September 23, 2021
Dear SPC Families,
Our 2021 Tiger Fun Run is TOMORROW, Friday, September 24th. Thankfully, the weather looks perfect for the event. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our Chair, Mrs. Renee Tarasevich, for her TREMENDOUS coordination of everything Fun Run...although her job just got a little more complicated as she now has to find a pig! We are on pace for a record-breaking year, and I am excited to pucker up and Kiss a Pig--I am pretty sure that is what the voters will demand!
Thank you to all our parents, friends, and family who have given so generously to raise a record amount for this event. I am so grateful for all the support and energy in support of our great school! I look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow as you stop by to cheer on your children.
Some helpful reminders for tomorrow:
- The big lot will be closed at 7:30 am. Please be patient and use caution as we utilize Washington for the big “kiss-and-go.”
- Please do not park in the FM Global parking lot across the street.
- Please do NOT bring dogs to the Fun Run.
- Please be sure to send your students in their Fun Run t-shirts, comfortable bottoms, gym shoes, and full water bottles!
- A free pizza lunch will be provided. Please send a lunch if there are dietary restrictions.
- Come cheer the students on! Make a sign, wear a cape, or just come as you are, and cheer on your SPC superhero as they run laps in the big lot (schedule below).
Friday, September 24: Fun Run Schedule
- Mrs. Archer, Ms. Burke, & Ms. Xamplas: 8:20-8:45 am
- Mrs. Kusinski, Mrs. Borkovic, & Mrs. LoGalbo: 8:45-9:10 am
- Kind: 9:15-9:40 am
- 1st: 9:45-10:10 am
- 2nd: 10:15-10:40 am
- 3rd: 10:45-11:10 am
- 4th: 11:15-11:40 am
- LUNCH: 11:45 am - 12:20 pm
- 5th: 12:20-12:45 pm
- 6th: 12:50-1:15 pm
- 7th: 1:20-1:45 pm
- 8th: 1:50-2:15 pm
SCHOOL PICTURES:
Picture Day is October 7th; please look in your child’s backpack for the flyers. There will be a designated picture time for early childhood teachers.
CALENDAR REMINDERS:
October 7th-PICTURE DAY
October 8th-NO SCHOOL- TEACHER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
October 11th- NO SCHOOL COLUMBUS DAY
October 21 & 22: NO SCHOOL-Parent Teacher Conferences
October 29th- FUN FAIR!
November 1-NO SCHOOL!
Nobel Peace Prize Nominee Visits SPC
6th-7th and 8th Graders will welcome Nobel Peace Prize nominee Ms. Juliana Taimoorazy next Wednesday morning. She was recently nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her work with Iraqi Christian Relief Services. Please see below for her inspirational biography. The students will be prepared for her visit to social studies and religion class early next week. I encourage you to discuss her visit with your child next week. Thank you to Julie Johnston for making this visit possible!
Juliana Taimoorazy
Juliana Taimoorazy is a leading international advocate, speaker, and writer advancing awareness of the persecution of Christians in the Middle East.
In 2007, Juliana founded the Iraqi Christian Relief Council to shine a light on the plight of Christians in her ancestral homeland and raise funds to deliver food, shelter, and medicine to Iraq. Her unique story as a refugee has made her a strong leader and an unshakable voice for Christians in the Middle East today. Taimoorazy has advised many U.S. based organizations and institutions on the issue of persecuted Christians in the Middle East, has been consulted on developing policy, has authored many articles, and continues to speak globally to raise awareness on these important issues.
Juliana’s firsthand knowledge and expertise on Middle East affairs have been vital in her efforts to assist Christians at risk. Her personal network of contacts throughout the region and her unique perspective as a former refugee has been vital to her ongoing efforts to share the message of the plight of Middle Eastern Christians and their desire for religious freedom and their right to live in a pluralistic society.
Understanding the value of religious freedom, she has been known as a “Warrior Against Discrimination”. She has spent much time building relationships between Middle Eastern Christians and the Jewish community. She is leading the effort among the Assyrians in America to fight against anti-Semitism in different communities.
Being born and raised in Iran, having direct contact with the Iranians in exiles, and being connected with the people inside the country, Taimoorazy can speak on the current political and humanitarian conditions in Iran.
