Team 12
Brianna, Ari, Audra, Paul, Savanna
Age Group:
7-10 Year Olds
Class Size:
Class Size: 6:1:2
Welcome to Room 12, one of two school- age rooms serving the elder half of our school-age program, which extends to age 12. We utilize techniques of Applied Behavior Analysis (individual visual schedules, individual instruction, least to most prompting, forward and backward chaining, and task analysis) throughout our school day to assist in the acquisition and generalization of academic and social skills. In addition, we focus on building leisure, as well as daily living, skills. Other curriculum strategies such as Learning Without Tears and Touch Math, as well as music and arts and crafts, are infused to help enhance and individualize our program.
Recently in Room 12... our class stories
1.28.26 – Fun with Fish!
The fish had visitors from Room 12 today! Paul and ‘A’ stopped by and implemented lots of important skills. To make bubbles for his swimming friends, ‘A’ focused and put those well practiced motor skills to use! Great job Paul and ‘A’ on a productive and fun fish playdate!
1.15.26 – Room 12 Artists!
Room 12 is filled with friendship and future Picassos! Look at these boys sharing a laugh and being creative with their peers. Crossroads is very proud of Room 12 for encouraging creativity and companionship. Keep up the hard work!
A visit from SANTA! 12.19.25
We were so fortunate to have a visit from Santa and Elf! With a gift for each child, they gave everyone a chance to sit on Santa’s lap and hear a joyful Ho, Ho, Ho!
We’re thankful to Steve Oill, Diane Rusch for their roles! We also appreciate Toys for Tots Capital Region for the amazing help they gave Santa, and Samantha Bailey Photography for her fundraiser for Crossroads by taking orders for photos with Santa!
12/1/2025 A Visit from Moonbeam and Carol
As part of our Giving Tuesday celebration, we were thrilled by a visit from Moonbeam, a flat-coat lab, and Carol, her owner.
Moonbeam, aged four, is certified as a Therapy Dog by Therapy Dogs International, and her training shows. Gentle and sweet, she loves children, and our students responded with delight to her kisses and wagging tail.
This was our first visiting pet this year and we can’t wait to see Moonbeam and Carol again, soon.
Veterans Day Cards - 11/10/25
Room 12 students were hard at work — and full of heart — creating adorable thank-you cards for local veterans this week. 🇺🇸 Using dotters, markers, and crayons, each child worked one-on-one with a teacher to decorate their card and express gratitude in their own special way. Their cards, along with more than a hundred others made by classmates throughout the school, were delivered to a nearby nursing home as a heartfelt tribute to those who have served.
10/8/25 Jack-o’lanterns
Room 12 is getting into the Halloween spirit! Each student made their own paper plate jack-o’-lantern, using materials that matched their individual goals — from crayons and bingo dabbers to glue and paper shapes. Every pumpkin turned out unique, complete with a green handprint stem and leaves. What a fun way to practice creativity, fine motor skills, and self-expression!
9/8/25 Playground Fun
Back to school, and our class has been working hard already! That’s why on beautiful days we head to the playground for some much-needed time to run, swing, and climb. Our students this year love being outdoors, and we love that they are getting fresh air, physical activity, and socialization.
8.13.25 Room 12’s BEAR HUNT
Students in Room 12 went on an adventurous “bear hunt” recently! Ms. Ari hid bear images all around the building, and the class crafted their own binoculars out of toilet paper tubes to prepare for the journey.
With the “Going on a Bear Hunt” song playing on a portable speaker, the students, along with their teacher and teaching assistants, set off to find every hidden bear. There was lots of excitement, plenty of laughter, and a whole lot of cuteness along the way. What a fun way to combine movement, creativity, and storytelling!
8.7.25 Summer Fun, Cool Refreshment!
At Crossroads, classrooms take turns enjoying our water play setup on the back lawn—complete with sprinklers, water tables, and a big pop-up tent. It’s the perfect way to beat the summer heat!
Today, Room 12 got their turn. Some students relaxed in the shade under the tent, while one adventurous friend ran straight into the sprinkler for a splash-tastic time!
We love seeing our students laugh, play, and make the most of summer.
7.30.25 Library Time = Learning Time
Room 12 had their turn in the library today with our awesome volunteer, Chris! The students sat beautifully through two engaging books and interacted with both Chris and the stories.
Being read to helps children build vocabulary, listening skills, and imagination. It also strengthens attention span and encourages a love of books. By participating in opportunities like this, our students are growing in their ability to focus, connect with others, and enjoy stories in a group setting — important steps in early literacy and social development.
Way to go, R.12!
7.25.25 Outside and Free.
Our friends in Room 12 are always happiest when we are outside, whether it’s playground time, waterplay, or enjoying our courtyard. Today we got some time to let out wiggles in the courtyard. The fact that it is enclosed allows for a greater experience of independence and choice of activity. One favorite activity is our Sand Table!
Winding Down in R.12 7.16.25
As the day wraps up, our students are peacefully engaged in their end-of-day routines. After a full day of learning and activity, this quiet time offers a chance to relax, recharge, and reflect. Whether reading, swinging, or simply enjoying a calm moment, each child is supported in transitioning smoothly from school to home.
Egg Hunting! 4.11.25
Today, the last day before our school break next week, we got to have an egg hunt, thanks to Schenectady Kiwanis, who came in the other day and stuffed eggs for all the children in our school. We found eggs all over our classroom, and the kids in Room 12 were very excited! Thanks so much to Kiwanis for doing this for us!
Communication is Blooming! 4.3.25
In our room, students are hard at work building their communication skills through individualized instruction. Each child is engaged in activities tailored to their unique needs—whether using AAC devices, picture exchange systems, or verbal prompts. These focused sessions provide the support and structure our students need to grow in expressing their wants, needs, and ideas. It’s inspiring to see the pride on their faces as they make meaningful connections and celebrate each new success in communication!
AHOY My Friends!!! 2.28.25
By Jacee Leight
These little artists and ocean explorers today are diving deep into a sea of creativity with our ocean themes sensory art! Just as fun as a day at the beach!
This fin-tastic artwork involves water play and fake fishies that look real! And the magic of painting through a bag. Sensory art helps by developing skills in many areas! Like… sensor processing and communication.
These future artists had such a wonderful time exploring water and paint. They created their own little oceans!
Focused Creativity with Water Painting!
2.10.25
Our school-aged students had a wonderful time exploring a mess-free way to paint—using a special water mat! With just water and brushes, they created designs that appeared like magic, then faded away to be used again.
It was amazing to see their deep focus as they experimented with shapes, patterns, and letters. This activity encouraged creativity, fine motor skills, and artistic expression—all without a single spill!
