Sharpening Our Tools: De-Escalation Strategies for School and Home

At The John Crosland School, we’re always learning—whether it’s our students, our staff, or our community. Recently, Nashara Bynum, our K-7 School Counselor, attended a professional development session titled “De-Escalate Meltdowns and Diffuse Explosive Behaviors in Children and Adolescents” led by Joe’l Edington Farrar, MEd, CCC-SLP, BCBA.

The session provided valuable strategies for understanding and supporting children, especially those with autism, when emotions run high. As a school, we know the importance of sharpening our skills in these areas—not only to help our students thrive in the classroom but to empower parents with tools they can use at home, too.

Key Takeaways: Behavior is Communication

One of the most powerful reminders from the training was that all behavior is a form of communication. When a child becomes overwhelmed, frustrated, or uncomfortable, it often shows up as behavior—not because they’re misbehaving, but because they’re struggling to communicate their needs.

The more we can pause and ask, “What is my child trying to tell me right now?” the better chance we have of addressing the root cause instead of reacting only to the behavior.

Helpful Tips You Can Use at Home

1. Use Clear and Direct Communication

Children with language processing challenges or autism may struggle with abstract language or idioms. Try using simple, clear directions and avoid phrases like “Hang in there” or “Cut it out,” which can be confusing.

✅ Instead of: “Hang tight, we’ll be leaving soon.”

✅ Try: “We are leaving in 5 minutes.”

2. Watch for Sensory Triggers

Sometimes what looks like defiance is really sensory overload—bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures can overwhelm a child.

At home, you can:

• Create quiet spaces with soft lighting

• Offer noise-canceling headphones in busy environments

• Use visual supports like a daily schedule or timer to help reduce anxiety

3. Practice Proactive Regulation Strategies

Helping kids regulate before they reach the boiling point can make a huge difference. Some helpful tools include:

• Weighted blankets or fidget tools for calming

• Movement breaks (jumping, dancing, stretching)

• Using visual timers to help manage transitions

4. Reinforce Positive Behavior

Catch your child being successful, even in small moments. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and makes it more likely the behavior will happen again.

Use strategies like:

• “First-Then” language — “First finish your homework, then you can play.”

• Small rewards or praise for following through on tasks

Helpful Apps to Explore

The session also introduced a few apps designed to support self-regulation and communication:

• Autism iHelp – Educational support for language development

• Calm Counter – Visual and auditory tool for managing big emotions

• Kare – Behavior tracking and support

• Visual Timer by Touch Autism – Helps with time management

We’re In This Together

At Crosland, professional development like this ensures we’re constantly growing alongside our students—building the skills needed to meet them where they are. We also know that the tools we use at school can be just as helpful at home.

If you ever have questions or want to learn more about the strategies we’re using, our team is always here to connect. After all, supporting our kids takes all of us working together—at school, at home, and everywhere in between.

Thriving at Fayetteville State: Devin’s Journey

At John Crosland School, we take pride in celebrating the unique journeys of our students, and today, we are excited to highlight the continued success of one of our alumni, Devin Fitzgerald (class of 2023). Devin, a sophomore at Fayetteville State University (FSU), is making the most of his college experience as a sports management major while also actively supporting the university’s basketball team. His enthusiasm, dedication, and resilience are inspiring to all who know him.

Devin’s journey to success has been fueled by his determination and the strong support systems he has found at FSU. As a student with learning differences, he has thrived through the university’s BRONCO support programs, which provided him with an early adjustment to college expectations. Through summer programs, he was able to meet new friends, complete classes ahead of his freshman year, and build a strong foundation for success.

One of Devin’s favorite aspects of FSU is the tight-knit campus community. He highly recommends the university to students looking for a smaller campus environment with competitive sports teams and a comprehensive support system for students with diverse learning needs. His experience proves that the right resources and encouragement can make all the difference in a student’s academic and personal growth.

Recently, our school’s morning advisory time has been focused on highlighting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through a door decorating competition. Each class has been researching and representing a different HBCU, and when our college counselor reached out to Devin to share his experience with the class researching FSU, he was more than willing to participate. Waking up early to speak live from his dorm, Devin engaged with students, sharing insights about college life, the impact of FSU’s support programs, and the excitement of being part of a thriving academic and athletic community.

