Author: Mary Ploen

Dear SPC Families,

We celebrated our 1st all-school Mass of the 24-25 school year on Tuesday, and it was beautiful to be together praying and singing in Thanksgiving for the start of another great school year! We launched our first American Sign Language Classes for Preschool-2nd Grade this week. I am thrilled that we are embarking on this learning opportunity for our students as a way to strengthen inclusion in our community while encouraging cognitive flexibility, language processing, and motor skills. 

I look forward to seeing you all next Thursday for Back to School Night; please see the detailed schedule below.  Thank you in advance for reading the lengthy newsletter packed with all things SPC!

In this Thursday mailing:

• MORNING DROP-OFF AND AFTERNOON PICK-UP
• High School Fair-Save the Date 6th-8th grade parents
• Parent Funtober
• Fun Run Schedule for September 27th
• Fun Run Sponsorship
• SAVE THE DATE: First Responder Mass November 5th!
• 24-25 Family Mass Schedule
• Back to School Night Schedule
• Volunteering

MORNING-DROP OFF AND AFTERNOON PICK-UP
The start of school can be tricky with everyone settling into pick-up and drop-off patterns. Pick-up should improve since EDP started this week, which decreases the number of children leaving at 3:00 pm. Please know that my insistence on following these rules is rooted only in keeping our children safe. To keep pick-up and drop-off safe, please drive slowly, get off your phone, and follow the procedures. I know parking spots are limited, and we all have places to go, but keeping our children safe is the only thing that matters.

Please read the reminders that correspond with your pick-up and drop-off Route:

SUMMIT: (in the words of one observer, “This is a disaster waiting to happen”)

• Absolutely, under no circumstances can drivers do a U-Turn in the middle of the street anywhere on Summit)
• Please cross at the crosswalks! Do not jaywalk anywhere on Summit. You and your child should cross at a stop sign. 
• When using the kiss-and-go lane, your child must exit on the sidewalk side of the car.
• Do not wave your child across the street at dismissal. 
• Please stay in the kiss-and-go lane until you reach the end. Do not get out of the lane and merge into traffic. 

MAIN PARKING LOT:  (we have some room for improvement)

• Please enter from the northside entrance to the lot (the one closer to Northwest Highway)
• Exit out of the southside entrance.
• Do not make a left turn on Washington out of the parking lot during drop-off and pick-up hours.
• Do not double-park
• PLEASE BE CAREFUL WHEN LEAVING THE PARKING LOT.
• Put the phones away while driving.

RIDGE TERRACE (looking really good)

• If you park on Summit and walk your children to the entrance, please cross at the crosswalk from Summitt onto Ridge Terrace.
• When driving down Ridge (those not in the kiss-and-go lane), please slow down. 
• If you are parking on Summit and walking, do not make a U-turn on Summit. 

HIGH SCHOOL FAIR: GRADES 6th-8th September 18th
Parents, please consider joining us right after drop-off for the High School Fair! 
CLICK HERE TO RSVP 

Date: Wednesday, September 18th

Time: 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM

Schools Invited / Proposed Visit Schedule: 

• DePaul College Prep
• Fenwick
• Loyola Academy
• Notre Dame, 
• Regina Dominican 
• Resurrection
• St. Ignatius 
• St. Patrick
• St. Viator
• Trinity
• Woodlands
• LaLumiere (boarding school in Indiana)

Funtober Parent Mingle – Save the Date for Friday, October 4th
Enjoy a fun evening mingling with other SPC parents in the Safe Zone! See more information below. 

Fun Run Schedule – Friday, September 27:
While Fun Run is almost a month away, we want you all to be able to plan ahead so you can come and cheer on your Tigers!

• Multi-Age Early Childhood: 8:30-8:55 am
• Kindergarten: 9:10-9:35 am
• 1st Grade:  9:40-10:05 am
• 2nd Grade: 10:10-10:35 am
• 3rd Grade: 10:40-11:05 am
• 4th Grade: 11:10-11:35 am
• LUNCH: 11:40 am-12:20 pm
• 5th & 6th Grade: 12:20-12:45 pm
• 7th & 8th Grade: 12:50-1:15 pm

Fun Run Sponsorship Opportunities
$1,000 Family or Business Sponsorship – SOLD OUT!

$500 Family or Business Sponsorship – Deadline September 10th

• Name or Logo on both Fun Run Banners September 18th – October 7th – One in front of the school on Northwest Highway, and one by the main SPC parking lot. 
• Name or Logo on the Tiger Fun Run webpage – Your logo will link to your business website.

