Dear SPC Families,
Two weeks left of this tremendous and unprecedented school year! We can do it!!! Please continue to follow the protocols; we don't want to quarantine cohorts in the final two weeks of school.
As I mentioned in this week's State of the School, I am still unaware of what next year will look like. So, for now, we will celebrate the success of this school year and plan on enjoying a beautiful summer! As soon as I have more details, I will let you know via email.
Thank you for your service to the Community of SPC! We wish the following teachers the best of success in their future endeavors!
- Mrs. Chris Stypka
- Mrs. Maria Mejicanos
- Ms. Theresa Scordo
- Mr. Alex Bravos
- Ms. Erin Guarnieri
- Mr. Todd Cerjak
- Ms. Megan Chambers
We Welcome New Teachers to SPC in 2021-2022!
In the next few Thursday mailings, I will be announcing our new faculty and staff. I am pleased to report we are fully hired and staffed for next year. However, I am not sharing all the new hires as some of them have not publicly announced their departure from their current school. So please stay tuned in future Thursday mailings for more new teacher bios!
Dr. Karl Ochsner
STEAM
I am excited and blessed to join the Saint Paul of the Cross family after enjoying 30 years in sunny Phoenix, AZ. Previously, I was the 6th-8th grade STEM teacher and K-8 1:1 specialist at Saint John XXIII in Scottsdale. Before teaching, I worked as an animation/special effects cameraman/director and worked on creative projects with VTech Educational Toys, Joy Berry's Human Race Club, Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom, and Disney, to name a few.
I hold a Bachelor's degree in Communications from Columbia College in Chicago, a Master's degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Endorsement, and an Educational Doctorate in Teacher Leadership and Innovation from Arizona State University with a focus on movie making in the classroom. I won the Copperwing Award for best educational film at the Phoenix Film Festival, the AzTEA/Qwest award for technology, Best Buy Teacher Award, and the 2014 National Most Distinguished Catholic School Teacher from the National Catholic Education Association.
I recently completed a three-year Fellowship with the University of Notre Dame that focused on increasing student interest and learning in STEM disciplines with themes of equity and access. Along with a one-year Residency with Notre Dame on creating educational content on Artificial Intelligence, Biometrics and social data collection. In my downtime, I enjoy gardening, VR and other techie stuff.
Mrs. Deneane LoGalbo (we are all so excited to have her back home at SPC!)
Early Childhood (Mixed Age Room)
Deneane LoGalbo holds a Bachelor's degree in Education from Northeastern Illinois University.
Aside from already having a few years at SPC under her belt, Mrs. LoGalbo also taught Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten at St. Josaphat School, another Blue Ribbon school located in the heart of Lincoln Park. She has a love for early learning, especially enriching young minds through play and mindful, creative experiences.
She lives on Chicago's Northwest side with her husband, Nick (who is a teacher and coach) and three children, Frankie-8, Nicky-5, and Lily -11 months. In their spare time, you can catch them creating art, playing basketball or chasing Lily around the house.
To say that Mrs. LoGalbo is thrilled to be a part of this wonderful faculty again would truly be an understatement. She is looking forward to creating a classroom environment filled with endless creativity, love and active learning.
Mrs. Courtney Schulz (Grades 3-8)
Music Teacher
Courtney Schulz holds a Bachelor's degree in Secondary Music Education with an Emphasis in Woodwind Performance from the University of Iowa. She has taught band at a public school in Iowa for three years and band and PE for four years at a private school in the west side of Chicago; both schools ranged in ages three through seniors in high school.
Courtney is from a small town in western Iowa and moved to Chicago in 2017. She got engaged during lockdown and will be married to Ryan Schulz in October of this year; she is actually still Miss Courtney Sorensen. Along with teaching, Courtney is the first mate at a yacht company on Lake Michigan during the summer months and enjoys the perks of lake life.
Mr. Michael Galuska
6-8 Science
Hi! I am extremely excited to be joining the SPC team for the 20/21 school year. I was born and raised in Park Ridge and a graduate of Maine South in 2016. After South, I attended Butler University in Indianapolis. My path to teaching was a long winding road as I started as a business major but that path was not for me. I transitioned to becoming a biology and education double major and have not looked back. I am also taking coursework in Butler's Experiential Principalship Program to earn my master's degree next year.
Before St. Paul, I was a high school science teacher in Tipton, Indiana. Tipton is an hour north of Indianapolis. There I taught a variety of classes, including biology, integrated chemistry and physics, and Earth Science. I enjoyed my time teaching at Tipton; however, it was time to return home.
As a teacher, my goal is to show students how science impacts our daily lives. To do this, there will be many labs that will allow students to see science in action. I am so excited for the beginning of the school year and getting to know everyone!
