Dear SPC Families,

This week, we hosted our first-ever First Responders Mass; it was a beautiful morning and Mass. Thank you to all of our parents who joined us for the morning. We are grateful that our students could pray in thanksgiving for your service to our community! 

A huge thank you to all who attended Trivia Night on November 3rd and made it such a memorable event! And a very special thanks to our Endowment Committee for planning this exceptional night and our SPC alums, who helped us with all the behind-the-scenes throughout the night. The energy and brainpower in the Parish Life Center were in overdrive; what an outstanding evening filled with great fellowship and so much laughter! All of our teams/tables were so creative in their themes! The faculty Las Vegas team had a very fun night (see the CTS update below.) And we are happy to report that we raised $7,400 in net proceeds for the Endowment Fund. 

We have a jam-packed Thursday Mailing this week: 

• NASA WINNERS ON CBS2
• WINTER CLUB REGISTRATION FORM
• UNCLE PETE'S MINISTRY BAGGED LUNCHES!
• PICTURE RETAKE DAY 11/13
• SAVE THE DATE: CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE & CONCERT GRADES PS-3
• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES
• NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION-CURRENT FAMILIES
• Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles!
• Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY
  
  

SPC NASA WINNERS ON CBS2

Our 7th grade NASA winners showcased their talents on the news again! CLICK HERE to watch the fantastic interview.

WINTER CLUB REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Check out these great after-school activities that take place at SPC! Our creative staff has created some unique and full-filled after-school CLUBS (these are classes in addition to after-school activities provided by other outside vendors). Please sign up soon, as spots are limited.  

Winter Clubs begin the week of November 27th. Some clubs will be offered four weeks before break (Nov. 27-Dec. 22) and then ten weeks following break (Jan 16 - Mar 22). Once you have submitted the registration form and payment, changes cannot be made, and refunds will not be issued. Please make a note on your calendar of any club you sign up for and the dates the club is in session.

Click here for the Winter Clubs Descriptions and Details.

Registration is Open Now! CLICK HERE 

Registration will be open until Thursday, November 17th, at 8:00 am. Please complete one form for each student.

UNCLE PETE'S MINISTRY BAGGED LUNCHES!
On Friday, November 17th, Uncle Pete's Ministry and NJHS students will collect meals for those in need. On Monday, November 13th, we will send all students home with a brown paper lunch bag and instructions for creating meals. The NJHS will collect these bags as students enter the building on the morning of November 17th. Thank you, everyone, for supporting this mission to feed the hungry.

PICTURE RETAKE DAY!
Color Portraits will be here for student and faculty picture retakes/missed photos on Monday, November 13th. If students are retaking, please have them bring their original proofs to return to the photographer.

SAVE THE DATE: CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE & CONCERT GRADES PS-3

WHERE: Church

WHEN: Thursday, December 21 at 10:00 am

GUESTS ALLOWED: We will Livestream so friends and family can watch it. Please be mindful of the number of guests you bring; we have limited capacity. 

PARKING:  Parking will be a challenge. Please utilize the public parking in Park Ridge. YOU MAY NOT PARK IN FM GLOBAL or RYAN PARKE FUNERAL HOME.

CAN I BRING MY OLDER STUDENTS TO THE CONCERT? No, the older students will see the concert on Wednesday, December 20th, during the practice, allowing for more room in the church.

WHY DO WE DO THE SERVICE DURING THE DAY? Excellent question; the truth is when we host the concert at 6 or 7 at night for these little ones, it can be a challenge. Asking them to perform when they should be unwinding for the day and getting ready for bed does not make for ideal circumstances, especially during the excitement of the holiday season. We understand that it isn't always the best for parent schedules, but we appreciate your understanding that this decision is focused on what is best for the kids. We will livestream the performance so that you can still see your child perform if you can't be there.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES:

• November 10th - NO SCHOOL Professional Development Day for Teachers
• November 20-24 - THANKSGIVING BREAK
• December 21 - Preschool-3 Christmas Concert 
• December 22 - Last day of school before Christmas break!

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION-CURRENT FAMILIES
We are excited to begin registration for the 2024-2025 school year; as always, current families have priority in the process. If your family will have a new student to SPC next year, the application is now open to current families only. Please log in to your FACTS account and select Create a New Student Application. 

Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY
SPC has a long-standing tradition of partnering with the parish social service ministry to ensure that needy families in our community have a wonderful Christmas. The Adopt-A-Family program will collect funds and purchase gift cards so families can buy their own gifts. Given the timeline, we ask that funds be collected by December 10, 2023. Please consider donating to the Adopt-A-Family program so our school can continue this Advent tradition. 100% of these proceeds will go towards the Adopt-A-Family program in Social Service Ministry. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles! Please see the information below.