$500 Spirit Table Sponsorship – Only 1 Available Deadline September 10th

• Name or Logo on Fun Run Spirit Table — Table provides posters and markers for fans to make signs for the runners

$250 Family or Business Sponsorship 

• Name or Logo on the Tiger Fun Run webpage – Your logo will link to your business website.

$200 Announcer – Only 5 Available 

• ON YOUR MARK, GET SET, GO! Announce the start of your child’s run! You also have the option to let your child announce the start.
• In addition to announcing the start, you also get to choose the (school-appropriate) run-out song!
• One announcer available per run (Preschool, Kindergarten, First, Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth/Sixth, and Seventh/Eighth).

Please read through the sponsorship letter here, which contains excellent opportunities to sponsor the Fun Run!

SAVE THE DATE: First Responder Mass-November 5th

We invite all our St Paul of the Cross parents (of students in grades K-8) who are doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency professionals to attend this special Mass on November 5th at 10:00 am. We ask that you come in uniform and arrive around 9:40. You will line up in the gym and process in with your children. We hope you can join us in thanksgiving for their service and pray for their safety. Students in grades K-8 will attend the Mass with their first responder parents. We will send an RSVP closer to the date!

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. 

• September 15th All 4-8th grade Fall Athletes will pray together. Fall Athletes will wear their fall sports jerseys!
• October 20th: 7th and 8th Grade
• November 17th: 5th and 6th Grade
• 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

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT  September 5th
Download the full schedule here.
A reminder that back-to-school night is a child-free event. We will include a more detailed schedule in a later Thursday mailing. Please note the times we will have classroom presentations. This will allow families with multiple children to attend back-to-school night.

• Grades Preschool-3rd will have sessions from 7:00–8:30 pm. Please enter through door D5 on Ridge Terrace or door B1 for 3rd grade.
• Grades 4-8  from 6:00-7:20 pm (Please enter through door B1)

VOLUNTEERING FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

FIELD TRIP CHAPERONE TRAINING:
WHEN: September 5th – 5:30 pm (immediately before Back to School Night)
WHERE: School GYM
WHAT: This year, we are instituting training for field trip procedures. To be placed on the field trip-approved list, you must attend the training and be fully compliant with volunteer requirements. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

VIRTUS REMINDER:
To volunteer in any capacity, such as coaching, recess/lunch, room parent, field trip chaperone, Fun Fair, or Olympics, to name a few, you must be a registered and approved volunteer. All aforementioned volunteers will only be assigned if they are fully compliant. If you have questions about your compliance, please email Mrs. Miulli. Click here for the list of requirements. You can drop off all forms to either the EGC or UGC office or email them to Mrs. Miulli at [email protected].

FINAL 24-25 SCHOOL CALENDAR
We have finalized the 24-25 school calendar and uploaded it into the Google Calendar, so please check to see if it has synced with your phones.
Click here to download the pdf version.

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

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Fun Run Sponsorships!

Please RSVP Here.

Dear Parents,

Please complete this form for each child at SPC. We will use these t-shirt sizes to order Olympics T-shirts. 

Reminder–Out of Uniform Passes due by TOMORROW- 8/30
HSA programs or co-sponsored activities are already underway and we need your partnership to keep the positive momentum. Out of Uniform Passes fund the majority of Home and School activities. We are asking each family to complete this form. One form per student enrolled at SPC needs to be completed. This form will allow you to purchase Out of Uniform Passes and also provide you the opportunity to donate towards our monthly teacher/faculty luncheon and birthday celebrations.

This year the Home and School Out of Uniform Passes are valid for the following dates (also indicated on the SPC School Calendar). 8/30, 9/20, 10/18. 11/22. 12/13, 1/17, 2/21, 3/28, 4/4, 5/16

NEW THIS YEAR:
Preschool students will be able to purchase “themed day” passes for the same days (for example PJ day, super hero day etc). The list of Themes will be sent in August. 
We are looking forward to a great year and thank you in advance for your continued support!

Thank you!
Home and School Association Board

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Now Accepting New Students for Fall Smiling Strings Violin and Classical Guitar 
Smiling Strings Violin Grades K-8 Tuesdays 2-3 PM
Guitar Grades 3-8 Tuesdays 3-4 PM
Registration information here. 

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Download the flyer here. 

Fall Ballet Classes – September 17-December 17 
Primary Ballet (Grades K-2) – A few spots available! 

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Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway. 
The 10-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/10/24 to 11/12/24. 

For more information and to register, please go to https://2024-2025stpaulofthecrosschess.eventbee.com/ and register by August 27^th 2024 for the lowest rate. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST!