As a young woman in 1989, fleeing religious harassment in Iran, Juliana was smuggled into Switzerland. After spending seven days in a monastery in Zurich, she was again smuggled into Germany, where she sought religious asylum. In December of 1990, she arrived in America as a refugee in search of religious freedom and the American Dream. In 2000, she obtained her Master’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University. As a passionate leader who knows firsthand how education can transform lives in America, she has helped refugee women obtain an education to rebuild their lives.
With the opportunities afforded to her to achieve the American Dream, in 2006, Juliana made a commitment to be a greater voice and advocate for the persecuted Church in Iraq and those Christians who are still suffering in the Middle East. Since 2007, her ministry, Iraqi Christian Relief Council, has positively impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, helping displaced Christians (and other minorities) throughout Iraq and refugees in the neighboring countries with their basic necessities.
Today, through her activism, speaking engagements, and regular media appearances, both in the U.S. and internationally, Juliana has tirelessly shared her personal story and promoted the cause of Iraqi Christians throughout the world. She has been featured on FOX News, BBC, Wall Street Journal Live, Newsmax, Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA), and Christian radio programs, including CBN. As an Assyrian Christian living in Iran, Juliana learned to be multi-lingual and is fluent in English, Farsi, and Assyrian. She will soon be releasing a book sharing her personal experiences and the plight of her people, called “Daughter of Nineveh”.
Juliana has a heart for those who have served America in uniform. She helped raise donations for the Wounded Warrior Project, visited veterans at Walter Reed Hospital, and gathered care packages for American soldiers serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
For her tireless service to humanity, Taimoorazy was nominated for the prestigious Nansen Award through the United Nations Higher Commission on Refugees (UNHCR). She has received multiple awards; Assyrian Woman of the Year, Michelle Malkin Investigates “Bulldog Award”, Advocacy of the Year award, to name a few.
Juliana is a UN Delegate in Geneva, and she is a member of the Simon Wiesenthal Midwest Region’s Community Engagement Committee. She recently joined the advisory council of The Witness Institute, which strives to continue the work and legacy of the Holocaust Survivor, Professor and Noble Prize winner, Elie Wiesel. As of February 2021, she has been accepted as a member of the Witness Fellowship for the Emerging Leaders.
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Order your SPC 2021-2022 yearbook by September 30th and save 10%
The deadline to order a St. Paul of the Cross yearbook is Friday, April 8th.
Here are three reasons we chose TreeRing:
Custom Yearbooks: Every student gets a one of a kind printed copy containing two free pages to customize with personal photos. (This is optional; don’t feel obligated to complete this)
Green Yearbooks: TreeRing plants a tree in our school’s name when you purchase a book and it prints on recycled paper. In the past five years, TreeRing planted over 2,300 trees on behalf of St. Paul of the Cross.
Beautiful Yearbooks: All yearbooks are gorgeously printed in full color using the highest end print production available.
YOU CAN PURCHASE AND PERSONALIZE YOUR St. Paul of the Cross YEARBOOK BY CLICKING HERE https://treering.com/
Yearbook password: 101414618165482
A few important facts:
o Your personalized yearbook only costs $28.00 for a soft cover. You may order a hardcover yearbook for an additional charge.
o You’ll need to purchase your copy and complete your free personal pages by April 8th.
o Your 2 free custom pages are optional, if you don’t customize you’ll receive a standard yearbook.
Regards,
Mrs. Melissa McCallister
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
SPC Cub Scouts – Volunteers Needed!
Attention parents of boys in Grades 1-4. SPC has sponsored a Cub Scout Pack for many years. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program that provides an opportunity to learn valuable life skills, including good citizenship, teamwork and personal responsibility, all while having some fun along the way. The pandemic has thinned our ranks recently, so we are looking for some parents in these grades to help us continue to make this program available. No prior experience with Scouting is required, just a willingness to learn a little about the program and then to act as a good leader, role model and guide to your child and his fellow Scouts. If you are interested, please reach out to Robb Armour (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or John Mikowski (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
We would like to invite all 6th, 7th and 8th grade SPC and CCD students to participate in our Altar Server program. If you are interested in participating in this beautiful ministry, please return the application that was given to you to the school office or rectory office. All current altar servers need to complete an application as all participants will be trained. If you need an application please go to the school office.
