As we continue through this beautiful Easter season, we look ahead to the great celebration of Pentecost Sunday this weekend. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with courage, wisdom, joy, and faith. May we continue to pray that the Spirit guides our students, families, faculty, and parish community as we finish our school year strong. We encourage all families to attend Mass this weekend and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit together.
Our Spring Musical performances will take place tonight and tomorrow night, Thursday and Friday, from 6:30–8:30 PM. We are incredibly proud of our student performers and grateful to the faculty, staff, and parent volunteers who helped make this production possible. Thank you to all who signed up for our first “Dinner and a Show” performance on Thursday evening. Dinner will begin at 5:00 PM, and we look forward to a wonderful evening celebrating the arts and our school community.
Please note there will be no school on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We wish all of our SPC families a happy, safe, and restful holiday weekend as we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
Next week marks many important milestones for our Graduating Class of 2026:
Tuesday, May 26 is the final attendance day for Grade 8 students. Dismissal will be at 12:00 PM.
Tuesday evening we will host our Grade 8 Memory Dinner and 8th Grade Dance.
Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 AM, Grade 8 students will gather for yearbook signing and a celebratory lunch.
Graduation Mass and Ceremony will take place Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM in the Church.
Congratulations to all of our 8th grade students and families. We are so proud of your accomplishments, leadership, faith, and growth throughout your years at SPC. As you prepare for the next chapter, always remember: “Remember where you came from—Jesus is always by your side.”
SPC Olympics will be held next Friday, May 29. This is always one of the most exciting and joy-filled days of the school year, and we look forward to celebrating together as a school community.
Please note there will be no school Mass this coming Tuesday, May 26.
Looking ahead to next school year, information regarding Grade 7 & 8 elective opportunities will be shared with all eligible families in June. Students entering Grades 7 and 8 will receive signup information and will select their first trimester elective courses at that time. Elective offerings will be available in the general areas of STEM, Music, and Art, helping students explore their interests and talents in new and exciting ways.
Thank you for all who attended our “Coffee with the Principal” on Wednesday morning. You may download the presentation information here.
Finally, thank you to everyone who joined us for this week’s Open Board Meeting. I sincerely appreciated your time, thoughtful questions, and continued support of Saint Paul of the Cross School. Your partnership and involvement help strengthen our school community and mission each and every day.
May God continue to bless our SPC families abundantly as we move toward the close of another wonderful school year.
Reminder: Summer Office Hours: EGC Door D5 Tuesday/Wednesday 8:00am-12:00pm (Summer Drop Box for forms located on the front door)
Thursday, May 21st and Friday May 22nd
Spring Musical – Dr. Dolittle We are excited for this year’s production! Join us for a special Thursday evening performance featuring a homemade pasta dinner before the show. Please click the link below for show dates and dinner package information.
Friday, May 29th
SPC Olympics (Preschool–7th Grade) A full day of school spirit, fun, and community-building!
In Christ’s peace, James White Principal
More SPC Happenings
Tickets for SPC’s Spring Musical, DR. DOLITTLE JR. are available at the door!
It’s going to be such a wonderful night! The cast has been working so hard to put together a really fun show, so be sure to join us if you want to be like Dr. Dolittle and talk to the animals!
Hello, SPC Families!
With the end of the school year just around the corner, Home and School Association has begun collecting contributions for the Faculty Fund. The Faculty Fund is a school-wide collection of monetary gifts which is then equitably divided among all SPC full time faculty, part time faculty, administrative and support staff. In previous years, families have donated $100 per family, however, the FACTS form allows for you to contribute any amount with which you are comfortable.
The link to the form will be open through June 1st.
Thank you in advance for supporting our wonderful faculty and staff.
If you have any questions, please contact Home and School Association at [email protected]
Supply packs will be in your child’s classroom at Meet the Teacher Night. For questions, please contact Rosemary Francis
Raise Right and Box Tops Updates
Raise Right Update: I will be placing one final physical gift card order for the year on May 29th so that I can deliver cards before the last day of school. Please have any orders in by noon. I will be turning off “ship to coordinator” for the summer. You will still be able to buy virtual cards, reload cards, or have cards shipped to you. For more information on Raise Right, click here.
Box Tops Update: We have earned $225.60 so far this year with Box Tops. We have had an average of 9 parents scanning receipts each month and we’d love to have more. For more information on Box Tops, click here.
Thank you for your participation! Carrie Jackiewicz
SPC Athletics
Upcoming Parent Workshops Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.
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.
As we continue through this beautiful Easter season, I want to thank our students, parents, teachers, and parish community for the many ways you continue to support the mission and spirit of St. Paul of the Cross School. As we enter the final weeks of the school year, there is tremendous energy and excitement throughout our building. We encourage all of our students to continue finishing the year strong academically, spiritually, and socially both in and out of the classroom.
We warmly invite all SPC families to join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM for our Family Mass in the Holy Family Chapel. This special Mass will be facilitated by our Grade 8 NJHS members, and we look forward to celebrating together as a faith community.
We are also excited to officially announce that the National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony for our incoming Grade 7 members, along with the NJHS Graduation Ceremony for our current Grade 8 members, will take place on Monday, May 18 from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Holy Family Chapel. We congratulate all of our students being recognized for their scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.
On Tuesday, May 19, at 7:30 pm, we will host an open Advisory Board Meeting in the Holy Family Chapel featuring a “State of the School” presentation. We encourage families interested in learning more about our school’s continued growth, planning, and future initiatives to attend. Earlier that morning, during our weekly 9:45 AM Mass, we will also celebrate our Grade 8 Ribbon Ceremony as we begin recognizing the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.
As we begin preparing for summer months, please note that the main office in the EGC building will remain open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM throughout the summer. A secure drop box for summer forms and paperwork will also be available outside Door D5 for your convenience.
Our next “Coffee with the Principal” gathering will take place Wednesday, May 20 at 8:00 AM in the Art Room. We are pleased to share an exciting partnership and opportunity to support your child’s success here at school. Following a recent professional development presentation: Understanding how sensory challenges can affect learning and behavior, our school is taking steps to better connect families with occupational therapy (OT) services — and the good news is that these services may be covered through your health insurance. We are partnering with In2Great Pediatric Therapy. Dr. Angie Harisiadis will host a parent info session.
On Thursday, May 21, students in grades K-8 will begin our final iReady Reading testing window. We kindly ask parents to encourage students to do their very best on this assessment. iReady data continues to serve as an important tool in helping us determine academic placement, instructional support, and inclusion services for the upcoming school year. We greatly appreciate your partnership and encouragement at home.
We are thrilled to invite everyone to our Spring Musical, “Dr. Doolittle,” taking place next Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:30–8:30 PM. Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard preparing for this wonderful production. A pre-show dinner will also be available on Thursday evening. Please see the links and additional details below in this mailing for ticket and dinner information.