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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

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The Parish Picnic is Back! Sunday, September 8th
All are welcome!  Fun for the whole family!  

Following Noon Mass in the Upper Church on September 8th
12:45-3:00pm
SPC Parking Lot

Join us for great fellowship and a picnic lunch. Sandwiches, Chips, Desserts, & Rita’s Italian Ice DJ • Soft Drinks & Beer • Corn Hole • Kids Games
To help us order and plan accordingly, please RSVP by Friday 8/30 using google form: https://forms.gle/YsSdDsBLbrEoSRDW8
There are great volunteer opportunities! 
For all the details, please download this flyer. 

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Please click here to download the flyer. 

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From Our Catholic High Schools

  

Extras

Edison Park Youth Basketball – Girls & Boys Grades 1-8
Edison Park Youth Basketball Registration Information

Dear SPC Families,

I love that our building is filled with Tigers eager to learn and excited to be back to school! Thank you for all your efforts in ensuring a smooth start to the school year. I know we will have a wonderful school year, and I am excited to see our children learn and grow!

Last week during PD, we calculated the years of experience of our faculty and staff. The faculty and staff of St. Paul of the Cross have a little over 1000 years of experience teaching, nurturing, and collaborating with parents in educating children! We are blessed at SPC with an amazing faculty and staff, and we look forward to partnering with you this year! 

In this Thursday mailing:

• Milk Orders
• Fun Run Schedule for September 27th
• Fun Run Sponsorships
• 24-25 Family Mass Schedule
• A Few Reminders
• Back to School Night Schedule
• Volunteering

MILK ORDERS: 

It is time to order your milk for the school year.  All students (PS-8th) will have the option to receive milk. Preschool will receive milk at snack time and only has the option of 2% milk. Kindergarten will have the option to receive milk for both snack time and/or lunch.

The milk options are:

• Chocolate (Kindergarten-8th)
• Skim (Kindergarten-8th)
• 2% (Preschool-8th) Preschool students will only receive 2% milk
  

Please complete one form per child (i.e., if you have two children who wish to receive milk, you must complete this form twice) no later than Thursday, August 29th.
Milk will begin on Tuesday, September 3rd.
CLICK HERE TO ORDER MILK (ONE PER CHILD)

Fun Run Schedule – Friday, September 27:
While Fun Run is almost a month away, we want you all to be able to plan ahead so you can come and cheer on your Tigers!

• Multi-Age Early Childhood: 8:30-8:55 am
• Kindergarten: 9:10-9:35 am
• 1st Grade:  9:40-10:05 am
• 2nd Grade: 10:10-10:35 am
• 3rd Grade: 10:40-11:05 am
• 4th Grade: 11:10-11:35 am
• LUNCH: 11:40 am-12:20 pm
• 5th & 6th Grade: 12:20-12:45 pm
• 7th & 8th Grade: 12:50-1:15 pm

Fun Run Sponsorship Opportunities
Please read through the sponsorship letter here, which contains excellent opportunities to sponsor the Fun Run!

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. 

• September 15th All 4-8th grade Fall Athletes will pray together. Fall Athletes will wear their fall sports jerseys!
• October 20th: 7th and 8th Grade
• November 17th: 5th and 6th Grade
• 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

A FEW GENTLE REMINDERS:

Morning Drop-Off and Kiss-and-Go! 
If you are choosing to use the kiss-and-go lines in the morning, please remember that the drivers must remain in the car. It is a safety concern when cars stop in the kiss-and-go line and get out of the car; it creates a backup on the main streets, which is a hazard.

Thursday Mailings 
Every Thursday, we send a detailed mailing with important information to all SPC families. Thank you in advance for your careful reading! 

IPAD Agreement
We plan to distribute iPads on the first days of school. For your child to receive their iPad, an updated agreement needs to be completed. Please click below to sign the agreement.
https://forms.gle/7votX5pGB6nitHY76

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT  
Save the Date – September 5th
A reminder that back-to-school night is a child-free event. We will include a more detailed schedule in a later Thursday mailing. Please note the times we will have classroom presentations. This will allow families with multiple children to attend back-to-school night.

• Grades Preschool-3rd will have sessions from 7:00–8:30 pm. Please enter through door D5 on Ridge Terrace or door B1 for 3rd grade.
• Grades 4-8  from 6:00-7:20 pm (Please enter through door B1)

VOLUNTEERING FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR

Lunch Recess and Field Trip Chaperones
I understand there is chatter about the shift from needing lunch supervisors to recess supervisors. The reason for the change is simple:  teachers benefit from having time alone in the classroom without students for planning and preparation needs. Specifically in grades K-2, specials take place in the classroom, which does not allow for quiet prep in the room. This decision was based on what makes planning and preparation easier for teachers. A faculty member and our SPC security will be outside to assist with any emergencies. Thank you in advance for your willingness to volunteer.