From the Parish
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James' weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James' "The Daily" - Daily Mass Readings and Reflections
Attention Men of St. Paul of the Cross Parish!
TMIY - "That Man is You" is a new Men's organization starting at St. Paul of the Cross Parish.
Becoming a Man After God's Own Heart
Please click here to download the flyer
From the Community
District 64 Developmental Screenings
School District 64 offers monthly free developmental screenings (cognitive, social-emotional, communication, and motor skill development) for children age 2yrs 9mos through 5yrs 11mos who live in the School District 64 community. Call Jefferson School (847) 318-4290 for more information.
Please download these flyers with the dates and details.
Park Ridge Newcomers Semi-Annual Kids Sale!
Please click here to download the Kids Sale flyer.
Notre Dame Jersey Night, TOMORROW NIGHT, Friday, September 24th!
Where an elementary school, college or NFL football jersey and receive a free ticket to the game! There will be a check-in table next to the stadium entrance. Please click here for more details and to RSVP.
Edison Park Youth Basketball Attention 1st through 8th Graders!
Registration is going on now. Please click here for the details.
Attention 6th–8th Grade Boys
Please click here for St. Patrick High School Admissions Events and Information.
Loyola Academy Basketball Fall Skills League Attention Grades 3-8
September 16, 2021
Dear SPC Families,
Thank you to everyone who came out last Friday for the 1st Annual Parent Mixer! It was a lovely night to be together and celebrate our school community. I think we will add the event to our yearly traditions!
The Tiger Fun Run is off to a great start, and we are well on our way to meeting our goal. I know there are some fun rumors about what the Super Secret Surprise will be if we reach our goal…..I promise it will not disappoint! Next week will be jam-packed with fun in each of the rooms. Please check your email daily to see if your child’s homeroom has earned any fun awards, such as wearing pajamas to school the next day. You are allowed to come and watch your child run on Friday. Please see your classroom newsletters for the exact time. The Fun Run will take place in the main parking lot.
A FEW THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR FUN RUN DAY:
- There will be no kiss-and-go line in the main lot on Friday morning. The line will be moved to Washington.|
- Parents are allowed to come to the Fun Run. Please do not park in FM Global Lot. You will have to find city parking.
- Your child will be given a pizza lunch on Friday--do not pack a lunch unless there are dietary restrictions.
- Fun Run T-shirts will go home on Thursday. Your child should wear them on Friday.
- Two spectators per child are allowed to come and watch the run. You will also be asked to leave after your child runs to allow for space for the next group of runners.
DROPPING OFF ITEMS TO THE UGC:
Please remember that it is strongly recommended not to drop off forgotten items in the office, such as Chromebooks, lunch boxes, and water bottles. Please double check your child has these items before they leave for school.
Covid Dashboard September 16, 2021
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Last Chance! Today is the Final Day to sign up for this year's Out of Uniform Ten-Packs!
Tomorrow, Friday, September 17th, is our first Out of Uniform Day with the Virtual Ten-Packs. Please see below for information and to purchase online before 9:00 pm tonight.
*Just a reminder that we did not sell these last spring as in past years.
Don't miss out on this opportunity to purchase a complete pack of TEN Out of Uniform Passes for the entire 2021-2022 school calendar year! The first date is tomorrow, September 17th!
Click on the voucher above or click here to purchase your out of uniform packs for each student (Grades Kdg-8). They are $30 per student and include 10 virtual passes.
The dates (also listed on the school calendar) are:
Friday, September 17
Friday, October 15
Friday, November 19
Friday, December 10
Friday, January 14
Friday, February 18
Friday, March 25
Friday, April 29
Friday, May 27
Friday, June 3
SPC SCHOOL DIRECTORY
The SPC School Directory with family and class information will be available by the end of this month!
You will receive an email with instructions on how to confirm your personal information and directions on how to purchase the directory.
If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Diez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
SPC Life Team
We are excited to announce that the SPC Life Team for 7th and 8th graders is back (8th graders get service hours for participation)! Last year, the team was unable to meet due to Covid restrictions but this year, we will be able to continue the momentum of this important group!
The SPC Life Team is sponsored by the parish Respect Life Committee and is coordinated by parents, Wendy Diez and Karen Maloney. The mission of the team is to live the Gospel of Life through service to the most vulnerable: the unborn, those with special needs, the poor, the elderly, etc. Our goal is to live out the social justice teaching of respecting the life and dignity of every human person.
