June 9, 2022 - St. Paul of the Cross School

Dear SPC Families,

Wow, what a school year! Thank you for a truly wonderful year; despite the navigation of the challenges of the pandemic for the first part, it was refreshing to end the year with so many community events!

Thank you to all the volunteers who assisted with SPC Olympics last Friday! What a beautiful day of community and fun, we are already planning for Olympics 2023! This week we had an eventful field trip to Springfield for 6th and 7th grade, and 1st grade enjoyed a day at Lincoln Park Zoo. Yesterday we celebrated our early childhood end-of-year ceremonies, and today we honored our kindergarteners heading to 1st grade.

Thank you for the very generous end-of-the-year faculty gift fund. Your kindness is truly appreciated.

As I wrap up my 4th year as your principal, I am grateful for each and every one of you! SPC is the place to be because of this beautiful community. I am so excited for the 2022-2023 school year when we are back to normal from the beginning of the school year.

Please save the date for August 21st! We will gather as a school community for a back to school Mass of Thanksgiving at 4:00 in the church, followed by a Welcome Back School BBQ at 5:00 in the main parking lot.

We have a number of summer activities planned! Please see below for drive-in and movies and ice cream for breakfast days!!!

This week's Thursday Mailing is packed and it includes reminders about next school year. Please read through so you don't miss anything.

Classroom Assignments 22-23
Health Forms
Uniforms
Summer Enrichment Packets
School Uniforms
Supplies 22-23
Faculty and Staff 22-23
Teachers leaving
New Faculty Bios

Classroom Assignments 2022-23
As you can see in the document below, we have an amazing faculty and staff hired for next year! Please understand we do not accept teacher requests, nor do we accept placement with friends requests. The faculty will carefully consider creating class lists that are mindful of "classroom chemistry." Classroom Assignments will be emailed home the week of August 15th if all health forms are on file in the office.
Faculty & Staff 2022-2023

Teachers Leaving SPC
Thank you for your service and we wish you much success!

Mrs. Kelly Scott
Mr. Stephen DeCaluwe
Mrs. Nora Archer

Welcome New Teachers for 2022-2023!

Ms. Tiffany Tuck-Middle School Language Arts
Tiffany Tuck is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, where she taught high school English, Drama, and Journalism after receiving her BSEd in English Education from the University of Georgia. After four years of working at Emory University's performing arts center, she moved to Chicago to attend Northwestern University, where she received her MA in Literature. She then worked at Northwestern University for nine years, mostly at the Center for Talent Development, where she was an administrator, teacher for the in-person weekend program's Fiction course for 2nd and 3rd graders, and teacher for online Essay and Creative Writing courses for 6th-12th graders. Tiffany returned to the other side of the classroom to earn her MS in Leadership for Creative Enterprises at Northwestern University, during which she interned with Writers Theatre and EDGE of Orion Theatre's education programs. Most recently, Tiffany taught at Shiloh Park Middle School in Zion, IL, and was Manager of Education Programs at North Shore Center for Performing Arts in Skokie.

Tiffany believes her mission as an educator is empowering children to find and use their voices through communication skills, community building, and confidence development. She accomplishes these by sharing her love for literature, writing, and theatre in an empathetic and honest environment. She fosters a kind and compassionate student-centered classroom where all children feel safe to share, falter, and grow. Tiffany is thrilled to be joining the St. Paul of the Cross community!

Mrs. Laura Frayn-UGC Inclusion
Laura Frayn has over fifteen years of special education teaching experience working in elementary, middle, and high schools plus a behavioral health hospital. Laura's philosophy for student success includes a constant positive attitude along with a calm and patient demeanor. Her strengths consist of excellent problem-solving skills, personal connections, and perseverance, along with an extensive background of knowledge to help every student achieve and grow emotionally and academically. She has a Master's plus in Education from Roosevelt University and is a Learning Behavior Specialist 1. Laura earned a Vocational Coordinator (LBS2) approval from the University of Illinois Chicago. She enjoys the outdoors, family and friends, sewing, and reading. Laura lives in Mount Prospect with her husband and two dogs.