Seeing Devin’s eagerness to give back and inspire current students was a proud moment for our school. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, preparation, and the right educational environment. We are thrilled to see him thriving at his dream school and can’t wait to see all the great things he will continue to achieve.

Keep shining, Devin! Your John Crosland family is cheering you on every step of the way.

Where Do You SEE Yourself?

 At John Crosland School, we believe in preparing our students not just for the classroom but for the challenges and opportunities that await them in the real world. One way we do this is through our Senior Exploration Experience (SEE), a revival of a student internship program that was a staple at our school before the pandemic.

This program is part of our LIFE (Learning Independently and Financial Education) class, a senior elective that equips students with vital skills and real-world experiences. SEE takes place during the two-week masterclass period in the spring semester, giving our seniors the opportunity to explore career paths and college majors through hands-on internships.

The goal of SEE is to provide students with a deeper understanding of the vocational world, giving them a chance to “SEE” themselves in a potential career. This experience is more than just a chance to explore a field of interest—it's an integral part of ensuring every Crosland student graduates with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in life after school.

Taking Initiative and Gaining Confidence

For SEE, our seniors were tasked with locating a business that aligns with their personal interests, career aspirations, or potential college majors. Students were coached on how to present their internship's purpose and requirements and practiced communicating their requests through scripts. To ensure they could find the perfect opportunity, they were encouraged to network with family members, neighbors, and other contacts.

Each senior was also asked to create a set of questions to guide their exploration and reflect on what they hoped to learn from the experience. At the end of the two weeks, students presented their experiences to upper school students and parents at our Comets Create Showcase, sharing the knowledge and insights they had gained.

Real-World Experiences

The internships varied widely, showcasing the diversity of interests and talents among our seniors. Some students had the opportunity to learn about auto repair—studying the parts of an engine, sandblasting and refinishing valves, and discovering what it takes to run an auto-repair business. Others worked in equine therapy, training horses and caring for animals that help riders with neurodivergence or PTSD. One student explored the field of manufacturing, analyzing gypsum to produce the correct composition for wallboard production.

These experiences were not just about gaining technical skills, but also about building confidence, learning adaptability, and gaining clarity about future paths. By connecting classroom knowledge with real-world practice, SEE bridged the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on experience, inspiring our seniors to look at their futures with a sense of purpose and possibility.

A Clearer Vision for the Future

The Senior Exploration Experience has become a cornerstone of our senior year, helping our students develop the confidence to pursue their passions and navigate the road ahead. By giving them the chance to explore potential careers in a meaningful way, we ensure that our seniors graduate with not only academic knowledge but also real-world experience and clarity about their future paths.

At Crosland, we’re committed to preparing our students for success in every aspect of life. Through programs like SEE, we help them envision a future full of opportunities, equipped with the tools to succeed.

Meet Ms. Indya Harrison: Teaching with Heart, Creativity, and Flavor

 This year, The John Crosland School welcomed an incredible addition to our teaching staff: Ms. Indya Harrison. With 19+ years in education, Ms. Harrison has seamlessly blended her passion for Middle School Social Studies, ELA, and even cooking to make learning engaging, dynamic, and memorable.

Hailing from Linden, NJ, Ms. Harrison’s love for Social Studies and ELA started early, and those subjects remain close to her heart. But what truly sets her apart is her knack for thinking outside the box. “I love hands-on projects, especially cooking,” she says. And she means it—her Cooking Masterclass was a huge hit with students, teaching everything from teamwork to the art of seasoning, both in the kitchen and in life.

A Story of Belonging

Ms. Harrison’s own journey to feeling a sense of belonging was shaped by a pivotal figure in her life: her former principal, Mr. Kulp, at Our Lady of Assumption. “As the only Muslim in a Catholic school, he embraced my identity and taught me the value of being unapologetically myself,” she recalls. “He showed me that being unique and different can have a profound impact on the lives of students.”

