May 3, 2019
A Note from the Acting Head of School...
One step at a time…

I am amazed to look at the calendar and see the month of May. It seems like last week we were planning the start of the school year. On the other hand, I can reflect back and I marvel at the growth I have seen in our students. Physical growth for sure (I think some kids grew 5 inches) but academic and social changes impress me more. 

As parents, our job is to prepare our children for the future but the future for a child with learning differences can be anxiety producing. How will they manage? How will they compete in our world? Will they be able to care for themselves and a family of their own? Looking far ahead is daunting and overwhelming. What I have learned over the year can be summed up by a number of classic clichés…

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” (Tao Te Ching) 
“One may walk over the highest mountain one step at a time.” (John Wanamaker)
“The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” (Chinese Proverb)
“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.” (Robert Collier)
“Be not afraid of growing slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” (Chinese Proverb)
My son attended Crossroads School from 2005-2009. At that time, I could never envision the distant future for him. I did what I now advise other parents to do, take one step at a time. Look one step ahead and see what is needed. Conquer that one step and then set you sights on the next one. It can seem counter intuitive to some.  Conventional wisdom tells us to set the end goal and work your way towards it. If I had done that for my son, I would have sold him short. I did not envision college in his future. I could not envision the future. I could only see the next step on the path and I set one goal at a time. Today, his is an adult with autism who successfully earned a B.A. degree in Communications from Schreiner University. He lives in his own apartment and is working a part-time job looking for his next step, a full-time position.

Our Crossroads students have come so far this year. Each of them are working on their own growth path and succeeding, one step at a time.  

Debi Mishael
Board Chair and Acting Head of School
(713) 977-1221 x101
National Principal's Day

Wednesday was National Principal's Day and we celebrated Mr. Justin with a card made especially for him by Mr. Josh and signed by all students and staff. He was also treated to a box of his favorite - Oatmeal Raisin cookies.
Peer Mediation Demonstration
Many parents attended the mock mediation demonstrations held on May 1. This was the culmination of a two-week intensive training students received on the process of building peer mediation into the school program. This will lay the foundation for more effective problem solving at school and is a key life skill for our students.
Barbara Radnofsky explains the peer mediation process to parents, which students have been learning about over the past 2 weeks.
During one of the mock mediation demonstrations, Parker acts as a neutral mediator, while Wils acts as one of the disputants.
Denzel and Aiden shake hands after a resolution was reached at the end of the mediation, showing a sign of mutual respect and commitment to honor their agreement.
David and Ian, co-mediators, reinforce the importance of following the ground rules during a mediation.
Cooking Club This Week...
To celebrate Cinco De Mayo, we made Rainbow Taco Salads. The boys prepped and assembled their creations with a colorful of array of healthy ingredients, including white sour cream, red tomatoes, orange cheese, yellow peppers, blue corn tortilla chips, green lettuce, avocado, cilantro & olives, purple cabbage, browned ground beef, and black beans! Everyone had fun putting their own unique spin on this festive classic. Olé!

As Seen on Campus...

Bellaire Nature Discovery Center came to Crossroads this week with an assortment of reptile friends! Eric was a fantastic presenter.
MS150 Complete!

Congratulations Ms. Azmae!

After months of training and preparation, Ms. Azmae completed all 150 miles of the bike ride from Houston to Austin to raise funds an awareness for those with Multiple Sclerosis.
Graduation / End of Year Event
Please mark your calendars to attend the culminating event for this school year. Graduation will be held in the Social Hall at Congregation Brith Shalom at 4610 Bellaire Blvd . The parking and entrance is located in the rear of the facility, off of Cedar Street. More information will follow.

May 24, 2019 at 9:00 AM
Parents and Guests are welcome
Yearbook Ads and Messages

Honor your child with a TRIBUTE MESSAGE, which can include text or pictures. You can also ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS with an ad in the Crossroads full-color, Yearbook! Please send your information to Ms. Julianne by the May 10 deadline.

Sizes Available:
Business Card $25
1/4 Page $50
1/2 Page $75
Full Page $150

Click on the cover graphic to download the form for submitting tributes or ads.
Community Events & Resources
Crossroads School Events & Reminders

  • May 17 - NightRageous#3, 6:00 pm-9:00 pm
  • May 23 - Early Dismissal at 12:30 pm (last day of classes)
  • May 24 - 9:00 am Graduation (4610 Bellaire Blvd)
CROSSROADS SCHOOL, Inc.
5822 Dolores St.
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 977-1221