38 minute read
Around the School
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Elementary Schoolers Express Themselves Through Art
On the bridge that connects the two wings of the Elementary School building, an array of mosaic-like paper mobiles of fanciful creatures hung from the rafters. A winged lion with a dragon’s tail, a one-eyed flying cat, a hamburger-dog and more creations by fourth and fifth graders twirled overhead. Nearby, poster-sized tarot cards by second and third graders decorated the wall. Each pencil-and-watercolor work conveyed an adjective or emotion, from ecstatic and calm to glorious and stressed. Elsewhere on the Norton Campus, bejeweled cardboard maquettes served as inspiration for the clay sculptures of kindergartners and first graders.
Students produced these imaginative works after learning about the art of French-American sculptor, painter and activist Niki de Saint Phalle, one of this year’s “signpost” artists who serve as inspiration for students’ work in all grade levels.
fifth grade
ADRIANOZAPATA,
fifth grade
LORENZOCISNEROS,
second grade
OLIVEEDMONDS,
Past signpost artists have included such innovative and accessible creators as Noah Purifoy, Alexander Calder, Yayoi Kusama and Betye Saar.
“We picked Niki de Saint Phalle partly because of the formal art qualities that her work displays—bright colors, exuberant shapes, funny and charming creatures,” explained K-5 Art Specialist Susan Arena. “Her work is so joyful and expresses such an emotional openness. The work that the children made echoes the way Niki’s work is simple yet psychologically profound at the same time.”
As Susan and co-teacher Elyse Jung-Vrymoed ’06 anticipated, de Saint Phalle’s work resonated with the students. Fourth grader Kohl Pennings noted, “It inspired me that all of her work was based on creativity, not actual, real-life things.”
And the students embraced the opportunity to express their emotions and interests. “I did a demon because I was feeling upset that day because my dog had been snowed in in Chicago,” remembered fellow fourth grader Kaleo Litvin.
Their classmate Jacob Zeidenfeld shared, “I did snakes, mostly because I like snakes. I think they are kind of cute, and also I think they are misunderstood. I drew one that looks very creepy on the outside but inside is very soft, so it’s like a home.”
Reflecting on what she loves about art class, first grader Sachi Machida added, “We get to explore. We get to be happy. We get messy. And it’s really fun!”
fifth grade
DMITRIHOLINER,
first grade
SACHIMACHIDA,
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Second Graders Celebrate Holi
Smiles abounded at the Santa Monica Beach as second graders in 2 South and their parents celebrated Holi, the Hindu festival of spring. The holiday, which took place this year on March 18, is most known for crowds of people dancing amid plumes of colorful powder.
Students Aarya Raghuvanshi, Amara Patel and Aneri Patel inspired the celebratory field trip when they shared the story of Holi with their teacher, Peter Del Giudice. “Holi is not all about throwing colored powder, but also about time, love, food and the people we play with,” explained Aarya. Peter realized a Holi celebration would be perfect for his class. “The more experiences we have, the more empathy we have,” he noted. Peter reached out to Aarya’s mother, Gunjan Mahendra; Amara’s mother, Asha Goud; and Aneri’s mother, Chitavan Patel. They jumped at the chance to organize the event.
As Chitavan remarked, “Holi is a celebration that invites everyone to participate, regardless of religion or cultural background.”
On the day of the festival, armed with bags of powder they had made themselves,
the students met up with their parents at the beach, rushed to the four corners of a taped-off area and flung handfuls of powder at each other. Clouds of pink, green, blue and yellow billowed around them as children and parents alike shrieked with joy. Before long, everyone was covered in splotches of brilliant color.
Second grade parent Begoña Amaya (who also has children in fifth and ninth grades) had never experienced Holi. She marveled, “Seeing [everyone] smiling ear to ear, no mask, and listening to them laughing was so special. I feel so blessed to be part of this community.”
The day culminated with a delicious snack of samosas and chutney, and a dessert of gulab jamun—a sticky, syrupy
ball of dough that symbolizes wishes for a sweet new season.