Please remember there will be no school on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day as we honor and remember the men and women who have faithfully served our country.
As we continue planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we are pleased to share that teacher hiring has officially been completed at this time. We are excited to welcome three outstanding new faculty members joining our school family in Grade 2, Grade 4, and Grade 6 ELA/Reading next fall.
Additionally, summer academic packets and information will soon be posted on our school website. For students entering grades K–2, summer materials will remain optional and are intended as helpful family resources. Students entering grades 3–8 will be assigned summer reading along with a mathematics packet. Please note that summer expectations and assignments have been intentionally reduced from prior years in an effort to create a healthy balance of academic review and summer family time.
We are excited to announce the results of this year’s Advisory Board elections. Congratulations to Tiffany Braun and Ashley McNichols, who will officially join the Advisory Board beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. We thank all of the candidates who were willing to serve our school community through leadership, stewardship, and a commitment to Catholic education.
I would also like to share that the Advisory Board recently met with Dr. O and Mrs. Goldberg to discuss the thoughtful and responsible use of technology in our classrooms, including how it supports learning and student well‑being. These conversations are part of an ongoing effort to ensure technology is used intentionally, consistently, and in alignment with the school’s educational mission. As technology continues to evolve in education and in our daily lives, we believe it is important to thoughtfully evaluate both the opportunities and challenges connected to student and teacher technology use within our classrooms and school community.
To support this important work, we will be forming a Technology Team made up of stakeholders who will explore technology integration, expectations, best practices, and student engagement in the classroom setting. At the same time, the administration and administrative team are actively reviewing our current practices and procedures regarding technology use by both teachers and students.
As we move forward, our goal is to ensure that technology remains a meaningful tool that supports academic excellence, critical thinking, creativity, responsible digital citizenship, and healthy student development while remaining aligned with the mission and values of our Catholic school community. We look forward to engaging in thoughtful dialogue and collaborative planning as we continue preparing our students for success in an ever-changing world.
Up and Coming
Friday, May 15
Prayer Buddies Day Home and School Dress Down Day Financial Assistance Notifications sent via email
Sunday, May 17
Family Mass at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel – Facilitated by our National Junior Honor Society students
Fine Arts Show – 11:15 am – 1:30 pm Gym Celebrating the artistic talents of our 4th – 8th graders. **Students who show up to support their fellow classmates will be rewarded an “Out of Uniform” pass for Monday the 18th!
Looking Ahead
Tuesday, May 19th
Open School Board Meeting – State of the School Presentation 7:30 pm – Holy Family Chapel
Wednesday, May 20th
Coffee with the Principal – 8:00 AM in the EGC Art Room Topic: Occupational Therapy and Family Access to Support Resources
Thursday, May 21st and Friday May 22nd
Spring Musical – Dr. Dolittle We are excited for this year’s production! Join us for a special Thursday evening performance featuring a homemade pasta dinner before the show. Please click the link below for show dates and dinner package information.
Friday, May 29th
SPC Olympics (Preschool–7th Grade) A full day of school spirit, fun, and community-building!
Thank you once again for your continued support, positivity, and commitment to our SPC community. May God continue to bless our students, families, faculty, and parish as we finish this school year with joy, gratitude, and faith.
It’s going to be such a wonderful night! The cast has been working so hard to put together a really fun show, so get your tickets if you want to be like Dr. Dolittle and talk to the animals!
We are excited to offer two ticket options this year: Show-Only Admission or Dinner and a Show Package.
Show-Only Admission Individual Ticket: $6 Family Package (up to 5 tickets): $20
Dinner and a Show Package (Thursday Show only) 5:00 pm for Dinner Includes: Pasta dinner Reserved seating in the first three rows
Individual Dinner Package: $14 Family Dinner Package (up to 5): $70 If you would like the Dinner and a Show Package, we ask that you purchase those tickets in advance. Online ticket sales will close on May 18, 2026.It is time for the annual St. Paul of the Cross Fine Arts Show! Please join us May 17th in the gym from 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM to celebrate the artistic talents of the 4th – 8th graders at St. Paul of the Cross. Students who show up to support their fellow classmates will be rewarded an “Out of uniform” pass for Monday the 18th!Please read this letter from our Book Fair Chairperson, Mrs. Sue Dohr. 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 MAY 18TH! 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. Click below to shop our Fair: St. Paul of the Cross Book Fair Homepage
Supply packs will be in your child’s classroom at Meet the Teacher Night. For questions, please contact Rosemary Francis
Raise Right and Box Tops Updates
Raise Right Update: I will be placing one final physical gift card order for the year on May 29th so that I can deliver cards before the last day of school. Please have any orders in by noon. I will be turning off “ship to coordinator” for the summer. You will still be able to buy virtual cards, reload cards, or have cards shipped to you. For more information on Raise Right, click here.
Box Tops Update: We have earned $225.60 so far this year with Box Tops. We have had an average of 9 parents scanning receipts each month and we’d love to have more. For more information on Box Tops, click here.
Thank you for your participation! Carrie Jackiewicz
Volunteer Sign-Up – May 29 The time has arrived to sign up for SPC Olympics volunteer opportunities on May 29!
As a reminder, the SPC Olympics are for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Information regarding early childhood Olympic festivities will be shared separately by room parents.
Important Reminders:
All volunteers must be VIRTUS trained.
By signing up, you are confirming that you are available for the full commitment and do not have any conflicting responsibilities that day (including lunch shifts, recess duty for early childhood classrooms, childcare, or other obligations).
New this year: To allow more families the opportunity to participate, only one parent per family may sign up for a volunteer slot. Please do not register multiple, extended family members.
Volunteer sign-up link here. If you need to cancel your sign-up, you may do so through the registration site up until May 17. Thank you for helping make this a fun and successful day for our students!
Spots fill up very quickly, so THANK YOU for your support in advance of this fun tradition for our students!
SPC Athletics
Upcoming Parent Workshops Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.
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.
IT’S TIME TO TEND THE GARDEN! EARN SERVICE HOURS! Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry! Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’ raised bed throughout the growing season. We supply the boxes, organic mix, grids, trellises, and plants, plus all the information and support you need to make your garden grow. In keeping with our mission to feed the hungry, the vegetables we grow will be distributed through our food pantry. Please click here to download all of the details!
As we continue through the joyful Easter season, I am reminded of the many blessings that make our St. Paul of the Cross community so special. This time of year is filled with celebrations, milestones, and meaningful moments for our students, and I am grateful for the partnership we share in supporting them.
First, thank you to our incredible Home and School Association for the thoughtful ways they have celebrated our teachers and staff throughout Teacher Appreciation Week. The treats, snacks, and gestures of kindness have been deeply appreciated by our faculty and staff. We are especially grateful for the breakfast they will provide during our Professional Development Day on Friday. Your generosity and support mean so much.
