See You At The Crossroads Podcast: Recent Episodes
CJ
Last school year, I had the honor of being the inaugural guest on the first student-led podcast at Crossroads South. This new project was organized by #SYATC guest and Tech Coach, Mr. Niemis. I sat down with, then 7th graders (current 8th graders), Scott Chen and Carol Graise, and as an avid podcast listener, I was very impressed with the poise and ease that each student showed throughout the interview. They may not have known it then, but that experience with Scott and Carol is an integral reason why I chose to put the See You At The Crossroads Podcast together. It was great to openly share with them about my experiences in middle school and how that point in my life drove me to be where I am today. Proof, that we (teachers), are constantly inspired by our students the same way that we hope to inspire them.
These are OUR stories and THANK YOU for listening.
Respectfully,
The DoF & The Assistant to the DoF
There is nothing “normal” about being the principal of a school, let alone a middle school, but this is not your average school principal. Mrs. Capes’ personal, educational, and professional journey is a must listen! Her energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to students is a perfect fit for Crossroads South Middle School. Throughout this episode she discusses, not only her journey and points of pride, but the obstacles that she faced during her upbringing all the way through her adulthood. It takes a lot to run a school, to keep things moving in the right direction, to help our staff and students grow on a day to day basis, but she finds a way for the betterment of ALL. As staff and students, we do not see all that goes into her role, but hopefully we can have a greater appreciation for the things that she has done for Crossroads South after hearing her story.
“For ‘Heavy Is The Cart’ that she pushes around, she does everything she can for the good of our school, year round.”
The wealth of Crossroads South wrapped into this episode is rich in spirit, pride, and laughs! These three elite members of our school community represent a big piece of what Crossroads South is truly about. These “Champions” always put students first and make it a point to go above and beyond for every student that enters their classroom/office. The bonds that are made between colleagues do not always extend outside the school walls, but you can honestly see that these walls did not stand a chance at containing the love, respect, and support that these educators have for one another. The truly embody The Crossroads South Family.
SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT!!! See Mr. Boehm for all of your tax season needs! LOL. In this episode, I sit down with two teachers from the ALPHA unit who have made great impacts on their students throughout their tenure at Crossroads. The genuine honesty that they share about their experiences is a testament to the real feelings they have for their profession. They know how to reach our students with such a natural approach and it is easy to see why students gravitate towards them. I had a great time sitting down with these two colleagues to hear their stories. Enjoy!
You can call it her mid-western upbringing or the strong values that she got from her parents, every child should have a teacher like Mrs. Forthun in their lives. She is the type of teacher & coach that truly cares about the whole-child. I have never met a student/player that did not leave Mrs. Forthun's class or athletic team that did not have a positive, meaningful experience. As a parent, I hope that my children are lucky enough to have a teacher as supportive and thoughtful as Mrs. Forthun. And with that said, here is her story…
This is most certainly a must listen! These two great educators embody the foundation of what being more than a teacher truly means. The stories that they shared about, not only their journeys, but what's truly great about Crossroads is so warming to hear. The camaraderie among colleagues is truly what makes this place we call Crossroads so enjoyable to be part of. They inspire each other, their students, and everyone around them. That is what makes them exemplary educators.
Beach or Shore???? That is the question....No matter what you call it, these two tremendous educators of the 7th grade units has some serious ties the one of the best areas in our great state, the Jersey Shore. It was great to sit down and reminisce about some of our favorite "Benny" spots and hear the amazing journeys that these two "Lions" have made their own. Hope you enjoy!
Welcome to the Hub! All (Cross)roads go through these two amazing women in one way or another! Their history as friends goes beyond our Crossroads walls and the energy that they bring to our school community shines so bright in everything that they do. I do not know what our school would be without these pals from Iselin!
Our resident "theatre-buff" & "Godmother of Fun" bless us with their presence for this episode that covers the origins of their passions for the stage and the fond memories of their storied history as the co-directors of our annual student (and staff) production. These two amazing members of our school community did not start out in education, but their roads to Crossroads are unique and insightful.
The "Iceman" speaketh! Resident music enthusiast and student-favorite, Cory Slater, sits down with us to discuss how his experiences in South Brunswick molded him to the person that he is today. He shares some his biggest Crossroads influences and the positive impact that he wants to leave with our students each day they walk through the halls at XRDS.
These great leaders of the 6th grade units have a tremendous wealth of history when it comes to their life-long experiences in South Brunswick. They have grown from colleagues to friends and are true contributors to our school community. Enjoy their stories of growing up in South Brunswick and the path that brought them together as great friends.
All the way from the Oregon Trails, our guest, Mr. Duncan is well-versed in A LOT! His cross-country journey from the Northwest to New Jersey and now Crossroads is one of the most interesting stories that I have heard all season. And although he has "Buckeye Ties (THE Ohio State University)," it was an absolute pleasure sitting down with him to hear his story. Hope you enjoy as well!
Two very special guests, educators, and advocates sit down with us to share their lives before Crossroads and how their passion for working with students with special needs has led to the creation of some amazing, inclusive programs at XRDS.
They just can stay away! A former "Southie" & "Northerner" come together for this episode to explain their experiences as Crossroads students and now Crossroads teachers! And how their reluctance to call their former teachers by their first names makes the awkwardness of middle school even more uncomfortable. Enjoy listening to these life-long Vikings!
This crew is as thick as thieves. The history and bond that they have maintained throughout their tenure at Crossroads is second to none. Listen as they share their experiences, not just as colleagues, but as friends.
Crossroads Tech Coach and educational app developer, Kyle Niemis, sits down with us to share his passion for family time, being a resource for colleagues, and the rise of his amazing classroom app that helps students ask for support through technology.
Did you play soccer with a legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer??? I didn't think so. Our very own Dave Burtenshaw has seen it all when it comes to Crossroads. He is a Crossroads gate keeper who has so many great memories throughout his tenure at XRDS. Enjoy this "international" edition of #SYATC !
From Russia, With Love! Mr. Strusz enlightens us about his worldly travels, his love for the Yankees, his collection of unique hockey jerseys, and the influences that drove him to become the teacher he is today. GO YANKS!
What happens when Martha Stewart shows up to Comic-Con? Basically, the greatest day for these two energetic educators. Each of these great new additions of XRDS grew up in different states, went to college on two different coasts, and through it all found their way to our happy little school! Get to know two of Crossroads South's rising, new educators!
The Dean is in the house! On inaugural episode of #SYATC, we sit down with a South Brunswick LEGEND, Mr. Joe Dougherty! This legendary educator/coach shares his experiences as young educator, coach, and his illustrious career in South Brunswick & Crossroads South.
Welcome to the See You At The Crossroads Podcast! An idea that was created to provide a platform for XRDS staff members to share their stories and connect with students & staff throughout the school community. Enjoy the experience of connecting with members of the XRDS school community through the stories they share!
In this episode, Mrs. Simms and I (Mr. Hendricks) chat about what the start of the school year has been like and what new at XRDS!