“That moment on the sand truly felt like a celebration of love and inclusion,” reflected Chitavan.
Peter concurred: “It was one of the best teaching days of my life. It really is what Crossroads is all about.”
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Middle School Family Science Night
It’s been two years since the Alley was filled with young scientists and their families. But the Middle School Family Science Night returned in April with a “big bang,” featuring over 230 students presenting! It was a rich and raucous evening of excited explorers sharing a multitude of projects. Middle School Science Coordinator and teacher Leanne DeCraene said, “We established Family Science Night to really create a student-driven, interactive, hands-on event that could be shared and enjoyed by all.” A common theme was the environment, which was investigated in many creative ways. Donning lab coats, seventh graders Scarlet Grayson and Eleanor Samuel displayed their own toxinfree nail polish, giving each visitor a custom color to take home. Sixth graders Wynter Medford and Van Moczydlowsky demonstrated how corporations are getting eco-friendly and displayed a Nike running shoe fabricated out of repurposed materials, complete with a reusable bag folded neatly into the tongue of the shoe. There were also delightful dioramas depicting scenes from the Arctic and the subarctic forests known as taigas.
Eighth graders Jett Laiken and Blake Roberts’ project, “Purity in Every Sip,” focused on water-purification technology. As Jett explained, “We really care about having access to clean water around the world. We found P&G packets, which inspired us to showcase the science behind this amazing tool.” They raised $100 by selling candy at their table, which they donated to water.org.
Seventh graders Dino Steinberg and Luka Nuo developed an eco-friendly soap using water, caustic soda and olive oil.
Seventh graders Eleanor Samuel and Scarlet Grayson displayed their toxin-free nail polish.
Many tables displayed boiling and bubbling concoctions, including a Mentos-powered rocket by eighth graders Dash Kemper, Felix Ortiz and Eamon Shiflett, and drinks that billowed smoke by their classmates Sage Rawles and Sophie Choi.
All in all, it was a hugely successful evening. The parents and guardians were thrilled to be back on campus and to see their children’s hard work in action. As Leanne noted, “The entire Science Department was proud of all of the students and incredibly happy with the event!”
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Middle Schoolers Make a Difference
In 1971, when few schools encouraged students to look beyond the four walls of their classrooms, Crossroads’ founders identified serving the greater community as one of the School’s five core commitments. Now, 50 years later, Crossroads students across all three divisions continue to engage in acts of service. The Middle School service learning project is just one path for students to take action on issues they care about.
“I hope students understand that simple actions can help transform the world, and everyone has the capacity to effect change,” said then-Middle School Core Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator Josh Adler, who introduced the program during grade-level town halls in the fall.
While Josh encouraged the students to pursue their passions, he also provided each grade with suggested areas of focus, from performing acts of kindness in sixth grade, to standing up for indigenous peoples in seventh grade, to applying the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals on the local level in the eighth grade. Completed projects included volunteer work, awarenessraising campaigns, fundraisers and peaceful protests. Eighth graders Arya Fakki, Emily Stutsman, Jordyn Shaer and Austin Goldstein volunteered with Westside Food Bank to distribute food in Virginia Avenue Park. Seventh grader Harper Gabor collected items to donate to schools in a small town in Mexico.
“I do a lot of scuba diving, and I can really see how trash is affecting everything. … It’s sad,” said seventh grader Jake Lerner. In response, Jake drew attention to the ocean conservation nonprofit PADI Aware Foundation with a vivid classroom presentation. He also sold his handmade wood carvings on Etsy and donated 100% of the profits to the organization.
Middle School Core Teacher and Service Learning Coordinator Josh Adler
Left: Eighth graders brought Thanksgiving-meal food items to the Westside Food Bank’s mobile unit in Virginia Avenue Park. Right: Jake Lerner held a sea urchin on a recent scuba diving trip, which inspired his support of ocean conservation. After completing their projects, the Middle Schoolers wrote reflections on their experiences. “I get a firsthand view of the amazing, awe-inspiring work that students do,” noted Josh. “I love reading the reflections and seeing how transformative service work can be for our students.”