A special thank you as well to Sue Dohr and the Book Fair Team for organizing and hosting this year’s Book Fair. As always, it was a tremendous success and brought great joy to our students and families while helping foster a love of reading in our community.
A reminder that Friday, May 8th is a Professional Development Day for faculty and staff, and there will be no school for students. During this time, our teachers will be engaged in important planning for the upcoming school year, including constructing class lists for the fall trimester and building daily instructional schedules. In addition, all faculty and staff will participate in a two-hour CPR training.
Please know that the process of drafting class lists is done with great care, using multiple points of data, teacher collaboration, and administrative input to ensure we create learning environments that best support the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. Because of this intentional process, SPC does not accommodate parent requests for specific teachers or classroom placements. Thank you for your trust and understanding as we make decisions centered on what is best for all students.
Our Bago Set Raffle will continue Monday through Friday next week. This beautiful handmade set is being raffled as a continuation of the “Round Ball” set featured a few months ago. Tickets will be available for purchase in Mrs. Iacopelli’s office throughout the week. Please note this raffle is cash only.
Ticket pricing is as follows: • 1 ticket for $5 • 3 tickets for $10 • 8 tickets for $20
The drawing will take place the following week and will be conducted by our 8th Grade Parent Group. Thank you for your support of this fundraiser!
As we begin to look ahead to summer, please note our summer office hours beginning June 15th. The Main Office in the EGC will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. A secure drop box will also be available during the week for any forms or paperwork that need to be submitted outside of office hours.
As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 10th, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community. Your love, sacrifice, and faith-filled witness shape the hearts of your children in countless ways. May God bless you abundantly this Mother’s Day. Please note an important calendar adjustment for next week: our weekly school Mass will be moved to Wednesday, May 13th at 10:00 AM in honor of our beautiful May Crowning celebration. Congratulations to the students who have been selected to serve on this year’s May Crowning Court.
Up and Coming
Wednesday, May 13
1st Communion School Photos
May Crowning Mass – 10:00 AM
8th Grade Mother’s Lunch immediately following Mass in the Gym
Friday, May 15
• Prayer Buddies Day • Home and School Dress Down Day • Financial Assistance Notifications sent via email
Sunday, May 17
• Family Mass at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel – Facilitated by our National Junior Honor Society students
A complete list of 8th grade end-of-year activities is included below in this mailing. We look forward to celebrating our graduating class as they prepare for their next chapter.
Looking Ahead
Wednesday, May 20th
Coffee with the Principal – 8:00 AM in the EGC Art Room Topic: Occupational Therapy and Family Access to Support Resources
Thursday, May 21st
Spring Musical – Dr. Dolittle We are excited for this year’s production! Join us for a special Thursday evening performance featuring a homemade pasta dinner before the show. Please click the link below for show dates and dinner package information.
Friday, May 29th
SPC Olympics (Preschool–8th Grade A full day of school spirit, fun, and community-building!
This is truly one of the busiest—and most joyful—times of the school year. There is so much to celebrate, and none of it would be possible without the dedication of our teachers, staff, and parent volunteers who generously give their time and talents to make these experiences so meaningful for our students.
Thank you for your continued partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our SPC community. May God continue to bless your families and guide us through this beautiful season of celebration and gratitude.
In Christ’s peace, James White Principal
SPC School Board Election
The SPC School Board is holding an election to fill two (2) vacancies for terms that will run from May 2026 through May 2029. We are fortunate to have four (4) candidates interested in serving on the Board:
Meghan Arquette
Tiffany Braun
Zach Fichter
Ashley McNichols
Online Voting will be open through Monday, May 11th. School parents & registered parishioners are eligible to vote. To review the candidates’ personal statements then cast your online vote, please scan the QR code or click here.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact current SPC School Board Member, Kathy Manny at [email protected] or 847-927-4392.
It’s going to be such a wonderful night! The cast has been working so hard to put together a really fun show, so get your tickets if you want to be like Dr. Dolittle and talk to the animals!
We are excited to offer two ticket options this year: Show-Only Admission or Dinner and a Show Package.
Show-Only Admission Individual Ticket: $6 Family Package (up to 5 tickets): $20
Dinner and a Show Package (Thursday Show only) 5:00 pm for Dinner Includes: Pasta dinner Reserved seating in the first three rows
Individual Dinner Package: $14 Family Dinner Package (up to 5): $70 If you would like the Dinner and a Show Package, we ask that you purchase those tickets in advance. Online ticket sales will close on May 18, 2026.It is time for the annual St. Paul of the Cross Fine Arts Show! Please join us May 17th in the gym from 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM to celebrate the artistic talents of the 4th – 8th graders at St. Paul of the Cross. Students who show up to support their fellow classmates will be rewarded an “Out of uniform” pass for Monday the 18th!8th Grade Activities and Year End Events
Mentor FamiliesLast Chance to Sign Up!!! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already signed up to welcome our new families! We are so fortunate to be part of such a welcoming SPC community.
We are excited to greet many new families this fall and are still looking for current parents to serve as mentor families. Mentor families provide a friendly resource for new families, answering questions as they prepare for school and keeping them informed throughout the year.
Volunteer Sign-Up – May 29 The time has arrived to sign up for SPC Olympics volunteer opportunities on May 29!
As a reminder, the SPC Olympics are for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Information regarding early childhood Olympic festivities will be shared separately by room parents.
Important Reminders:
All volunteers must be VIRTUS trained.
By signing up, you are confirming that you are available for the full commitment and do not have any conflicting responsibilities that day (including lunch shifts, recess duty for early childhood classrooms, childcare, or other obligations).
New this year: To allow more families the opportunity to participate, only one parent per family may sign up for a volunteer slot. Please do not register multiple, extended family members.
Volunteer sign-up link here. If you need to cancel your sign-up, you may do so through the registration site up until May 17. Thank you for helping make this a fun and successful day for our students!
Spots fill up very quickly, so THANK YOU for your support in advance of this fun tradition for our students!
Upcoming Parent Workshops Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.
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.
IT’S TIME TO TEND THE GARDEN! EARN SERVICE HOURS! Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry! Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’ raised bed throughout the growing season. We supply the boxes, organic mix, grids, trellises, and plants, plus all the information and support you need to make your garden grow. In keeping with our mission to feed the hungry, the vegetables we grow will be distributed through our food pantry. Please click here to download all of the details!
As we continue through the 5th Week of the Easter Season, we are reminded of the joy and hope of the Resurrection and the ways God continues to bless our school community each day. The Easter season invites us to live as people of hope, gratitude, and renewal, and I am thankful for the many ways our SPC families and staff continue to build such a strong and faith-filled community.
A sincere thank you to all of the parents who attended our Open Board Meeting this past week. We had meaningful conversations about a wide range of topics, including what families can expect next fall, i-Ready testing, summer learning packets, and other important school initiatives. I am grateful for the open dialogue, thoughtful questions, and the opportunity to hear concerns and address challenges together. Your partnership and engagement help make our school stronger.