Mrs. Kelly Kaufman-1st Grade Teacher
I am so excited to be joining the SPC community. I grew up in Edgebrook and went to SMOW and Loyola Academy. I attended Eastern Illinois University where I earned a degree in Elementary Education. I continued my education while teaching to receive a gifted endorsement. I have been teaching PreK-2nd grade over the past 14 years. The past 7 years have been spent in Lincoln Square at Queen of Angels school. My family and I live in Des Plaines, so I decided to move closer to home. SPC felt like the perfect fit. I cannot wait to continue my career with you and your families!

Ms. Madeline Guerrero-2nd Grade Teacher
I always wanted to be a teacher in the Chicago area because of my own schooling experience at Edgebrook School. As I continued to Loyola Academy and then to Marquette University, I was excited to combine my love for working with children with my dedication to shaping young minds when I graduated in May of 2021 with a B.S. in Elementary/Middle Education and English Language Arts. During my college experience, I did many service learning and field work study courses at a variety of Milwaukee Public Schools. Although I fell in love with Milwaukee, I found that I was always drawn back home to Chicago. I am so excited to be staying close to home and joining a school family similar to my own experience as a student!

Going to Marquette taught me the importance of community while living in a big city. Prior to leaving for school, I worked at a preschool during the summer, and it was always so fulfilling to see the students grow socially and academically. As this will be my first-year teaching, my goal is to create a positive and welcoming classroom environment that fosters the love for learning. And, of course, I want to be a mentor for my students as much as possible.

I am so looking forward to creating new memories at St. Paul of the Cross and joining this amazing community!

Health Forms Due August 1st
Please schedule all necessary appointments now. We strongly encourage you not to wait to schedule these appointments until August! All forms should be emailed to Nurse Kari by August 1st. No teacher assignments will be sent unless completed health forms or appointment cards are on file.

Students who are not in compliance will be excluded from school on October 15th.

The following forms are required for the 2022-2023 school year and will be submitted directly to the school office or by emailing completed forms to Nurse Kari This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Physical Examination Information and Form Must be submitted by August 1, 2022

*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 Must be submitted by August 1, 2022

*Required for Kindergarten, 2nd Grade, and 6th Grade; all new and transfer students in any grade.

Eye Examination Information and Form Must be submitted by August 1, 2022

*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 student will be taking/using medication at school) NOTE: Form and Medication must be brought to the school office by a Parent/Guardian.

Uniforms for Next Year:
Remember, next year; we are back in Normal uniforms! CLICK HERE

Summer Enrichment Packets:
Please click here for summer enrichment work. This can also be found on the home page of our school website.

School Supplies 22-23
Please click here for (scroll all the way down) School supply lists. Next year all students will receive a school planner the first week of school; students in grades k-8 will be assessed a $5 planner fee in September.

COVID DASHBOARD
June 9, 2022

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

Art Work for SPC Church Bulletin

Calling all students! You can submit your artwork to be featured on a church bulletin cover this summer or fall! Email Ms. Whalen (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) for details and to choose a week for submitting artwork. You may borrow art room supplies to complete your submission!
Art on Bulletin

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please click here to download this letter.

Counselors Corner
How to Hone Executive Functioning Skills This Summer
Take advantage of the summer months to build EF skills with activities like sports, gardening, field trips, and more.
Click here for 4 fun summer ideas!

SPC Home & School Association is now on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM! Be sure to follow us for the latest volunteer opportunity and event info.
HSA Follow Us 2

School Supplies 2022- 2023 HSA Fundraiser

Hello Everyone,

It is that time of year to pre-order your child’s school supplies easily and conveniently while supporting Home and School Association.

*IMPORTANT DATES:

• Order 6/4 – 7/10, standard kit and shipping rates apply.

• Storefront closes at end of day on 7/10.
Please click here to start your order.

If you have any question reach out to Maria Almendarez Gemoets at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Summer Events!
Home & School Association is proud to present some fun events this summer! SPC will be hosting 4 drive-in movie nights that can be signed up for below. Act fast! Each movie is limited to 45 vehicles.

We will also be hosting ICE CREAM FOR BREAKFAST this July. Keep on the pajamas and bring the whole family to join Dr. M for ice cream for breakfast at Triple Scoop'd. RSVP below to reserve your spot!

Lastly, Out of Uniform passes for the 2022-2023 school year are NOW on sale for children heading into K - 8th grade. Buy now to give the kids a chance to put aside the uniform and pick their own clothes for special Fridays next school year. Passes are $40 per child and include all dates listed below.

If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Scroll below for all events and sign up links!

Ice Cream for Breakfast