Much of that transformation is thanks to the inspiration and encouragement that students received from Josh. After 10 years teaching at Crossroads, Josh departed the School in April to pursue a new career in educational technology. His thoughtful enhancement of the service learning program over the years will benefit students—and the wider community—for years to come.
New Solutions in Upper School Math
“Do you have strategies to problem solve?” Upper School Math Department Chair and teacher Cherylnn Pope asked a class of ninth graders. This particular lesson was focused on the multiplication properties of exponents, but the advice she gave was applicable beyond the subject at hand: Tackle complicated problems by breaking them into more manageable “bitesized” pieces. Working in pairs to simplify algebraic expressions, the students were also building the skills to advance through increasingly complex concepts in a newly launched program of the Math Department.
After class, Cherylnn shared the department’s reasoning behind the new trajectory of courses, which began this year with the rollout of two ninth grade classes, Math 1 and Math 1 Enriched. No longer sandwiching Geometry between Algebra 1 and Algebra 2, the program integrates concepts from these standard courses and incorporates spiral review, a practice that reinforces key skills through regular exposure. This method of teaching helps students maintain and expand their understanding of algebra throughout their studies at Crossroads.
Successes of the program are already apparent. Cherylnn noted, “I’ve seen students starting to value the journey of learning, developing curiosity, thinking and not just trying to get the grade.”
Sam Pinder, one of Cherylnn’s engaged ninth graders, reflected, “It’s always nice to learn how to further my knowledge of a subject.” He also emphasized the value of having Cherylnn as a teacher: “She approaches [the subject] methodically and carefully, which is helpful if anyone, me included, doesn’t understand anything about it. She explains things very well.”
In the upcoming school year, as 10th graders, Sam and his classmates will take the first offering of Math 2, in which they will deepen their geometry skills while also beginning to learn Algebra 2 topics. After a year of Math 1 taught by Cherylnn and her colleagues, the students will certainly be equipped to solve any problem that comes their way.
12th grade
EMMANIA,
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Supporting Community Members in Need
Togetherness and community are two words that have always defined Crossroads, perhaps never more so than during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of March 2020, it had become apparent that many Crossroads families and employees were facing financial crises as a result of household layoffs and illnesses. On March 31, 2020, the School announced the launch of the Crossroads Community Emergency Fund. The funds were available to families receiving Affordability Grants (known at the time as Financial Aid), as well as faculty and staff, who were facing economic hardship. The Crossroads community snapped into action, generously donating to support fellow Roadrunners in need. The Parent Association also established an online Help Hub, where Crossroads community members could request and offer nonfinancial assistance, such as grocery shopping, virtual tutoring and even resume-writing help.
So far, the Crossroads community has raised over $238,000 for the Community Emergency Fund, $235,000 of which has been distributed. Eligible community members were invited to confidentially request assistance. Funds have been used to cover funeral costs for family members; rent and utility bills; monthly grocery gift cards; and medical bills.
“It was a testament to the power of our community that so many contributed to this fund, which helped prevent numerous Crossroads employees and families from experiencing significant financial hardship or even ruin,” said Bob Riddle.
Employee assistance at Crossroads goes back almost 20 years, when Roger Weaver served as headmaster. A trustee contributed $20,000 every year to support employees encountering unforeseen financial setbacks such as car accidents or medical emergencies. The program has been ongoing and was recently formalized with the establishment of the Bob Riddle Employee Emergency Fund. (Read more on page 41.)
“The fact that our School has had an employee emergency fund for decades is something I’ve never seen at any other school,” said Associate Head of School Mariama Richards. “It’s remarkable that employees aren’t asked to pay back the funds that they receive. It’s really about them landing on their feet.”
ninth grade
LILAMICHAEL,
What We Came Here To Do: Reflections on Drama Tour
By Harper Edgerly, 10th grade
The cast of “Godspell” performed for clients of Sunny Hills Services, a private nonprofit organization serving vulnerable youth and their families.