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

SPC Home & School Association

Home & School Association Restaurant Fundraiser - D’Agostinos in Niles- Tuesday , November 14th from 3pm to 9pm
The H&S fundraiser will be at D’Agostinos on Tuesday, November 14th. If you participate, students may come out of uniform on Thursday, November 16th.  They will not have out of uniform passes, so please send your receipt to school with your child. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating the Spirit 2024
Plane ride to Vegas to see the faculty perform: $219
Uber to the Lone Tree to see the faculty perform: $6 
We like the $6 Uber option close to home!

Keep those amazing Well Wishes coming! See below for all the details.

CTS FAQ sheet
Please click here for our flipbook packet on Celebrating the Spirit 2024!

Or, click on the individual links below. 
Parent Letter 
Well Wishes 
Sponsorships
Auction
Party Boards

Thank you! 
CTS 2024 Co-Chairs
Kelly Bontempo, Amy DiGregorio, and Megan Weber

More School News

Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles!

Calling all preschool- first-grade parents... it's time for a fun parent night out! We hope you can join your grade-level night to sip, mingle, and enjoy a fun time! Appetizers, wine, beer, and mixed drinks will be served. This is a parent-only event. There will also be a fun raffle as we look forward to SPegas CTS on February 2, 2024. All parents who attend will be entered into a raffle to win a fun CTS surprise. Please click the link to RSVP. Payment Forms (nelnet.net)

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 12/05/23 to
02/20/24.  

The chess program is taught by Chess-Ed instructors and is open to students in
1 st through 8 th 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 https://2023-2024stpaulofthecrosschess.eventbee.com.  For
more information about the program, please see the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking
forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST!
Click here to download the flyer.

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

Please click here for the Apostolate of Women Registration Form.

St. Nick’s Party:  St. Nick’s is back! Last year we were able to bring part of the event back and this year we will have the full event (including the children’s shopping area!). The event will be 10 am to 12:30 pm on Sunday, December 3 in the Morello Parish Life Center – Gym. Please mark your calendars to attend and consider volunteering! See sign up links for adult and student volunteers below.  

Adult volunteer link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094DA9AC23AAFA7-45604041-stnicks 

Student volunteer link (service hours available): Students: St. Nick's Party - Student Volunteers (signupgenius.com)

Click here to download the flyer.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

School District 64 Early Childhood Diagnostic Team
2023-2024 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.

Please click here for the dates and more details. 

From our Catholic High Schools  

Dear SPC Families,

Happy November! I hope everyone has warmed up after a chilly Halloween! We had a very busy week here at SPC! Congratulations to Dr. O and our NASA Tech Rise winners from last year, who showcased their project and success on WGN yesterday! They spent a very fun afternoon at WGN studios. CLICK HERE TO WATCH!

Kindergarten-8th graders enjoyed a visit from Jim Basketball Jones yesterday for his energizing messages about kindness and leadership. I encourage you to talk to your children about what their "takeaways" were from his assembly!

I want to give a shout-out to all the amazing volunteers and Mrs. Greene, who made Fun Fair 2023 a huge success! Thank you for sharing your time and energy to make the day so fun for the children. This year, we moved the Early Childhood Fun Fair to Duffin Hall for an extra special experience for our littlest tigers.

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION FOR CURRENT FAMILIES

We are excited to begin registration for the 2024-2025 school year, and as always, current families have priority in the process. If your family will have a new student to SPC next year, the application is now open to current families only. Please log in to your FACTS account and select Create a New Student Application. If you will not have a new student next year to SPC, there is no further action needed. Re-registration for current students will take place in December.

Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY

SPC has a long-standing tradition of partnering with the parish social service ministry to ensure that needy families in our community have a wonderful Christmas. The Adopt-A-Family program will collect funds and purchase gift cards so families can buy their own gifts. Given the timeline, we ask that funds be collected by December 10, 2023. Please consider donating to the Adopt-A-Family program so our school can continue this Advent tradition. 100% of these proceeds will go towards the Adopt-A-Family program in Social Service Ministry. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

First Responder Mass RSVP November 7th

We invite all our St Paul of the Cross parents (of students in grades K-8) who are doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency professionals to attend this special Mass on November 7th at 10:00 am. We ask that you come in uniform and arrive around 9:40. You will line up in the gym and process in with your children. We hope that you can join us in Thanksgiving for their service and prayer for their safety. Students in grades K-8 will attend the Mass with their first responder parents. IF YOU ARE A FRIST RESPONDER WHO PLANS ON ATTENDING PLEASE CLICK HERE

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

SPC Home & School Association

Home & School Association Restaurant Fundraiser - D’Agostinos in Niles- Tuesday , November 14th from 3pm to 9pm
The H&S fundraiser will be at D’Agostinos on Tuesday, November 14th. If you participate, students may come out of uniform on Thursday, November 16th.  They will not have out of uniform passes, so please send your receipt to school with your child. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating the Spirit 2024

Take a trip with us down memory lane as we remember just how awesome this beloved SPC event has been in the past! 

