Thursday, March 26, 2020

Dear SPC Families,

These past two weeks, I keep praying that we are all together soon. However, I fear that we may be sheltering in place for longer than April 7th. Likely, we will all learn a return date together when Governor Pritzker makes the announcement. In the meantime, let us all keep our first responders, grocery store personnel, and healthcare workers in our prayers.

Week Two of e-learning:
This has been a huge learning curve for everyone. There was no formula and no time for lengthy professional development. Our faculty at SPC have been amazing; many are working longer hours troubleshooting and revising. I can’t think of a finer faculty that I would like to walk this journey with. They are heartbroken not being at school.

As parents, you also have had to learn how to juggle so much at home. Thank you for your partnership!

At this time, e-learning seems to be slowly finding its rhythm, and I am guessing a routine has developed in your home. With that said, our "normal" on one day may not be the "normal" on another. I do not want any student or parent to stress about e-learning. I have asked teachers to be gentle with themselves, and I am requesting that you do the same. If you or your child need to take a break— take it! Stress is not good for the immune system or the spirits.

If you have concerns about e-learning, assessments, or Google Classroom, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Iacopelli, the teachers, or myself.

Tuesday Mass at 9:00 am:
I spoke with Father Britto, and this Tuesday at 9:00, we will celebrate Mass as a school from the Holy Family Chapel via Facebook Live. If you haven’t like our Facebook page, please make sure you do. Please have your students join us for Mass.

May God watch over you all during this difficult time!

Peace, 
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal


image Heart of the School
Heart of the School Awards Nomination Due Date Extended to April 3, 2020

Every year, the Archdiocese of Chicago honors outstanding Catholic school employees with the Heart of the School Awards. Any current full or part-time St. Paul of the Cross School teacher, administrator, or staff member may be nominated here through April 3, 2020. Nominations are accepted across seven categories: Heart of Christ, Heart of the Community, Heart of Excellence, Heart of Enrichment, Heart of the Future, Heart of Inclusion, and Heart of Service. We encourage all school parents and students to consider the many ways your teachers and staff embody the descriptions of these seven categories and take a moment to honor them with your nomination. Parents, students, fellow teachers and staff may submit up to seven separate nominations (one form per category). Winners will be selected by a committee appointed by the Office of Catholic Schools and honored at the Heart of the School luncheon this spring. 


ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIPS DEADLINE EXTENDED APRIL 7th - Attention Parents and Students - Five Merit Based Scholarships 

The Endowment Committee is excited to announce the merit-based scholarships available to current SPC students for the 2020-2021 school year. Each year the Endowment administers five merit-based, named scholarships totaling $3,750:

  1. Pastoral Leadership Award- We are pleased to invite current 5th and 6th grade students to Three monetary awards of $750 will be given to students who most demonstrate the qualities of leadership and service to others.
  2. Maureen Kelly McCambridge Scholarship- We are pleased to invite current 7th grade students to apply for this $1000 scholarship established in Maureen’s honor and
  3. Roseann McHugh New Family Welcome Award- This $500 award is available to families who, for the first time during the 2019-2020 school year, have students in K-7th grades and are returning to SPC for a second year. It will be granted to welcome a new family to the SPC community.

Please click here to read all of the information including criteria, instructions on applying, and timeline.


St. Baldrick's Save the Date and Sign Up! Virtual Event
Last Year SPC raised over $33,000 to fight childhood cancer. We participated in honor of Dominic Vecchio, who sadly lost his courageous battle this December. This year let us honor the memory and fight of Dominic and so many children who face cancer. Please consider joining the team and raising money. Last year we also had a great time at the event while fighting for a great cause!
https://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/129638/20


Reading Program Parent Letter 2020 Final 1

St. Paul of the Cross will be starting a reading incentive program called Squeeze’s Scholars on Monday, March 16th. The Chicago Dogs professional baseball team in Rosemont is providing us with this wonderful opportunity. As an incentive to participate in this fun program, every student who reads the goal set by their grade level teacher between March 16th and May 8th will receive a free hat and a free ticket to any Chicago Dogs 2020 regular season home game at Impact Field.  When your child has completed their reading goal at home, send the verification form attached to this email on or before Friday, May 8th. Your child's homeroom/reading teacher will then send home the ticket order form. Please contact Mrs. McCallister at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions. 

Reading Goals

Preschool- read 50 books

Prekindergarten- read 50 books

Kindergarten- read 480 minutes

First Grade- read 25 books on their own

Second Grade- read 600 minutes

Third Grade- read 700 minutes

Fourth Grade- read 600 minutes

Fifth Grade- read 600 minutes

Sixth Grade- read 400 minutes

Seventh Grade- read 400 minutes

Eight Grade- read 400 minutes

Please click here for the details and form.


The Six Flags® Read to Succeed Six Hour Reading Club

A few weeks ago all kindergarten through sixth grade students received the Six Flags Read to Succeed Six Hour Reading Club information. The Six Flags® Read to Succeed Six Hour Reading Club is due by Wednesday. April 8th.  Teachers will not be accepting reading logs after that date. Every student in kindergarten through sixth grade who completes six hours of recreational reading and enters the information online by Friday, Wednesday, April 8th is eligible for a free admission ticket valid at Six Flags Great America. Tickets will arrive in May, and will be distributed to those students that participated.

This year all reading logs need to be completed online. You can register your child/ren by going to http://www.sixflags.com/books . Please see all homeroom teacher’s codes below. 

Homeroom Teacher Codes:

Mrs. Kusinski- XW4QZ

Mrs. Murphy- PADTH

Mrs. Rinaldi- A9TU3

Mrs. Hader-HFETT

Ms. Kraft-MDWRX

Mrs. Chaparro- D9EAH

Mrs. McCallister-S5E6V

Ms. Chambers- PZZHU

Mrs. Johnson- A5CY6

Mrs. Galvin- EKCVJ

Mrs. Golden-YWR2H

Ms. Lewandowski-4RMSZ

Mrs. Valdez- JPDBZ

Ms. FaQuin- ZQNPZ

Mrs. Zimmerman-Q9K7V

Mr. Okimoto-EKVBE

Mrs. Pecoraro-CGW7S

If you have any questions, please email Mrs. McCallister at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   


St. Paul of the Cross Parish

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. Britto's weekly letter and to stay informed about all of the upcoming events and programs. Parish Bulletin for March 29, 2020 


From The Community

Loyola Academy Summer Jr. High Enrichment Program


Summer Camps

Bricks for kid image

Bricks 4 Kidz Summer Camp Flyer!