Harper (right) with castmate Alden Platt and director Davida Wills Hurwin
I had participated in Drama Tour last year, but it was online. So, I wanted to get the full experience of traveling with a group and seeing the audiences’ reactions firsthand.
Performing the musical “Godspell” in person, I really got to feed off of the audiences’ energy. Every place we went, there was somebody clapping or dancing along. And that made the show 10 times better, getting to have that connection with the audience and with the cast on stage. Performing live, I felt like I was part of a community.
I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I knew we would be performing in the Bay Area for people who’d had different life experiences than we had. I came with an open mind to see what would happen and what people would be like. When we went to the juvenile detention center, I realized the privilege, opportunities and access we have here at Crossroads. Maybe if the kids in the center had that, they wouldn’t have felt the need to commit a crime, or maybe there would’ve been more second chances available.
That was really eye-opening. I saw a girl who was just 12 years old, and I think it was her first day there. I hope our performance made her feel a little bit better.
We also performed at a women’s center for people recovering from substance abuse. That was probably my favorite performance, just because of how responsive they were to the show. You could tell they were so engaged. They laughed at our jokes, and it really felt like we were giving something to them. One of them said, “You made my day 10 times better.” Hearing that, I thought, “We did it. We did what we came here to do.”
Afterward, it was strange going back into the rush of school and tests, and knowing that Drama Tour was over. Because we had five days where this was all we were doing, and this was all that really mattered to us.
About Drama Tour Drama Tour was established in 1993 by Davida Wills Hurwin, Upper School Drama Department chair and teacher. Ninth and 10th graders audition to perform a musical for an array of Bay Area audiences who have little access to live theater.
Davida came up with the idea of Drama Tour after the Los Angeles riots. Her intent was to “build bridges between people that might lead to a greater understanding of the world and each other.” Performing away from home is also an opportunity for the students to grow in a safe, independent environment. Yet, as Davida tells her students, ultimately, “‘It’s not about you. I don’t care if you had a good time. What did you give? What did you do?’ And it’s the most wonderful lesson for me to see what they saw.”
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Accessibility and Community: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Programming Grows
by Stephanie Carrillo, K-12 Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
It was exciting to be back at Crossroads as we commemorated the School’s founding 50 years ago. While Crossroads’ foundational commitment to diversity was notable in 1971 and remains a core strength today, it’s important that we never rest on our laurels. Thankfully, Crossroads’ culture of innovation and growth encourages us to not only continually deepen our understanding of what it means to be a diverse, inclusive and equitable school, but also to live out these values.
Read on to learn some of the ways Crossroads has deepened its commitment to DEI this year:
LANGUAGE SERVICES AND LATINX OUTREACH Language Services The School has contracted with an outside agency to offer professional interpreters for important meetings and to translate documents for critical communications. For the first time ever, we sent translated secondtrimester narrative reports to all families in their primary home language. These translations reflected the diversity of our community: Reports were translated into Spanish, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, Amharic and French. Teachers are increasingly using language services to support our families. We are continuously learning how to be a languageinclusive community and are committed to increased accessibility for all families.
Latinx Support and Outreach Applicants to Crossroads who are Spanish-dominant enjoy the guidance of the School’s new K-12 Spanish Language Liaison (and Elementary Admission Coordinator) Erika Diaz. Longtime
Families at the May 15 Black Family Alliance Beach Day
On April 28, members of various Upper School affinity groups beautified the shared garden space where affinity groups meet, with help from landscaper Will Garcia.
Upper School Spanish teacher and former Middle and Upper School director of DEI Silvia Salazar is now our first-ever associate director for Latinx support & outreach. Silvia facilitates informational meetings, workshops and check-ins, accessible to both English-speaking and Spanish-dominant families. As a result, the School has been able to identify needs, create new systems of support and provide opportunities for Latinx parents/ guardians to build relationships with one another. Through these efforts, we have created a greater sense of community and deepened Latinx families’ connections to the School.
