is not complicated, friends. And so much less weighty than the one I previously lived under. What does any seed need to grow? Three things: soil, water, and sunlight. That’s it! And how does a seed grow? From the inside out, sprouting roots before stem, growing down before up. Slowly and steadily. Consider this: when God created the earth, He placed us in a garden. He made man from dust and His breath. Even though the Fall fractured and complicated things on this earth, some things have not changed since then. God is the same across time and culture, and our need for Him has not diminished.
By choosing to home educate, we are pushing against the worldview that sprouted during the Industrial Revolution, and we are choosing instead to till the ground for lifelong learning. We are investing in the society and culture of the future generations and training them to love God, serve others, and pursue a life of education and a love of knowledge. With this mindset shift, our homes become the casings that nurture the seeds, that begin to germinate and sprout roots, that grow deep in the ground before sprouting above the surface. Are we content with embracing this slow and steady process, trusting the God that made us from dirt and breath, and following His lead of creating rhythms of work and rest? It’s not about planning a school year; it’s about planning a life.
True, some practical preparation and work still need to happen. Goals still need to be set. Books still need to be bought, and those quarterly school reports still need to be turned in. Yes, those things do need happen, and they are important. They just don’t need to be our driving force. They are like the furrows we plow in which we lay our seeds. So, mamas, let’s not get the cart before the horse. Let’s remember that God has given us all we need for life and godliness. It’s not in the sufficiency of our plans or effort; it’s in Him. In fact, our ground is more fertile for growth the more we recognize our need for Him. The more we realize that all we are really bringing to the table is five loaves and two fish, the more we are prepared to see Him show up and provide in our school year. I don’t know about you, but I want to have eyes to see what He is doing in our midst this year. I want to deepen our roots, trusting that so much is happening we have yet to see. Join me in setting our minds on His affections and entering this school year with a heart of rest.
Lauren Webber is one of our CRCS Moms serving as a missionary in Chogoria, Kenya with her husband Derek and their kids, Olive, Lucy, Jack and Ivy.
RAINBOW FISH/BUGZ ART SHOW
Fall is the time for the Elementary shows, with the Lower Elementary performing “Bugz” on Nov 1-2 and the Upper Elementary performing “The Rainbow Fish” on Nov 15-16. (See newsletter for exact times and locations). This ART contest is open to grades K–12 (whether students are in the play or not!. Winners will be chosen for 3 different categories based on grade level. (K-3, 4th-7th and 8th-12th)
The contest: Use any media desired to create a piece that reflect either: The Rainbow Fish and her ocean friends OR all the Bugs having a picnic. When submitting your artwork please place your name, grade, and parent email address on the back of each piece.
Deadlines: Submit all artwork to the CRCS office by Friday, October 25th at noon. Winners will be notified no later than the following Monday. All eligible pieces will be displayed at the theater through the duration of the show. Artwork can be picked up on Saturday after the last show or from the CRCS office.
The Prizes: A piece of 2D art will be chosen by the director of each play to be the program cover for their respective play. In addition, the first place winner from each age group will get a $10 gift card to Hobby Lobby. Again, make sure any artwork is properly labeled with your name, grade, and parent email.
Lower Elementary Play – Grades 1-3
Bugz! A Musical Play for Young Voices
Rehearsals – Fridays from 1:00 – 2:15 p.m., Sept 6th – Nov 1st
Performances – Nov 1st 6:30 p.m. and Nov 2nd 1:30 p.m., with Dress Rehearsal during regular practice time on Friday, Nov 1st.
Performances will be at Community Presbyterian Church – Sanctuary.
Cast members should be watching for regular emails.
Director: Hilary Cunningham hcunnin2@samford.edu
An Upper Elementary Production – Grades 4-6
Rainbow Fish: The Musical
Rehearsals- Fridays from 12:45-2:30, Sept 6th – Nov 8th (Sanctuary)
Tech Week – Nov 11th -14th , Performances Nov 15th -16th (All week at Grace Community)
Cast members should be watching for regular emails.
Director: Elise Hill Froggielise@gmail.com Musical Director: Jessica Gilbert
Jr. High Chamber Choir
7th and 8th graders!
Come join Ms. Jennifer Day and Ms. Jessica Lloyd in Chamber Choir! What is Chamber Choir? A chamber choir is simply a small or medium-sized choir of roughly 8 to 40 singers. Choir practice will be held in the back building each Friday beginning on September 6th from 1:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m., with a joint concert with the Senior High Choir. Date TBD.
There are no auditions and no max on participants. We are however limiting this group to just 7th and 8th graders.
A choir fee of $20 per family is required and includes all printed music, binders, licensing fees. Registration is on Cheddar Up.
We hope you’ll join us!
Teen Choir
9th – 12 Graders
It’s time for High School Choir!
High school choir is open to students of all musical abilities in grades 9 to 12. There is no audition or maximum number for participation. All are welcome to sing with us! We will meet in the sanctuary from 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. on Fridays. Our first meeting will be on September 6th, and we will meet each Friday until our Fall Concert. Date and time TBD.
Choir members will be exposed to vocal technique, harmonizing/part singing, general musicianship, music history, hymns, modern worship and will learn how to work well inside a team. A typical practice for us begins with vocal warm-ups, a vocal technique lesson, and then we dive into our music. We end with a fun song for all of us to sing, and we strive to make every minute in choir productive but fun!
A choir fee of $20 per family is required and includes all printed music, binders, and licensing fees. We hope you’ll join us!
Registration will be on Cheddar Up.
