Cross County School District Welcomes Melissa Williams as New Director of Dining Services
Cross County School District, in partnership with Chartwells, is pleased to announce the addition of Melissa Williams as the district’s new Director of Dining Services.
Williams brings more than 20 years of food service leadership experience in school nutrition, along with a strong commitment to providing students with safe, nutritious meals that support their health and academic success.
Since beginning her career in food service management in 2005, Williams has developed extensive experience in kitchen operations, employee development, and student nutrition programs. Before joining Cross County School District, she served Wynne Public Schools in several progressive leadership roles, building a reputation for dependable leadership, operational excellence, and a dedication to student well-being.
Cross County Superintendent Dr. Nathan Morris expressed his excitement about Williams joining the district.
“Providing our students with nutritious meals is an important part of our commitment to educating the whole child,” said Dr. Morris. “Melissa brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and a genuine passion for serving students. We are excited to welcome her to Cross County and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our nutrition program and the students and families we serve.”
As Director of Dining Services, Williams will oversee the district’s food service operations, working to ensure students have access to nutritious meals while supporting the cafeteria staff who serve them each day.
A lifelong Arkansan, Williams enjoys cooking homemade meals and spending time outdoors camping, boating, and swimming. She is also an avid birdwatcher, particularly enjoying hummingbirds, and has a passion for nature photography.
Cross County School District looks forward to the experience, leadership, and enthusiasm Williams brings to its dining services program.
Please join us in welcoming Melissa Williams to the Thunderbird family!
Cross County School District, in partnership with Chartwells, is pleased to announce the addition of Melissa Williams as the district’s new Director of Dining Services.
Williams brings more than 20 years of food service leadership experience in school nutrition, along with a strong commitment to providing students with safe, nutritious meals that support their health and academic success.
Since beginning her career in food service management in 2005, Williams has developed extensive experience in kitchen operations, employee development, and student nutrition programs. Before joining Cross County School District, she served Wynne Public Schools in several progressive leadership roles, building a reputation for dependable leadership, operational excellence, and a dedication to student well-being.
Cross County Superintendent Dr. Nathan Morris expressed his excitement about Williams joining the district.
“Providing our students with nutritious meals is an important part of our commitment to educating the whole child,” said Dr. Morris. “Melissa brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership, and a genuine passion for serving students. We are excited to welcome her to Cross County and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our nutrition program and the students and families we serve.”
As Director of Dining Services, Williams will oversee the district’s food service operations, working to ensure students have access to nutritious meals while supporting the cafeteria staff who serve them each day.
A lifelong Arkansan, Williams enjoys cooking homemade meals and spending time outdoors camping, boating, and swimming. She is also an avid birdwatcher, particularly enjoying hummingbirds, and has a passion for nature photography.
Cross County School District looks forward to the experience, leadership, and enthusiasm Williams brings to its dining services program.
Please join us in welcoming Melissa Williams to the Thunderbird family!
🦸♂️ CALLING ALL COMMUNITY HEROES! 🦸♀️
Cross County's TAD program is inviting our local community heroes to join our Junior High and Senior High students for a special lunch as we celebrate Community Hero Day during Red Ribbon Week!
📅 Wednesday, October 28
📍 High School Cafeteria
🍽️ Lunch Times:
• Senior High: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Junior High: 12:23 p.m. to 12:53 p.m.
From first responders to the everyday heroes who make a difference in our community, we want to celebrate YOU!
Please RSVP by Monday, October 26, by emailing Mrs. Nikki Williams at nikki.williams@crosscountyschools.com.
We look forward to bringing our students and community heroes together for this special celebration!
Thank you for being a HERO!
Cross County's TAD program is inviting our local community heroes to join our Junior High and Senior High students for a special lunch as we celebrate Community Hero Day during Red Ribbon Week!
📅 Wednesday, October 28
📍 High School Cafeteria
🍽️ Lunch Times:
• Senior High: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Junior High: 12:23 p.m. to 12:53 p.m.
From first responders to the everyday heroes who make a difference in our community, we want to celebrate YOU!
Please RSVP by Monday, October 26, by emailing Mrs. Nikki Williams at nikki.williams@crosscountyschools.com.
