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!