A Busy Time at Crossroads Charter Academy

Most people know that March brings the annual March Madness associated with girl’s and boy’s basketball in Michigan schools.  What many do not know is that there are an amazing number of other activities going on at this time of the year. 

CCA just hosted their annual Kindergarten Round-Up.  What a fun-filled evening for many community families.  Just think- this was really the first school event for the Class of 2023, wow!

March is Reading Month and that means additional Book Fairs, guest readers, student activities and all sorts of opportunities to make reading fun.

Our elementary physical education students are experiencing an archery unit with the help of Central Michigan Hunters Unlimited who donated over $5000 worth of equipment!  For many students, this is their first opportunity shoot a bow and maybe begins a lifelong physical activity.

Band students are competing in the annual State District Festival.  Once again, our high school band received all “1’s” – Top Scores- for their performance in Cadillac.  Our middle school band performs in Big Rapids and our expectation is they will also do well.  Bands do not only compete, they also perform at a Pre-Festival Concert to get ready for the big day.

CCA has five teams going to Muskegon Mona Shores to take part in the Destination Imagination Program.  What an incredible day this is!  Teams of students are given challenges in advance and they create solutions.  Students build things to complete tasks or creating a performance.  It always takes communication, teamwork, planning, and not giving up!

Students and teachers are in trimester final exam mode.  These assessments gather valuable feedback on what students have learned and help teachers modify instruction.

CCA eleventh grade students will be taking the ACT and Michigan Merit Exams March 9th-11^th.  All Michigan juniors, and a few seniors, take this comprehensive battery of tests at the same time.

Our 3^rd grade students just performed an amazing musical as part of the Festival of the Arts called “Bugz”.  The auditorium was packed and the audience was treated to a fantastic performance.

 I know that as soon as I send this article I will remember other current activities that I failed to mention so let me apologize in advance!

 What do these events have in common?  They require a lot of extra planning, time, and work by students, staff members, parents, and volunteers.  They also add to the overall educational experience for students and may create lasting memories for all involved.  For the most part, they are “in addition to” the normal academic day and do not always get much community publicity.  Everyone who helps make these events happen deserve a huge “Thank-you and job well done”.  I hope schools will always be able to facilitate these and all other extra opportunities for our students.  

Ron Schneider, Superintendent