As parents, we can feel isolated and even exasperated that we are the only one experiencing difficulties with our children. In reality, there are many sources of support in our community and many other parents who are on the same learning journey to help their children be successful and productive adults. At Crossroads, we see each student individually. Something that helps one family may not be right for the next family. 

This newsletter contains several links to community events. There are organizations in the Greater Houston Area that strive to educate, inform and assist. Take a look at some of the offerings. You might find something that interests you.

Crossroads occasionally offers opportunities for our parents on-site. On Tuesday, February 18, one of our past parents, Boyd Handley, will speak about legal issues parents of children with special needs should consider. His 45 minute talk includes personal experience combined with legal resources parents need to know to effectively look after their loved ones now and in the future. We spend so much time thinking about today’s concerns, this is an opportunity to become prepared for tomorrow’s needs. Please put this on your calendar and plan to attend. It is open to the community so feel free to invite other family members or friends who might be interested.

“Special Need - Disability Took Kit: Are You Prepared and other Issues to Think About”

Presented by lawyer and alumni parent, Boyd Handley

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

7:00 PM at Crossroads School

Debi Mishael

[email protected]

713-977-1221 x101

Save the Date...April 1, 2020

P lans are taking shape for our Gala. This year will have a few new twists on the annual fundraiser! First, we are having a Breakfast Event instead of an evening program and second, our students will be included in the program. Crossroads School prepares students academically AND SOCIALLY.

This is an opportunity for our students to experience and practice expected social behaviors. In the next two months leading up to the Gala, Ms. Ayesha will add lessons to her Social Skills Class to prepare students to look for social cues and learn the best practices for behavior when in a large group of people. We hope to see you there so you can experience a firm handshake and confident eye contact from our amazing students. 

(Formal invitations and more information to follow in the coming weeks.)

Returning to Crossroads...

We are very excited that DACAMERA is returning with their Young Artist composers to work with the students at Crossroads. They began this week and will return for one session per week over the next five weeks. Dr. Brandon Bell, Director of Education and Artistic Administrator and Bethany Podgomy, Assistant Director of Education and Community Initiatives will once again coordinating these efforts with our staff. DACAMERA is an amazing organization and provides a special opportunity for our students. They offer our students an exposure to great music and talented performers, using music as a vehicle for scholastic exploration and inspiration.

The program will conclude with a parent presentation on March 10 at 2:00 PM.

TEAM CROSSROADS

in memory of Ms. Patti-Brown

The next Team Crossroads event will happen on March 7th! Staff, students, parents and friends of Crossroads can participate in a race at 7 a.m. on March 7th at Minute Maid Park. (There are 10K, 5K and 1K options.) This will be the third event in which Ms. Azmae is coordinating Team Crossroads' participation this year!

Last December, our beloved teacher, Ms. Patti-Brown, ran in the Team Crossroads 5K in Sugar Land. This next race, Team Crossroads will participate in her memory and a ll of our donations for this race will be in her honor. 

Our fundraiser goal for this event is $5,000. 93% of the donations raised for the race will come directly back to the school.  

Again, the race takes place at Minute Maid Park on March 7th. Click the link below to donate or join the team. Staff, parents, students and alumni are all encouraged to join.

Reason2Race -Crossroads School Page

Cooking Club

The recipe for this week’s Cooking Club featured a classic American favorite: mini cheeseburger sliders! Everyone jumped right in to prepare this quick and easy meal. They warmed the mini buns in the oven while preparing a delicious spice mix of salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika to flavor the ground beef. The little burgers cooked quickly in the frying pan, and were topped with the kids’ choice of cheeses. They dressed the buns and burgers with a variety of tasty accouterments, including sauteed onions, sliced tomato, crisp lettuce, ketchup, mayo, and mustard. Everyone got to have their burgers exactly how they liked them!

Positivity Project - Forgiveness

This week's positivity characteristic was FORGIVENESS. Forgiveness is the ability to move past being injured, and allow yourself to reconcile with the person who hurt you. Forgiveness can often be seen as a selfless act, but it also carries many benefits for those who practice it. Those who demonstrate forgiveness have the ability to move forward after someone has hurt them. Forgiveness is often rooted in the idea that all people are valuable and worthy of a second chance. Many who forgive have the ability to consider things from another’s perspective.

Forgiveness does not mean rolling over and allowing yourself to be harmed. It does not mean that you forget the transgression. By forgiving someone, you don’t have to say that what he/she did was okay. And, forgiveness is not contingent on the other person apologizing.

Forgiveness Slides

Forgiveness Character Card

Community Events

FROM SPECTRUM FUSION:

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8th 11 am--3 pm

Come visit Spectrum Fusion in Montrose! We will be next to Brasil Cafe in a Pop-Up-Event for our creatives on the autism spectrum. Sable, of "Jewelry by Sable" will be headlining as we celebrate the continual success of her jewelry line,

Rhys Griffin will present his latest children's story (soon to be published) and demonstrate his voiceovers for us. You can also meet photographers, media professionals, and even a young man who creates superhero figures from exotic pipecleaners! You don't want to miss this!

We also have a special guest, Antonio Romo, who is supporting our adults on the autism spectrum. He is a neoclassical pianist and has graciously offered to perform his own beautiful music from 12:00 to 2:00 pm. Antonio Romo has recently released a new album that is available on Spotify.

Come and pick up a unique and special gift for Valentines Day, or just hang out with friends in a relaxed and autism-friendly venue that is perfect for the entire family! We hope to see you there! Kids will LOVE Pipecleaner Man!: aka Noah Mishael -Crossroads alum)

Community Events

Sandra Peoples, dynamic speaker and author of “Unexpected Blessings”, will be speaking on Saturday, February 29th at 9:00 AM. Participants are asked to register online so attendance can be anticipated. Childcare will be provided upon request. If you have any questions, please contact Chuck Hendee at

281-910-5641 or [email protected] You may also click on the graphic below to link to the website.

Community Events:  Reel Abilities Film Festival

This annual event is a FREE city-wide film and arts festival dedicated to presenting films, art exhibitions, performances, and speakers that celebrate the lives, stories, and talents of people with disabilities

offers many opportunities. Our High School students will attend a film on February 18 and our staff will attend an event on February 17th .

To learn more about the Festival or to register for tickets, please go to   www.reelabilitieshouston.org

Click on the graphic below to watch a Festival preview video.

Sunday, February 16th

"Supporting Kids with Attention Difficulties"

9:30 am-10:20 am

This class will focus on separating normal energy levels and attention span across the developmental spectrum from abnormal energy and attention levels. The class will teach parents and teachers strategies to enhance children's focus and attention span. The presentation will identify skills for disciplining children in a nurturing way that maintains healthy attachment and self-esteem.

Speaker: Steven Parks - Jewish Family Service, Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor of the Children's Mental Health Program

Click on the graphic (tree) to link to the full schedule of events for Yom Limmud. This is one of many classes available. The event will be held at: Congregation Beth Israel, 5600 N. Braeswood, Houston

Important Events & Reminders