Now, Ms. Harrison brings that same lesson to her own students. She helps them BELIEVE in themselves by building strong relationships and showing them that she understands their struggles. “I believe in them because I see myself in them,” she says. “At heart, I’m a big kid too, and I use that to connect with them and boost their confidence.”

Lessons Beyond the Classroom

In her cozy, colorful classroom, Ms. Harrison ensures every student feels seen and heard. She knows that recognition and respect are key to their success. “To succeed, students should feel recognized for who they are, have the opportunity to speak their minds respectfully, and know their voices truly matter,” she explains.

Her students have been lucky to experience her innovative projects, like crafting clay models of Greek architecture and recreating Ancient Egyptian dishes such as ful, rice, and honey donuts. These activities don’t just teach history—they make it come alive.

Outside of class, Ms. Harrison is just as impactful. She fosters teamwork through cup-building challenges, cheers on students at basketball games, and creates a warm, welcoming environment wherever she goes.

The Seasoning of Success

Whether she’s guiding students through the curriculum or a recipe, Ms. Harrison ensures the experience is enriching, fun, and full of flavor. As she continues her first year teaching at Crosland, it is clear that Ms. Harrison has already made a lasting impact on our community. Students and staff alike are better for having her here, and we can’t wait to see what she’ll bring to the table next!

Master Class: Where Passion Meets Learning

 When you ask most Crosland seniors to reflect on their favorite memory as they prepare to graduate, one answer frequently rises to the top: Master Class. This cherished tradition not only stands out as a highlight of their school experience but also as an unforgettable period of learning, exploration, and connection.  It’s a time when learning feels less like work and more like an adventure—a reflection of the joy and inspiration that define our school community.

But what is it?

At John Crosland School, the first two weeks after winter break are anything but ordinary. While most schools dive back into routine coursework, our middle and upper school students jump into Master Class, a time dedicated to high-interest, hands-on, real-world learning. For upper school students, this experience goes beyond enrichment—it earns them a half-credit elective, cementing the importance of this unique opportunity in their academic journey.

This year’s Master Class offerings showcased a vibrant mix of creativity, strategy, and exploration:

• Middle School Classes: Guitar and Music, Fabric Arts, Sports, Cooking, Esports, and Safari (learning about African cultures).

• Upper School Classes: Visual Arts in Film, Strategic Thinking, Indoor Gardening, Cooking, and Multicultural Anime.

What makes Master Class so impactful is its ability to let both students and teachers bring their passions to life. Teachers step out of their usual subject areas, diving into personal interests they’re excited to share. This energy is contagious, giving students the chance to explore new topics in a hands-on, immersive way.

The benefits of Master Class go far beyond the fascinating subject matter:

• Teamwork and Collaboration: Whether students are cooking a meal together or strategizing in esports, they learn how to work effectively in a group setting.

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Classes like Strategic Thinking or Indoor Gardening challenge students to approach problems creatively and adapt to new situations.

• Cultural Awareness: With offerings like Safari and Multicultural Anime, students gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives, fostering empathy and appreciation for diversity.

• Confidence and Ownership: These classes give students the freedom to explore their interests, which builds self-confidence and allows them to take ownership of their learning.

Master Class also serves as a gentle reintroduction to school after the mid-year break. By easing students back into the rhythm of learning through fun and engaging activities, we set the tone for a strong second half of the year.

It's clear that Master Class is more than just an elective; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting mark, shaping how they approach challenges, express creativity, and work collaboratively. It’s a reminder of the power of stepping outside traditional learning structures and embracing opportunities that encourage students to grow in dynamic and exciting ways.

At John Crosland School, we believe education should inspire curiosity and foster passions. Master Class is a shining example of how we bring that philosophy to life, year after year.

Lower School Enrichment Programs in Full Swing at John Crosland School

Blog contribution by Alex Wiltberger! 