CO-OP
Co-op Calendar
8/22 Co-op registration
9/5 First day of Thursday co-op
9/6 First day of Friday co-op
10/31 Thursday co-op will not meet
11/14 Last day of Thursday co-op
11/15 Last day of Friday co-op
11/22 Co-op showcase
Upper Room
Friday, September 6, 2024 (First Friday for most months)
12-1:30 p.m.
7th – 12 Grade
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 2024-2025 student officers are planning to make this school year one of fun, service, and leadership. We were at the August faculty meeting and hope that you took a moment to stop by our table.
Our first club meeting will be September 13th at 12:30 p.m. at Crossroads (gym).
We look forward to seeing our current members and meeting new ones, especially rising ninth graders and new Crossroads students. We will have some games, important announcements, possibly snacks, and more!
NOTE: We also ask that each student have a parent/guardian with them for the first 15-20 minutes only of this first meeting of the year. Some super-important information will be presented that will help both adults and teens understand Key Club, its structure, and its mission.
Also, it’s not too late to sign up for Key Club!
- You can download the application, register, and pay in Cheddar Up.
OR
- Just come to the first meeting, complete the application, pay the fee [$60 – t-shirt option; $85 – hoodie/sweatshirt option], and be ready to “get your serve on.”
If you have any questions or desire more information, please contact us. Also, find us on Facebook at CRCS Key Club.
See you soon!
Cody Albus, Student Editor
205-864-7082
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 tremendous group of Key Clubbers who serve their homes, school, communities, and God through both organized and informal service opportunities.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
September
13 – Key Club Meeting
25 – See You @ the Pole (service)
27 – Key Club Meeting & Grade Rep Elections (must be present to run for office)
October
11 – Key Club Meeting
25 – Key Club Meeting
November
8 – Key Club Meeting
22 – Key Club Meeting (tentative)
December
6 – Elementary Christmas Party (service)
13 – Key Club Christmas Party
Builders Club
Are you a 6th – 8th grader that would love to participate in projects and fundraisers that benefit your community and school? Then Builders Club might be the place for you! Builders Club is the largest service organization for middle school and junior high students, with more than 45,000 members worldwide. Members learn to work together and develop servant-leader skills as they serve their school and community. We have some exciting things planned for this year and can’t wait for you to be a part of it!
Builders Club meets on the second Friday of each month during the school year at Crossroads. Our first meeting of the year will be held on September 6th at 12:30 pm on the second floor of the gym building at Crossroads. Registration is $30 per student which includes a club t-shirt.
To register come to the Builders Club table at the Faculty Meeting on August 12th or fill out the Google form
Any other questions may be directed to me by email link below.
More information will be posted on our Builders Club Facebook page.
Jessica Guyton – Advisor
Eta Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Eta Sigma Alpha is the first honor society established exclusively for homeschooled students in Grades 9-12. The purpose of Eta Sigma Alpha National Home School Honor Society is to recognize and encourage scholarship among homeschool students. A candidate for membership must meet all of the requirements set forth at etasigmaalpha.com/membership as well as requirements described on the local chapter application. Please contact Mary Beth Brown (hoganma23@gmail.com) with any questions or for more information.
Mary Beth Brown – Advisor
Yearbook
Students in grades 9-12
Yearbook is a great choice as an activity this year! Why? The reasons are many but just to highlight a few:
- Learn skills by working together in a group.
- Learn about the new Canva program used by Herff Jones to produce a fantastic yearbook.
- Learn and use leadership skills
- Have opportunities to use photography skills.
- Have FUN!
Requirements:
- Must be in grades 9-12
- Must be able to attend monthly meetings on the 3rd Friday of each month from 12:30-1:30.
- Must have a laptop that they can bring to each meeting. We have found that without a laptop (not a tablet), there is not much you can do at the meetings.
1st meeting Friday, September 20, 2024 / 12:30-1:30 CRCS back building.
Sign up at the faculty meeting or contact the yearbook advisors:
Advisors: Jenny Bartz or Trenity Whilfield
4-H Club
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at 1 p.m.
4-H programs are grounded in the belief that kids learn best by doing. Involvement in 4-H includes hands-on projects in areas like science, health, agriculture and civic engagement, all in a positive environment where they receive guidance from adult mentors and are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles. Kids can concentrate on one focus area or they can try a variety of programs throughout their 4-H experience. Regardless of the project area, all 4-H programs include mentoring and career readiness as core elements. This year, our club will cover mammals, financial literacy, communication, and team building! For more information, contact Alayna Jackson, 4-H Agent and check out our Facebook page.
Robotics
The Robotics Season is here, and we’re ready to roll! If you’re in 6th-12th grade and have a passion for building, coding, or just love a good challenge, there’s still time to jump in!
WHEN & WHERE:
Our team meets at Mt. Calvary Presbyterian Church in Clay from September through November. Join us on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00-8:00 PM, and Saturday mornings from 8:30-12:30 PM. (Parents are not required to attend the meetings.)
WHAT:
Over the next few months, we’ll be working together to design and build a robot that can tackle some pretty cool tasks. We’ll be using tools like Fusion 360 and Softworks CAD software, learning the ins and outs of RobotC programming, and getting hands-on with power tools as we bring our robot to life. We’re competing against other schools, so teamwork is key!
COMPETITION DAY:
Mark your calendars for November 9th! We’ll be competing at the BEST Robotics Competition at Mae Jemison High School in Huntsville. It’s a day packed with excitement, and even if you’re not on the team, we’d love for you to come cheer us on! Bring your pom-poms and loudest cheers—let’s show everyone that Crossroads has the BEST school spirit! (More details coming in the October Newsletter.)
Got questions? Reach out to Eric Jackson at ericjacksonbbq@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.
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.