CTS FAQ sheet
Please click here for our flipbook packet on Celebrating the Spirit 2024!

Or, click on the individual links below. 
Parent Letter 
Well Wishes 
Sponsorships
Auction
Party Boards

Thank you! 
CTS 2024 Co-Chairs
Kelly Bontempo, Amy DiGregorio, and Megan Weber

More School News

Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles!

Calling all preschool- first-grade parents... it's time for a fun parent night out! We hope you can join your grade-level night to sip, mingle, and enjoy a fun time! Appetizers, wine, beer, and mixed drinks will be served. This is a parent-only event. There will also be a fun raffle as we look forward to SPegas CTS on February 2, 2024. All parents who attend will be entered into a raffle to win a fun CTS surprise. Please click the link to RSVP. Payment Forms (nelnet.net)

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 12/05/23 to
02/20/24.  

The chess program is taught by Chess-Ed instructors and is open to students in
1 st through 8 th 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 https://2023-2024stpaulofthecrosschess.eventbee.com.  For
more information about the program, please see the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking
forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST!
Click here to download the flyer.

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

St. Nick’s Party:  St. Nick’s is back! Last year we were able to bring part of the event back and this year we will have the full event (including the children’s shopping area!). The event will be 10 am to 12:30 pm on Sunday, December 3 in the Morello Parish Life Center – Gym. Please mark your calendars to attend and consider volunteering! See sign up links for adult and student volunteers below.  

Adult volunteer link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094DA9AC23AAFA7-45604041-stnicks 

Student volunteer link (service hours available): Students: St. Nick's Party - Student Volunteers (signupgenius.com) 

Click here to download the flyer.

Please click here for the Apostolate of Women Registration Form.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

School District 64 Early Childhood Diagnostic Team
2023-2024 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.

Please click here for the dates and more details. 

From our Catholic High Schools  

Dear SPC Families,

Twas the night before Fun Fair! Can you feel the excitement?

Fun Fair Tomorrow:
Thank you to the team of volunteers and Fun Fair Chair, Mrs. Erin Greene, for all their work on planning and preparing for the beloved Halloween Fun Fair Tradition! We are excited for tomorrow. Please note the following:

Volunteers:

Thank you to the many volunteers who have signed up to help tomorrow. A reminder that only volunteers are allowed to attend Fun Fair and assist. If you have not signed up as a volunteer, we kindly request that you not come to Fun Fair.

Halloween Costume Guidelines:

As you prepare for students to wear Halloween costumes to school, please be mindful of the following:

• School rules regarding dress code must be followed: No short skirts/shorts/tutus, no bare midriffs, no bare shoulders, or low necklines. 
• Nothing that promotes the use of illegal substances or activities or is derogatory, disrespectful, or depicts violence. 
• Students may wear hats & hoods as part of the costume on this day only.  
• ALL costume preparations are to be completed at home. (No dressing or applying of make-up or colored hairspray once students arrive at school).  
• No masks or weapons (nun chucks/sickles/swords/knives/guns, etc).  
• Students or parents who have questions about the acceptability of their costume should check with their homeroom teacher before wearing the costume to school. 
• Students wearing inappropriate costumes will need to call home to have a change of clothes brought up to them. 
• PARENTS: Please help support an appropriate, distraction-free learning environment for all students by assuring that your students adhere to these guidelines. 

Out of Uniform October 31st:

Students may wear orange, purple, or black for Halloween. Given we will have celebrated Halloween on October 27th –there will be no parties on October 31st.

No More Shorts - Even on Out of Uniform Days:

This is a reminder that as of October 16th, no more shorts are allowed as part of the dress code. We will resume shorts on April 15th. This includes out-of-uniform days. 

Reminder Restaurant Fundraiser TODAY! 

Visit Triple Scoop'd TONIGHT between 3 - 9 pm TODAY and receive an out-of-uniform pass with a copy of your receipt- valid for Monday, October 30th!

A portion of all sales tonight goes back to SPC. We hope to see you there! 

Wednesday November 1st:  We welcome Jim Basketball Jones to SPC!