Some of our past activities have included:
- Helping with the parish Baby Bottle project for the Women's Center by distributing and collecting the bottles and speaking at masses
- Making Easter baskets for expectant mothers at Heather's House
- Making Christmas ornaments, decorating trees and caroling at Summit of Uptown
- Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children
- Making cards for residents at CEL facilities during Covid
We meet one Monday per month during lunch to plan outreach/service activities.
If your 7th or 8th grader is interested in joining us, please let Wendy Diez (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Karen Maloney (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) know and have them plan to attend our first meeting next week!
Smiling Strings Returns to SPC!
Fall In-Person Violin Lessons
Lessons take place on Tuesdays (2-3 PM) beginning Sept 21st
Open to New & Returning Students Grades K-8
$239 for 10 weeks + annual $55 materials fee
(violin rental not included)
SPC Cub Scouts – Volunteers Needed!
Attention parents of boys in Grades 1-4. SPC has sponsored a Cub Scout Pack for many years. Cub Scouting is a family-oriented program that provides an opportunity to learn valuable life skills, including good citizenship, teamwork and personal responsibility, all while having some fun along the way. The pandemic has thinned our ranks recently, so we are looking for some parents in these grades to help us continue to make this program available. No prior experience with Scouting is required, just a willingness to learn a little about the program and then to act as a good leader, role model and guide to your child and his fellow Scouts. If you are interested, please reach out to Robb Armour (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or John Mikowski (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
We would like to invite all 6th, 7th and 8th grade SPC and CCD students to participate in our Altar Server program. If you are interested in participating in this beautiful ministry, please return the application that was given to you to the school office or rectory office. All current altar servers need to complete an application as all participants will be trained. If you need an application please go to the school office.
From the Parish
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James' weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James' "The Daily" - Daily Mass Readings and Reflections
Attention Men of St. Paul of the Cross Parish!
TMIY - "That Man is You" is a new Men's organization starting at St. Paul of the Cross Parish.
Becoming a Man After God's Own Heart
Please click here to download the flyer
From the Community
Notre Dame Jersey Night, Friday, September 24th!
Where an elementary school, college or NFL football jersey and receive a free ticket to the game! There will be a check-in table next to the stadium entrance. Please click here for more details and to RSVP.
Edison Park Youth Basketball Attention 1st through 8th Graders!
Registration begins Saturday, September 18th. Please click here for the details.
Attention 6th–8th Grade Boys
Please click here for St. Patrick High School Admissions Events and Information.
Loyola Academy Basketball Fall Skills League Attention Grades 3-8
September 9, 2021
Dear SPC Families,
Imagine my surprise when I watched 98% of the kids who ride their bikes to school leave school without a bike helmet! I know riding your bike to school is often a right of passage, that first step in helping our children practice some independence. However, please make sure that your child rides to school with an appropriately fitting bike helmet. We want to make sure that their beautiful brains are protected at all times, not just in the classroom but on the road as well! Thank you for your cooperation, and let’s remember to wear the helmets!
http://ohioaap.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/bike-safety-letter1.pdf
http://ohioaap.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Dylans-Story1.pdf
https://www.lfh.org/importance_bike_helmet_safety
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/108/4/1030
TIGER FUN RUN: COMING SOON
Tomorrow you will receive an email regarding our Tiger Fun Run Kick-Off. Please look in your email for directions on registration and more fun details! Tiger Fun Run is on Friday, September 24th, and is one of our largest fundraisers. It also promises to be a super fun week and a half with classroom incentives and school spirit!
BACK-TO-SCHOOL NIGHT
If you missed back-to-school night, the video recordings will be included in the weekly teacher newsletter.
PARENT MINGLE
It looks like the weather is going to be perfect for tomorrow night. I look forward to seeing you and enjoying a beverage!
COVID DASHBOARD
September 9, 2021
Be sure to look at a lot of new information about student and parent activities below!
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Our first Home & School Meeting of the school year! Please click here to download the flyer.
Out of Uniform Ten-Packs for this new school year! Time to sign up!
Don't miss out on this opportunity to purchase a complete pack of TEN Out of Uniform Passes for the entire 2021-2022 school calendar year! The first date is next Friday, September 17th!