A reminder to families that Financial Aid Award notifications will be emailed by May 15th.
As we continue to plan for the 2026–2027 school year, St. Paul of the Cross is currently seeking applicants for two teaching positions: a Grade 6 English Teacher and a Grade 4 Self-Contained Teacher. If you know of qualified candidates who may be interested in joining our incredible school community, please encourage them to send their résumé to [email protected].
This Saturday at 10:00 a.m., our 2nd grade students will celebrate the beautiful sacrament of First Holy Communion. This is such a special milestone in their faith journey. Please keep these students and their families in your prayers as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.
Next week, we will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. I would like to offer a special shout-out to all of our teachers and staff at SPC. Your dedication, love, and commitment to our students are what make SPC truly “The Place to Be.”Thank you for the countless ways you serve our children and our mission each day.
Please note that Friday, May 8th is a scheduled No School Day for students as our faculty will participate in on-campus professional development.
Our annual Book Fair will be held in the UGC from May 5–7. We encourage families to stop by and support our school while helping foster a love of reading in our students.
Up and Coming
May 5– 7
Scholastic Book Fair (details and links below)
Tuesday, May 5
Weekly School Mass at 9:45 a.m.
Kindergarten Field Trip to Wagner Farm
Cinco de Mayo
Friday, May 8
No School for Students (Faculty Professional Development)
Sunday, May 10
Mother’s Day
As the weather continues to warm and we spend more time outdoors, please be reminded that pets are not permitted on campus. We have noticed an increase in pets during arrival, dismissal, and school events. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all students.
As we enter the month of May, dedicated in a special way to our Blessed Mother, let us continue to ask for her intercession for our school, our families, and our children. May God bless all of our SPC mothers, grandmothers, and mother-figures as we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day next weekend.
In Faith & Education,
James White Principal
SPC School Board Election
The SPC School Board is holding an election to fill two (2) vacancies for terms that will run from May 2026 through May 2029. We are fortunate to have four (4) candidates interested in serving on the Board:
Meghan Arquette
Tiffany Braun
Zach Fichter
Ashley McNichols
Online Voting will be open from Thursday, April 30th through Monday, May 11th. School parents & registered parishioners are eligible to vote. To review the candidates’ personal statements then cast your online vote, please scan the QR code or click here.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact current SPC School Board Member, Kathy Manny at [email protected] or 847-927-4392.
Book Fair Tuesday, May 5th through Thursday, May 7th!
It’s Almost Time! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming soon, 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. Click here for all of the details!
Mentor Families We are thrilled to welcome many new families to SPC in the fall and are looking for our current parents to help be a mentor family. Mentor families will be a go-to source for new families for questions they may have as they prepare for their new school and help keep them in the loop with information throughout the year. We do our best to also match student grades so the new students get to also meet a new friend or two prior to the start of the school year. Please click here to volunteer as a mentor for the 2026-2027 school year
Upcoming Parent Workshops Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.
Volunteer Sign-Up – May 29 The time has arrived to sign up for SPC Olympics volunteer opportunities on May 29!
As a reminder, the SPC Olympics are for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Information regarding early childhood Olympic festivities will be shared separately by room parents.
Important Reminders:
All volunteers must be VIRTUS trained.
By signing up, you are confirming that you are available for the full commitment and do not have any conflicting responsibilities that day (including lunch shifts, recess duty for early childhood classrooms, childcare, or other obligations).
New this year: To allow more families the opportunity to participate, only one parent per family may sign up for a volunteer slot. Please do not register multiple, extended family members.
Volunteer sign-up link here. If you need to cancel your sign-up, you may do so through the registration site up until May 17. Thank you for helping make this a fun and successful day for our students!
Spots fill up very quickly, so THANK YOU for your support in advance of this fun tradition for our students!
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.
IT’S TIME TO TEND THE GARDEN! EARN SERVICE HOURS! Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry! Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’ raised bed throughout the growing season. We supply the boxes, organic mix, grids, trellises, and plants, plus all the information and support you need to make your garden grow. In keeping with our mission to feed the hungry, the vegetables we grow will be distributed through our food pantry. Please click here to download all of the details!
As we continue our journey through this Easter season, we are reminded of the many blessings God pours into our school community each day. Thank you for your continued partnership in faith, learning, and love.
Next week, our students in grades K–8 will begin the Archdiocese Religion Assessment, which will take place from April 27–May 8, 2026. This assessment will be administered during their regularly scheduled religion classes. We encourage our students to approach this opportunity with confidence, doing their best to reflect the knowledge and understanding they have grown in throughout the year.
We will also hold our Advisory Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th in the UGC. The meeting will begin with an executive session at 6:30 PM, followed by an open session from 7:00–8:00 PM. During the open portion, I will share a presentation highlighting the many exciting updates and enhancements our families and students can look forward to this coming fall. All are welcome to attend.
On Wednesday, April 29th, we are excited to host Career Day for our students in grades 4–8. We are deeply grateful to the parents and volunteers who have generously offered their time to share their professional experiences. Your witness to vocation and service is a powerful example for our students as they begin to reflect on their God-given gifts and future paths.
We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Hart, our Week of the Young Child team, and our Home & School Association for making this past week such a joyful and high-energy experience for our students. The thoughtful planning and care behind each activity were truly evident. One example of this dedication was our movie outing on Wednesday, where the safety and support of our students were ensured by the presence of Nurse Kari, several security officers, and more than 80 parent volunteers. We are incredibly thankful to all who gave their time and energy to make this week so special.
Coffee with the Principal – Wednesday, May 20th, 8:00-9:00 am Topic: Occupational Therapy Services at School We are pleased to share an exciting partnership and opportunity to support your child’s success here at school. Following a recent professional development presentation: Understanding how sensory challenges can affect learning and behavior, our school is taking steps to better connect families with occupational therapy (OT) services — and the good news is that these services may be covered through your health insurance. We are partnering with In2Great Pediatric Therapy. Dr. Angie Harisiadis will host a parent info session on Wednesday, May 20th at 8:00 a.m.
Finally, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to our 2nd grade students who will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on May 2. This is a beautiful and sacred milestone in their faith journey. May they feel the presence of Christ in a special way, and may the Holy Spirit guide them always. We ask our entire community to keep these students and their families in your prayers.
Up and Coming
Tuesday, April 28
School Board Meeting – Open Session 7:00 – 8:00pm UGC Room 203
Wednesday, April 29
Career Day Grades 4-8
Friday, May 1
Spirit Wear Day
Wishing you and your family a peaceful and joy-filled weekend.
James White Principal
Endowment Scholarships – Time Sensitive! Each year, the Endowment awards merit-based, named scholarships to current SPC students who will be returning for the following school year. Please read this letter for complete details, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for these exceptional opportunities.
