February 27, 2025

Dear SPC Families,

IMPORTANT:  MAIN PARKING LOT ON TUESDAY, MARCH 4th!
The church is undergoing a large chiller project requiring the main parking lot to be closed for drop-off on Tuesday.  It is important to note the following:

  • The Main Parking Lot will be closed at 6:30 am.
  • Please use Washington for drop-off. DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILD OFF NORTHBOUND ON WASHINGTON, WE DO NOT WANT KIDS CROSSING THE STREET IN BETWEEN TRAFFIC.
  • You may also use Summit and Ridge Terrace for Kiss and Go.  
  • We strongly encourage all families to use the kiss and go on Tuesday. We will open the school doors at 7:40 am to aid in this.
  • You may not park in the FM Global lot and walk your children over.
  • We hope the large crane will be gone by 1:30 for pickup. However, if the parking lot is closed, please use public parking or the Metra spaces.

ROUNDBALL STARTS THIS WEEKEND!
One of the most beloved traditions for students, parents, and alumni is days away! The gym will be full, basketball will be exciting, and the concessions will be healthy and nutritious! Games begin on Sunday and continue through the week with games each evening. We hope you can come and join in the SPC Spirit! Download the Roundball Tournament brackets here.

PALMS NEEDED
On Tuesday, March 4th, we will have our Palm Burning Prayer Service. Please have your children bring in last year’s Palms. 

ASH WEDNESDAY:
We will be having Ash Wednesday Mass next Wednesday. Preschool classes will be visited in the morning to receive their ashes.

Shamrock Shakes are Back!
Once again, NJHS is sponsoring a Shamrock Shake fundraiser, with proceeds benefiting the Church Lenten almsgiving project to support Our Mother of Mercy Parish in Mobile, Alabama. A shake costs $5, and you can place orders until March 6th at 10 am. No late orders will be accepted. Shakes will be delivered during lunchtime on March 17th. Thank you for your support.
Shamrock Shakes Click Here!

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES:
Next week, conferences will begin on Thursday, with dismissal at noon. Attendance at Parent-Teacher conferences is strongly encouraged.

The Pick-A-Time portal opened on February 25th. Please find instructions below on how to create an account and sign up for parent-teacher conferences. If you created a Pick-A-Time account in the fall, please use those login credentials. Spring conferences are required. Please schedule a conference with your child’s teacher(s). If you have any technical questions, please get in touch with me via email.

Conference Sign-Up Instructions 

March 6th- Dismissal at 12:00 pm – NO AFTERNOON EDP TODAY!
March 6th in-person Conferences 1:00-8:00 pm
March 7th -Asynchronous Learning Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences

CAREER DAY Grades 4-8th SPEAKERS NEEDED:
We are looking for SPC parents to come and share their career experiences!  Would you like to be a speaker?  CLICK HERE Middle School is a great time for your students to start learning about different careers from the best people possible–YOU!

SAVE THE DATE: May 2, 2025
TIME: 8:15-11:30 AM
Grades 4-8 will spend the morning listening to parents from diverse fields talk about their careers. You will have four sessions from 8:15-11:30 to speak to small groups of students. You may not have to be here the entire morning, depending on the schedule. 

SAVE THE DATES – March

  • Roundball March 2-8th

    Parent-Teacher Conferences:
  • March 6th– Dismissal at 12:00 pm
  • March 6th in-person Conferences 1:00–8:00 pm
  • March 7th -Asynchronous Learning Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences

2024-2025 Family Masses: Save The Dates
This year, we have been hosting Family Masses at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel. These Family Masses are an excellent opportunity for our school community to pray together! Our students do the readings, serve as ushers, and our alumni return to be Eucharistic Ministers. 

  • 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!
March 9
May 11

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh



SPC Athletics

Click here to download this week’s Athletics Newsletter.

Click here to register now!

More SPC Updates

Teens and Anxiety and Durability
Dr. Damour shares her insights on how school pressures, social media, and widespread fears affect teenagers’ mental health. We explore healthy coping strategies, effective parenting techniques, and the importance of shifting perspectives to manage discomfort.

Turning Distress into Durability


The deadline to order a St. Paul of the Cross yearbook is Friday, April 4th. If you are not sure if you have already ordered a yearbook, please contact Mrs. McCallister at [email protected] before ordering. Click here to download the flyer with details.


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

Friday Night Fish Fry Events

Our SPC Fish Fry events are a highlight of the Lenten season—a time to come together as a parish community, enjoy delicious food, and strengthen our bonds of fellowship. Mark your calendars for Friday, March 21, and Friday, April 11.

These events are only possible with the help of volunteers like you! The SPC Women’s Group partners with the Knights of Columbus for these events. We have many opportunities for you to help make these welcoming and successful events for our parish. All members of the parish are welcome to volunteer. This is also a great opportunity for students to earn service hours. Volunteer here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ADA829AAFAC43-55171549-spclenten

We also need donations of beer, wine and desserts. You can drop them off the day of the fish fry or coordinate drop-off on an earlier date. Please email us at [email protected] if you are able to donate.