AFFINITY GROUPS Affinity groups are a powerful way for individuals to connect with others of similar backgrounds, observe cultural traditions and educate the larger school community. The gradual lifting of pandemic restrictions combined with our community’s strong desire to connect has led to an outpouring of interest in all affinity spaces and increased participation in every group. Student Groups This year, Upper School student affinity groups held regular meetings and hosted events such as a screening of the film “Coco” in honor of Dia de los Muertos; an assembly for Holocaust Remembrance Day; a Black History Month display on
Tenth grader Azalia Martinez-Cruz, a member of Grupo Folklorico 7 Regiones, performed at the March 26 K-12 Latinx Family Party.
the library wall and weeklong educational campaign to celebrate Black excellence in various fields; and a Lunar New Year celebration complete with crafts and a special lunch. Members of multiple affinity groups worked to beautify the shared garden where affinity groups meet. Upper School affinity groups also partnered with their Middle School counterparts on several occasions, offering opportunities for crossdivisional connection and mentorship. Parent/Guardian Groups The Asian Family Alliance hosted events throughout the year, such as a virtual family game night, assembling care packages for the homeless advocacy nonprofit PATH Los Angeles, book club meetings and a Beach Day.
The Black Family Alliance hosted the “Sip & Sonder” connection event at the renowned gallery space Band of Vices and held their second annual Beach Day.
At our first-ever event for Latinx families, attendees were treated to dance and music performances by a professional dance troupe as well as Crossroads students.
A gathering for white anti-racist parents met online throughout the year with a facilitator from the Alliance of White Anti-Racists Everywhere, Los Angeles, to challenge racism and to work for racial justice.
In late spring, Juntos (the Latinx & Hispanic Family Alliance) held its first meeting. Also in the spring, several parents proposed the creation of an LGBTQ parent affinity group for the 2022-23 school year. Alumni Groups In March, the Crossroads Alumni BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) Committee hosted the fourth annual Alumni of Color Gathering at Alta Adams restaurant. Learn more on page 56.
Employee Groups Each month, faculty and staff have the opportunity to participate in either a white anti-racist or a BIPOC affinity group. These spaces allow for colleagues across divisions and departments to build community and share perspectives on how to create a more inclusive and equitable school.
K-12 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Office
Stephanie Carrillo, Director Silvia Salazar, Associate Director for Latinx Support & Outreach Sharanya Shankar, Diversity
Administrative Assistant
Diversity Coordinators: Tammy Abrahem (Elementary School) Howe Lin (Middle School) Jasmin McCloud (Upper School)
Families at the May 7 Asian Family Alliance Beach Day
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Roadrunners Score Successful Seasons
Before their championship match, the Middle School girls tennis team huddled together on the court— a ritual that had become emblematic of their undefeated season. The championship game pitted Crossroads against Windward School, but the opponents were no match for Crossroads’ depth of talent. Led by Head Coach Sharona Levinson, Crossroads beat Windward 6-0, earning the coveted title of Pacific Basin League Champions.
Vivienne and seventh grader Imogen Smith defeated their fellow Roadrunners, eighth graders Sofia Morovati and Shane O’Sullivan, to win the Pacific Basin League Doubles Tournament. The singles tournament similarly came down to a matchup between Crossroads athletes— champion Emily Stutsman and runner-up Gabrielle Shiao, both eighth graders.
Sharona said, “The cohesiveness of the team led us to have not only a successful tennis season, but also a joyful experience.”
The Upper School boys varsity soccer team racked up their own share of wins this winter. Following their 2021 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) championship season, the team moved into a more competitive division but nevertheless proved to be fierce on the field.
“The team’s greatest strength was their unity and belief in the system and style that we played,” said Head Coach Federico Bianchi, who was named the 2021 CIF Coach of the Year.