Mrs. Kaitlyn Grzeogrek
3rd Grade Teacher
Hello! I am very excited to join the SPC team this coming fall as a 3rd grade teacher. I recently graduated with my Master's in Elementary Education at DePaul University. Prior to this fall, I have been working as a long term learning specialist substitute at Alphonsus Academy and Center for the Arts in Lakeview, Chicago (where I had just finished my student teaching). Before finishing my master's, I worked in various early childhood education roles but found my passion in elementary ed. I am not only excited to join the SPC community, but the Park Ridge community- my husband, 1-year-old daughter, 5-year-old labradoodle, and I just bought a home here, leaving our many years of city living behind.
As a teacher I strive to focus on the whole student and support them in any way I can. I hope to establish a fun, collaborative and engaging community within my classroom! I cannot wait to join this school and community.
Vaccinations For 12-15-Year-Olds
As you may have heard, the Pfizer vaccination has been granted emergency approval for children ages 12-15. I know many of our students already have appointments. At this time, the vaccine is not mandatory. But, we are encouraging parents to speak to their pediatricians about the benefits of the Pfizer vaccine for their children.
SPC Vaccination Tracker
While not required, St Paul of the Cross School is asking that when your child is vaccinated, please complete the following quick survey so we can track our overall progress for student vaccinations.
Please submit ONE form for EACH child. PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE FORM.
HEALTH FORMS FOR NEXT YEAR DUE AUGUST 1, 2021
All students entering Kindergarten will need a physical, eye, and dental exam.
Students entering Second Grade will need a dental exam.
Students entering Sixth Grade will need to provide a physical exam form.
When you turn in health forms to the office, please check they are complete before submitting them.
- Physical Form: Fill out the top section with the student's information. On the top of page 2, complete the Health History section - circle yes/no and please sign and date by Parent Signature.
- Eye Exam Form: Sign and date the box: Consent of Parent or Guardian on page 2.
- Dental Form: Complete the box with Student Information.
Forms were sent home and can also be found on our website or in the EGC and UGC Offices. Completed examination forms are due in the office by August 1, 2021. Your child's teacher assignment will not be available until you have turned in a completed Physical Examination Form or proof that an appointment for a physical has been scheduled. Failure to provide a completed form or appointment information by Tuesday, August 24, 2021, will result in your student being excluded from the first day of school. Your child will continue to be excluded from school until the completed form is provided, or an appointment is scheduled.
Completed forms can be emailed to Bridget Fletcher at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or dropped off at school during our summer hours - Tues, Wed, Thurs from 9-12.
Please direct all questions regarding examinations and requirements to Mrs. Bridget Fletcher at 847-825-6366 x3601 or Mrs. Linda Foy x3602.
NEW DATE: Please Save the Date: Parade for our Graduates on June 7 at 5:00 pm
Please join us in a very special parade to celebrate our graduates!
We need your help in showing our SPC love to the Class of 2021. We all know their 8th-grade year was not what we envisioned for them, but we still want to send them off with a celebration. One of the things we have planned is an SPC Parade. Please join us on June 7 from 5:00-6:00. Our graduates will be lined up (social distancing) in their caps and gowns along Ridge Terrace and Summit. I know it would mean a lot to see so many of their SPC family wish them well!
School Information Below
Please read the rest of the Thursday Mailing below my letter. We have a lot of information to communicate, and don't want you to miss out.
COVID DASHBOARD May 27, 2021
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
NJHS & Uncle Pete's Sack Dinners -
Remember to bring in your sack dinners Friday, May 28th (tomorrow!) between 7:45-8:15am. Thank you for your generosity!
Please consider making a sack dinner(s) containing all the following items:
❏ 2 sandwiches (meat) on white or wheat bread*
*No condiments or cheese on the sandwich
❏ 2 hard-boiled eggs in the shell
❏ 1 small bag of chips
❏ 1 piece of fruit – apple or orange (No bananas)
❏ 2 or 3 cookies or a small candy bar
❏ 1 small water or juice box
❏ 1 paper napkin
NJHS thanks you for your support and generosity!
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Dear Families,
The Home and School Association is pleased to sponsor The End of the Year Faculty Gift Fund. This is a convenient way for parents to give end of the year gifts to all of their children’s teachers and the staff at our school. Your contribution will provide a monetary gift to all teachers (homeroom, practical fine arts, and resources), aides, the principal, assistant Principal, administrative assistants, school secretaries, and the maintenance staff.
Our teachers have worked so hard this year and have remained resilient, kept our children engaged in the classroom and most importantly safe. We are so grateful for each and every one of them!
