A new month ushers in a new core value focus!
🌿🧬 IS IT GREEN... OR IS IT GENE? 🧬🌿
Mrs. Toni’s 4th-grade math and science classes turned their classroom cilantro harvest into a fascinating kitchen-science experiment today!
After growing the cilantro together as a class, it was finally time for the ultimate flavor test. But there was a catch: students had to do a "blind" taste test before learning about the science behind the plant! They smelled the leaves, took a bite, and immediately wrote down three descriptive words to capture the flavor.
That’s when Mrs. Toni revealed the big scientific secret: Cilantro contains natural compounds called aldehydes. Humans have a specific scent receptor gene called OR6A2. For most people, it makes cilantro taste fresh and citrusy. But for a percentage of the population, a tiny variation in that gene binds tightly to those aldehydes, tricking the brain into thinking they just ate a mouthful of actual hand soap or dirt!
Our 4th-grade biologists gathered their individual sensory data and took it to the math lab to practice fractions, data analysis, and graphing. Out of 47 total people tested, a whopping 32 students discovered they carry the "soap trait" (68%), while 15 students tasted fresh citrus (32%)!
It turns out our DNA loves to play tricks on our tastebuds! We are so proud of our hard-working scientists and mathematicians. Check out our photos to see their amazing data charts and some of those hilarious "soap taste" reaction faces! 😮🧼📊
Mrs. Toni’s 4th-grade math and science classes turned their classroom cilantro harvest into a fascinating kitchen-science experiment today!
After growing the cilantro together as a class, it was finally time for the ultimate flavor test. But there was a catch: students had to do a "blind" taste test before learning about the science behind the plant! They smelled the leaves, took a bite, and immediately wrote down three descriptive words to capture the flavor.
That’s when Mrs. Toni revealed the big scientific secret: Cilantro contains natural compounds called aldehydes. Humans have a specific scent receptor gene called OR6A2. For most people, it makes cilantro taste fresh and citrusy. But for a percentage of the population, a tiny variation in that gene binds tightly to those aldehydes, tricking the brain into thinking they just ate a mouthful of actual hand soap or dirt!
Our 4th-grade biologists gathered their individual sensory data and took it to the math lab to practice fractions, data analysis, and graphing. Out of 47 total people tested, a whopping 32 students discovered they carry the "soap trait" (68%), while 15 students tasted fresh citrus (32%)!
It turns out our DNA loves to play tricks on our tastebuds! We are so proud of our hard-working scientists and mathematicians. Check out our photos to see their amazing data charts and some of those hilarious "soap taste" reaction faces! 😮🧼📊
BUILDING STRONGER WRITERS AT CROSS COUNTY!
What makes a great argument? It all starts with a strong point and the evidence to back it up!
Students in Mrs. Parker's English class put their critical thinking skills to work with a hands-on card sort activity, learning to distinguish between weak and strong points and supporting evidence.
As they sorted and discussed their choices, students worked together, shared ideas, and strengthened the skills they'll need to write more effective essays!
We love seeing our T Birds thinking critically, collaborating, and taking an active role in their learning!
What makes a great argument? It all starts with a strong point and the evidence to back it up!
Students in Mrs. Parker's English class put their critical thinking skills to work with a hands-on card sort activity, learning to distinguish between weak and strong points and supporting evidence.
As they sorted and discussed their choices, students worked together, shared ideas, and strengthened the skills they'll need to write more effective essays!
We love seeing our T Birds thinking critically, collaborating, and taking an active role in their learning!
PHONICS FUN IN THE SUN!
Who says learning has to stay inside the classroom?
Last week, Mrs. Bethany's class took phonics outside for a little fresh air and hands-on learning!
Students traded their pencils and paper for sidewalk chalk as they practiced writing letters and spelling words in a fun, creative way!
Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to make learning even more exciting!
Check out our little T Birds putting their spelling skills to work!
Who says learning has to stay inside the classroom?
Last week, Mrs. Bethany's class took phonics outside for a little fresh air and hands-on learning!
Students traded their pencils and paper for sidewalk chalk as they practiced writing letters and spelling words in a fun, creative way!
Sometimes a change of scenery is all it takes to make learning even more exciting!
Check out our little T Birds putting their spelling skills to work!