Lunch/Recess Supervisor Sign-Up Information
Looking for a great way to get involved and help our teachers? Volunteer to be a Lunch Recess Supervisor! Volunteers will be assigned a classroom to supervise at lunch recess. Duties include supervising students outside during their scheduled recess time. Exact recess times will be communicated, but generally between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Parent volunteers must attend a training session in August to be approved (see sign-up below). Virtus requirements will also be adhered to (see below for more on Virtus). 

If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the Google Form HERE. We will use this form to gauge parent interest at this time. We will communicate classroom assignments in August once class lists have been communicated.

FIELD TRIP CHAPERONE TRAINING:
WHEN: September 5th – 5:30 pm (immediately before Back to School Night)
WHERE: School GYM
WHAT: This year, we are instituting training for field trip procedures. To be placed on the field trip-approved list, you must attend the training and be fully compliant with volunteer requirements. 

CLICK HERE TO RSVP

VIRTUS REMINDER:
To volunteer in any capacity, such as coaching, recess/lunch, room parent, field trip chaperone, Fun Fair, or Olympics, to name a few, you must be a registered and approved volunteer. All aforementioned volunteers will only be assigned if they are fully compliant. If you have questions about your compliance, please email Mrs. Miulli. Click here for the list of requirements. You can drop off all forms to either the EGC or UGC office or email them to Mrs. Miulli [email protected].

FINAL 24-25 SCHOOL CALENDAR
We have finalized the 24-25 school calendar and uploaded it into the Google Calendar, so please check to see if it has synced with your phones.
Click here to download the pdf version.

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

Fun Run Sponsorships!

Welcome Parents! 

The St. Paul Home & School Association is the parent organization at St. Paul of the Cross School. We are excited for the 2024-2025 school year at SPC! As your Home & School board, we invite you to get involved in your children’s school. Home & School is a great way to meet other parents and teachers, spend time with your children, and meet their friends. There are many volunteer opportunities both at school and from your home. Please contact any member of Home & School with questions.

Home and School Association Board
Dan Bohlke, President

Erin Greene, Vice President

Christine Bryant, Treasurer

Rachel Barrett Kennedy, Secretary 

If you would like to volunteer or have questions, please contact [email protected] for more information. 

Please mark your calendars for the HSA meetings for this school year. Meetings are at 8am in Duffin Hall. We will also send Zoom links out if you prefer to join virtually. 
9/6, 10/4, 12/6, 1/24, 4/4 

Out of Uniform Passes
HSA programs or co-sponsored activities are already underway and we need your partnership to keep the positive momentum. Out of Uniform Passes fund the majority of Home and School activities. We are asking each family to complete this form. One form per student enrolled at SPC needs to be completed. This form will allow you to purchase Out of Uniform Passes and also provide you the opportunity to donate towards our monthly teacher/faculty luncheon and birthday celebrations.

This year the Home and School Out of Uniform Passes are valid for the following dates (also indicated on the SPC School Calendar). 

8/30, 9/20, 10/18. 11/22. 12/13, 1/17, 2/21, 2/28, 4/4, 5/16

NEW THIS YEAR:
Preschool students will be able to purchase “themed day” passes for the same days (for example PJ day, super hero day etc). The list of Themes will be sent in August. 

We are looking forward to a great year and thank you in advance for your continued support!

Thank you!
Home and School Association Board

Back to School: Parent Self-Care 
Now Accepting New Students for Fall Smiling Strings Violin and Classical Guitar 
Smiling Strings Violin Grades K-8 Tuesdays 2-3 PM
Guitar Grades 3-8 Tuesdays 3-4 PM
Registration information here. 
Download the flyer here. 

Fall Ballet Classes – September 17-December 17 
Primary Ballet (Grades K-2) – A few spots available! 

Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway. 
The 10-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/10/24 to 11/12/24. 

For more information and to register, please go to https://2024-2025stpaulofthecrosschess.eventbee.com/ and register by August 27^th 2024 for the lowest rate. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST!

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

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Please click here to download the flyer. 

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Community 

From our Catholic High Schools

 

Dear SPC Families,

The building is quickly getting ready for students, and it is an exciting time of year! The faculty and staff started yesterday, and we were blessed with some Student Government and National Junior Honor Society members who came to help prepare for the start of school.