We look forward to bringing our students and community heroes together for this special celebration!
Thank you for being a HERO!
✍️ CREATIVITY IN ACTION AT CROSS COUNTY!
Students in Mrs. Brittney Fisher’s Creative Writing class recently put their imaginations to work by writing simile and metaphor poems! Students used similes, metaphors, or a combination of both to make creative comparisons, with some even taking on the challenge of writing extended metaphors.
Junior Addie Clark created a poem that beautifully captures the spirit of community and Friday night lights!
Be sure to look for Addie’s poem near the concession stand at our home football games!
We are so proud of Addie and all of our Creative Writing students for the passion and creativity they bring to their work. If you see Addie, be sure to congratulate her on a job well done!
Way to go, Addie! And stay tuned for more amazing work from our talented Creative Writing students!
Students in Mrs. Brittney Fisher’s Creative Writing class recently put their imaginations to work by writing simile and metaphor poems! Students used similes, metaphors, or a combination of both to make creative comparisons, with some even taking on the challenge of writing extended metaphors.
Junior Addie Clark created a poem that beautifully captures the spirit of community and Friday night lights!
Be sure to look for Addie’s poem near the concession stand at our home football games!
We are so proud of Addie and all of our Creative Writing students for the passion and creativity they bring to their work. If you see Addie, be sure to congratulate her on a job well done!
Way to go, Addie! And stay tuned for more amazing work from our talented Creative Writing students!
🌱 Our Service Learning Garden is officially growing! 🌱
This week was an exciting milestone for our 4th graders! After building our raised garden beds last week, we finally got our first seeds in the ground! 🪴 With cooler weather approaching, we planted radishes so we can enjoy some of our harvest before winter arrives. ❤️
This garden is about so much more than growing vegetables. Our students will have opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences, practice teamwork, take responsibility, and grow our Creatures of Character values along with our plants. 🐝🦌🌻
We can’t wait to watch our garden grow and see what our students learn along the way! We’re planting seeds, growing character, and cultivating a little gratitude along the way! 🌱💚
This week was an exciting milestone for our 4th graders! After building our raised garden beds last week, we finally got our first seeds in the ground! 🪴 With cooler weather approaching, we planted radishes so we can enjoy some of our harvest before winter arrives. ❤️
This garden is about so much more than growing vegetables. Our students will have opportunities to learn through hands-on experiences, practice teamwork, take responsibility, and grow our Creatures of Character values along with our plants. 🐝🦌🌻
We can’t wait to watch our garden grow and see what our students learn along the way! We’re planting seeds, growing character, and cultivating a little gratitude along the way! 🌱💚
Tonight marked an exciting milestone in Cross County athletics as our Thunderbirds took the court for the first volleyball event in school history!
Our inaugural volleyball scrimmage was more than just a match. It was the beginning of a new chapter for our student athletes and our school!
We are so proud of these players for being part of something special and helping pave the way for the future of Thunderbird Volleyball!
📸 Enjoy a few moments from this historic night!
THE FUTURE OF THUNDERBIRD VOLLEYBALL STARTS HERE! 🔵⚪🏐
Our inaugural volleyball scrimmage was more than just a match. It was the beginning of a new chapter for our student athletes and our school!
We are so proud of these players for being part of something special and helping pave the way for the future of Thunderbird Volleyball!
📸 Enjoy a few moments from this historic night!
THE FUTURE OF THUNDERBIRD VOLLEYBALL STARTS HERE! 🔵⚪🏐
Join us Friday, October 23, from 7:00–7:30 AM in the High School Cafeteria for our next All Pro Dad meeting!
A bus will be available to transport elementary students back to the elementary school after the event.
Dads, grandpas, uncles, and other positive male role models are welcome!
Please RSVP here: https://www.allprodadchapters.com/chapters/16079?membership_source=find_a_chapter
If you have any questions or need a volunteer to attend with your child, please contact the elementary school.
We can't wait to see everyone Friday morning! 💙
A bus will be available to transport elementary students back to the elementary school after the event.
Dads, grandpas, uncles, and other positive male role models are welcome!
