Cross Country Team Shines!

 At The John Crosland School, our commitment to nurturing individual growth—both academically and athletically—was on full display this cross country season. The powerful combination of perseverance, teamwork, and personal achievement took center stage as our runners delivered a truly remarkable finish, surpassing expectations and setting new personal records.

This season’s final race, held at the demanding Lee Park course, had all of our runners setting one shared goal: to beat their previous times on this challenging terrain. We are beyond excited to share that every single runner achieved this goal—an incredible testament to their hard work and dedication. Even more impressive, all of our high school runners managed to set personal records for the season during this final competition!

But the story doesn’t stop there. Among these stand-out performances, we had a special highlight from one of our talented 9th graders, Patrick, who placed 6th overall in the high school division. Patrick’s exceptional run earned him the prestigious title of All-County Runner, a distinction that reflects not just his athletic ability but his dedication, discipline, and resilience. For a freshman to earn such an honor is an enormous accomplishment, and it speaks volumes about his potential moving forward.

The cross country team’s success this season is a shining example of the Crosland Difference, where we focus not only on academic growth but on fostering confidence, resilience, and a sense of community through every activity. Our athletes embody the same core values that we emphasize across all aspects of our school: supporting unique needs, growing in self-confidence, and encouraging our students to flourish on their terms.

Throughout the season, Coaches Stephan and Cherry worked tirelessly to support the team, helping each runner develop a personal sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and camaraderie. They are both incredibly proud of what the team accomplished. “The dedication and commitment from every runner were evident every step of the way," said Coach Stephan. "Seeing them not only beat their goals but break personal records is a testament to their growth mindset and their ability to overcome challenges. We couldn’t be prouder."

At Crosland, we believe in meeting students where they are and helping them achieve their personal best, whether in the classroom, on the field, or in any aspect of their lives. The success of our cross country team mirrors the individual journeys we see in our students every day—a drive to push themselves, learn from each experience, and celebrate growth in all its forms.

The cross country season may have come to an end, but the sense of accomplishment and growth will continue to motivate these athletes for years to come. The entire Crosland community is thrilled for what this team has achieved and is already looking forward to next season. The Comets' spirit of determination and resilience shines bright, reminding us all of what can be accomplished through hard work, teamwork, and the unwavering belief that every student can succeed.

Congratulations to all of our cross country runners! We can't wait to see what next year holds. Go Comets!

EMP Meetings—Building Bridges for Our Students’ Success

Every school has its own alphabet soup of acronyms, right? Here at our school, it’s “EMP”—Educational Management Plan—a meeting that’s more than just paperwork. Twice a year, parents, guardians, and teachers gather around a table to have heartfelt conversations about each child’s growth, challenges, and dreams. Think of it as a “State of the Student” address, where the whole team is focused on one goal: helping every student shine.

It’s not just checklists and goals; it’s personal. I’ll never forget last year when a teacher shared a story about Sam*, a quiet 7th grader who rarely spoke in class. “I’d almost given up trying to hear his voice,” she admitted. “But then, during our class debate, Sam raised his hand—and didn’t just contribute, he led.” As she spoke, Sam’s mom teared up, and so did a few of us around the table. These are the moments that don’t show up on a formal plan but are the heartbeat of what EMPs are all about.

During the meeting, each teacher shares not just strengths and goals but stories—snapshots of a child’s daily victories. Parents have a chance to speak up, too, sharing insights about what’s working and what’s still tough at home. And when everything’s laid out, there’s this beautiful moment when everyone in the room takes a breath and sees the same path forward.

Our goal is to ensure that by the end of the meeting, every parent leaves feeling heard, every child’s voice has a plan, and every teacher knows exactly how to help each student reach their next milestone. So, as we prepare for Friday’s EMP meetings, we’re ready to do what we do best: sit down together, focus on what matters, and celebrate your child’s unique journey.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about acronyms or test scores—it’s about watching every student bloom in their own way.

*Name changed for privacy.

Finding Calm in the Chaos: A Reflection

    Last week, our school faced an unexpected tornado warning—a situation that could have easily thrown our community into chaos. With students who thrive on routine and are often overwhelmed by loud noises and sudden changes, it would be easy to assume the worst. But what I witnessed was the exact opposite.

    In the midst of uncertainty, there was a remarkable sense of calm and an outpouring of compassion. As some of our youngest students, especially in Kindergarten, became visibly upset, staff members quickly responded, adapting to each child’s unique needs. One teacher dropped down to sit criss-cross on the floor, patiently answering questions in a gentle, child-friendly way. Another stepped into her office and returned with bins of sensory fidgets, offering students something to focus on amid the confusion. Meanwhile, another staff member made his way down the hall with high-fives and smiles, meeting students with a burst of positive energy.

    What truly struck me was how, without a word, our team morphed to support our students in individualized ways. Some teachers quietly whispered with our concrete thinkers, offering the facts and details they needed without overwhelming those who couldn’t handle it. It was as if our staff instinctively knew how to be exactly what each student needed in that uncertain moment.     As I watched it all unfold, I felt a deep sense of pride. There’s a perception that “our kids can’t handle that”—that unexpected disruptions would send them spiraling. But they can, and they did. Not because it was easy or comfortable, but because of the care, intention, and teamwork of the adults around them. In those fifteen minutes, our community became a living, breathing example of meeting students exactly where they are.     Thankfully, a tornado did not touch down near us, and soon, we returned to our regular schedule. But what happened in those few minutes—staff leaning in, students surprising themselves, and everyone finding beauty in the unknown—left an impression that will last far longer. Moments like this remind me why we do what we do, and how powerful it is when we come together as a community. In the end, it wasn’t just a tornado warning. It was a testament to our students’ resilience and our staff’s unwavering dedication.