Our 6-week Lower School Enrichment Programs are off to a great start at John Crosland School! Students in grades K-5 recently had the exciting opportunity to join Ms. Johnson in Arts and Crafts Enrichment or Ms. Dean in Movement Enrichment. These programs were introduced in response to requests from our K-5 families for more opportunities for students to engage in activities they enjoy, develop social skills, and have fun at school. Thanks to our dedicated teachers, students are gaining new skills and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Movement Enrichment: Building Confidence, Teamwork, and Social Skills

Ms. Dean's Movement Enrichment offers students the chance to develop their physical skills while building teamwork and confidence. It is well known that exercise releases endorphins and helps relieve stress for everyone, but this Movement Enrichment allows our students who struggle with balance, spatial awareness and coordination focused attention on these skills. Exercise does not have to be limited to team sports or the gym. The best type of exercise for kids is one they enjoy doing. Students who learn differently may also have different needs for physical activity. Whether it is the sensory stimulation of a gym environment, the need to keep a student's attention with high-energy activities or the challenge to follow directions and sequencing, Ms. Dean wants to help build a positive relationship with movement and exercise by making it fun. 

                                     

Movement Enrichment also integrates social skills education with movement.  “We have been playing a variety of games that encourage the students to communicate, share responsibilities, and develop skills related to social awareness,” shares Ms. Dean. “We have been playing soccer, tag, red light green light, all of those fun and interactive games!” These games help build connections between the students, but also strengthen the connection they have with their own bodies.

Click here to find movement-based activities for Social Emotional Learning. 

Arts and Crafts Enrichment: Fostering Creativity and Skill Development

Ms. Johnson’s Arts and Crafts Enrichment provides students with a creative outlet to explore their artistic talents through hands-on projects. In this enriching environment, students practice fine motor skills while creating unique pieces of art, such as mosaic coasters and painted works. They also build hand strength through fun projects like holiday slime and salt-flour ornaments.

Like all artists, our students can explore their thoughts and feelings through their art. However, Ms. Johnson encourages creativity and expression while reinforcing essential skills like following instructions, practicing patience, and solving problems—all while doing something students truly enjoy.

A Fun, Supportive Environment for Learning and Growth

Both Ms. Dean and Ms. Johnson have fostered a fun, supportive environment that encourages students to build skills that will benefit them in the classroom and beyond. Whether through movement, creativity, or social interaction, these enrichment programs provide a well-rounded experience that enhances the academic and personal growth of every student.

We are thrilled to see our students thriving in these enriching programs, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to develop as enrichments cycle to something new!

The Power of Student-Led Clubs

At JCS, we believe that fostering leadership, creativity, and community is essential to a well-rounded education. One of the ways we do this is through our student-created clubs for middle and upper school students. These clubs are designed to give students the opportunity to explore their passions, build connections with peers, and take ownership of their interests.

Here’s how it works: If a student has a passion and an idea for a club, they can create a proposal explaining why their club should be established. With a teacher’s agreement to sponsor the club, their idea comes to life! Clubs meet once a week during lunch, offering a time for students to dive into activities they truly enjoy. Over the years, we’ve seen a wide variety of clubs flourish—from Art Club to Cheer Club to Dungeons and Dragons, there’s truly something for everyone.

"It’s amazing to see students take initiative and create spaces where their peers can come together and bond over shared interests," shared one club sponsor. "These clubs have really transformed our community."

Last year, one of our students, who rarely spoke out in class or participated in group activities, found their voice through our e-sports club. What began as quiet observation quickly turned into active participation, and before long, they were leading team strategies and encouraging their peers. Watching this student emerge as a leader was a testament to the power of creating spaces where students feel safe and supported to pursue their passions.

This year, we were excited to extend this opportunity to our lower school students as well. While lower school clubs are slightly more structured and meet exclusively on Fridays, they still provide young students with a chance to engage in high-interest activities. Whether it’s building with Lego bricks, singing their hearts out in Karaoke Club, or participating in other fun and creative options, these clubs are helping our youngest learners experience the joy of community and shared passions.

One lower school student shared, "I love Fridays because I get to build cool things with my friends! It’s the best part of the week."

By offering clubs at all grade levels, we’re giving every student the chance to lead, collaborate, and grow. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate their interests and make lunchtime something to look forward to each week!