**Deadline for May Hot Lunch Registration Tomorrow, April 24th.
SPC Athletics
Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SPC Tuesday, May 5th through Thursday, May 7th. This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. Here’s what you need to know about our upcoming fair!
Parents of girls who will be in Kindergarten at SPC in Fall 2026: Would you be willing to become a leader? We would like to start a Daisy Girl Scout troop for girls entering Kindergarten and we need a few parents to volunteer as leaders for the troop. Please click here to read more about how you can help!
Upcoming Parent Workshops Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.
Volunteer Sign-Up – May 29 The time has arrived to sign up for SPC Olympics volunteer opportunities on May 29!
As a reminder, the SPC Olympics are for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Information regarding early childhood Olympic festivities will be shared separately by room parents.
Important Reminders:
All volunteers must be VIRTUS trained.
By signing up, you are confirming that you are available for the full commitment and do not have any conflicting responsibilities that day (including lunch shifts, recess duty for early childhood classrooms, childcare, or other obligations).
New this year: To allow more families the opportunity to participate, only one parent per family may sign up for a volunteer slot. Please do not register multiple, extended family members.
Volunteer sign-up link here. If you need to cancel your sign-up, you may do so through the registration site up until May 17. Thank you for helping make this a fun and successful day for our students!
Spots fill up very quickly, so THANK YOU for your support in advance of this fun tradition for our students!
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.
IT’S TIME TO TEND THE GARDEN! EARN SERVICE HOURS! Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry! Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’ raised bed throughout the growing season. We supply the boxes, organic mix, grids, trellises, and plants, plus all the information and support you need to make your garden grow. In keeping with our mission to feed the hungry, the vegetables we grow will be distributed through our food pantry. Please click here to download all of the details!
Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. This breathtaking story intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and Queen Persephone — as it invites you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Maine South High School take on this beautiful, Tony award-winning musical.
Get your tickets today using the QR code. Show opens on 04/17 and closes on 04/25.
Park Ridge Soccer Club2026-2027 Travel Tryouts May 4-7 Please click here for the details and registration information.
I hope this message finds you well as we continue our journey through this beautiful season of growth and renewal. Each day, I am grateful for the faith, joy, and sense of community that fills our school. Thank you for the many ways you support our students, teachers, and mission.
School Masses This Week We look forward to gathering in prayer together:
Grades 4–8 will attend Mass on Tuesday at 9:45 AM
Grades K–3 will attend Mass on Friday at 10:00 AM in celebration of VIP Day and Week of the Young Child (WOYC)
Week of the Young Child (PS–3) Next week, we joyfully celebrate our youngest learners in Preschool through Grade 3! This special week highlights the importance of early childhood education and the wonder of learning at these formative ages. Please see the detailed schedule of events below for all the exciting activities planned.
Pancake Breakfast – Supporting SPC Athletics A special thank you to our athletics program for organizing this weekend’s Pancake Breakfast, taking place this Sunday. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community while supporting our student-athletes. Additional details are included below—we hope to see many of you there!
Family Mass All are welcome to join us for Family Mass this Sunday at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel. This week’s Mass will be beautifully facilitated by our Spring athletes—we are grateful for their leadership and witness of faith.
Prayer Buddies Our cherished Prayer Buddies program will take place on Friday from 2:00–2:50 PM. It is always a meaningful time as our students connect across grade levels in prayer and fellowship.
Board Meeting Update As part of our ongoing commitment to thoughtful stewardship of our school environment, this week’s internal Board meeting (closed session) will include a focused discussion on the use of technology at SPC. This includes considerations around screen time, age-appropriateness, and how technology is utilized to best support student learning in the classroom.
Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our SPC community. It is a blessing to work together in forming our students in faith, knowledge, and character.
Wishing you and your family a peaceful and joy-filled weekend. Go Tigers!
James White Principal
Up and Coming
Sunday, April 19
Family Mass 10:30 am Holy Family Chapel
Pancake Breakfast 8:30 am – 12:30 pm (details and link below)
April 20–24
Week of the Young Child – (See below for details.)
Thursday, April 23
Home & School Out of Uniform
Friday, April 24
VIP Day – Grades K-3
Tuesday, April 28
School Board Meeting – Open Session 7:00 – 8:00pm Duffin Hall
Endowment Scholarships – Time Sensitive! Each year, the Endowment awards merit-based, named scholarships to current SPC students who will be returning for the following school year. Please read this letter for complete details, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for these exceptional opportunities.
Family Mass and Pancake Breakfast
Join us at our Family Mass this Sunday, April 19th in honor of our spring athletes!
Click here register and purchase your tickets to breakfast in advance.
Pancake Breakfast: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm | Gym
Family Mass: 10:30 am | Holy Family Chapel
We invite all baseball, softball, floor hockey, and flag football players to attend and help serve. Please wear your team jerseytop to Mass as we pray for a fun and safe season.
VolunteersNeeded Sr. Pia is seeking the following volunteers to assist with the liturgy:
Students: To read, bring up gifts, usher, or greet.
Coaches & Alumni: Trained Eucharistic Ministers to serve during Mass.
We hope you can join us for this special Mass and breakfast as we pray for a fun and safe season.
St. Paul of the Cross Early Childhood VIP DAY (Very Important Person Day) Save the Date: Friday, April 24, 2026 Please find all of the details here. RSVP by Friday (tomorrow), April 17th.
Week of the Young Child 2026!April 20-24
Click on the image to download the full schedule.Get ready! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SPC Tuesday, May 5th through Thursday, May 7th. This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. Here’s what you need to know about our upcoming fair!
Mentor Families We are thrilled to welcome many new families to SPC in the fall and are looking for our current parents to help be a mentor family. Mentor families will be a go-to source for new families for questions they may have as they prepare for their new school and help keep them in the loop with information throughout the year. We do our best to also match student grades so the new students get to also meet a new friend or two prior to the start of the school year. Please click here to volunteer as a mentor for the 2026-2027 school year
Parents of girls who will be in Kindergarten at SPC in Fall 2026: Would you be willing to become a leader? We would like to start a Daisy Girl Scout troop for girls entering Kindergarten and we need a few parents to volunteer as leaders for the troop. Please click here to read more about how you can help!
Upcoming Parent Workshops Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.
Please join us for our final meeting of the year tomorrow, Friday April 17th, at 8:00 AM in the Holy Family Chapel. If you can’t join in person, Please join us via Zoom:
Join us for the inaugural SPC Sneaker Ball! Information is below; tickets can be purchased by clicking the link here.
Volunteers Needed The success of this event relies on volunteer support, and we currently have very few commitments. We encourage anyone who is able to get involved. Please consider volunteering to help with set up or one of the two sessions, your time makes a huge difference. You can volunteer by clicking here.