Last year contributions averaged $80 per family. However, we encourage you to give at your comfort level. We also realize families make financial sacrifices to send their children to Catholic school so please give at the level that works for your family. Any amount is appreciated.
Please make your contribution online at: https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MDQ5GD5XBTYN4&source=url
You can also send in a check in an envelope labeled End of Year Faculty Gift Fund to the office. Please make your check payable to “Saint Paul of the Cross Home and School Association”.
All contributions need to be turned in by Friday, June 4th and gifts will be dispersed the last week of school.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Katie Murphy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Kelly Regan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thank you for considering this contribution. The SPC teachers and staff truly appreciate the thoughtfulness and generosity of our families.
Stay healthy and safe!
Sincerely,
Home and School Association
HSA School Supply Kits Pre-Order
Hello Everyone, it is that time of year to pre-order your child’s school supplies easily and conveniently.
Please place orders by 7/11. Discounted pricing is valid through 6/20/2021. All orders will be shipped to home, and shipping costs are included in kit price. Please order assignment notebooks through the site to guarantee availability, even if you aren't ordering a kit.
If you have any questions please contact Maria Almendarez Gemoets at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please click here to download the school supply kit flyer.
Scholastic Book Fair May 17 – May 30
The Virtual SPC Scholastic Book Fair opens on Monday, May 17th! It will run through May 30th. Time to plan your summer reading!
Support SPC by shopping The Scholastic Store Online for an expanded selection of exclusives, new releases, value packs, and more. All orders ship home and book-only orders over $25 ship free. Every purchase benefits SPC and helps develop a love of reading.
Please click here for the Virtual Fair.
Shelly the Turtle Needs a New Home!
Shelly, the classroom turtle from Mrs. Stypka's science lab, has been living in Mrs. Stypka's house since Covid. Previously, Shelly had lead an enjoyable life as the classroom pet, sometimes swimming in her tank and sometimes walking among the students in class. Mrs. Stypka is moving on to new adventures, and so must Shelly.
Shelly, a female, is red-eared slider, a species native to Illinois, the size of the diameter of a dinner plate, and needs to have adequate space to swim and roam. Shelly's diet consists of dried turtle food of various types. Shelly loves to bask in the warmth of the sun (or special heat lamp) and take long walks in the grass and shrubs.
Please let Mrs. Stypka know if you would like to consider taking Shelly. We can set up a Meet and Greet. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Please click here to download information and details. Thank you!
30% off School Uniforms May 26–June 1, 2021! Click here to go directly to the SPC page of the Lands' End website.
FROM THE PARISH
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. Britto's weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
FROM THE COMMUNITY
Park Ridge Library Summer Reading Club!
Click on the image above to download the complete flyer with all the details!
Click here for a video about the Park Ridge Library Summer Reading Club.
Edison Park Fall 2021 Outdoor Soccer Registration - Attention Pre K (4) – 8th Grade Girls & Boys
Download the details here.
Loyola Academy Junior High Summer Enrichment Program
Summer will be here soon! Loyola Academy will be offering their Jr. High Summer Enrichment Program for summer 2021. Please click here to download the flyer.
Loyola Academy Sports Camps for Rising 6th Graders and Up
Summer 2021 Sports Camps Brochure
Summer Basketball Camps Flyer
Loyola Academy Summer Rowing Camps for Rising 6th - 9th Graders
Please click here to download the flyer with all the details.
Please click here to watch a video on a recent rowing season.
Please click here to learn all about St. Patrick High School's 2021 Summer Camps! Many of the camps are for all ages and are co-ed.
St. Viator's Newsletter
Please click here for the May Newsletter
Regina Dominican Summer Athletic Camps 5th–8th Grade Girls
Girls in the 5th-8th grade are invited to join us this summer for one of our athletic camps! Meet Regina Dominican Coaches and current Panthers as you enhance your athletic skills while enjoying all summer has to offer!
To register, click here.
Download the flyer here.
Resurrection Summer 2021 Girls Athletic Camps 4th–12th Grade Girls
Basketball, Lacrosse, Tennis, Running, Softball & Volleyball!
To register, click here.
STEM CAMP Grades K-6th
Energize your kid’s creativity and confidence with our new Camp Invention® program, Recharge! When this nationally acclaimed program comes to St. Elizabeth of the Trinity from August 2 - 6, 2021 campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends in hands-on, open-ended STEM challenges. They’ll take apart a microphone to explore its inner workings, build and test a device to launch rubber ducks, and design morphing vehicles for the Super Road Rally! Each activity is designed to inspire curiosity, spark imaginations and give your young innovator the best summer ever. Click here