|
|
Superintendent's Corner
Capitol Hill Advocacy
At the end of this month, I will be traveling to Washington D.C. to speak with members of congress about the importance of supporting and increasing funding for the Charter School Program (CSP). The CSP is the nation’s only source of dedicated federal funding for the creation and growth of public charter schools. For 25 years, the CSP has provided states with resources to help ensure that every child can access a high‑quality education at a public school.
I am honored to be representing Missouri through these advocacy days hosted by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. School leaders from over 20 states and the District of Columbia will advocate for these unique public schools and their families and students, as well as for equitable funding for the Charter Schools Program.
“During this convening charter school leaders of color will advocate on behalf of their parents, students, and teachers for the critical resources necessary to create the kinds of schools that their communities need and want,” said Ron Rice, Senior Director of Government Relations for the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. “Congress needs to hear their stories and partner with these leaders who are making a difference in their communities, improving the public education system and the lives of families and students.”
I believe that charter schools serve as a critical piece of the educational landscape by offering a wide variety of programming to students. Families should have the right to select a school that best meets their child's needs, and that requires both district and charter school options.
|
|
|
DonorsChoose Project: We currently have a DonorChoose project posted to help get support to replace the broken stools in our common areas at Crossroads Academy-Central Street. Please click on this link if you would like to read more about this project or if you would like to make a donation.
Scholastic Book Fair Feb. 21-24: The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to Central Street from February 21st-24th and we need lots of help to make it a successful event. Please consider signing up to volunteer to help for as little as 2 hours or for as long as you like. More information will be sent home soon, including information about setting up e-wallets.
Family Night #3: Black History Night and Literacy Fusion on Feb. 23rd: As we prepare for Black History Night, we are looking for vendors from Black owned businesses in the area to participate in our Family Night. If you own, are employed by, or have connections to a Black owned business and would like to participate in our Black History Night on February 23rd from 5-6:30 pm, please email Ms. Bubalo at ebubalo@crossroadsschoolskc.org. Also, please plan to come to Family Night #3: Black History Night and Literacy Fusion on February 23rd from 5-6:30pm.
Spring Soccer Registration: Registration is open for our spring 2023 recreational league season! Click here for the flyer and see below for more info.
- Registration will run thru March 17 at 11:59pm at regular pricing
- March 18 – April 1, a $20 late fee will be added to all registrations
- NO registrations will be accepted once the platform closes April 1
- Please visit sportingbrooksidesoccer.org for league details and to register
- Play begins the weekend of April 14-16 for all divisions as we will have 6 weeks to get in all our games for spring.
- 1st grade - High School divisions will play 2 additional games within the 6 weeks to get 8 games in.
- We will hold our referee and coaches meetings mid-late March and will communicate those details.
|
|
|
|
Food Pantry Update: QH has one more opportunity this month for food box pick up:
- Black History Family Night on February 23rd from 4:30-6:00pm
Please stop by to pick one up - no sign up required! The boxes include nonperishable foods: mashed potatoes, canned veggies, fruit, gravy, chicken broth, canned soup, baking mixes, milk (shelf stable), apple juice, pasta. If you'd like one but cannot make it at that time, please contact Carrie Paulette (QH Counselor) at 816-221-3191 ext 314 or mpaulette@crossroadsschoolskc.org to coordinate a different time or delivery.
Spring Soccer Registration: Registration is open for our spring 2023 recreational league season! Click here for the flyer and see below for more info.
- Registration will run thru March 17 at 11:59pm at regular pricing
- March 18 – April 1, a $20 late fee will be added to all registrations
- NO registrations will be accepted once the platform closes April 1
- Please visit sportingbrooksidesoccer.org for league details and to register
- Play begins the weekend of April 14-16 for all divisions as we will have 6 weeks to get in all our games for spring.
- 1st grade - High School divisions will play 2 additional games within the 6 weeks to get 8 games in.
- We will hold our referee and coaches meetings mid-late March and will communicate those details.
PAC Updates:
- Scholastic Book Fair - Feb. 22-24
The Scholastic Book Fair is this week at Quality Hill! Wednesday is preview day, and classes will shop Thursday and Friday. Thursday night the Book Fair will be open to families attending Black History Night from 4:30-6pm.
-E-Wallets are encouraged, but cash is still allowed.
-If you round up on purchases at the Book Fair, you will help ensure that all children will have the opportunity to purchase a book.
-Sign up here to set up, take down or sell books.
- Parent Concerns - February
Here are the notes from PAC’s February questions for Principal Lewis.
Our PAC parent liaisons (Allison Pinkowksi and Yolanda Sims) meet regularly with Principal Lewis and Crossroads administration to communicate about parent questions, concerns and comments. If you’d like them to ask a question on your behalf, email Allison and Yolanda at qhpac@crossroadsschoolskc.org.