With a 13-game undefeated streak to their name, they made it all the way to the CIF Southern Section Division 5 semifinals, where they ultimately lost to Quartz Hill High School in overtime.
“It is always tough to lose in overtime, but I am so proud of what the team accomplished,” Federico noted.
The boys varsity soccer team finished as Gold Coast League Champions with a record of nine wins, one loss and two ties. Senior Curtis Boozer was named Gold Coast League MVP. In the words of their coach, the season was “truly incredible.”
Introducing: Stacey Koff
After a nationwide search, Crossroads is excited to welcome Stacey Koff as the head of Elementary School. Stacey was previously the assistant head of school, grades K-4, at the Westside Neighborhood School, a role she held for 11 years. Prior to that, Stacey worked for many years within the LA Unified School District. She served as the assistant principal of Rockdale Elementary and taught in the LAUSD Tier 2 Administrative Credential Program. She is fluent in Spanish and began her career as the bilingual coordinator and a kindergarten, first and third grade teacher at the 75th Street School. In addition, Stacey has a master’s in educational administration from Cal State Los Angeles and recently completed her doctorate in educational leadership for social justice at Loyola Marymount University.
Stacey is already a part of the Crossroads community: She and her partner, Margie Gilmore, are parents to ninth graders Mason and Georgia, who joined the School this year. Stacey’s eldest child, Anabelle, recently graduated high school and will be attending University of Wisconsin in the fall. As Stacey noted in her letter of interest, “Crossroads feels like a wonderful new home for me. The community seems dedicated to a meaningful, individualized and differentiated education with integrity and care at the core. Crossroads is a community that aligns with who I am as an educator, a leader and a person. I truly couldn’t imagine a more perfect place to continue my lifelong educational journey.”
Stacey is committed to faculty development and to creating inclusive school environments that prioritize empathy and care. She considers the concept that education is rooted in principles of social justice and equity “a deep part of who I am at my core.”
Stacey spent several months familiarizing herself with Crossroads’ students, faculty and staff before assuming her position in June. She has also embraced the opportunity to meet parents through two Q&A sessions, where she discussed her vision for the School’s future. “Knowing that Crossroads is historically and currently known as this incredible institution—I want to make sure that none of us rest on the name. That we’re constantly pushing forward, pushing the boundary, being a little uncomfortable and engaging in what is going to make us an incredible institution, not just historically and in the present, but well into the future.”
12th grade
MAXRATNER,
From left: Stacey, Mason, Anabelle, Georgia and Margie
AROUND THE SCHOOL
The Administrative Planning Committee (APC) brings together Crossroads’ senior leadership to collaborate, problem solve and make many of the decisions that shape our School, establishing policies and programs as well as tackling immediate issues as they arise. The educators and administrators on the committee comprise a wide range of expertise and experience and share a commitment to the School’s philosophy and values.
The 10th member of the senior leadership team is the director of the Equity & Justice Institute. A search is currently underway for the next leader of this groundbreaking program. Mariama Richards Interim Head of School Mariama joined Crossroads as associate head of school in 2020. She oversaw the School’s COVID-19 response, supported employee development and built innovative curricular and community initiatives. Her previous roles include assistant head of school for academic program at Friends’ Central School outside Philadelphia and director of progressive and multicultural education at Ethical Culture Fieldston School in New York. As interim head of school, Mariama provides leadership and strategic decision-making in all aspects of school life; ensures the fulfillment of the 2019 strategic plan goals; and upholds the values and mission of Crossroads. She is the parent of incoming kindergartener Aminata McLaurin Richards. Learn more about Mariama on page 44. David Olds Interim Assistant Head of School David has been at Crossroads for 35 years, most recently as an Upper School English teacher; track and cross country coach; and co-chair of the strategic plan committee tasked with reimagining the School’s use of time. He’s also served as a dean and interim director of the Upper School. As interim assistant head of school, David supports the three divisions, serves as a sounding board for the interim head of school and guides the operational side of school life. David is the parent of Crossroads “lifers” Cooper Olds ’16, Riley Olds ’19 and Quin Olds ’22.