We are excited to continue the tradition of our St. Paul of the Cross School Olympics Day on May 29- a day filled with energy, teamwork, and school spirit for more than 600 of our students and faculty. To help make this day unforgettable, we are seeking sponsors to offset the cost of the event t-shirts worn by every participant. With a donation of $1,500, your family or business will be recognized with your logo featured on the back of the shirts- a lasting way to show your support for our school community. If you’re interested in sponsoring or would like more information, we would be so grateful for your partnership in making this special day possible! Please email us at [email protected] and [email protected].
Our next HSA meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.
Join a Committee We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.
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.
IT’S TIME TO TEND THE GARDEN! EARN SERVICE HOURS! Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry! Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’ raised bed throughout the growing season. We supply the boxes, organic mix, grids, trellises, and plants, plus all the information and support you need to make your garden grow. In keeping with our mission to feed the hungry, the vegetables we grow will be distributed through our food pantry. Please click here to download all of the details!
Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. This breathtaking story intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and Queen Persephone — as it invites you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Maine South High School take on this beautiful, Tony award-winning musical.
Get your tickets today using the QR code. Show opens on 04/17 and closes on 04/25.
As we enter this most joyful and sacred season, I wish each of you a blessed and hope-filled Easter! May the promise of the Resurrection fill your hearts and homes with peace, renewal, and abundant grace. We are deeply grateful for the many blessings within our SPC community and for the partnership we share in faith and education.
We wish all of our families a safe and faith-filled Easter Break. We will welcome students back on Monday, April 13.
With thankful hearts, I am pleased to share several exciting updates from this past week. We have successfully balanced our budget for the 2026–2027 school year and completed an Advisory Board review. Our final budget will be submitted to the Archdiocese by the April 10 deadline. Additionally, we have drafted a proposed daily schedule for our Early Childhood Grades (EGC). I am happy to share that all EGC teachers, aides, and inclusion staff have been secured for Preschool through Grade 2, with classroom assignments finalized.
We also celebrate the continued growth of our school community. In a recent meeting with Mrs. Waldeck, our Enrollment Director, I was pleased to learn that we currently have 739 students registered for next fall, with three sections at every grade level from Preschool through Grade 8. This growth is a testament to the dedication, care, and excellence demonstrated each day by our teachers, staff, and families—thank you for being such an important part of our mission.
Additionally, all accelerated placement invitations for Math (Grades 5–8) and Reading/ELA (Grades 6–8) have been sent to qualifying students. We commend these students for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate the Week of the Young Child beginning April 20. A full list of activities is included below. We also invite you to join us for our Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 19, in support of our athletic program. That same day, we will celebrate our Family Mass in honor of our spring athletes.
As we return from Easter Break and begin our spring athletic season, it is a meaningful time to reflect on how we represent our school in all that we do. Whether as athletes, parents, or staff, we are called to model respect, sportsmanship, and integrity. As a reminder: “Lose with grace, win with humility.”
Up and Coming
Spring Break – April 2-12
School Resumes – April 13
School Board Meeting – Open Session 7:00 – 8:00pm Duffin Hall
Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of our school community. With gratitude and Easter blessings, James White Principal
School Board Nominations The SPC School Board will have two (2) open positions for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. We invite parents and parish members to consider taking a leadership role and participate on the school board. Please read the details and information here.
Endowment Scholarships Each year, the Endowment awards merit-based, named scholarships to current SPC students who will be returning for the following school year. Please read this letter for complete details, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for these exceptional opportunities.
Mentor Families We are thrilled to welcome many new families to SPC in the fall and are looking for our current parents to help be a mentor family. Mentor families will be a go-to source for new families for questions they may have as they prepare for their new school and help keep them in the loop with information throughout the year. We do our best to also match student grades so the new students get to also meet a new friend or two prior to the start of the school year. Please click here to volunteer as a mentor for the 2026-2027 school year
Join us for the inaugural SPC Sneaker Ball! Information is below; tickets can be purchased by clicking the link here. This event cannot run smoothly without volunteers! Please consider volunteering to help with set up or one of the two sessions. You can volunteer by clicking here.
We are excited to continue the tradition of our St. Paul of the Cross School Olympics Day on May 29- a day filled with energy, teamwork, and school spirit for more than 600 of our students and faculty. To help make this day unforgettable, we are seeking sponsors to offset the cost of the event t-shirts worn by every participant. With a donation of $1,500, your family or business will be recognized with your logo featured on the back of the shirts- a lasting way to show your support for our school community. If you’re interested in sponsoring or would like more information, we would be so grateful for your partnership in making this special day possible! Please email us at [email protected] and [email protected].
Our next HSA meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.
Join a Committee We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.
More School News & Happenings
Little Flowers Girls’ Club – Summer Registration
Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.
Rooted in the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” this authentic and joyful Catholic program nurtures a love for the faith at a young age. Through shared learning and prayer, the girls form a special community that fosters friendship while discovering what it means to be a beloved daughter of God.
For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].
Week of the Young Child 2026!
Click on the image to download the full schedule.
SPC Athletics
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.
IT’S TIME TO TEND THE GARDEN! EARN SERVICE HOURS! Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry! Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’ raised bed throughout the growing season. We supply the boxes, organic mix, grids, trellises, and plants, plus all the information and support you need to make your garden grow. In keeping with our mission to feed the hungry, the vegetables we grow will be distributed through our food pantry. Please click here to download all of the details!
As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded of the importance of reflection, service, and gratitude in our daily lives. This sacred season offers us a meaningful opportunity to grow in faith as a community, and it has been a blessing to witness our students living out these values through their kindness, prayerfulness, and commitment to one another.
As we look ahead, next week marks Holy Week, the most sacred time in our Church calendar. Please note that school will be closed for Easter Break beginning Thursday, April 2, with classes resuming on Monday, April 13. We wish all of our students and their families a holy, peaceful, and safe holiday as we celebrate the joy of the Resurrection.
We are also excited to share that our annual Career Day will take place on April 29, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is always a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about a variety of professions and to begin thinking about how their unique gifts and talents can serve others in the future.
If you are interested in presenting, please take a moment to complete the Google Form linked here by this coming Monday, March 30th. The form will close after that date. Your time and willingness to share your experiences make a lasting impact on our students, and we are truly grateful for your support.
If you have any questions regarding Career Day, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Kathy Goldberg.
Endowment Scholarships Each year, the Endowment awards merit-based, named scholarships to current SPC students who will be returning for the following school year. Please read the letter below for complete details, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for these exceptional opportunities.
Please read the entire Thursday Mailing thoroughly, as it contains important updates and upcoming events you won’t want to miss.
Calendar of Events
Friday, March 27
H & S Out of Uniform Day
Tuesday, March 31
School Board Meeting (Executive Session Only)
Wednesday, April 1
Mass 10:00 am
Thursday,April 2
Holy Thursday Easter Break Begins
Up and Coming
Spring Break – April 2-12
School Resumes – April 13
School Board Meeting – Open Session 7:00 – 8:00pm Duffin Hall
Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)
Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of our school community. With gratitude and blessings, James White Principal
Endowment Scholarships Each year, the Endowment awards merit-based, named scholarships to current SPC students who will be returning for the following school year. Please read this letter for complete details, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for these exceptional opportunities.