- Skate Night - Tuesday, March 14, 6 - 8pm
Save the date for the first Skate Night for Crossroads Quality Hill since the pandemic began. Meet up with QH and Crossroads friends and families for roller skating and fun. At Skate City Shawnee - 9800 W 62nd Terrace, Merriam, KS 66203. Crossroads Central Street friends are welcome as well!
- Volunteer Opportunities on Membership Toolkit
-Pick up Panera on Sunday or Tuesday evenings - sign up here
-Help with the Uniform Closet - sign up here
|
|
|
Street & Sidewalk Improvement Project at CPA: The City of Kansas City has begun a street and sidewalk improvement project at the intersection in front of CPA. The project is expected to last the next three weeks. During this time families can expect traffic delays, lane closures and sidewalk closures in the area at arrival and dismissal. Pickup and drop off, as well as students walking home will be impacted until the project is complete. Thank you for your patience.
Crosswalk Safety at CPA: Parents and guardians, please remind your students to be mindful and respectful of the crosswalk during arrival and dismissal time. We have an assigned crossing guard to assist every day and expect our students to follow their lead for everyone's safety. Thank you for talking with your student about this important safety issue.
Black History Month Celebration: Coming up on Feb. 23rd from 5-6pm! Come join us for our Family Reunion-Black History Night at CPA. There will be food, games, vendors, music and much more. Please RSVP using the QR code on this flyer.
Senior Yearbook Ads - Deadline Extended: Senior parents - we have extended the Senior Ads to the end of the month. Don't miss out on this! Are you a proud senior parent? Do you want to encourage or recognize your child for all their accomplishments? This is your chance to submit a couple of your favorite photos and print a special message for them that will be kept forever in the pages of their senior yearbook!
- Go to yearbookforever.com
- Search for Crossroads Prep Academy. Select "Create a Senior Ad"
- Enter students information and your email address
- Select design option and follow the steps to create and pay
- Deadline is Feb. 28 to purchase an ad for your Senior.
- Prices have been reduced to the following:
- 2 photos: $15
- 3 photos: $35
- Half a page-5 photos: $50
- Full page-6 photos: $75
Yearbook Snap App - We Need Your Help: In order to get pictures for all of CPA events and activities, we encourage all students, staff, and parents to download the Yearbook Snap app. This app allows our school community to contribute high resolution photos from their phones for use in the yearbook. Just download Yearbook Snap from the app store, open it and search for Crossroads Prep Academy and enter the access code: cpayearbook. You may also upload photos from your computer at Yearbook Forever and enter the same access code. Feel free to contact Leslie Vaughn if you have any questions or problems. Thank you for sharing your school memories with us!
Purchase Yearbooks Now: Purchase your yearbook using this link. You'll find payment options online to purchase.
Middle School Amazon Wishlist: Help the middle school team stock our classrooms with the necessities and incentives for our students! Click here for the list. Thank you!
|
|
|
Family Contact Info in Infinite Campus: Families, please make sure you keep your contact info up to date in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. When a situation comes up and we need to contact you, especially in emergency situations, we rely on the info in Infinite Campus. Questions about how to update? Please contact your front desk admin. Thank you!
Parent/Teacher Conferences: Please mark your calendars for Parent/Teacher Conferences, March 16 & 17. A link for sign-ups will be shared with all families via email on February 24. Please keep an eye out for details.
Youth Volleyball Developmental League: Click here for info on an opportunity at Brush Creek Community Center for 5th-8th grade girls interested in volleyball. This is through KC Parks and Rec. Registration now open, starts March 8th!
CS & QH Artist Showcase: Make sure and stop by Show Me KC Schools (2201 Lexington in the historic NE) to see work by talented Crossroads artists! The exhibit features art by 4th, 5th and 6th grade students from Crossroads and runs through March 31.
Crossroads Spirit Wear: Crossroads daily wear and spirit wear garments can now be ordered online all year long on the Champion Teamwear Store. Purchases must be paid for when the order is placed and items will be shipped directly to your address. Please click on the following links to see what garments are currently available.
Spring Baseball & Softball: Registration for Royals RBI (baseball and softball league) is now open. Click here for info.
Camp Encourage Fundraiser on March 10: An Evening with the 'Rents is Kansas City's own stand up comedy benefit. What makes this one-of-a-kind, laughter-filled benefit event unique is that the comics are parents (a.k.a. 'Rents) of individuals on the autism spectrum. Each works alongside local comedians to craft their very raw life experiences into hilariously touching stories that promise to encourage and enlighten you. Whether you have a personal connection to autistic individuals or not, An Evening With the 'Rents is so much more than a benefit. It creates an electric atmosphere where everyone can leave their troubles at the door and experience freedom and community through laughter. Click here for more info.
CCS Board Meetings: CCS Board Meetings are online only, until further notice. This is the "location" listed on the board agenda.
Drills: We want to make sure our families are aware that we regularly schedule the following drills at all buildings in order to practice and be prepared. These drills take place throughout the year. If you have any questions regarding any of the drills, please contact your principal.
