Crossroads News
October Days Expand Upper School Student Experience
Special programming creates space for rejuvenation and readiness.
October Days are a Crossroads tradition offering special programming designed for each Upper School grade level. The aim is to engage students in team-building and community engagement projects that strengthen bonds between students and create space for reflection and rejuvenation. The shift from their usual classroom-based schedules to workshops and outdoor retreats challenges students to grow intellectually, emotionally and socially in new ways.
Ninth Grade Overnight Retreat in Simi Valley
Ninth grade students traveled to American Jewish University’s Brandeis-Bardin Campus in Simi Valley for an overnight retreat Oct. 14-15. The 2,700-acre campus at the base of the Santa Susana Mountains provided a tranquil environment for students to connect with one another and bond as a grade. Some students enjoyed the challenges of a high ropes course and rock-climbing wall, while others preferred field games, outdoor cooking or interacting with animals. One popular activity was making smoothies using blenders powered by stationary bikes—an opportunity to get some exercise and refuel with a delicious treat. Students also took part in staff-led councils and reflection activities.
Tenth Grade Community Activism Intensive
Tenth grade students remained on campus Thursday, Oct. 15, for the Community Activism Intensive. The workshop began with presentations by three Crossroads community members who lead nonprofit organizations: alumna Ella Larsen ’16, founder of Low Hanging Fruit; parent Sheila Morovati, founder of the organizations Crayon Collective and Habits of Waste and the author of “Imperfect Environmentalist;” and parent Ken Grouf, CEO of A Sense of Home.
Ninth Grade Overnight Retreat in Simi Valley
Ninth grade students traveled to American Jewish University’s Brandeis-Bardin Campus in Simi Valley for an overnight retreat Oct. 14-15. The 2,700-acre campus at the base of the Santa Susana Mountains provided a tranquil environment for students to connect with one another and bond as a grade. Some students enjoyed the challenges of a high ropes course and rock-climbing wall, while others preferred field games, outdoor cooking or interacting with animals. One popular activity was making smoothies using blenders powered by stationary bikes—an opportunity to get some exercise and refuel with a delicious treat. Students also took part in staff-led councils and reflection activities.
Tenth Grade Community Activism Intensive
Tenth grade students remained on campus Thursday, Oct. 15, for the Community Activism Intensive. The workshop began with presentations by three Crossroads community members who lead nonprofit organizations: alumna Ella Larsen ’16, founder of Low Hanging Fruit; parent Sheila Morovati, founder of the organizations Crayon Collective and Habits of Waste and the author of “Imperfect Environmentalist;” and parent Ken Grouf, CEO of A Sense of Home.
After learning how these organizations were created to address community problems, students broke into groups based on the issues that concerned them most. Together, they brainstormed, researched and developed proposals for new nonprofit organizations. At the end of the day, students presented their projects to faculty and staff, showcasing organizations with missions ranging from protecting the ocean from plastic pollution to helping elementary school students of color build confidence and community, among many other important causes.
Vivi Stewart, a sophomore, shared, “I really liked that we got to create an organization based on what we care about. It was very motivating. Even if we don’t actually start a nonprofit now, we’re learning the skills that we’ll need if we want to do something like this in the future.”
On Oct. 16, 10th graders continued their deep dive into community service and nonprofit organizations by volunteering at Ballona Wetlands, Westside Food Bank or Union Rescue Mission.
11th Grade Overnight Retreat in Ojai
On Oct. 14, 11th graders had the option to take the PSAT or use the day to catch up on schoolwork and projects or get some rest.
11th Grade Overnight Retreat in Ojai
On Oct. 14, 11th graders had the option to take the PSAT or use the day to catch up on schoolwork and projects or get some rest.
On Oct. 15-16, they had the opportunity to fully embrace Crossroads’ mission as a K-12 institution. During an overnight retreat at Camp Ramah in Ojai, the 11th graders were joined by Crossroads fourth graders.
The Upper School students embraced their roles as both mentors and learners, creating an enriching experience for everyone involved. During the day, students began getting to know one another and enjoyed playing field games together. They also bonded as older students helped younger ones navigate the camp’s ropes course.
12th Grade Independent Time
Seniors have no class obligations during October Days. Many use the time to work on college applications or visit schools they are considering. It’s also a valuable opportunity for busy seniors to catch up on schoolwork and rest. Crossroads also offered an on-campus SAT, providing an additional, convenient testing opportunity for interested students.