Mentor Families We are thrilled to welcome many new families to SPC in the fall and are looking for our current parents to help be a mentor family. Mentor families will be a go-to source for new families for questions they may have as they prepare for their new school and help keep them in the loop with information throughout the year. We do our best to also match student grades so the new students get to also meet a new friend or two prior to the start of the school year. Please click here to volunteer as a mentor for the 2026-2027 school year
School Board Nominations The SPC School Board will have two (2) open positions for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. We invite parents and parish members to consider taking a leadership role and participate on the school board. Please read the details and information here.
Join us for the inaugural SPC Sneaker Ball! Information is below; tickets can be purchased by clicking the link here.
We are excited to continue the tradition of our St. Paul of the Cross School Olympics Day on May 29- a day filled with energy, teamwork, and school spirit for more than 600 of our students and faculty. To help make this day unforgettable, we are seeking sponsors to offset the cost of the event t-shirts worn by every participant. With a donation of $1,500, your family or business will be recognized with your logo featured on the back of the shirts- a lasting way to show your support for our school community. If you’re interested in sponsoring or would like more information, we would be so grateful for your partnership in making this special day possible! Please email us at [email protected] and [email protected].
Our next HSA meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.
Join a Committee We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.
More School News & Happenings
April Hot Lunch Registration Closes Tomorrow Night (Friday, March 27th)
Spring Clubs at SPC! – Designed and taught by SPC staff! Registration Deadline is Tomorrow, Friday, March 27th Click here to view and register.
Little Flowers Girls’ Club – Summer Registration
Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.
Rooted in the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” this authentic and joyful Catholic program nurtures a love for the faith at a young age. Through shared learning and prayer, the girls form a special community that fosters friendship while discovering what it means to be a beloved daughter of God.
For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].
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.
St Paul of the Cross Blood Drive- 20th AnniversaryThis Sunday, March 29th!
The Holy Family Guild is hosting the St Paul of the Cross blood drive in association with Vitalant on Sunday, March 29th from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. The blood drive will be held at the Morello Parish Life Center at 320 S. Washington in Park Ridge (behind the church). Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted.
Come be a hero and help us save lives — every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in this country, and the blood shortage is critical!
Contact the Blood Drive Coordinators, Christine Perille, 847-494-5150 or Eileen Kaczmarek 847-533-7952 with any questions or to schedule your appointment. You may also go to Vitalant.org and use code ORD0RG08. Please call 877-258-4825 option #1 with medical or travel questions.
As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded that this sacred season calls us to prayer, reflection, and a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence in our lives. Even in the quiet and simplicity of Lent, there are so many moments of grace and joy within our school community.
One such moment was witnessed last week through the incredible work of our 5th-grade students in their Living Stations presentation. Their reverence, preparation, and heartfelt portrayal of Christ’s Passion were truly inspiring and a powerful reminder of the meaning of this season. We are so proud of them and grateful for the way they helped bring our community into deeper reflection.
I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Sister Pia for her ongoing dedication to our students and her leadership in program development. Her presence is a true blessing to our school, and we are fortunate to have her guiding our students in faith and purpose each day.
As we look ahead, please keep an eye out for information coming in April about our next Coffee with the Principal gathering and an upcoming Young Men’s Club meeting. These opportunities continue to strengthen the partnership between school and family, and I look forward to connecting with many of you.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support, your partnership, and your commitment to our shared mission. Let us continue to walk together in faith during this Lenten season, keeping our hearts centered on Christ.
Important Updates & Notables
Accelerated Reading/ELA:
Invitations for Accelerated Reading/ELA will be sent on 03/19. Information on the selection process is noted below.
Hot Lunch:
SPC will partner with Marlas Lunch as our food service provider beginning in fall 2026. Our partnership will provide our families with daily lunch options, expanded lunch variety and selections, compliance with tax laws, direct business management of our lunch program, and more. More detailed information will be provided in our summer mailing.
April School Board Meeting:
Our next “open” board meeting is scheduled for April 28, from 7–8pm in the UGC/Room 203. I will provide an overview of many of the changes we will implement in fall 2026. The format will be a slide presentation. Copies of the slides will be available on our website for all stakeholders in May.
Blaze:
We’re excited to introduce Blaze, a new program for girls in grades 7–8 at SPC. Blaze is part of the Walking with Purpose ministry that so many of the women at our Parish already know and love. We will begin with a 6-week Bible study titled “Discovering My Purpose.
This Bible study opens girls’ eyes to their unique gifts, their God-given purpose, and the depth of His love for them. The aim of Blaze is to help young women grow in confidence, deepen their faith, and better understand who God created them to be. Our hope is that through honest conversations, meaningful lessons, and time spent as a community, each girl will feel seen, encouraged, and inspired.
If your daughter is interested in joining Blaze, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Sr. Pia at [email protected]. If you are a mom interested in learning more about our Walking With Purpose women’s groups, please reach out to Megan McLaughlin at [email protected]
Parent Survey Deadline Tomorrow, March 20th:
WE NEED YOU! This is a reminder that the 2026 Archdiocese of Chicago 5Essentials Parent Survey opened on Feb. 17, 2026. The survey window will close tomorrow, March 20, 2026. SPC needs at least 50% of parents to respond to reach our survey goal.Link for parents to take the survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/
Calendar of Events
Friday, March 20:
NO SCHOOL (Students)-Teacher Professional Development Day
Tuesday, March 24
All School Mass – 9:45am
2:00 Dismissal – Teacher PD
Wednesday, March 25
Restaurant Fundraiser – Cane’s
Thursday, March 26
Restaurant Fundraiser – Cane’s
Friday, March 27
H & S Out of Uniform Day
Up and Coming
Spring Break: April 2-12
Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)
As we walk through this Lenten season together, may we continue to model Christ’s love through our words, actions, and service. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our mission. Let us keep one another in prayer as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
With gratitude and blessings, James White Principal
Accelerated Reading/ELA Program Requirements
Grades 6–8 St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School is committed to providing an engaging and challenging academic environment that supports the growth of every student. In our Middle School program (Grades 6–8), students participate in a two-period English block designed to strengthen both Reading and English Language Arts (ELA) skills.
Program Structure All students in Grades 6–8 are enrolled in two daily periods of English instruction (fall 2026), divided into the following areas:
Reading
English Language Arts (ELA)
Each grade level (6–8) has three English sections. Within these sections, one designated section per grade level is assigned as the Accelerated Reading/ELA section. This section provides students with opportunities for deeper analysis, advanced reading selections, and a more rigorous pace of instruction.