- Fire, tornado, intruder, earthquake
Substitutes Needed at Crossroads: Want to know the "recipe" for becoming a certified, substitute teacher at Crossroads? Click here for the simple steps and please share with your network!
Reminder - Spirit Days/Dress Down Days: Questions about spirit days and dress down days? See below for a refresher and note that if any changes are made, you'll hear directly from your school.
- To promote school spirit, we have reserved Fridays as School Spirit Days. Individual schools will be reaching out with fun spirit activities for Fridays.
- For CS and QH, the 1st Friday will be Dress Down Day (school appropriate dress), and 3rd Friday will be Spirit Day for scholars to wear school spirit shirts and uniform bottoms.
- At CPA, every Friday is a dress down day.
School Tours are Back at CCS: Please tell your friends and family to consider touring Crossroads for their prospective students! Tours are offered every Thursday from October through March at all 3 buildings. Click here for more info or contact Morgan Butler with questions.
Bus Reminders: Please double check your Infinite Campus Parent Portal for your transportation information. All students should be at the bus stop at least 5 minutes prior to the provided bus stop time. If you have any issues please call First Student Dispatch at 816-254-5262. If you do not have any specific information about bussing for your student in your Parent Portal, then your student is NOT on the bus list currently.
Free & Reduced Lunch Application: Just a reminder to complete your lunch application in your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. We began charging $3.60 for lunch on Sept. 7th. Please look for an email sent on Sept. 6th regarding lunch payments via Infinite Campus.
Before and Aftercare Options: Please click here for more info.
Quick How-To Reference Guides & Staff Directories: Please see below for each school.
- Central Street
- Quality Hill
- Crossroads Prep Academy
Crossroads Charter Schools Family Handbook: Please click here for the 2022-23 Family Handbook.
NEW Membership Toolkit - Family Directory & Volunteer Portal: Click here to learn more and to register. Questions? Please contact the Community Engagement Manager, Morgan Butler at mbutler@crossroadsschoolskc.org or call (816) 221-3191 ext. 331.
Federal Programs & Reports: The following can be found on our website as well.
School Hours & Quarters
- CS Hours: 8:30-4:00
- QH Hours: 8:30-4:00
- CPA Hours: 7:30-2:45
- Q1 ends 10/27
- Q2 ends 1/19
- Q3 ends 3/16
- Q4 ends 5/26 (or last day)
|
|
|
General Illness Guidelines
Parents/guardians should keep students home from school if they have a temperature or other symptoms of illness. An ill student will be sent home, and may not return to school, until the student:
-
Has been fever-free for 24 hours without needing to use fever-reducing medications, such as ibuprofen or Tylenol. A fever is defined as an oral temperature above 100.3 degrees.
-
Has been free of vomiting and/or diarrhea for a full 24 hours, or has a doctor’s note indicating the student may return to school prior to the 24 hour time period.
-
Is free of frequent coughing without requiring the use of cough-suppressing medications, such as cough syrup.
-
Is free of lice (live bugs.)
-
Is free of other symptoms of illness that require exclusion from school as directed by the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services.
Students who are present at school with one or more of the above symptoms will be required to be picked up from school by a parent or guardian. Students should be picked up as soon as possible, and no more than 90 minutes after the school contacts the parent/guardian/emergency contact. This helps prevent the spread of any infectious diseases to other students and staff. If the school finds that a student is repeatedly not being picked up within 90 minutes, a meeting will be scheduled between the guardians, School Nurse, and administration.
COVID-19 and Other Specific Diseases
Please note that the above requirements are our guidelines for illnesses in general. It may be that if your child receives a specific diagnosis, such as Strep, COVID-19, Flu, etc., they will have to remain out of school for a longer period of time. If your child is diagnosed with a specific contagious illness, please alert your school nurse so they can provide guidance on when your child may be able to return to school.
|
|
|
Medicaid Eligibility Annual Renewals to Resume April 1: The federal government has announced that states will be required to resume annual renewals for MO HealthNet (Missouri Medicaid) beginning April 1, 2023. Annual renewals have not been required since January 2020, which is when the Federal Public Health Emergency was put in place in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The best way to avoid losing coverage is for patients to update their contact information at mydss.gov/renew and to pay attention to texts and mail from social services. Click here for the press release.
Mental Health Hotline: The national three-digit phone number for all mental health, 988, is opening the door to a robust crisis system that can de-escalate mental health crises and connect individuals to the most appropriate care. Click here to learn more.
|
|
|
-What's Happening at CCS-
|
|
|
6th grade math enrichment students from applied their love of math to the kitchen!
|
|
|
Student entrepreneurs in action at CPA
|
|
|
Crossroads Charter Schools' Equity Statement
Diversity and access have been integral to the mission and vision of the
Crossroads Charter Schools since opening 10 years ago.
Click here to read our entire statement.
Crossroads Charter Schools' Core Values
Equity; High Expectations; Real World Learning; Creative Culture
|
|
|
|
|