Click on the voucher above or click here to purchase your out of uniform packs for each student (Grades Kdg-8). They are $30 per student and include 10 virtual passes. These will be available to purchase until NEXT Thursday, September 16th, so be sure to sign up before then!
The dates (also listed on the school calendar) are:
Friday, September 17
Friday, October 15
Friday, November 19
Friday, December 10
Friday, January 14
Friday, February 18
Friday, March 25
Friday, April 29
Friday, May 27
Friday, June 3
SPC SCHOOL DIRECTORY
The SPC School Directory with family and class information will be available by the end of this month!
You will receive an email within the next week with instructions on how to confirm your personal information and directions on how to purchase the directory.
If you have any questions, please contact Wendy Diez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
SPC TRIP: Rebates on tuition through gift card purchases
The Home & School Association is excited for another year of shopping through TRIP- a way for SPC families to earn rebates on their FACTS accounts with the purchase of gift cards. For more information, please reach out to the plan coordinator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit: https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/. SPC's enrollment code for families (and friends) is C21ELFAD426. That's right, even extended families and friends can use the program as well to help out with your child's tuition. SPC currently has several gift cards on hand available for purchase. Many of the gift cards on the site are e-cards, but if you're looking for a physical gift card- or to stock up before the holidays- we will be placing the next order for physical cards on 9/15. Please email with any questions!
SCHOOL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
SPC Life Team
We are excited to announce that the SPC Life Team for 7th and 8th graders is back (8th graders get service hours for participation)! Last year, the team was unable to meet due to Covid restrictions but this year, we will be able to continue the momentum of this important group!
The SPC Life Team is sponsored by the parish Respect Life Committee and is coordinated by parents, Wendy Diez and Karen Maloney. The mission of the team is to live the Gospel of Life through service to the most vulnerable: the unborn, those with special needs, the poor, the elderly, etc. Our goal is to live out the social justice teaching of respecting the life and dignity of every human person.
Some of our past activities have included:
- Helping with the parish Baby Bottle project for the Women's Center by distributing and collecting the bottles and speaking at masses
- Making Easter baskets for expectant mothers at Heather's House
- Making Christmas ornaments, decorating trees and caroling at Summit of Uptown
- Volunteering at Feed My Starving Children
- Making cards for residents at CEL facilities during Covid
We meet one Monday per month during lunch to plan outreach/service activities. Our first meeting will be held on September 13th at 11:30 am.
If your 7th or 8th grader is interested in joining us, please let Wendy Diez (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Karen Maloney (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) know and have them plan to attend our first meeting next week!
Smiling Strings Returns to SPC!
Fall In-Person Violin Lessons
Lessons take place on Tuesdays (2-3 PM) beginning Sept 21st
Open to New & Returning Students Grades K-8
$239 for 10 weeks + annual $55 materials fee
(violin rental not included)
Register NOW for the Fall Session of Chess-Ed’s Chess Enrichment Program
Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway! The 10-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/14/21 to 11/16/21. The chess program is taught by Chess-Ed instructors and is open to students in 1st through 8th grade and students of all chess abilities. Professional instruction will include the basics for beginning and novice players and build with opening theory, middle game planning, and end game combinations for continuing students. Playing chess improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills and more! The benefits of chess last a lifetime!
To register, please go to www.2021-2022spcchess.eventbee.com. For more information about the program, please see the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST this Fall!
Chess-Ed Flyer
From the Parish
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James' weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James' "The Daily" - Daily Mass Readings and Reflections
Attention Men of St. Paul of the Cross Parish!
TMIY - "That Man is You" is a new Men's organization starting at St. Paul of the Cross Parish.
Becoming a Man After God's Own Heart
Please click here to download the flyer
From the Community
Loyola Academy Basketball Fall Skills League Attention Grades 3-8
September 2, 2021
Dear SPC Families,
I hope you all have a relaxing Labor Day weekend. This week we are all getting more into the swing of the school year. On Wednesday, we celebrated the 1st Mass of the School year. This Thursday mailing contains the following information:
- Back to School Night
- Isolation/ Quarantine Procedures
- Travel
- St. Paul of the Cross High School Fair: 7th and 8th Grade Only
- Dress Code Reminders
- Covid Dashboard
UPDATE: BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
Given the rise in Covid Cases and out of an abundance of caution, we have moved the Back to School Night to a virtual night. We will send out a full schedule with zoom links in the next few days. Please note the time of the Zoom meetings for your grade levels. We have attempted to space out the presentations to allow for families who have multiple children to attend. The Zoom sessions will also be recorded and included in next week's classroom newsletters. Please understand that this decision was not made lightly, but given our large enrollment, having that many parents in the buildings did not seem like a good idea. Next month, we anticipate offering both Zoom and in-person meetings for parent-teacher conferences because we can spread the visits out over two days. Thank you for your understanding. Dr. Mickelburgh will give a brief school year overview via Zoom from 5:30 pm-6:00 pm.