Please RSVP here: https://www.allprodadchapters.com/chapters/16079?membership_source=find_a_chapter
If you have any questions or need a volunteer to attend with your child, please contact the elementary school.
We can't wait to see everyone Friday morning! 💙
Cross County Community- Let's spread some holiday cheer together!
We're inviting families and students to join in creating heartfelt holiday cards for our military members.
Please drop off your finished cards at the elementary and high school offices by November 6, 2026 from 8:00 to 3:30 daily.
Let's come together as a community to show our gratitude and make the season brighter for those who serve!
Write a holiday greeting, keeping in mind that our troops are diverse in their holiday practices and beliefs. You may decide to write a personal note. For example: How do you celebrate the holidays? What are your family memories of holidays?. The troops enjoy learning about things that happen in your hometown or region of the country. The messages can be serious or funny or both, always keep in mind that appropriate wording is important.
Sign your first name ONLY and town and state where you live. Optional things to help build a connection could include if you are currently, or have been, in the military; if you are a member of club such as Lions or Rotary groups; if you are an elected official or a first responder, etc.
If your card is homemade, please keep the size to no larger than an 8 X 11 piece of paper folded in half. Do not worry is you do not have an envelope; cards will be mailed as a group. If you have an envelope, please do NOT seal it; there is also no need to address the outside, but feel free to decorate it if you want.
Please see some potential writing prompts attached to the post. Let's bring our communities together for this amazing opportunity to bring joy to our troops this holiday season!
We're inviting families and students to join in creating heartfelt holiday cards for our military members.
Please drop off your finished cards at the elementary and high school offices by November 6, 2026 from 8:00 to 3:30 daily.
Let's come together as a community to show our gratitude and make the season brighter for those who serve!
Write a holiday greeting, keeping in mind that our troops are diverse in their holiday practices and beliefs. You may decide to write a personal note. For example: How do you celebrate the holidays? What are your family memories of holidays?. The troops enjoy learning about things that happen in your hometown or region of the country. The messages can be serious or funny or both, always keep in mind that appropriate wording is important.
Sign your first name ONLY and town and state where you live. Optional things to help build a connection could include if you are currently, or have been, in the military; if you are a member of club such as Lions or Rotary groups; if you are an elected official or a first responder, etc.
If your card is homemade, please keep the size to no larger than an 8 X 11 piece of paper folded in half. Do not worry is you do not have an envelope; cards will be mailed as a group. If you have an envelope, please do NOT seal it; there is also no need to address the outside, but feel free to decorate it if you want.
Please see some potential writing prompts attached to the post. Let's bring our communities together for this amazing opportunity to bring joy to our troops this holiday season!
📚 1st grade’s service-learning project, “Little Readers, Big Leaders,” is off to a great start!
We were so excited to welcome Mr. Justin from Jason’s Junk Removal to our classroom! He took time out of his busy schedule to read to our first graders and share his love of reading.
Our current reading unit focuses on community helpers. His visit helped our students see that reading connects us to people throughout our community and that everyone can play a part in helping young readers grow! 💙🤍
👑🎬 MEET YOUR 2026 HOMECOMING ROYALTY! 🔵⚪
It's officially Homecoming Week at Cross County, and what better way to roll out the red carpet than by introducing our 2026 Homecoming Court!
We are proud to recognize these students who will represent their classes during this year's Homecoming festivities!
👑 7th Grade: Annabella Allison & Cali Rolland
👑 8th Grade: Dixie Taylor & Emma Pierce
👑 9th Grade: Hadleigh Crowder & Karma Smith
👑 10th Grade: Makayla Cullen & Makenlie Hollaway
👑 11th Grade: Isabella Andrews & Macy Morelock
👑 12th Grade: Adlee Morgan, Ashlyn Richardson & Myla Wilson
⭐ Ball Carrier: Holden Pulley
⭐ Crown Carrier: Perry Goulart
Join us in congratulating these students!
We can't wait to celebrate with everyone this Friday, October 23, as the Thunderbirds take on McCrory for Homecoming! The Ceremony will start at 6:20.