This year marks the 100th year of St Paul of the Cross School! The Class of 2025 will be the 100th class to graduate from St. Paul of the Cross. We are truly blessed as a school with a vibrant school community where all children and families can grow in their faith and become faith-filled leaders for the 21st century. We will begin planning Centennial celebrations soon involving alumni, alumni parents, and current community members. Please stay tuned for opportunities to celebrate 100 years of St Paul of the Cross School. We have accomplished a great deal in the past 100 years, and as we look forward to the next 100 years, I am grateful for your partnership in strengthening our community! 

I look forward to kicking off our Centennial Year on Sunday with our Back to School Mass, Meet the Teacher, and Ice Cream Social!

A FEW GENTLE REMINDERS

Morning Drop-Off and Kiss-and-Go! 
If you are choosing to use the kiss-and-go lines in the morning, please remember that the drivers must remain in the car. It is a safety concern when cars stop in the kiss-and-go line and get out of the car; it creates a backup on the main streets, which is a hazard.

Thursday Mailings 
Every Thursday, we send a detailed mailing with important information to all SPC families. Thank you in advance for your careful reading! 

IPAD Agreement
We plan to distribute iPads on the first days of school. For your child to receive their iPad, an updated agreement needs to be completed. Please click below to sign the agreement.
https://forms.gle/7votX5pGB6nitHY76

School Office
August 16th Offices are closed
August 14th-15th Offices are open 8:00 am-1:00 pm
We will resume regular hours on August 21st.

• Back to School Mass/Teacher Meet and Greet and Ice Cream Social
• Class Lists
• Back to School Save the Dates
• American Sign Language for Preschool-Grade 2
• Back to School Night September 5th
• Recess Volunteers Needed
• Fall Support Groups
• 24-25 School Calendar 

MASS/ ICE CREAM SOCIAL AND TEACHER MEET AND GREET

Please click here to RSVP

On August 18th, please join us for our Back to School Mass at 4:00. Immediately following Mass, we will have a Teacher meet-and-greet/supply drop-off and our Ice Cream Social. In the Gym, we will host the used uniform sale, the Park Ridge Public Library, and the New Family Welcome Committee Table. We will also have spirit wear available for purchase from The Athletic Board! (Checks and cash will be accepted for uniform sales and spirit wear.) 

The Ice Cream will be located in the Safe Zone.

Teacher Meet and Greet/Supply Drop-off will be after Mass until 6:30. If you ordered your school supplies through Home and School, they will be delivered to your child’s classroom.

Class Lists Will Be Emailed Tomorrow, August 16th, at 4:00 pm
We know everyone is eagerly anticipating classroom assignments. We will send welcome letters tomorrow, August 16th, at 4:00 pm. Please remember that I do not accept teacher requests, and requests for classroom changes will not be entertained. We are blessed with an outstanding faculty and staff.  

The process for developing class lists is a very thoughtful one that begins in May with teachers dividing the students into classrooms. For example, 3rd-grade teachers meet to divide the 3rd-grade students into the 4th-grade rooms. Many factors go into grouping students into classrooms: balancing class size, gender, abilities, and behavior concerns are just a few factors. Once those class lists are finalized in June, the administration assigns teachers during the summer.

BACK TO SCHOOL SAVE THE DATES
August 18: Back to School Mass followed by Teacher Meet & Greet! 
August 21: First Day of Grades K-8
August 22: First Day of Preschool
August 26: EDP Starts

New in Preschool-2nd Grade
At the State of The School in May, I announced that we would be substituting American Sign Language for Spanish in Preschool- 2nd grade this school year. Spanish will continue to be offered as a club for these grades during the school year. We are excited to provide this opportunity to our students:

• Learning a new language like ASL stimulates your brain and enhances cognitive abilities.
• It improves your visual-spatial skills, memory, and multitasking capabilities.
• ASL also promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity towards diverse communication styles. 
• Learning ASL encourages cognitive flexibility by engaging different brain regions responsible for language processing and motor skills. 
• This flexibility can extend to problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and creative thinking.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT  
Save the Date – September 5th
A reminder that back-to-school night is a child-free event. We will include a more detailed schedule in a later Thursday mailing. Please note the times we will have classroom presentations. This will allow families with multiple children to attend back-to-school night.