UPDATED QUARANTINE PROCEDURES 9/1/21
The Archdiocese is continually making adjustments to policies to ensure in-person learning and keeping children safe. Please see below for important updates.
Please click here for updated information regarding close contact exposure and isolation procedures.
Masks
- Mesh masks and masks with holes are not permissible.
- Well-fitting masks featuring two or more layers of fabric and an adjustable nose wire are required.
- Reusable cloth masks, disposable masks, and Kn95s (for children) all fit this description. Experience has shown that for most, reusable masks typically fit better than disposable child-size masks.
- Please make sure to include an extra mask in a Ziploc-style bag in your student's backpack.
- Additionally, please remember that masks are required indoors at all times by all individuals, including indoor athletics. Persistent disregard for proper mask use by athletes or spectators can and will lead to cancellation of games, practices and programs, as necessary.
Is your family traveling over the Labor Day holiday? Please note the following:
TRAVEL
As you may know, the City of Chicago Travel Advisory was recently updated. As of August 31, all but one state (Vermont) and four U.S. Territories are listed as "orange" states. While we continue to follow the City of Chicago's classification of "Orange" states, at this time, we are maintaining our travel quarantine requirements for non-vaccinated individuals. Non-vaccinated individuals must quarantine for 10 days or obtain a negative COVID test to avoid the need to quarantine. Vaccinated individuals are not required to quarantine after travel. You should continue to urge caution amongst staff and families when traveling with unvaccinated children.
- All states, except for Vermont, are now "orange states," which means if your child is unvaccinated, they must either:
1. Quarantine for 10 days after they return to Chicago.
OR
2. Obtain a negative PCR Test (NO HOME TESTS ALLOWED) after returning from vacation. The child must quarantine until the test is turned into the main office. Test results must be emailed to 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.
Fully vaccinated students/teachers/staff
Do not need post-travel COVID-19 testing or self-quarantines as long as they are not symptomatic and provide proof of vaccination.
International Travel
The CDC currently requires a negative COVID-19 test or proof of recovery to board a plane to the United States. Because of this negative test, there is no required quarantine upon arrival, regardless of vaccination status.
St. Paul of the Cross High School Fair: 7th and 8th Grade Only
Date: Wednesday, September 22, 2021
Time: 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm 7th grade
7:15 pm - 8:00 pm 8th grade
Location: Gym
With the large number of students, we are asking that just one parent attends with your child. Masks must be worn at all times in the school
Schools invited:
Fenwick, Loyola, Notre Dame, Regina, Resurrection, St. Ignatius, St. Patrick, St. Viator, Trinity, Woodlands, Depaul College Prep
DRESS CODE REMINDERS:
Hair Policy- With school in full swing and summer vacation behind us, we ask that students comply with the hair policy. As per the handbook:
* Hair touching shirt collars on boys is unacceptable. Hair extending below eyebrows or extreme hairstyles is unacceptable for both boys and girls. Administration reserves the right to define extreme.
*No hair dye of any nature may be worn.
If your child needs a haircut or needs to wash out the hair dye, please take advantage of the three-day weekend to schedule an appointment.
COVID DASHBOARD
September 2, 2021
Please keep reading below for upcoming events and extracurricular activities (school and community) for the students!
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Tiger Fun Run 21!
Dear SPC Families,
We are so excited to bring back the SPC Tiger Fun Run this year! Mark your calendars for Friday, September 24th!
The SPC Tiger Fun Run is a ten-day, all-school program that kicks off with a pep rally on Wednesday, September 15th. Students/families will then be gathering pledges for running in the Tiger Fun Run on Friday, September 24th. This year, our goal is to raise $100,000, and we need your help!