FUN FACT: Met his wife, Julie, when she taught biology in the classroom next door.
FUN FACT: Saw Prince live in concert 13 times. Stacey Koff Head of Elementary School Prior to joining Crossroads this summer, Stacey spent 11 years as the assistant head of school, grades K-4, at the Westside Neighborhood School. She also worked for many years within the Los Angeles Unified School District, serving as the assistant principal of Rockdale Elementary and teaching in the Tier 2 Administrative Credential Program. Stacey is committed to faculty development, to creating inclusive school environments and to education being rooted in principles of social justice and equity. She is the parent of rising 10th graders Mason KoffGilmore and Georgia Koff-Gilmore. Learn more about Stacey on page 17.
FUN FACT: Started skateboarding as a child and still longboards at the beach. Michelle Merson Head of Middle School Michelle joined Crossroads in 1995 as an eighth grade Core teacher and athletics coach. She has held roles including eighth grade Core coordinator; assistant director for Middle and Upper School summer programs; and Upper School academic dean. Michelle was appointed head of Middle School in 2017, following a year as interim head. Michelle is responsible for overseeing the teaching and learning in the Middle School; supporting student health and wellness during this critical developmental age; coordinating the day-to-day operations of the division; and developing school projects such as Geo Bee and Family Science Night.
FUN FACT: Attended Crossroads School— in St. Louis!—for middle and high school.
Anthony Locke ’01 Head of Upper School A 2001 graduate of Crossroads, Anthony began working at the School in 2007 as a seventh grade Core instructor and varsity basketball coach. He spent four years in the Life Skills and Community Service Departments before becoming an Upper School advisor and then dean of student life. He was named head of the Upper School in 2020 and has focused on applying state-of-the-art research and best educational practices. Anthony fosters a culture of innovation and reflection among the division’s faculty, deans and students, ensuring that the Upper School curriculum remains forward thinking.
FUN FACT: Owns over 80 pairs of sneakers. Stephanie Carrillo Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Stephanie first joined Crossroads in 1998 and served in roles including co-chair of the Diversity and Social Justice Task Force, interim dean of students and History Department chair/ teacher. She left Crossroads in 2013 to become a teacher leader liaison for the educational organization Facing History and Ourselves and spent six years as the director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Campbell Hall in Studio City. Stephanie returned to Crossroads in 2021 when she was appointed the School’s first K-12 director of diversity, equity & inclusion.
FUN FACT: Creates Mexican folk art. Colleen Bartlett Director of Advancement Prior to joining Crossroads in 2018, Colleen was assistant vice president at Claremont McKenna College. She has also served as associate vice president for development at Rhode Island School of Design and director of development at Colgate University. Colleen is responsible for fundraising initiatives such as the Crossroads Fund, the Endowment and the Major Gifts campaigns that established the Science Education & Research Facility and the upcoming Center for the Performing Arts. Colleen also oversees the offices of Alumni Relations, Communications, Parent Relations and Special Events. She is the parent of rising senior Maizie Bartlett.
FUN FACT: Is an avid Red Sox fan. Manuel Pardo Director of Finance and Operations Manuel came to Crossroads in 2021 after serving as the chief financial and operating officer at Village School in Pacific Palisades for 13 years. Prior to that, Manuel served as director of budget, finance and information technology at the California State University’s Office of the Chancellor as well as a business manager at Windward School and Wildwood School. As the director of finance and operations at Crossroads, Manuel manages the annual budget, serves as the School’s strategic administrator and oversees the functions of Business/ Accounting, Human Resources, Facilities and Auxiliary Services.
