April 17, 2020
A Note from the Head of Social Development...
Dear Crossroads Students,

I hope this newsletter finds you and your family well and hope you are managing the challenging times in which we are currently living. We are doing distance learning for the time being and using apps like Google Hangout or Zoom Chat, I want to bring up some key tips for proper etiquette during video calls. Crossroads School you practice face-to-face social skills. We are still "face-to-face" even if those faces are only on a computer screen!

As you read the list below, do you recognize ideas from the Positivity Project that we have already studied?

1. Being present and giving others my attention. Be on time and make sure that there is nothing in the room to distract you or distract others: like a dog barking or a TV on high volume.

2. Perspective . Make your background look nice. No one wants to see dirty laundry on the floor. 

3. Kindness . Treat everyone with kindness so it is a good idea to mute yourself when not speaking. Even though you may not be speaking and think you're being quiet, most microphones can pick up minor background noises, like coughs, sneezes, or typing. These sounds can easily distract other video conferencing participants and potentially even cause annoyance.

4. Fairness . It is a good idea to raise your hand in the chat and that way, the teacher can call on you and everyone can share their ideas/questions.

5. Teamwork . This is the most important key tip. We are all working together to make sure everyone succeeds! I am very proud of how everyone is handling distance learning so far.

Ayesha Baig
Head of Social Development
(713) 977-1221
As Seen Off Campus

Our virtual scavenger hunt task this week was to take a picture with flowers.
Home Photograhers Needed
Due to technical difficulties with our photographer's camera on Picture Day that was held this past February, we are unable to use the photos that were taken of your child.
In an effort to still have your child's photo in this year's yearbook, we would like you, the parents, to be the photographer!
Please make sure the photograph is taken with the highest resolution possible and your child is dressed appropriately from the waist up. Photos can be taken either inside or outside.  
While you have your camera out, please  also include various candids of your student learning at home. We will also include some of them in a fun yearbook spread.
Please email all student photos to Julianne by April 24th.
#GivingTuesdayNow is MAY 5th and Crossroads School needs your support. We were forced to cancel our Gala this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The funds we anticipated raising at this event would have directly support the Operations Budget of the school. Please consider donating the funds you were planning to spend while attending the Gala.

You can use the link below to donate on Giving Tuesday OR...feel free to donate on a Monday, or a Wednesday.... We would be a happy recipient of you donation dollars ANY DAY of the week!

If you prefer, you may also send a check directly to the school. (See the address in the footer of this newsletter.)
Community Resources

The 2020 Benjamin J. Geigerman Lecture Series will take place via online streaming on April 23rd 7pm-8:30pm!

This year’s lecture is titled  “The Many Faces of Autism at Work,”  and features two speakers from Dell Technologies and the Chief Innovation Officer from Potentia Workforce. Many individuals with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) struggle with finding and maintaining employment — an important key to helping them achieve success. This year’s lecture features speakers dedicated to helping those with autism. Individuals with autism, their families, clinicians, counselors and educators are invited to join.

For more information about the conference and to register, visit UTHealth . Those registered will receive a link through email to access the live stream a few days prior to the event.
Important Events & Reminders

  • March 23-May 22, 2020: School Campus Closed - Virtual Learning
CROSSROADS SCHOOL, Inc.
5822 Dolores St.
Houston, TX 77057
(713) 977-1221