It's officially Homecoming Week at Cross County, and what better way to roll out the red carpet than by introducing our 2026 Homecoming Court!
We are proud to recognize these students who will represent their classes during this year's Homecoming festivities!
👑 7th Grade: Annabella Allison & Cali Rolland
👑 8th Grade: Dixie Taylor & Emma Pierce
👑 9th Grade: Hadleigh Crowder & Karma Smith
👑 10th Grade: Makayla Cullen & Makenlie Hollaway
👑 11th Grade: Isabella Andrews & Macy Morelock
👑 12th Grade: Adlee Morgan, Ashlyn Richardson & Myla Wilson
⭐ Ball Carrier: Holden Pulley
⭐ Crown Carrier: Perry Goulart
Join us in congratulating these students!
We can't wait to celebrate with everyone this Friday, October 23, as the Thunderbirds take on McCrory for Homecoming! The Ceremony will start at 6:20.
🏐 HISTORY IN THE MAKING AT CROSS COUNTY!
For the FIRST TIME EVER, volleyball is coming to Cross County!
Join us Tuesday night as our Thunderbird Volleyball team takes the court for the first volleyball event in school history! 🎉
📅 Tuesday, October 20
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Elementary Cafeteria
🏐 Scrimmage | Best of 5 Match
📺 Can't make it? The scrimmage will be livestreamed!
This is more than just a scrimmage. It's the beginning of a brand new chapter in Cross County athletics, and we want our community to be part of it!
Come out, pack the cafeteria, and help us make history as we cheer on our volleyball players for the very first time!
LET'S GO, THUNDERBIRDS!
For the FIRST TIME EVER, volleyball is coming to Cross County!
Join us Tuesday night as our Thunderbird Volleyball team takes the court for the first volleyball event in school history! 🎉
📅 Tuesday, October 20
⏰ 6:00 p.m.
📍 Elementary Cafeteria
🏐 Scrimmage | Best of 5 Match
📺 Can't make it? The scrimmage will be livestreamed!
This is more than just a scrimmage. It's the beginning of a brand new chapter in Cross County athletics, and we want our community to be part of it!
Come out, pack the cafeteria, and help us make history as we cheer on our volleyball players for the very first time!
LET'S GO, THUNDERBIRDS!
🎬🍿 LIGHTS, CAMERA, HOMECOMING!
It’s officially HOMECOMING WEEK at Cross County, and we’re rolling out the red carpet for a week full of Thunderbird spirit!
Get those outfits ready because we’ve got a fun lineup of dress up days planned! Check out the graphic below for each day’s theme and join in on the fun! 🎥⭐
We’ll wrap up the week on Friday, October 23, as the Thunderbirds take on McCrory at Thunderbird Stadium for our Homecoming game! 🏈👑
Let’s fill our hallways with creativity, our stands with blue and silver, and make Homecoming 2026 a week to remember!
LET’S GO, T BIRDS!
A few snapshots from tonight’s action as the Thunderbirds traveled to Marianna and brought home a big win over Lee County!
🏈 FINAL | Cross County 53, Lee County 26
Enjoy some of the moments from tonight’s victory!
WAY TO GO, T BIRDS! 🔵⚪
🏈 FINAL | Cross County 53, Lee County 26
Enjoy some of the moments from tonight’s victory!
WAY TO GO, T BIRDS! 🔵⚪
👻 There’s nothing scary about this character Friday shoutout! 💙🤍
Daisy and Carsyn were both nominated by their peers for demonstrating our core value of COMPASSION. Both ladies were caught helping fellow students in need, and making a positive impact on those around them!
We also have a special shoutout for Mrs. Serena, one of our amazing custodians! 🧹✨ A student nominated her for showing HUMILITY through the loving care she puts into keeping our school clean for everyone.
We're thankful for friends like these who make this place B00-tiful!
Daisy and Carsyn were both nominated by their peers for demonstrating our core value of COMPASSION. Both ladies were caught helping fellow students in need, and making a positive impact on those around them!
We also have a special shoutout for Mrs. Serena, one of our amazing custodians! 🧹✨ A student nominated her for showing HUMILITY through the loving care she puts into keeping our school clean for everyone.