• Grades Preschool-3rd will have sessions from 7:00–8:30 pm. Please enter through door D5 on Ridge Terrace or door B1 for 3rd grade.
• Grades 4-8  from 6:00-7:20 pm (Please enter through door B1)

VOLUNTEERING FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR
Lunch Recess and Field Trip Chaperones
I understand there is chatter about the shift from needing lunch supervisors to recess supervisors. The reason for the change is simple:  teachers benefit from having time alone in the classroom without students for planning and preparation needs. Specifically in grades K-2, specials take place in the classroom, which does not allow for quiet prep in the room. This decision was based on what makes planning and preparation easier for teachers. A faculty member and our SPC security will be outside to assist with any emergencies. Thank you in advance for your willingness to volunteer.

Lunch/Recess Supervisor Sign-Up Information
Looking for a great way to get involved and help our teachers? Volunteer to be a Lunch Recess Supervisor! Volunteers will be assigned a classroom to supervise at lunch recess. Duties include supervising students outside during their scheduled recess time. Exact recess times will be communicated, but generally between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Parent volunteers must attend a training session in August to be approved (see sign-up below). Virtus requirements will also be adhered to (see below for more on Virtus). 

If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the Google Form HERE. We will use this form to gauge parent interest at this time. We will communicate classroom assignments in August once class lists have been communicated.

NEW RECESS/LUNCH PROCEDURES TRAINING:

WHEN: August 15th – 5:00–5:30 pm, or August 20th – 5:00–5:30 pm.
WHERE: School GYM
WHAT: Training on new lunch/recess supervision procedures. We will review school emergency protocols, recess/lunch protocols, and student health protocols. Please attend one of the training sessions to be on the approved list. 
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

FIELD TRIP CHAPERONE TRAINING:
WHEN: September 5th – 5:30 pm (immediately before Back to School Night)
WHERE: School GYM
WHAT: This year, we are instituting training for field trip procedures. To be placed on the field trip-approved list, you must attend the training and be fully compliant with volunteer requirements. 
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

VIRTUS REMINDER:
To volunteer in any capacity, such as coaching, recess/lunch, room parent, field trip chaperone, Fun Fair, or Olympics, to name a few, you must be a registered and approved volunteer. All aforementioned volunteers will only be assigned if they are fully compliant. If you have questions about your compliance, please email Mrs. Miulli. Click here for the list of requirements. You can drop off all forms in the EGC office during summer office hours or email them to Mrs. Miulli at [email protected].

Fall Support Groups
A survey was sent out earlier this summer to assist us with planning our Fall programming. If you are still interested in having your child participate in an after-school program, please use this link for additional information. Mrs.Quinn will follow up regarding registration. 

FINAL 24-25 SCHOOL CALENDAR
We have finalized the 24-25 school calendar and uploaded it into the Google Calendar, so please check to see if it has synced with your phones.
Click here to download the pdf version.

HOT LUNCH 
If you plan to order Hot Lunch for your students, we have new procedures in place this year. Please read through the information.

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

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Welcome Parents! 

The St. Paul Home & School Association is the parent organization at St. Paul of the Cross School. We are excited for the 2024-2025 school year at SPC! As your Home & School board, we invite you to get involved in your children’s school. Home & School is a great way to meet other parents and teachers, spend time with your children, and meet their friends. There are many volunteer opportunities both at school and from your home. Please contact any member of Home & School with questions.

Home and School Association Board
Dan Bohlke, President

Erin Greene, Vice President

Christine Bryant, Treasurer

Rachel Barrett Kennedy, Secretary 

If you would like to volunteer or have questions, please contact [email protected] for more information. 

Please mark your calendars for the HSA meetings for this school year. Meetings are at 8am in Duffin Hall. We will also send Zoom links out if you prefer to join virtually. 
9/6, 10/4, 12/6, 1/24, 4/4 

Out of Uniform Passes
HSA programs or co-sponsored activities are already underway and we need your partnership to keep the positive momentum. Out of Uniform Passes fund the majority of Home and School activities. We are asking each family to complete this form. One form per student enrolled at SPC needs to be completed. This form will allow you to purchase Out of Uniform Passes and also provide you the opportunity to donate towards our monthly teacher/faculty luncheon and birthday celebrations.

This year the Home and School Out of Uniform Passes are valid for the following dates (also indicated on the SPC School Calendar). 

8/30, 9/20, 10/18. 11/22. 12/13, 1/17, 2/21, 2/28, 4/4, 5/16

NEW THIS YEAR:
Preschool students will be able to purchase “themed day” passes for the same days (for example PJ day, super hero day etc). The list of Themes will be sent in August. 

We are looking forward to a great year and thank you in advance for your continued support!