FUN FACT: Plays in a soccer league “for old guys” every Sunday. Chris Teran Director of Enrollment Management Chris joined Crossroads this July after spending the past eight years as an associate dean of admissions at Pomona College. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at Texas A&M University, 10 of those as a senior management analyst for Scholarships & Financial Aid. Throughout his career, Chris has supervised teams, created new outreach programs, overseen financial aid, conducted research and analyzed data to help institutions make decisions. As director of enrollment management, Chris is committed to serving and supporting students throughout the admission process with the goal of enrolling an impactful, diverse student body.
FUN FACT: Enjoys restoring vintage bicycles.
AROUND THE SCHOOL
Smiles, songs and serious fun filled the air on the 21st Street Campus this summer. For the second consecutive year, the Crossroads Equity & Justice Institute hosted a Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® site, offering the six-week program to 45 students of color and their families from the local Pico neighborhood.
Inspired by the Mississippi Freedom Summer project of 1964, CDF Freedom Schools aim to empower young people of color by promoting literacy, civic engagement and social action. Thanks to the generosity of donors, including lead gifts from funding partner Pacific Western Bank and the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, the Crossroads program is free to families and scheduled to return in summer 2023. The offering is a partnership between Crossroads, Virginia Avenue Park and Santa Monica College, which many of the instructors (known as student leader interns) attend.
Each morning began with an assembly called “Harambee” (meaning “all pull together” in Swahili), encouraging the rising second through eighth grade students, known as scholars, to start the day off on a positive note. Rising fifth grade scholar Maxwell cited Harambee as one of his favorite aspects of the program and noted, “In Harambee, they always include everyone. I loved all of the reading going on and all of the activities!” These activities included singing, a moment of meditation, the opportunity to recognize a fellow student or instructor, announcements and a special guest read-aloud of books featuring diverse identities and stories.
Throughout the program, scholars engaged in an integrated reading curriculum featuring books by and about people of color, attended enriching field trips and learned about environmental and social justice movements throughout history. The program not only teaches literacy skills, but also empowers students to develop confidence in their reading abilities and celebrate the joy of getting lost in a story. Myra, a rising third grade scholar in the program, shared, “My favorite thing about reading on my own is that it’s very peaceful and quiet.”
In addition to the national Freedom School curriculum, scholars at the Crossroads Freedom School location explored the theme of Black history in California. Each classroom door featured images and information about influential Black figures who hail from the state, such as Santa Monicaborn Nick Gabaldon, considered the nation’s first documented Black surfer.
Mariama Richards read to students during a morning Harambee.
Other doors highlighted icons such as Vice President Kamala Harris; professional athletes Serena Williams and Kawhi Leonard; and author and poet Amanda Gorman. At the end of the program, scholars had the opportunity to research a topic of their choice and presented their learnings in a creative way.
“It is interest-driven by the student,” explained Executive Director Ayana Peters, also a fourth grade teacher at Crossroads. “Some students ended up with a poem because they really like poetry. Someone else might have a sculpture because they’re into art. They’re not bound to any one prescribed way.” Another critical element in fostering the scholars’ growth is supporting and involving their families. Given that economic insecurity can directly impact a child’s performance in school, the Equity & Justice Institute also offers financial wellness education to the program’s parents and guardians.
In addition to Ayana, the full-time 2022 Freedom School staff comprised Crossroads Arts Administrator Janeen Jackson as project director and Advancement & Prospect Operations Associate Carlos Ortiz-Ramos as site coordinator. Rising seniors Farol and Arden Seretean volunteered this summer and Alana Cotwright ’20, a student at Wesleyan University, interned in the program. The Institute plans to hire a Crossroads graduate as an intern each year.
Noelle Lewis’ son was a 2021 Freedom School scholar at Crossroads and returned for a second summer. As she put it, “The Freedom School is a wonderful, one-of-a-kind, unicorn type of experience.”
From left: Student leader interns J’adore Bailey, Cheyenne Banks and Jerikka Thomas; Executive Director Ayana Peters; student leader intern Djoser Ramsey; visiting Freedom School administrators Shaquité Pegues and Courtney Linsey; student leader interns Alyssa Fields and Marlon Turicios