We're thankful for friends like these who make this place B00-tiful!
Science came to life in 4th grade today! 🌊🔬
We had a special visitor from the Nature Center who brought a "stream table" to help us explore erosion. Through hands-on experimentation, our students got to see firsthand how flowing water shapes the land and shifts sediment over time.
This interactive simulation really made our classroom science lessons click! A big thank you to Sydney Stewart and the Nature Center for bringing such an engaging, memorable learning experience to our kiddos.
We had a special visitor from the Nature Center who brought a "stream table" to help us explore erosion. Through hands-on experimentation, our students got to see firsthand how flowing water shapes the land and shifts sediment over time.
This interactive simulation really made our classroom science lessons click! A big thank you to Sydney Stewart and the Nature Center for bringing such an engaging, memorable learning experience to our kiddos.
APPLE VISITS CROSS COUNTY!
We were excited to welcome Kimberly Brownlee and Nancy Garvey from Apple to Cross County on Tuesday!
During their visit, they spent time in classrooms across both campuses, seeing firsthand how our students and teachers are using Apple technology to enhance teaching and learning.
💻 At the high school, they visited classrooms to see MacBooks in action.
📱 At the elementary school, they explored how our younger learners are using iPads in the classroom.
Technology is an important part of the learning experience at Cross County, and we are proud to showcase the innovative ways our teachers and students use these tools every day.
Thank you to Kimberly and Nancy for visiting our schools and seeing what makes Cross County special!
We were excited to welcome Kimberly Brownlee and Nancy Garvey from Apple to Cross County on Tuesday!
During their visit, they spent time in classrooms across both campuses, seeing firsthand how our students and teachers are using Apple technology to enhance teaching and learning.
💻 At the high school, they visited classrooms to see MacBooks in action.
📱 At the elementary school, they explored how our younger learners are using iPads in the classroom.
Technology is an important part of the learning experience at Cross County, and we are proud to showcase the innovative ways our teachers and students use these tools every day.
Thank you to Kimberly and Nancy for visiting our schools and seeing what makes Cross County special!
🏈 IT’S GAME DAY, THUNDERBIRDS! 💙
Our Senior High Thunderbirds hit the road tonight to take on Lee County! Let’s bring the energy and cheer on our T-Birds!
🆚 Lee County
📍 Away
⏰ Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
Follow the action live:
📻 Listen on 107.3 BOB FM
📺 Watch on the Cross County Athletics Facebook page or Cross County School District YouTube channel
Let’s go, Thunderbirds! 💙
Our Senior High Thunderbirds hit the road tonight to take on Lee County! Let’s bring the energy and cheer on our T-Birds!
🆚 Lee County
📍 Away
⏰ Kickoff at 7:00 p.m.
Follow the action live:
📻 Listen on 107.3 BOB FM
📺 Watch on the Cross County Athletics Facebook page or Cross County School District YouTube channel
Let’s go, Thunderbirds! 💙
The Junior High Thunderbirds took care of business at home tonight, defeating Lee County 36 to 8!
A great night of Thunderbird football at Thunderbird Stadium!
🏈 FINAL | Cross County 36, Lee County 8
WAY TO GO, T BIRDS!
A great night of Thunderbird football at Thunderbird Stadium!
🏈 FINAL | Cross County 36, Lee County 8
WAY TO GO, T BIRDS!
🏈 JUNIOR HIGH GAME DAY! 🔵⚪
It's game day at Thunderbird Stadium! Our Junior High Thunderbirds are back on their home field tonight as they take on Lee County!
🏈 Cross County vs. Lee County
📍 Thunderbird Stadium | HOME
⏰ Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
Come out, pack the stands, and cheer on our T Birds as they defend their home turf!
LET'S GO, THUNDERBIRDS! 🔵⚪🏈
It's game day at Thunderbird Stadium! Our Junior High Thunderbirds are back on their home field tonight as they take on Lee County!
🏈 Cross County vs. Lee County
📍 Thunderbird Stadium | HOME
⏰ Kickoff: 6:00 p.m.
Come out, pack the stands, and cheer on our T Birds as they defend their home turf!