Thank you!
Home and School Association Board

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Back to School: Parent Self-Care 

Back to School Readiness Group:
Main Street Counseling is offering a Back to School Readiness group (for 1st-3rd graders) on August 15th from 12:00–2:00 pm and will be $75. The workshop will be focused on discussing and practicing ways to transition back to school on a positive note. They will also review expected behaviors at school. If interested, please contact Laney Dossey at Main Street Counseling, Park Ridge.

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Now Accepting New Students for Fall Smiling Strings Violin and Classical Guitar 
Smiling Strings Violin Grades K-8 Tuesdays 2-3 PM
Guitar Grades 3-8 Tuesdays 3-4 PM
Registration information here. 

Fall Ballet Classes – September 17-December 17 
For details and to register, click here. 

Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway. 
The 10-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/10/24 to 11/12/24.  

For more information and to register, please go to https://2024-2025stpaulofthecrosschess.eventbee.com/ and register by August 27^th 2024 for the lowest rate. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST!

Dear SPC Families,

Welcome to the 24-25 School Year! I pray you all enjoyed a beautiful summer. We have been busy all summer preparing for a great school year! I am excited for you all to meet our new faculty and staff. While all faculty and staff return on August 14th, teachers are already coming in and working on their rooms. 

Please note the irregular office hours as we prepare for the school year. 

August 12, 13 & 16th Offices are closed
August 14th-15th Offices are open 8:00 am-1:00 pm
We will resume regular hours on August 21st.

This is the 1st Thursday Mailing of the year and is jam-packed with information!

• Back to School Mass/Teacher Meet and Greet and Ice Cream Social
• Welcome New Faculty and Staff
• Class Lists
• Health Reminders
• Back to School Save the Dates
• American Sign Language for Preschool-Grade 2
• Back to School Night September 5th
• Recess Volunteers Needed
• Fall Support Groups
• 24-25 School Calendar 

MASS/ ICE CREAM SOCIAL AND  TEACHER MEET AND GREET
Please click here to RSVP
On August 18th, please join us for our Back to School Mass at 4:00. Immediately following Mass, we will have a Teacher meet-and-greet/supply drop-off and our Ice Cream Social. In the Gym, we will host the used uniform sale, the Park Ridge Public Library, and the New Family Welcome Committee Table. We will also have spirit wear available for purchase from The Athletic Board! (Checks and cash will be accepted for uniform sales and spirit wear.) 

The Ice Cream will be located in the Safe Zone.

Teacher Meet and Greet/Supply Drop-off will be after Mass until 6:30. If you ordered your school supplies through Home and School, they will be delivered to your child’s classroom.

WELCOME NEW FACULTY AND STAFF:
Please join me in welcoming our new faculty and staff! 

CLASS LISTS:
We know everyone is eagerly anticipating classroom assignments. We will be sending welcome letters on August 16th. Please remember that I do not accept teacher requests, and requests for classroom changes will not be entertained. We are blessed with an outstanding faculty and staff.  

The process for developing class lists is a very thoughtful one that begins in May with teachers dividing the students into classrooms. For example, 3rd-grade teachers meet to divide the 3rd-grade students into the 4th-grade rooms. Many factors go into grouping students into classrooms: balancing class size, gender, abilities, and behavior concerns are just a few factors. Once those class lists are finalized in June, the administration assigns teachers during the summer.

HEALTH REMINDERS
The following forms are required for the 2024-2025 school year and must be submitted directly to the school office. Office hours are Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8:00 am – 11:00 am. Regular office hours resume August 21st.
*All Forms Must Be Submitted by August 1, 2024*

• Physical Examination Information and Form  
  *Required for Preschool, Prekindergarten (if new to SPC), Kindergarten, and 6th Grade; all new and transfer students in any grade.
• Dental Examination Information and Form  
  *Required for Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 6th Grade; all new and transfer students in any grade.
• Eye Examination Information and Form  
  *Required for Kindergarten; all new and transfer students in any grade.
• Office of Catholic Schools Medication Procedures Information
• Office of Catholic Schools Medication Authorization Form (Needed only if the student will be taking/using medication at school) NOTE: Form and Medication must be brought to the school office by a Parent/Guardian.
• ATHLETIC PHYSICAL: If your child in 4-8th grade is planning on playing on an SPC sports team they are required to have a SPORTS Physical.