Fourth graders in Mrs. Kathryn's class put on their surgical gloves and got to work during TEXT FEATURE SURGERY! 🏥
Students became reading surgeons as they searched for, identified, and examined nonfiction text features like headings, captions, diagrams, maps, and bold words. They learned how each feature helps readers better understand informational texts!
Who knew reading could require a trip to the operating room?! 🩺❤️
Surgery was a success!”
Students became reading surgeons as they searched for, identified, and examined nonfiction text features like headings, captions, diagrams, maps, and bold words. They learned how each feature helps readers better understand informational texts!
Who knew reading could require a trip to the operating room?! 🩺❤️
Surgery was a success!”
Looking for a way to stay warm AND support our students? The Cross County High School Junior Class is selling Thunderbird blankets to raise money for Junior Class activities!
Perfect for chilly football nights, cheering on the T Birds, or even checking a few names off your Christmas shopping list! 🎄🎁
💙 $40 per blanket
📅 Order Deadline: November 20
📦 Expected Arrival: Before Winter Break
📝 HOW TO ORDER: See any Junior Class member or one of our class sponsors to get an order form!
Class Sponsors: Mr. Brown, Ms. Beckett, and Mrs. Cline
Every blanket purchased helps support our students while spreading a little Thunderbird pride!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE CLASS OF 2028! 🔵⚪
📣 Help us spread the word by sharing this post!
Perfect for chilly football nights, cheering on the T Birds, or even checking a few names off your Christmas shopping list! 🎄🎁
💙 $40 per blanket
📅 Order Deadline: November 20
📦 Expected Arrival: Before Winter Break
📝 HOW TO ORDER: See any Junior Class member or one of our class sponsors to get an order form!
Class Sponsors: Mr. Brown, Ms. Beckett, and Mrs. Cline
Every blanket purchased helps support our students while spreading a little Thunderbird pride!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE CLASS OF 2028! 🔵⚪
📣 Help us spread the word by sharing this post!
📸🏆 THUNDERBIRD TALENT BEHIND THE LENS! 🔵⚪
A picture is worth a thousand words, and Cross County's Alek Corbell is making his pictures count!
Alek has proudly represented Cross County through his photography at the county, Northeast Arkansas District, and Arkansas State Fairs, earning an impressive collection of awards along the way!
🏆 2 Best of Show Awards
🥇 Approximately 12 First Place Ribbons
🥈🥉 Numerous Second and Third Place Ribbons
These accomplishments reflect Alek's creativity, dedication, and passion for photography!
At Cross County, we love celebrating our students' talents and achievements, both inside and outside the classroom.
Please join us in congratulating Alek Corbell on his outstanding accomplishments! We can't wait to see what he captures next! 📷💙
WAY TO SOAR, ALEK! 🔵⚪
A picture is worth a thousand words, and Cross County's Alek Corbell is making his pictures count!
Alek has proudly represented Cross County through his photography at the county, Northeast Arkansas District, and Arkansas State Fairs, earning an impressive collection of awards along the way!
🏆 2 Best of Show Awards
🥇 Approximately 12 First Place Ribbons
🥈🥉 Numerous Second and Third Place Ribbons
These accomplishments reflect Alek's creativity, dedication, and passion for photography!
At Cross County, we love celebrating our students' talents and achievements, both inside and outside the classroom.
Please join us in congratulating Alek Corbell on his outstanding accomplishments! We can't wait to see what he captures next! 📷💙
WAY TO SOAR, ALEK! 🔵⚪
🥎✍️ SIGNED, SEALED, AND READY FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER!
It’s a special day for Cross County Athletics as Kara Rowton has officially signed to continue her academic and softball career at Arkansas State University–Mountain Home! 🎉
Kara’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to the game have earned her the opportunity to compete at the next level!
We are incredibly proud of Kara and excited to see her represent Cross County as she takes this next step in her journey.
Please join us in congratulating Kara and her family on this exciting accomplishment!
ONCE A THUNDERBIRD, ALWAYS A THUNDERBIRD!
It’s a special day for Cross County Athletics as Kara Rowton has officially signed to continue her academic and softball career at Arkansas State University–Mountain Home! 🎉
Kara’s hard work, dedication, and commitment to the game have earned her the opportunity to compete at the next level!
We are incredibly proud of Kara and excited to see her represent Cross County as she takes this next step in her journey.
Please join us in congratulating Kara and her family on this exciting accomplishment!
ONCE A THUNDERBIRD, ALWAYS A THUNDERBIRD!
A few snapshots from tonight’s road matchup against the Earle Bulldogs.
🏈 FINAL | Earle 44, Cross County 8
Not the outcome we hoped for, but we’re proud of our Thunderbirds for continuing to compete and represent Cross County!
Next up, the T Birds return home for Senior Night against Clarendon on Thursday!
KEEP YOUR HEADS UP, T BIRDS! 🔵⚪🏈
🏈 FINAL | Earle 44, Cross County 8
Not the outcome we hoped for, but we’re proud of our Thunderbirds for continuing to compete and represent Cross County!
Next up, the T Birds return home for Senior Night against Clarendon on Thursday!
KEEP YOUR HEADS UP, T BIRDS! 🔵⚪🏈
📚✏️ EXTRA SUPPORT, MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO SUCCEED!
At Cross County, we're committed to helping every student succeed! Beginning next week, we're expanding opportunities for students to receive additional academic support through after school tutoring!
🏫 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Earlier this week, CCETA sent home information to gauge family interest in tutoring opportunities. We encourage families who are interested to return that information so we can better understand student needs.
🏫 HIGH SCHOOL
Cross County High School will begin offering after school tutoring during the week of November 2!
📅 Tuesdays & Wednesdays
⏰ 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
📖 Focus Areas: Math and English, with limited assistance available in other subjects.
Interested students can sign up in the high school office!
📌 Important Information for Families:
🚗 Transportation: School transportation home will NOT be provided for tutoring students at either campus. Families must arrange transportation.
Whether a student needs help understanding a difficult concept, completing assignments, or building confidence in the classroom, we want them to know that extra help is available!
💙 Every student matters, and every opportunity to learn makes a difference at Cross County!
At Cross County, we're committed to helping every student succeed! Beginning next week, we're expanding opportunities for students to receive additional academic support through after school tutoring!
🏫 ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Earlier this week, CCETA sent home information to gauge family interest in tutoring opportunities. We encourage families who are interested to return that information so we can better understand student needs.
🏫 HIGH SCHOOL
Cross County High School will begin offering after school tutoring during the week of November 2!
📅 Tuesdays & Wednesdays
⏰ 3:30 to 5:00 p.m.
📖 Focus Areas: Math and English, with limited assistance available in other subjects.
Interested students can sign up in the high school office!
📌 Important Information for Families:
🚗 Transportation: School transportation home will NOT be provided for tutoring students at either campus. Families must arrange transportation.
Whether a student needs help understanding a difficult concept, completing assignments, or building confidence in the classroom, we want them to know that extra help is available!
💙 Every student matters, and every opportunity to learn makes a difference at Cross County!
🎃 No tricks, just TREATS of CHARACTER! 💙🤍
Adeline and Hayden were recognized for showing COMPASSION by noticing the needs of their fellow students and stepping in to help. Whether meeting a physical need or offering words of comfort and encouragement, they showed that compassion is about recognizing when someone needs help and taking action!
We also have a special shoutout for Mrs. Betty! One student nominated her for demonstrating HUMILITY by noticing how she willingly takes care of the jobs that others don't always want to do. Her willingness to serve others, even in the little things, is a beautiful example of humility!
Adeline and Hayden were recognized for showing COMPASSION by noticing the needs of their fellow students and stepping in to help. Whether meeting a physical need or offering words of comfort and encouragement, they showed that compassion is about recognizing when someone needs help and taking action!
We also have a special shoutout for Mrs. Betty! One student nominated her for demonstrating HUMILITY by noticing how she willingly takes care of the jobs that others don't always want to do. Her willingness to serve others, even in the little things, is a beautiful example of humility!
🇺🇸 FINAL PUSH — HELP US REACH OUR GOAL! 🇺🇸
Cross County High School Beta Club is asking for your help as we make one final push for donations to our DAV Field of Flags fundraiser!
This Veterans Day, help our club honor those who have served and support veterans and their families. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us move closer to our goal and make a difference.
❤️🤍💙 Help us reach our goal and show our veterans how much our community appreciates their service and sacrifice!
🇺🇸 Donate today and help us honor our heroes!
https://support.dav.org/participant/Cross_County_High_School_Beta
Cross County High School Beta Club is asking for your help as we make one final push for donations to our DAV Field of Flags fundraiser!
This Veterans Day, help our club honor those who have served and support veterans and their families. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps us move closer to our goal and make a difference.
❤️🤍💙 Help us reach our goal and show our veterans how much our community appreciates their service and sacrifice!
🇺🇸 Donate today and help us honor our heroes!
https://support.dav.org/participant/Cross_County_High_School_Beta
🏈 IT'S GAME DAY, THUNDERBIRDS! 🔵⚪
The T Birds are hitting the road tonight for a BIG conference showdown against the Earle Bulldogs!
📅 Friday, October 30
⏰ Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
📍 Earle, Arkansas
🏈 Cross County vs. Earle
📺 WATCH LIVE: Cross County Athletics Facebook and Cross County School District YouTube
📻 LISTEN LIVE: 107.3 BOB FM
Make the trip to Earle, tune in, or watch live as our Thunderbirds battle for a big conference win!
LET'S GO GET IT, T BIRDS!
The T Birds are hitting the road tonight for a BIG conference showdown against the Earle Bulldogs!
📅 Friday, October 30
⏰ Kickoff: 7:00 p.m.
📍 Earle, Arkansas
🏈 Cross County vs. Earle
📺 WATCH LIVE: Cross County Athletics Facebook and Cross County School District YouTube
📻 LISTEN LIVE: 107.3 BOB FM
Make the trip to Earle, tune in, or watch live as our Thunderbirds battle for a big conference win!
LET'S GO GET IT, T BIRDS!
🍕❤️ Pizza with the Principal! ❤️🍕
We had a great time celebrating our students at Wynne Pizza Hut today! 🎉 These students were recognized for their achievements during the first nine weeks, earning awards for Highest in Reading, PE, or demonstrating our core values of HUMILITY and SELF-DISCIPLINE. 📚💙🤍
We are so proud of these T-Birds and the hard work, dedication, and character they show each day! A HUGE thank-you to Wynne Pizza Hut for welcoming us and helping us celebrate our students’ accomplishments. We are so grateful for community partners who help us make our students feel special! 🥳🍕
We had a great time celebrating our students at Wynne Pizza Hut today! 🎉 These students were recognized for their achievements during the first nine weeks, earning awards for Highest in Reading, PE, or demonstrating our core values of HUMILITY and SELF-DISCIPLINE. 📚💙🤍
We are so proud of these T-Birds and the hard work, dedication, and character they show each day! A HUGE thank-you to Wynne Pizza Hut for welcoming us and helping us celebrate our students’ accomplishments. We are so grateful for community partners who help us make our students feel special! 🥳🍕
❤️ RED RIBBON WEEK IS COMING TO CROSS COUNTY!
Get ready for a week of fun, creativity, and important conversations as we celebrate Red Ribbon Week, October 26–30!
Red Ribbon Week is all about encouraging our students to make healthy choices and live drug-free lives. We've got a full week of dress up days planned!
🦸 Monday: Superhero Day
❤️ Tuesday: Personal Hero Day
🚒 Wednesday: Community Hero Day
🔵 Thursday: School Hero / School Spirit Day
🎃 Friday: Halloween Day
We can't wait to see our T Birds show off their creativity while spreading an important message!
Let's make Red Ribbon Week a great one! ❤️
Get ready for a week of fun, creativity, and important conversations as we celebrate Red Ribbon Week, October 26–30!
Red Ribbon Week is all about encouraging our students to make healthy choices and live drug-free lives. We've got a full week of dress up days planned!
🦸 Monday: Superhero Day
❤️ Tuesday: Personal Hero Day
🚒 Wednesday: Community Hero Day
🔵 Thursday: School Hero / School Spirit Day
🎃 Friday: Halloween Day
We can't wait to see our T Birds show off their creativity while spreading an important message!
Let's make Red Ribbon Week a great one! ❤️
💀💙🤍 No bones about it, we have some AMAZING T-Birds! 🤍💙
It’s Homecoming Friday, and we’re celebrating Emmett, Lochlan, and Adalynn! 🎉 All three were nominated for showing our core values of COMPASSION and HUMILITY. Their classmates recognized how they care for others in the classroom and use their character to support their teacher, too!
It’s Homecoming Friday, and we’re celebrating Emmett, Lochlan, and Adalynn! 🎉 All three were nominated for showing our core values of COMPASSION and HUMILITY. Their classmates recognized how they care for others in the classroom and use their character to support their teacher, too!
🏈👑 IT'S HOMECOMING GAME DAY, T-BIRDS!
The lights are shining a little brighter tonight at Thunderbird Stadium as your Cross County Thunderbirds take on the McCrory Jaguars for HOMECOMING 2026!
🏈 Cross County vs. McCrory
📍 Thunderbird Stadium
👑 Homecoming Ceremony: 6:20 PM
⏰ Kickoff: 7:00 PM
🎙️ Can't make it to the game? Catch all the action LIVE!
📺 Cross County Athletics Facebook Page
📺 Cross County School District YouTube Channel
📻 107.3 BOB FM
Come out early to celebrate our Homecoming Court, pack the stands, and cheer on your Thunderbirds!
The lights are shining a little brighter tonight at Thunderbird Stadium as your Cross County Thunderbirds take on the McCrory Jaguars for HOMECOMING 2026!
🏈 Cross County vs. McCrory
📍 Thunderbird Stadium
👑 Homecoming Ceremony: 6:20 PM
⏰ Kickoff: 7:00 PM
🎙️ Can't make it to the game? Catch all the action LIVE!
📺 Cross County Athletics Facebook Page
📺 Cross County School District YouTube Channel
📻 107.3 BOB FM
Come out early to celebrate our Homecoming Court, pack the stands, and cheer on your Thunderbirds!
Our Junior High Thunderbirds wrapped up their football season tonight on the road at McCrory.
🏈 FINAL | McCrory 40, Cross County 0
While the season didn’t end the way we hoped, we’re proud of the hard work, dedication, and growth these young athletes have shown throughout the year!
Thank you to our players, coaches, families, and fans for your support all season long.
📸 Enjoy a few snapshots from the final game of the season!
PROUD OF OUR T BIRDS!
🏈 FINAL | McCrory 40, Cross County 0
While the season didn’t end the way we hoped, we’re proud of the hard work, dedication, and growth these young athletes have shown throughout the year!
Thank you to our players, coaches, families, and fans for your support all season long.
📸 Enjoy a few snapshots from the final game of the season!
PROUD OF OUR T BIRDS!
🏀 ATTENTION THUNDERBIRD BASKETBALL PARENTS!
Basketball season is right around the corner! Parents of Cross County Girls and Boys Basketball players are invited to an important MANDATORY Parent Meeting as we prepare for the upcoming season!
📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 High School Cafeteria
Coaches will go over team rules, procedures, expectations, and other important information for the upcoming basketball season.
⚠️ Parent attendance is mandatory for both girls and boys basketball teams.
We look forward to seeing everyone as we get ready for another exciting season of Thunderbird Basketball!
LET'S GO, T BIRDS!
Basketball season is right around the corner! Parents of Cross County Girls and Boys Basketball players are invited to an important MANDATORY Parent Meeting as we prepare for the upcoming season!
📅 Thursday, October 29, 2026
⏰ 5:30 p.m.
📍 High School Cafeteria
Coaches will go over team rules, procedures, expectations, and other important information for the upcoming basketball season.
⚠️ Parent attendance is mandatory for both girls and boys basketball teams.
We look forward to seeing everyone as we get ready for another exciting season of Thunderbird Basketball!
LET'S GO, T BIRDS!
🏈 JUNIOR HIGH GAME DAY!
It's game day for our Junior High Thunderbirds! The T Birds are hitting the road tonight to take on McCrory!
📍 Location: McCrory
📅 Thursday, October 22
🏈 7th Grade: 6:00 p.m.
🏈 Junior High: 7:00 p.m. (following the 7th grade game)
Make the trip to McCrory and help us cheer on our Thunderbirds!
LET'S GO, T BIRDS!
It's game day for our Junior High Thunderbirds! The T Birds are hitting the road tonight to take on McCrory!
📍 Location: McCrory
📅 Thursday, October 22
🏈 7th Grade: 6:00 p.m.
🏈 Junior High: 7:00 p.m. (following the 7th grade game)
Make the trip to McCrory and help us cheer on our Thunderbirds!
LET'S GO, T BIRDS!