Women’s Group Retreat March 6th
Reflect, Recharge, Renew
Please click here to download the flyer and all of the details.


From the Community

February 20, 2025

Dear SPC Families,

This weekend, we celebrate our 8th grade Confirmands! On Saturday morning, our 8th graders will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation.  Please keep them all in your prayers as they receive the sacrament of Confirmation! I want to thank Mrs. Donahue and Mrs. Parkhill for all they have done to prepare the students for Confirmation. 

Saturday evening, Home and School will be hosting the Sock Hop! We have over 700 dancers and sweethearts ready to dance and enjoy a fun evening! A special shout out to Home and School for planning this wonderful tradition.

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES:

Parent-teacher conferences are on March 6th (in person) and March 7th (Google Meets). On February 25th, Pick a Time opens to schedule your conferences! We strongly encourage parent participation in these valuable teacher conversations. 

Last Call Celebrating the Spirit Teacher Parties!
Don’t miss out on signing up your students for the awesome Teacher Treats! You have through tomorrow, Friday, February 21st. 

A very special thanks to our incredible teachers for planning these fun after school Teacher Treats (parties) for the students! Please visit the Celebrating the Spirit website to sign up! Thank you for supporting St. Paul of the Cross School!

CAREER DAY Grades 4-8th SPEAKERS NEEDED:
We are looking for SPC parents to come and share their career experiences!  Would you like to be a speaker?  CLICK HERE Middle School is a great time for your students to start learning about different careers from the best people possible–YOU!

SAVE THE DATE: May 2, 2025
TIME: 8:15-11:30 AM

Grades 4-8 will spend the morning listening to parents from diverse fields talk about their careers. You will have four sessions from 8:15-11:30 to speak to small groups of students. You may not have to be here the entire morning, depending on the schedule. 

SAVE THE DATES – March

  • Roundball – March 1-8th
    Parent-Teacher Conferences:
  • March 6th- Dismissal at 12:00 pm
  • March 6th in-person Conferences 1:00–8:00 pm
  • March 7th -Asynchronous Learning Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences

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. 

  • 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!
March 9
May 11

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh



Twist and Shout!  It’s time for a 1950s Sock Hop!
All preschool – 8th grade girls are invited to attend the annual SPC Sweetheart Dance.  

Tickets are still available for the 4pm and 7:30pm time slots. Tickets can be purchased thru Thursday, February 20th here. Tickets will not be available at the door.  

To help the event run smoothly, we are looking for volunteers to help with set-up, check-in and clean-up. We can’t make this event happen without you!  Sign up here.  We are in great need of 3-4 additional volunteers to help with set up from 1:30pm – 3:30pm and 3-4 additional volunteers to help with check-in from 5pm – 7:30pm.

*We are unable to provide refunds or make switches of time slots once tickets have been purchased.*


SPC Athletics

Click here to register now!

Click here to download the Athletics Newsletter

More SPC Updates

Please click on the Hot Lunch image above to register today!

Teens and Anxiety and Durability
Dr. Damour shares her insights on how school pressures, social media, and widespread fears affect teenagers’ mental health. We explore healthy coping strategies, effective parenting techniques, and the importance of shifting perspectives to manage discomfort.

Turning Distress into Durability


The deadline to order a St. Paul of the Cross yearbook is Friday, April 4th. If you are not sure if you have already ordered a yearbook, please contact Mrs. McCallister at [email protected] before ordering. Click here to download the flyer with details.


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

Women’s Group Retreat March 6th
Reflect, Recharge, Renew
Please click here to download the flyer and all of the details.


From the Community

February 13, 2025

Dear SPC Families,

Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and volunteered for Celebrating the Spirit!  It was a fun 100th birthday party! We are still finalizing the numbers as donations are still coming in, but it was a tremendous success, thanks to all of your generosity and support!

Celebrating the Spirit Teacher Parties and Party Board Spaces!
Though Celebrating the Spirit is over, we are still celebrating our SPC spirit! Now it’s time for the Teacher Treats and a few remaining Party Board spots!

A very special thanks to our generous party hosts for setting up a great social calendar for our SPC parents and to our incredible teachers for planning these fun Teacher Treats for the students!

We will keep any open parties online until they are sold out or through Friday, February 21st, whichever comes first. If you are planning on signing up, don’t delay. The Teacher Treats also close after Friday, February 21st.

Please visit the Celebrating the Spirit website to sign up for both the Teacher Treats and the Party Boards on the same page.  

PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES:

Parent-teacher conferences are on March 6th (in person) and March 7th (Google Meets). On February 20th, we will send information on scheduling your conferences through Pick a Time!

CAREER DAY Grades 4-8th SPEAKERS NEEDED:
We are looking for SPC parents to come and share their career experiences!  Would you like to be a speaker?  CLICK HERE Middle School is a great time for your students to start learning about different careers from the best people possible–YOU!

SAVE THE DATE: May 2, 2025
TIME: 8:15-11:30 AM

Grades 4-8 will spend the morning listening to parents from diverse fields talk about their careers. You will have four sessions from 8:15-11:30 to speak to small groups of students. You may not have to be here the entire morning, depending on the schedule. 

