Cross Country Elementary/Middle School

Again, this year I am impressed with the curriculum provided to my daughter at Cross Country. She is extra excited about the sciences she is learning this year. Experiments are an everyday thing with her. Being a third year parent, my daughter is in grade 4, I am not comfortable with the children having to stand in the school yard until 8:45 - 9:00 every morning. Even in inclement weather they leave the children outside. This is not a good look for the staff who normally are caring and nurturing to the children. Also, this year there seems to be quite a bit of bullying with the children, especially the girls and this should be addressed immediately before it gets out of hand. My child has been hurt twice this school year from bullying. The next incident I will bring in the police. However, overall the school teachers are doing extremely well academically with the children. Another issue I want to raise is to give all children a chance to be involved in school activities, not just your upper graders. Open up an academic debate team and choose children from each grade to represent the school.
—Submitted by a parent

This how we do it, Cross Country!!! Keep up the good work!!! The students are counting on you!!!
—Submitted by a parent

Looking forward to my children starting another enriching year at a wonderful institution of learning. Mr. Durham and his team are already on the ground running. Looks like great things are on the horizon!
—Submitted by a parent

My son will be in 4th grade this year and he is looking forward to returning to school. He had such a positive experience with his new teacher last year even though she was new to the school. I'm greatful for such a wonderful public school right in my neighborhood. The principal and staff are working very hard to create a culture where all the students can thrive.
—Submitted by a parent

I witnessed a proud moment at Cross Country Elementary School last evening. The principal and I were standing in front of the school following a meeting that had not gone particularly well. When up walks a gentleman recognizing Mr. Durham from an event he spoke at a few weeks ago. The man was full of praise remarking how Mr. Durham inspired him to volunteer with at risk teen boys and be more involved in his community. He spoke of the change he noticed at the school over the last year. The way students conducted themselves at the end of the day. The change was so great for this parent that he asked for the process of transferring his 1st grader to CCEMS.

Cross Country shines! Congratulations on a wonderful year. The Chess Team did great and there were many new and exciting initiatives, like the college tour and a middle school dance. The 8th grade class even enjoyed a "prom". Good job to Mr. Durham and his team!
—Submitted by a parent

I am the proud parent of a second grade boy. I am very pleased with the academic standards at Cross Country and look forward to many years of paren, teacher and student interaction.
—Submitted by a parent

I'm glad to be part of the innovative ideas and projects on the horizon for CCEMS. I think that Principal Durham is a breath of fresh of air with new ideas and the teachers and parents need to give him the support he needs in order to move our children and the school forward in a positive direction.
—Submitted by a parent

My child has been going to Cross Country since Kindergarden and I have to say I loved the old principal-he truly made the students remember that school is for learning. As for the new principal, I feel he is not as involved in the school as he should be, if does not make him look good to the Board of Education then he does not spend too much time of dealing with the issue. I think test scores speak for themselves and test scores have dropped tremediously since the "new" principal. In addition, some of the new teachers are very young and do not have the same passion as they did years prior. I am so happy City Counsel implemented the new" grading system" for teachers. As a result, of so many negative changes, my child will not be attending this school next year, which is sad because the original teachers who are still at Cross Country are good teachers and parents are very much involved with their children.
—Submitted by a parent

Cross Country used to be a wonderful school. Over the past 2-3 years it has taken a dramatic turn for the worse. I like the new principal and think his leadership is what has been sorely lacking for many years. However, my 7th grader tells me that the kids are just horrible at this school in terms of lack of respect for authority and rules. She says the kids are not held accountable for their bad behavior at school so it encourages perpetual dysfunction. If I'm holding my child accountable at home for their behavior, the teachers should as well. Bad behavior should not be tolerated. God willing, my daughter will not be going to this school next year.
—Submitted by a parent

I love this school and as of today the new principal has made me question the future of my childs education.
—Submitted by a parent

cross country is under the leadership of a very concerned and involved principal. the teachers and staff appear highly motivated and on the same page when it comes to dealing with our children and carrying out the agenda of the schools administrators.
—Submitted by a parent

All three of my children attend the school and the teachers and parents help make the school a growing environment.
—Submitted by a parent

This school is awesome. My son is a IEP student and I was told at his old school he would need medicine to help him focus. Well he attended Cross Country in the 6th grade and he has been doing wonderful. I have no academic problems with him. The teachers are very caring and the principle do not play he is awesome too. I am proud of my son and now he is getting ready to graduate this monday I am going to cry. They helped my son and do not need that medicine. Thank you cross country your the best.
—Submitted by a parent

Cross Country has something to offer every student and they are consistently extending learning for the students with extra-curricular activites. The students can join the National Championship winning Chess team, the debate team, dance club, lacrosse, future teachers of tommorow, student government, the National Academic League, the pottery club, the art club, or any other activity that is sponsored at the school. Kudos to the administrative team of Mr. Matthew Riley, Principal and his two very busy and competent Assistant Principals, Gregory Martin and Amanda Rice. The school is leading the students towards a successful future.
—Submitted by a parent

My son was 8 when he began attending Cross Country Elementary. He just graduated from 5th grade and I know his middle school experience here will be as great as his elementary experience. Teachers and administrators genuinely care about the success of our children. It is a great school.
—Submitted by a parent

Cross Country Elementary is a great school. There are several afterschool activities 5 days a week at Cross Country - drama, visual arts, dance, chess, basketball, cheerleading, an upcoming reading program and so much more. There is so much enrichment at this school. The teachers and staff at Cross Country are excellent and I have no concerns towards my childrens academic success as long as they attend this school. The PTA has a total of 211 members for the 2005/2006 school year. There is so much parent involvement in helping Cross Country succeed. Again, I've had a great experience with Cross Country. Just see for yourself. Regards. MBH
—Submitted by a parent

My son is 6yrs. old and have been in private school since the age of 2yr. and home school for several months then started public school for the first time at another school it was my not a good experience. However this year 12/2005 i am pleased to say that my son is now attending Cross Country and i am so greatful. The difference in what i see is the teachers here are not just showing up they are showing out. They have a special purpose. When it come to the learning of the children in Baltimore, And i give my thanks to them and also the principal who watch over and protect his students by standing outside almost everyday making sure the children have left the school safely. P.W
—Submitted by P W, a parent

Cross Country Elementary has been a great experience for my children as well as myself. I was somewhat concerned upon enrolling my children in a public school; however, my thoughts were put to rest on the very first day. It's now four years later and I have no regrets. The principal (Mr. Riley), teachers and staff show star quality when it comes to the needs of the students and community. The PTA membership totaled 169 members for the 2004-2005 school year, the number speaks for itself concerning parent/teacher involvement. Many milestones have been accomplished at Cross Country Elementary and I applaud their efforts in maintaining a great reputation in our community. There is NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND at Cross Country Elementary School. Ms. Harding
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter is a student at Cross Country Elementary School and I love it. I feel safe knowing she will, does and will continue to receive the best education we can provide for her. She loves her teachers and her principal. I recommend that learning facility to anyone thinking about living in the area.
—Submitted by Lisa Jacobs-Brown, a parent