Sponsorship Opportunities:
$250 Family or Business sponsorship
- Name and/or logo on the Tiger Fun Run webpage – logo will be clickable to your business website
$500 Family or Business sponsorship
- Name and/or logo on the Tiger Fun Run webpage – logo will be clickable to your business website
- Name and Logo on the Fun Run Sponsor Banner on Northwest Highway September 15 - October 1st
- Name and Logo on Fun Run Sponsor Banner located at the Fun Run in the main parking lot
All students will participate and gather pledges through their own personalized pledge pages.
To sign up for one of our sponsorship packages, please click here.
If you would like to use a logo, please email it to us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. by Tuesday, September 7th.
Thank you,
Renee Tarasievich, Nicole O’Connor & Eileen McManus
SPC Tiger Fun Run co-chairs
Just a reminder to RSVP for the Parent Mingle by Tuesday, September 7th.
Click here to RSVP.
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
SPC TRIP: Rebates on tuition through gift card purchases
The Home & School Association is excited for another year of shopping through TRIP- a way for SPC families to earn rebates on their FACTS accounts with the purchase of gift cards. For more information, please reach out to the plan coordinator: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit: https://shop.shopwithscrip.com/. SPC's enrollment code for families (and friends) is C21ELFAD426. That's right, even extended families and friends can use the program as well to help out with your child's tuition. SPC currently has several gift cards on hand available for purchase. Many of the gift cards on the site are e-cards, but if you're looking for a physical gift card- or to stock up before the holidays- we will be placing the next order for physical cards on 9/15. Please email with any questions!
Since we get to go back to in-person tours and parent events this year, the Welcome Committee is excited to plan for this year, and we would love new volunteers to join us! This committee helps to welcome new students and new families and sends out communication to help with important information and events that occur during the year. The Committee will also help with Admissions events, such as New Family Night and Early Childhood Night, and helps keep all families feel welcomed and part of this wonderful community through fun parent mingles! If you are interested in joining the committee, please complete the form linked here.
Fall In-Person Violin Lessons
Lessons take place on Tuesdays (2-3 PM) beginning Sept 21st
Open to New & Returning Students Grades K-8
$239 for 10 weeks + annual $55 materials fee
(violin rental not included)
Register NOW for the Fall Session of Chess-Ed’s Chess Enrichment Program
Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway! The 10-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/14/21 to 11/16/21. The chess program is taught by Chess-Ed instructors and is open to students in 1st through 8th grade and students of all chess abilities. Professional instruction will include the basics for beginning and novice players and build with opening theory, middle game planning, and end game combinations for continuing students. Playing chess improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills and more! The benefits of chess last a lifetime!
To register, please go to www.2021-2022spcchess.eventbee.com. For more information about the program, please see the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST this Fall!
Chess-Ed Flyer
From the Parish
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James' weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.
Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James' "The Daily" - Daily Mass Readings and Reflections
Attention Men of St. Paul of the Cross Parish!
TMIY - "That Man is You" is a new Men's organization starting at St. Paul of the Cross Parish.
Becoming a Man After God's Own Heart
Please click here to download the flyer
From the Community
Loyola Academy Basketball Fall Skills League Attention Grades 3-8
August 26, 2021
Dear SPC Families,
It is wonderful to have the campus alive with students and teachers again! Thank you for all your patience with the arrival and dismissal information. We have made a slight change to the dismissal for the EGC to help decrease the congestion in the Safe Zone; please see below.
As a parent, I know the beginning of the school year is always exciting; I look forward to hearing about my child’s day, the new teachers, new friends, and new learning. However, often my questions are answered with “everything was fine” or “not much happened.” To be honest, those responses often didn’t fly in my house--since for most of their lives, my children have attended the school where I was the administrator, and I know what happens at school! In an effort to have a better dialogue with my kids, I learned early on that I need to use more carefully selected questions rather than “How was your day?” I have included two brief articles below that may be able to help you gather some more information about your child’s school day than the standard “it was fine” or “ we didn’t do anything.”
How to talk to your kids about their school day
25 Questions to ask your child about school
I am looking forward to a great school year. Thank you for entrusting the faculty and staff of SPC with your child’s education! Each week the Thursday Mailing will provide important information about the overall school program and events. On the weekend, your child’s teachers will send a weekly classroom newsletter that contains essential classroom information. Thank you for reading both mailings carefully.