BACK TO SCHOOL SAVE THE DATES:
August 18: Back to School Mass followed by Teacher Meet & Greet! 
August 21: First Day of Grades K-8
August 22: First Day of Preschool
August 26: EDP Starts

New in Preschool-2nd Grade:
At the State of The School in May, I announced that we would be substituting American Sign Language for Spanish in Preschool- 2nd grade this school year. Spanish will continue to be offered as a club for these grades during the school year. We are excited to provide this opportunity to our students:

• Learning a new language like ASL stimulates your brain and enhances cognitive abilities.
• It improves your visual-spatial skills, memory, and multitasking capabilities.
• ASL also promotes cultural awareness and sensitivity towards diverse communication styles. 
• Learning ASL encourages cognitive flexibility by engaging different brain regions responsible for language processing and motor skills. 
• This flexibility can extend to problem-solving abilities, adaptability, and creative thinking.

BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT  
September 5th— SAVE THE DATE
A reminder that back-to-school night is a child-free event. We will include a more detailed schedule in a later Thursday mailing.
Please note the times we will have classroom presentations. This will allow families with multiple children to attend back-to-school night.
Grades Preschool-3rd will have sessions from 7:00–8:30 pm. Please enter through door D5 on Ridge Terrace or door B1 for 3rd grade.
Grades 4-8  from 6:00-7:20 pm (Please enter through door B1)

VOLUNTEERING FOR THE 2024-25 SCHOOL YEAR
Lunch Recess and Field Trip Chaperones
I understand there is chatter about the shift from needing lunch supervisors to recess supervisors. The reason for the change is simple:  teachers benefit from having time alone in the classroom without students for planning and preparation needs. Specifically in grades K-2, specials take place in the classroom, which does not allow for quiet prep in the room. This decision was based on what makes planning and preparation easier for teachers. A faculty member and our SPC security will be outside to assist with any emergencies. Thank you in advance for your willingness to volunteer.

Lunch/Recess Supervisor Sign-Up Information
Looking for a great way to get involved and help our teachers? Volunteer to be a Lunch Recess Supervisor! Volunteers will be assigned a classroom to supervise at lunch recess. Duties include supervising students outside during their scheduled recess time. Exact recess times will be communicated, but generally between 11:30 am and 12:30 pm. Parent volunteers must attend a training session in August to be approved (see sign-up below). Virtus requirements will also be adhered to (see below for more on Virtus). 

If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete the Google Form HERE. We will use this form to gauge parent interest at this time. We will communicate classroom assignments in August once class lists have been communicated.

NEW RECESS/LUNCH PROCEDURES TRAINING:
WHEN: August 15th – 5:00–5:30 pm, or August 20th – 5:00–5:30 pm.
WHERE: School GYM
WHAT: Training on new lunch/recess supervision procedures. We will review school emergency protocols, recess/lunch protocols, and student health protocols. Please attend one of the training sessions to be on the approved list. 
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

FIELD TRIP CHAPERONE TRAINING:
WHEN: September 5th – 5:30 pm (immediately before Back to School Night)
WHERE: School GYM
WHAT: This year, we are instituting training for field trip procedures. To be placed on the field trip approved list, you must attend the training and be fully compliant with volunteer requirements. 
CLICK HERE TO RSVP

VIRTUS REMINDER:
To volunteer in any capacity, such as coaching, recess/lunch, room parent, field trip chaperone, Fun Fair, or Olympics, to name a few, you must be a registered and approved volunteer. All aforementioned volunteers will only be assigned if they are fully compliant. If you have questions about your compliance, please email Mrs. Miulli. Click here for the list of requirements. You can drop off all forms in the EGC office during summer office hours or email them to Mrs. Miulli [email protected].

Fall Support Groups:
A survey was sent out earlier this summer to assist us with planning our Fall programming. If you are still interested in having your child participate in an after-school program, please use this link for additional information. Please complete it no later than August 12th. Mrs.Quinn will follow up regarding registration. 

FINAL 24-25 SCHOOL CALENDAR
We have finalized the 24-25 school calendar and uploaded it into the Google calendar, so please check to see if it has synced with your phones.
Click here to download the pdf version.

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

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Back to School Readiness Group:
Main Street Counseling is offering a Back to School Readiness group (for 1st-3rd graders) on August 15th from 12:00–2:00 pm and will be $75. The workshop will be focused on discussing and practicing ways to transition back to school on a positive note. They will also review expected behaviors at school. If interested, please contact Laney Dossey at Main Street Counseling, Park Ridge.

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Fall Ballet Classes – September 17-December 17 
For details and to register, click here. 

Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway. 
The 10-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/10/24 to 11/12/24.  

For more information and to register, please go to https://2024-2025stpaulofthecrosschess.eventbee.com/ and register by August 27^th 2024 for the lowest rate. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST!