December 2024 – St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School

December 19, 2024

Dear SPC Families,

I want to wish you all a blessed and Merry Christmas! I pray you have a wonderful holiday filled with family and fun! May the light of the Christ Child remain in our hearts throughout the year.

Congratulations to our preschool-3rd graders who kicked off the Christmas season with a beautiful concert this morning!

A special thank you to all the families who contributed to the Home and School Faculty Gift Fund. We are so grateful for your generosity!

In this Thursday mailing:

School Resumes on Tuesday January 7th!
Re-enrollment has started!
Draft of the 2025-2026 School Calendar
Kiss and Go During Cold Weather
Nominations Needed for the St. Paul of the Cross Legacy Award
24-25 Family Mass Schedule (please see below for additional dates for Family Mass hosted by Religious Education)

School Resumes on Tuesday January 7th!

A reminder that we start back to school on Tuesday. Monday, January 6th is a professional development day for teachers.

Re-enrollment for 2025-2026 School Year:
It is that time again to begin preparing for enrollment for the next school year. Re-registration for the 2025-2026 school year has opened! Reminder- the early bird rate of $75 per student runs until January 10, 2025. Following January 10, the rate increases to the regular fee of $125 per student. All enrollment packets are due by January 22, 2025. Following this date, we can not guarantee space in your child’s grade if not completed. All new students will be accepted on January 24, 2025. Any packet submitted beyond January 22, 2025 increases to $175 per student. You recieved an email on December 6 with the links to re-enroll your child through FACTS. If you are a current family and submitted an application after December 6, or you have not submitted one but are planning to do so, please email Meghan Waldeck at [email protected].

DRAFT of the 2025-2026 School Calendar
Please click here for a draft of next year’s calendar. It is also updated on the school calendar on the website. I do not anticipate any changes to the start and end date of the school year or major school holidays. PD days may change slightly. We will publish the finalized calendar for the 25-26 school year by the end of March 2025.

Kiss and Go During Cold Weather
“Oh the weather outside is frightful and the kiss and go line is much longer”
A few friendly reminders:

Have your children wear their coats in the car – we do not have time to put coats on and keep the line moving.
We do not prop the doors open when it is cold so we can keep the heat in the building. The teachers are just inside and will still open the door.
The kiss-and-go helpers will go inside at 8:00 am–if you are late, please walk your child inside.
And….do not get out of your car or risk the whistle and the naughty list!
And….do not pull out from the line if you are in the cones—that is a really hard to get off of the naughty list infraction!

SPC Legacy Award
We are thrilled to announce that we have established The St. Paul of the Cross School Legacy Award. This award will be given to a current or past St. Paul of the Cross community member who has made a positive impact on our school community and has made significant contributions to our community and whose accomplishments, affiliations, and careers have honored the mission and values of St. Paul of the Cross School.

We will present the inaugural SPC Legacy Award at Celebrating the Spirit on February 7, 2025.

Who Is Eligible?
Any person who has been a St. Paul of the Cross Community member.

Who Can Nominate?
Any SPC community member (past or present)

Due Date
January 6, 2025

SPC Legacy Award Nomination Form

2024-2025 Family Masses: Save The Dates
This year, the school will be hosting family Masses at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel, and it will be an excellent opportunity for our school community to pray together! Our students will be reading and serving as ushers, and our alumni will return to be Eucharistic ministers.

January 19th: 3rd and 4th Grade
February 23: 1st and 2nd Grade
March 16th: All 4-8th grade Spring Athletes will pray together. Spring Athletes will wear their spring sports jerseys!
NO MASS in APRIL
May 25th: Preschool & Kindergarten

While the school hosts the above Family Masses, Religious Education hosts Family Masses on the following Sundays at 10:30 AM, and school families are always invited!

January 12
February 2
March 9
May 11

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

Save the Date! Celebrating the Spirit 2025!

Please visit the CTS website here!
Invitations went home with your oldest/only this week, so please check those backpacks!

Well Wishes!

What an incredible number of Well Wishes coming in! The CTS program book will be filled with them! The Well Wishes deadline is TONIGHT, Thursday, December 19th.

CTS Student Art Projects
Calling all artistic and crafty parents… We are looking for parents to help with art projects for our upcoming Celebrate the Spirit. Mrs. Waldeck and Ms. Leffler can help provide ideas and materials, or if you have a grand idea and want to take the lead (or possibly group with other parents) with something fun for your child’s grade, here is your time to shine! Please complete the link to volunteer CTS Art Volunteer Sign-up.

More SPC Updates

Players, coaches, and sponsors, it’s Roundball 2025 Registration Time!
Player Registration
Coach Application
Sponsorship Form
All information is on our Roundball webpage.

Encouraging Presence Ove Presents: Hleping Kids Stay Grounded

Elf on a Shelf Kindess Edition

From the Parish

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James’ weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.

Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James’ “The Daily” – Daily Mass Readings and Reflections

From the Community

Edison Park Winter Indoor Soccer Registration Information

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest

December 12, 2024

Dear SPC Families,
I hope you are all staying warm during this cold weather!

I want to give a special shout out and thank you to Mrs. Dohr and all the parent volunteers who worked tirelessly to make sure the Book Fair was a huge success!

Please keep our 8th graders in your prayers this Sunday as they participate in their Confirmation Retreat! Confirmation will take place on February 22nd, please keep our Confirmands in your prayers as they reach the final few months of their Sacramental preparation.

This Saturday is PACK THE GYM! We will have SPC teams battling SPC teams from 9:00am until 9:00pm…12 hours of Tiger Fun. Feel free to stop by and celebrate a wonderful basketball season!

In this Thursday Mailing:

Christmas Show is Next Week! (please note logistics below)
Re-enrollment has started!
Draft of the 2025-2026 School Calendar
Kiss and Go during cold weather
Nominations Needed for the St. Paul of the Cross Legacy Award
24-25 Family Mass Schedule (please see below for additional dates for Family Mass hosted by Religious Education)

CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE & CONCERT GRADES PS-3 December 19th

WHERE: Upper Church
WHEN: Thursday, December 19 at 10:00 AM, Church doors open at 9:45 AM. We love to see you all at 8:30 Mass however, we will be emptying the church after Mass to set up and get kids situated prior to opening the doors at 9:45 AM.

SACRED SPACE: Please remember that while this is a Christmas Show, we are also in a sacred space. Starbucks cups, coffee and beverages will not be allowed in the church. You will be asked to take the coffee back to your car if you attempt to bring it into the church. Thank you in advance for your reverence and respect of our sacred space.

GUESTS ALLOWED: We will Livestream so friends and family can watch it. Please be mindful of the number of guests you bring; we have limited capacity. CLICK HERE FOR THE LIVE STREAM

PARKING: Parking will be a challenge; please utilize the public parking in Park Ridge. There is also parking available along the tracks for a fee. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND carpooling! YOU MAY NOT PARK IN FM GLOBAL or RYAN PARKE FUNERAL HOME.

PARKING OPTIONS:

Tiger Parking Lot—small parking lot off of Ridge Terrace next to the Kinnane Center. Teachers will not be parking there on concert day.
Pay for Metra Parking along the tracks
Uptown Park Ridge Public Parking
We are not allowed to park at the FM Global lot. You risk getting towed!

CAN I BRING MY OLDER STUDENTS TO THE CONCERT? No, the older students will see the concert during the practice on Wednesday, December 18th, allowing for more room in the church.

WHY DO WE DO THE SERVICE DURING THE DAY? Excellent question; the truth is when we host the concert at 6 or 7PM at night for these little ones, it can be a challenge. Asking them to perform when they should be unwinding for the day and getting ready for bed does not make for ideal circumstances, especially during the excitement of the holiday season. We understand that it isn’t always the best for parent schedules, but we appreciate your understanding that this decision is focused on what is best for the kids. We will livestream the performance so that you can still see your child perform if you can’t be there.

Re-enrollment for 2025-2026 School Year:
It is that time again to begin preparing for enrollment for the next school year. Re-registration for the 2025-2026 school year has opened! Reminder that the early bird rate of $75/ student runs until January 10, 2025. Following January 10, the rate increases to the regular fee of $125/student. All enrollment packets are due by January 22, 2025. Following this date, we can not guarantee space in your child’s grade if not completed. All new students will be accepted on January 24, 2025. Any packet submitted beyond January 22, 2025 increases to $175/student. You recieved an email on December 6 with the links to re enroll your child through FACTS. If you are a current family and submitted an application after December 6 or you have not submitted one but are planning to do so, please email Meghan Waldeck at [email protected].

Kiss and Go During Cold Weather
“Oh the weather outside is frightful and the kiss and go line is much longer”
A few friendly reminders:

Have your children wear their coats in the car – we do not have time to put coats on and keep the line moving.
We do not prop the doors open when it is cold so we can keep the heat in the building. The teachers are just inside and will still open the door.
The kiss-and-go helpers will go inside at 8:00 am–if you are late, please walk your child inside.
And….do not get out of your car or risk the whistle and the naughty list!
And….do not pull out from the line if you are in the cones—that is a really hard to get off of the naughty list infraction!

Who Can Nominate?
Any SPC community member (past or present)

Due Date
January 6, 2025

SPC Legacy Award Nomination Form

December 15th: All 4-8th grade and Bitty Basketball. Winter Athletes will pray together. Winter Athletes will wear their winter sports jerseys!
January 19th: 3rd and 4th Grade
February 23: 1st and 2nd Grade
March 16th: All 4-8th grade Spring Athletes will pray together. Spring Athletes will wear their spring sports jerseys!
NO MASS in APRIL
May 25th: Preschool & Kindergarten

While the school hosts the above Family Masses, Religious Education hosts Family Masses on the following Sundays at 10:30 AM, and school families are always invited!

January 12
February 2
March 9
May 11

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

Cheer on the Tigers this Saturday!

Save the Date! Celebrating the Spirit 2025!

Please visit the CTS website here!

We love seeing all of the Well Wishes and Sponsorships coming in! Please keep them coming!

Faculty Christmas Gift Fund
With the holidays right around the corner, the Home & School Association (HSA) will once again host the SPC Faculty Christmas Gift Fund. This is a school-wide collection of monetary gift donations which is then equitably divided among all SPC full and part-time faculty, administration, and support staff as a demonstration of our appreciation during this holiday season.

In previous years, families have donated $40-$50 per student (an average of $6-$10 per faculty or staff member with whom your child interacts depending on grade level), however, the FACTS form allows for you to contribute any amount with which you are comfortable.

This donation is in lieu of individual gifts. The last names (only) will be added to the Christmas card that will be given to each faculty and staff member with the check enclosed.

Donations can be made by clicking this link. Donations can also be made via check or cash to the main office. Checks should be made out to SPC Home and School.

The final date to donate is Monday December 16th so that we can process the checks in time for Christmas.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Home & School Association

Dear Parents and Families,

Thank you for once again exceeding our expectations and helping to make our Book Fair an outstanding success!

I appreciate your efforts to support our book fair and can’t wait to see how many wishes can be granted with your fundraising efforts.

Hosting this Book Fair allowed me to watch your kids discover new books, however, all that joy wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers from our school community who deserve my special thanks.

If you have unused funds in your child’s eWallet, your child missed out on the Fair, or if your child has already finished every new book, there’s still time to shop! Our Book Fair will continue ONLINE THROUGH DEC. 16TH. 25% of all online purchases will still directly benefit our school. Please note, all orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Buddy up with a friend. EWallets can be shared. Your online purchases will also benefit our school. Click below to shop our Fair:

St. Paul of the Cross Book Fair

I hope to see you and your child at our next Fair. Until then, happy reading!

Gratefully,

Mrs. Sue Dohr

Book Fair Chairperson

St. Paul of the Cross School

More SPC Updates

Players, coaches, and sponsors, it’s Roundball 2025 Registration Time!
Player Registration
Coach Application
Sponsorship Form
All information is on our Roundball webpage.

Overcoming Parental Anxiety: Responding to the Surgeon General’s Call to Support Parental Well-Being
Parent Webinar Thursday, December 12th.

Elf on a Shelf Kindess Edition

From the Parish

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James’ weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.

Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James’ “The Daily” – Daily Mass Readings and Reflections

The first annual “Christmas Stroll” takes place on Saturday, December 14th. Join us for the Adult and Children’s Choirs as they perform for the event on Saturday, December 14, at 11:00 am in the Upper Church.

From the Community

Edison Park Winter Indoor Soccer Registration Information

December 5, 2024

Dear SPC Families,
This week, we began our celebration of Advent! Our 3rd-5th graders went to Reconciliation after Mass on Tuesday. Thank you to our National Junior Honor Society members, who have been collecting and organizing packages in partnership with the St. Catherine of Siena Guild. After the first run, we’ve collected 120 packages that will be distributed to the homeless. Please see the link below to contribute to the Adopt a Family Program, which helps provide gift cards to the clients of the Parish Food Pantry. Tomorrow, St. Nick will drop off a special treat (candy canes) for all the SPC Tigers!

Thank you for reading the Thursday mailing; it is jam-packed with a great deal of information this week!

In this Thursday Mailing:

Re-enrollment starts tomorrow for current families
Draft of the 2025-2026 School Calendar
Kiss and Go during cold weather
Nominations Needed for the St Paul of the Cross Legacy Award
The Parish is hiring a Director of Operations. Please pass this along to people who may be interested.
Trimester 1 Report Cards
Adopt a Family-donations needed
Christmas Concert Grades PS-3-Save the Date!
24-25 Family Mass Schedule (please see below for additional dates for Family Mass hosted by Religious Education)

Re-enrollment for 2025-2026 School Year:
It is that time again to begin preparing for enrollment for the next school year. Re-registration for the 2025-2026 school year opens tomorrow, December 6, 2024. Reminder that the early bird rate of $75/ student runs until January 10, 2025. Following January 10, the rate increases to the regular fee of $125/student. All enrollment packets are due by January 22, 2025. Following this date, we can not guarantee space in your child’s grade if not completed. All new students will be accepted on January 24, 2025. Any packet submitted beyond January 22, 2025 increases to $175/student. You will receive an email tomorrow with the links to re enroll your child through FACTS.

DRAFT of the 2025-2026 School Calendar:
Please click here for a draft of next year’s calendar. It is also updated on the school calendar on the website. I do not anticipate any changes to the start and end date of the school year or major school holidays. PD days may change slightly. We will publish the finalized calendar for the 25-26 school year by the end of March 2025.

Kiss and Go During Cold Weather:
“Oh the weather outside is frightful and the kiss and go line is much longer”
A few friendly reminders:

Have your children wear their coats in the car–we do not have time to put coats on and keep the line moving.
We do not prop the doors open when it is cold so we can keep the heat in the building. The teachers are just inside and will still open the door.
The kiss-and-go helpers will go inside at 8:00 am–if you are late, please walk your child inside.
And….do not get out of your car (or risk the whistle and the naughty list!
And….do not pull out from the line if you are in the cones—that is really hard to get off of the naughty list infraction!

Who Can Nominate?
Any SPC community member (past or present)

Due Date
January 6, 2025

SPC Legacy Award Nomination Form

Trimester 1 Report Cards:
Report Cards will be sent home tomorrow, December 6th, via email.

Adopt A Family Donations:
SPC has a long-standing tradition of partnering with the parish social service ministry to ensure that needy families in our community have a wonderful Christmas. The Adopt-A-Family program will collect funds and purchase gift cards so families can buy their own gifts. Given the timeline, we ask that funds be collected by December 12, 2024. These funds benefit the families who are recipients of the St Paul of the Cross parish Food Pantry.

Please consider donating to the Adopt-A-Family program so our school can continue this beloved Advent tradition.

100% of these proceeds will go towards the Adopt-A-Family program in Social Service Ministry. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

CHRISTMAS CONCERT (Grades PS-3) SAVE THE DATE:
WHEN: December 19th, 10:00-11:00 am (doors open at 9:45)
WHERE: Church

2024-2025 Family Masses: Save The Dates
This year, the school will be hosting family Masses at 10:30 in the Holy Family Chapel, and it will be an excellent opportunity for our school community to pray together! Our students will be reading and serving as ushers, and our alumni will return to be Eucharistic ministers.

December 15th: All 4-8th grade (and Bitty Basketball) Winter Athletes will pray together. Winter Athletes will wear their fall sports jerseys!
January 19th: 3rd and 4th Grade
February 23: 1st and 2nd Grade
March 16th: All 4-8th grade Spring Athletes will pray together. Spring Athletes will wear their fall sports jerseys!
NO MASS in APRIL
May 25th: Preschool & Kindergarten

While the school hosts the above Family Masses, Religious Education hosts Family Masses on the following Sundays at 10:30, and school families are always invited!
December 8
January 12
February 2
March 9
May 11

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

Save the Date! Celebrating the Spirit 2025!

Please visit the CTS website here!

We love seeing all of the Well Wishes and Sponsorships coming in! Please keep them coming!

Home & School Association Meeting Tomorrow, December 6th
The Home and School Association Meeting will take place at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel tomorrow, December 6th. We hope to see you there! If you cannot attend in person, please use this link to join virtually.

This donation is in lieu of individual gifts. The last names (only) will be added to the Christmas card that will be given to each faculty and staff member with the check enclosed.

Donations can be made by clicking this link. Donations can also be made via check or cash to the main office. Checks should be made out to SPC Home and School.

The final date to donate is Monday December 16th so that we can process the checks in time for Christmas.

Thank you in advance for your generosity!
Home & School Association

The Scholastic Book Fair is here! YAY! Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.
Please click here to download all the details and information.

Mrs. Sue Dohr
St. Paul of the Cross’s Book Fair Chair
[email protected]

More SPC Updates

Players, coaches, and sponsors, it’s Roundball 2025 Registration Time!
Player Registration
Coach Application
Sponsorship Form
All information is on our Roundball webpage.

Overcoming Parental Anxiety: Responding to the Surgeon General’s Call to Support Parental Well-Being
Parent Webinar Thursday, December 12th.

Elf on a Shelf Kindess Edition

From the Parish

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James’ weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.

Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James’ “The Daily” – Daily Mass Readings and Reflections

Christmas Care Bag Project
Help the St. Catherine of Sienna guild with its annual Christmas Care Bag Project (formerly the shoebox project).
Bring the following gender-neutral items to the meeting (We’ll supply the bags and drop them off for you.)

Winter hat
Gloves
Scarf
Warm tube socks
One Christmas card signed from “St. Paul of the Cross Church”

Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Apostolate of Women’s Annual St. Nick’s Party December 8th!
Download the flyer for details.

From the Community

From our Catholic High Schools

Notre Dame

Loyola