In this week’s Thursday Mailing:
- Dismissal Door Changes for Grades Preschool-2nd Grade
- Save the Dates-upcoming events
- Reopening Protocols & What to do if Your Child is Sick?
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL- Change in the dismissal doors for Preschool-2nd Grade.
Thank you for your cooperation in following the procedures. We have evaluated the dismissal doors for grades preschool-2 as there is quite a bit of congestion in the safe zone at the end of the day. Please note the new dismissal doors; the new doors will begin on MONDAY, AUGUST 30.
To aid in the congestion, we ask parents to leave campus immediately after they pick their child up as we want to prevent as much congregating as possible.
STARTING MONDAY, AUGUST 30
SAVE THE DATES:
Wednesday, September 8th – Back to School Night for Parents 6:00-8:00 pm
Friday, September 10 – 7:00-9:00 pm Parent Mingle
We are excited to send you this invitation to kick off the 2021-22 school year with a Parent Mingle. We hope you can join us! RSVP links are below.
Friday, September 24 – All School Tiger Fun Run!
REOPENING PLAN 21-22 KEEPING THE SPC COMMUNITY SAFE:
Please remember the following procedures and protocols:
WHAT TO DO IF MY CHILD IS SICK:
- Keep your child home.
- If symptoms last longer than 24 hours, students must receive a negative COVID-19 test or alternative medical diagnosis prior to returning to school.
- COMPLETE THE SPC ATTENDANCE FORM
REMINDER: OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THE 21-22 SCHOOL YEAR (previously sent)
Isolation and Quarantine Procedures
All individuals must remain at home when sick or experiencing any symptoms to minimize the chance of spreading COVID-19 or other germs and viruses. Specific to COVID-19 quarantines:
Symptomatic or COVID-19 Positive Individuals
- All symptomatic individuals must remain home, regardless of vaccination status. Families are obligated to report COVID-19 diagnoses, or close contact cases, to their school office
- If symptoms last longer than 24 hours, an individual must receive a negative COVID-19 test or alternative medical diagnosis prior to returning to school.
- Any individual who tests positive for COVID-19 must isolate for 10 days from the date symptoms first appeared or the date of a positive test result.
Quarantine Procedures for Close Contacts
- Students/faculty/staff who are masked and maintain three feet of physical distancing from the positive individual do not need to quarantine.
- Vaccinated students/faculty/staff do not need to quarantine if they are asymptomatic.
- Unvaccinated students/faculty/staff who are close contacts to positive household members, including siblings, must quarantine.
- There is no longer a need for the Catholic grade school to notify the high school of a sibling of a confirmed positive case – this will be the responsibility of the parent/legal guardian.
Quarantine guidelines continue to be fluid and we expect to issue updated guidance closer to the start of the school year.
COVID DASHBOARD:
Last year we published a weekly covid dashboard detailing current numbers regarding quarantines and cases. We will resume the weekly COVID Dashboard next week so that families are informed regarding current cases.
Please read below my letter each week for more announcements and school information.
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal
HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
Welcome to the new school year! We are excited to get to know all of our new families. Please stay tuned, and we will announce upcoming meetings. In the meantime, if you are looking for a way to be more involved at SPC, we have the committee for you!
Since we get to go back to in-person tours and parent events this year, the Welcome Committee is excited to plan for this year, and we would love new volunteers to join us! This committee helps to welcome new students and new families and sends out communication to help with important information and events that occur during the year. The Committee will also help with Admissions events, such as New Family Night and Early Childhood Night, and helps keep all families feel welcomed and part of this wonderful community through fun parent mingles! If you are interested in joining the committee, please complete the form linked here.
Register NOW for the Fall Session of Chess-Ed’s Chess Enrichment Program
Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway! The 10-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/14/21 to 11/16/21. The chess program is taught by Chess-Ed instructors and is open to students in 1st through 8th grade and students of all chess abilities. Professional instruction will include the basics for beginning and novice players and build with opening theory, middle game planning, and end game combinations for continuing students. Playing chess improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills and more! The benefits of chess last a lifetime!
To register, please go to www.2021-2022spcchess.eventbee.com. For more information about the program, please see the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST this Fall!
Chess-Ed Flyer