LET'S GO, THUNDERBIRDS! 🔵⚪🏈
📚🕯️ SOMETHING SPOOKY IS BREWING IN 10TH GRADE ENGLISH!
Our 10th grade English students kicked off their study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth with a creative twist: a Macbeth Book Tasting! 🎭
Students explored an eerie menu featuring several “courses,” including Shakespearean line translations, historical background, character introductions, and spooky treats!
This creative introduction gave students a chance to get a taste of the characters, language, and history behind one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies before diving into the play.
Who knew Shakespeare could be so deliciously spooky?
Our 10th grade English students kicked off their study of Shakespeare’s Macbeth with a creative twist: a Macbeth Book Tasting! 🎭
Students explored an eerie menu featuring several “courses,” including Shakespearean line translations, historical background, character introductions, and spooky treats!
This creative introduction gave students a chance to get a taste of the characters, language, and history behind one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies before diving into the play.
Who knew Shakespeare could be so deliciously spooky?
🎬 LIGHTS, CAMERA, HOMECOMING! 🔵⚪
The red carpet is rolling out at Cross County! Homecoming 2026 is Friday, October 23, and we're ready for a night full of Thunderbird pride!
🏈 HOMECOMING GAME
The Thunderbirds will take on McCrory at Thunderbird Stadium!
👑 2026 HOMECOMING COURT
7th Grade: Annabella Allison & Cali Rolland
8th Grade: Dixie Taylor & Emma Pierce
9th Grade: Hadleigh Crowder & Karma Smith
10th Grade: Makayla Cullen & Makenlie Hollaway
11th Grade: Isabella Andrews & Macy Morelock
12th Grade: Adlee Morgan, Ashlyn Richardson & Myla Wilson
Ball Carrier: Holden Pulley
Crown Bearer: Perry Goulart
💃 HOMECOMING DANCE: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Keep the celebration going after the game with our Hollywood themed Homecoming Dance!
📅 Friday, October 23
⏰ Immediately after the game until 11:00 p.m.
📍 High School Cafeteria
🎟️ Admission: $10 per person
📸 Professional photos: $30
🥤 Dirty Soda Bar: $3 each
This is a Junior Class fundraiser, so come out, enjoy the dance, and help us raise money for this year’s Junior Class activities and Prom. Please bring extra cash if you would like pictures, a dirty soda, or just want to help support the Junior Class!
Please note that admission closes 30 minutes after the game ends, and no reentry will be allowed.
Help us congratulate our 2026 Homecoming Court, and make plans to join us for a memorable Homecoming Friday!
LET'S GO, THUNDERBIRDS!
The red carpet is rolling out at Cross County! Homecoming 2026 is Friday, October 23, and we're ready for a night full of Thunderbird pride!
🏈 HOMECOMING GAME
The Thunderbirds will take on McCrory at Thunderbird Stadium!
👑 2026 HOMECOMING COURT
7th Grade: Annabella Allison & Cali Rolland
8th Grade: Dixie Taylor & Emma Pierce
9th Grade: Hadleigh Crowder & Karma Smith
10th Grade: Makayla Cullen & Makenlie Hollaway
11th Grade: Isabella Andrews & Macy Morelock
12th Grade: Adlee Morgan, Ashlyn Richardson & Myla Wilson
Ball Carrier: Holden Pulley
Crown Bearer: Perry Goulart
💃 HOMECOMING DANCE: LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Keep the celebration going after the game with our Hollywood themed Homecoming Dance!
📅 Friday, October 23
⏰ Immediately after the game until 11:00 p.m.
📍 High School Cafeteria
🎟️ Admission: $10 per person
📸 Professional photos: $30
🥤 Dirty Soda Bar: $3 each
This is a Junior Class fundraiser, so come out, enjoy the dance, and help us raise money for this year’s Junior Class activities and Prom. Please bring extra cash if you would like pictures, a dirty soda, or just want to help support the Junior Class!
Please note that admission closes 30 minutes after the game ends, and no reentry will be allowed.
Help us congratulate our 2026 Homecoming Court, and make plans to join us for a memorable Homecoming Friday!
LET'S GO, THUNDERBIRDS!