SAVE THE DATES (FEBRUARY & March)

  • February 14: No School – Professional Development Day
  • February 17: No School – Presidents Day
  • Roundball – March 1-8th

    Parent-Teacher Conferences:
  • March 6th- Dismissal at 12:00 pm
  • March 6th in-person Conferences 1:00–8:00 pm
  • March 7th -Asynchronous Learning Remote Parent-Teacher Conferences

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. 

  • 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!
March 9
May 11

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh



Twist and Shout!  It’s time for a 1950s Sock Hop!
All preschool – 8th grade girls are invited to attend the annual SPC Sweetheart Dance.  Tickets can be purchased thru Thursday, February 20th here. Tickets will not be available at the door.  

To help the event run smoothly, we are looking for volunteers to help with set-up, check-in and clean-up. We can’t make this event happen without you!  Sign up here.

*We are unable to provide refunds or make switches of time slots once tickets have been purchased.*


SPC Athletics

Click here to register now!

Click here to download the Athletics Newsletter

More SPC Updates

Teens and Anxiety and Durability
Dr. Damour shares her insights on how school pressures, social media, and widespread fears affect teenagers’ mental health. We explore healthy coping strategies, effective parenting techniques, and the importance of shifting perspectives to manage discomfort.

Turning Distress into Durability


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


The deadline to order a St. Paul of the Cross yearbook is Friday, April 4th. If you are not sure if you have already ordered a yearbook, please contact Mrs. McCallister at [email protected] before ordering. Click here to download the flyer with details.


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

Women’s Group Retreat March 6th
Reflect, Recharge, Renew
Please click here to download the flyer and all of the details.


From the Community

February 6, 2025

Dear SPC Families,

I look forward to Celebrating 100 years of St. Paul of the Cross School Spirit tomorrow and honoring the legacy of Maggie Burke! The CTS program book went home Monday so everyone could review auction items and the adorable well wishes. I want to thank our wonderful co-chairs, Megan Weber and Kelly Bontempo, and their committee for all their hard work in planning the birthday party of the century! A special shout out to Mary Ploen, who has been the point person for CTS for the past 16 years! I look forward to raising money and toasting to the next 100 years with you tomorrow!

Student Council is still collecting donations for the “Souper Bowl,” which will benefit the parish food pantry!

CAREER DAY Grades 4-8th SPEAKERS NEEDED:
We are looking for SPC parents to come and share their career experiences!  Would you like to be a speaker?  CLICK HERE Middle School is a great time for your students to start learning about different careers from the best people possible–YOU!

SAVE THE DATE: May 2, 2025
TIME: 8:15-11:30 AM

Grades 4-8 will spend the morning listening to parents from diverse fields talk about their careers. You will have four sessions from 8:15-11:30 to speak to small groups of students. You may not have to be here the entire morning, depending on the schedule. 

SAVE THE DATES (JANUARY & FEBRUARY)

  • February 7: Celebrating the Spirit
  • February 10: No School – Superbowl Monday reward from Fun Run
  • February 14: No School – Professional Development Day
  • February 17: No School – Presidents Day

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. 

  • 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!
March 9
May 11

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh


We are so excited! The Birthday Party of the Century is tomorrow night, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all! What an amazing turnout!

Those attending Celebrating the Spirit should have already received your welcome message about online bidding last night. Please DO NOT register for online bidding twice; if you have already received the welcome message text and/or email, you are already registered for online bidding. The Party Boards will be at CTS Friday night, and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up upon arrival.

For those of you who are unable to join us tomorrow night but still want to be a part of our online silent auction, the Silent Auction is online now! Click on the provided link below to automatically browse the auction packages. The “how to” is in the email blast we sent out this afternoon.

Let the Bidding Begin! https://spcsch2025.ggo.bid

Please contact us with any questions—Megan Weber at [email protected], Kelly Bontempo at [email protected], or Mary Ploen at [email protected].

Here are some FAQs about Celebrating the Spirit! Get the scoop on the evening program, what to expect, and more! CTS 2025 FAQ
Thank you for your support!



Twist and Shout!  It’s time for a 1950s Sock Hop!
All preschool – 8th grade girls are invited to attend the annual SPC Sweetheart Dance.  

Tickets can be purchased thru Thursday, February 20th here.  Tickets will not be available at the door.
*We are unable to provide refunds or make switches of time slots once tickets have been purchased.


More SPC Updates

Spring Ballet with Ms. Rio
Please click on the flyer here.

Teens and Anxiety and Durability
Dr. Damour shares her insights on how school pressures, social media, and widespread fears affect teenagers’ mental health. We explore healthy coping strategies, effective parenting techniques, and the importance of shifting perspectives to manage discomfort.

Turning Distress into Durability


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


The deadline to order a St. Paul of the Cross yearbook is Friday, April 4th. If you are not sure if you have already ordered a yearbook, please contact Mrs. McCallister at [email protected] before ordering. Click here to download the flyer with details.


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

Women’s Group Retreat March 6th
Reflect, Recharge, Renew
Please click here for the details.


From the Community