Accelerated Reading/ELA Placement Students invited to participate in the Accelerated Reading/ELA section are selected based on a holistic review of academic performance and readiness. Placement considerations include:
i-Ready Reading/English assessment scores
Earned grades in English and Reading coursework
Teacher recommendation
The number of students selected for the accelerated section may vary based on overall grade-level enrollment and scheduling considerations.
Placement Review Process To ensure thoughtful and appropriate placement, the Principal, Assistant Principal, and English teachers in Grades 5–8 meet to review student data and discuss potential candidates for the Accelerated Reading/ELA program. This collaborative review allows faculty to consider each student’s academic performance, work habits, and readiness for an accelerated learning environment.
Final Determination Final placement decisions are made after careful consideration of the above criteria and the overall composition of each grade level. The goal of this process is to ensure that students are placed in learning environments that best support their continued growth, confidence, and academic success.
Our next meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.
Join a Committee We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.
More School News & Happenings
Little Flowers Girls’ Club
Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.
Rooted in the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” this authentic and joyful Catholic program nurtures a love for the faith at a young age. Through shared learning and prayer, the girls form a special community that fosters friendship while discovering what it means to be a beloved daughter of God.
For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].
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.
St Paul of the Cross Blood Drive- 20th Anniversary!
The Holy Family Guild is hosting the St Paul of the Cross blood drive in association with Vitalant on Sunday, March 29th from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. The blood drive will be held at the Morello Parish Life Center at 320 S. Washington in Park Ridge (behind the church). Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted.
Come be a hero and help us save lives — every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in this country, and the blood shortage is critical!
Contact the Blood Drive Coordinators, Christine Perille, 847-494-5150 or Eileen Kaczmarek 847-533-7952 with any questions or to schedule your appointment. You may also go to Vitalant.org and use code ORD0RG08. Please call 877-258-4825 option #1 with medical or travel questions.
From the Community
Jersey Mikes Month of Giving for Local Special Olympics Athletes
As we continue our Lenten journey together, we are reminded that this sacred season is a time of prayer, reflection, and joyful anticipation of the Resurrection. During these weeks of Lent, our students have been growing in faith through prayer, service, and acts of kindness, and it has been inspiring to witness their sincere efforts to live out the Gospel each day. Even in the quiet and reflective moments of Lent, we are always reminded that the great joy of Easter is drawing closer with every passing day.
This Sunday, March 15th, we look forward to celebrating our next SPC Family Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Holy Family Chapel. The Church celebrates this day as Laetare Sunday, which means “Rejoice.” It is a beautiful moment in the Lenten season when we pause to celebrate the hope and joy that come from knowing that Easter is near. In keeping with this joyful tradition, all of our students are invited to wear something rose-colored (pink) colored to Mass as a visible sign of this celebration.
We are especially excited that our PS–K students will be helping with the Mass as readers, gift bearers, collection ushers, and greeters. It is always a blessing to see our youngest Spartans so joyfully participating in the life of our parish community.
At this time, we still need several readers for this Mass, as well as a few additional volunteers for roles that do not require reading. If your child would be willing and available to assist, please contact Sr. Pia at [email protected].
Looking ahead, from March 21st through March 31st, our parish is very excited to host a Shroud of Turin Exhibit, featuring a life-size replica of the Holy Shroud, the burial cloth of Jesus. This special exhibit will give our students the opportunity to learn more about the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and to reflect more deeply on the meaning of this sacred season.
Each afternoon, the exhibit will be open for students from 1:00–3:30 PM, and we warmly invite you to stop by and experience this powerful and prayerful encounter with the Holy Shroud. In addition to the life-size replica, the exhibit will feature interactive stations with replicas of historical items from the time of Jesus, including the crown of thorns, crucifixion nails, anointing oil, the titulus (the sign placed on the cross), the Sudarium (the cloth that covered Jesus’ face), and other meaningful elements connected to Christ’s Passion.
Thank you, as always, for the many ways you support our faith-filled community. I hope to see many of our SPC families gathered together this Sunday as we pray, celebrate, and rejoice together on this special Laetare Sunday.
Important Updates & Notables
We Need You! 5Essentials Survey: This is a reminder that the 2026 Archdiocese of Chicago 5Essentials Parent Survey opened on Feb. 17, 2026. The survey window will close on March 20, 2026. SPC needs at least 50% of parents to respond to reach our survey goal. Please ensure you have completed the survey — your voice matters.
Financial Aid: Applications for Financial Aid close April 17, 2026. Apply: HERE.
Calendar of Events
Friday, March 13:
Spirit Dress Day
Living Stations (Grades 3–8) at 1:55 p.m.
Sunday, March 15:
PS-K will help with the Mass as readers, gift bearers, collection ushers, and greeters. Please email Sr. Pia at [email protected] if your child would be willing and available to help at this Mass.
Tuesday, March 17:
St. Patrick’s Day-Dress in Green
9:45 am All School Mass
Thursday, March 19:
St. Joseph’s Day-Dress in Red
Friday, March 20:
NO SCHOOL (Students)-Teacher Professional Development Day
Up and Coming
Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)
As we walk through this Lenten season together, may we continue to model Christ’s love through our words, actions, and service. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our mission. Let us keep one another in prayer as we prepare our hearts for Easter.
With gratitude and blessings, James White Principal
Junior & Mom Classic! – Last Chance to Purchase Tickets! Join us for our inaugural 4th – 8th grade “Junior & Mom Classic.” Tickets can be purchased here until Friday, March 13th at noon.
Our next meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.
Join a Committee We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.
More School News & Happenings
SPC Summer Camps Reminder-The deadline to sign up is on Sunday, March 15th. We will not be taking any late registrations.
Little Flowers Girls’ Club Our Little Flowers Girls’ Club recently learned about St. Veronica, the woman who compassionately wiped the face of Jesus during the Stations of the Cross. In response, the girls created their own “face print” of Jesus while reflecting on meaningful ways they can be the light of Christ to others.
Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.
Rooted in the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” this authentic and joyful Catholic program nurtures a love for the faith at a young age. Through shared learning and prayer, the girls form a special community that fosters friendship while discovering what it means to be a beloved daughter of God.
For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].
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.
St Paul of the Cross Blood Drive- 20th Anniversary!
The Holy Family Guild is hosting the St Paul of the Cross blood drive in association with Vitalant on Sunday, March 29th from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. The blood drive will be held at the Morello Parish Life Center at 320 S. Washington in Park Ridge (behind the church). Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted.
Come be a hero and help us save lives — every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in this country, and the blood shortage is critical!
Contact the Blood Drive Coordinators, Christine Perille, 847-494-5150 or Eileen Kaczmarek 847-533-7952 with any questions or to schedule your appointment. You may also go to Vitalant.organd use code ORD0RG08. Please call 877-258-4825 option #1 with medical or travel questions.
From the Community
Jersey Mikes Month of Giving for Local Special Olympics Athletes