Mr. Jones will come and do two assemblies, one for K-3 and another for grades 4-8! The assembly focuses on caring for other students by applying kindness.Being an "UpStander" requires awareness, understanding, and a commitment to look out for each other. An UpStander stands up for what is right for others and themselves. In this School Assembly, Jim Basketball Jones encourages students to look for the good in others and treat others the way they want to be treated. Jim also encourages students to show empathy and accept differences in others. This assembly will be filled with fun and engaging activities, allowing students to practice proactive kindness.

First Responder Mass RSVP November 7th

We invite all our St Paul of the Cross parents (of students in grades K-8) who are doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs, and other emergency professionals to attend this special Mass on November 7th at 10:00 am. We ask that you come in uniform and arrive around 9:40. You will line up in the gym and process in with your children. We hope that you can join us in Thanksgiving for their service and prayer for their safety. Students in grades K-8 will attend the Mass with their first responder parents. IF YOU ARE A FRIST RESPONDER WHO PLANS ON ATTENDING PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Save the Dates:

Friday, October 27th SPC Annual Fun Fair

Friday, October 27th 7th and 8th Grade Halloween Dance!

Friday, November 3- Endowment Trivia Night!

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

Trivia Night! November 3, 2023

Trivia Night is coming up NEXT Friday, November 3rd, and I'm really looking forward to seeing so many of you at this fun event! Click on the Trivia Night image to reserve your tickets. If you have any questions, please email the Endowment Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPC Home & School Association

Home & School Association Restaurant Fundraiser - Triple Scoop'd, TONIGHT from 3pm to 9pm

If you participate, students may come out of uniform on Monday, October 30th. They will not have out of uniform passes, so please send your receipt to school with your child. Thank you for your support!

Fun Fair Tomorrow!

We are so excited to see all of the students in their Halloween costumes tomorrow! 
Thank you to all of our volunteers who have signed up to help tomorrow. A reminder that only volunteers are allowed to attend Fun Fair and assist. If you have not signed up as a volunteer, we kindly request that you not come to Fun Fair.
Please review the Costume Guidelines in Dr. M's letter above. Thank you!

Celebrating the Spirit 2024

CTS FAQ sheet
Please click here for our flipbook packet on Celebrating the Spirit 2024!

Or, click on the individual links below. 
Parent Letter 
Well Wishes 
Sponsorships
Auction
Party Boards

Thank you! 
CTS 2024 Co-Chairs
Kelly Bontempo, Amy DiGregorio, and Megan Weber

From the School

November Hot Lunch Registration Deadline Tomorrow, October 27th

Hot lunch registration for November is open until tomorrow. Please note the new expectations and protocols for hot lunch this year.

-No refunds will be given for any reason (double registered, field trips, absent etc.)

-Teachers will receive the hot lunch list every Monday before the hot lunch day and it will be posted in the classroom as a visual for the week.  Please ask your child to confirm they are on it.  

-No extra lunches will be ordered. Please make sure you know if your child(ren) is scheduled for hot lunch on hot lunch days.

If you registered for the first half of the year please do not register again. You received a receipt from FACTs for your reference when you registered. 

All students who attend school full time Preschool (need to be registered for lunch bunch)-8th Grade can order hot lunch.  Hot lunch will be provided by Healthy Kids, Home Run Inn Pizza and Giordano's and Raising Cane's chicken.  Hot lunch will take place most Friday's of the month along with some additional days.  Healthy Kids lunches will cost $8.00 a lunch, Home Run Inn Pizza will be $6.00 a lunch, Giordano's will cost $8.00, Cane’s chicken with $8.50. You will have the option to order a regular lunch or a gluten free lunch.

Registration is open until tomorrow, Friday, October 27th at 11:59pm. Please complete the registration and payment for your order to be processed. Please make sure you input all fields with the correct information.

Please Note: You will need to fill out a separate form for each student's lunch request.
Please complete this form by tomorrow, Friday, October 27th. We are unable to add lunches after this date.

SPC 2023-24 Yearbook Pre-order and Save!

With all the back-to-school chaos still whirling around, you may have yet to hear...It's an early bird sale on St. Paul of the Cross, IL yearbooks!
Take 10% OFF the best moments of the school year!
We'll even package them up in a beautifully bound yearbook and deliver it.
Go ahead. Check it off your to-do list.
Click here to download the information and order form.

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

Click here to download the flyer.

Please click here for the Apostolate of Women Registration Form.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

School District 64 Early Childhood Diagnostic Team
2023-2024 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.

Please click here for the dates and more details. 

From our Catholic High Schools  

Dear SPC Families,

I hope you all enjoy parent-teacher conferences!

Next week, the student council is hosting a Spirit Week! Please note the theme days. Spirit Week culminates in the beloved Fun Fair sponsored by Home and School.

Spirit Week Oct. 23-27th 
October 23 - Movie Character Monday (Ex: Minions, Obi Wan, Paw Patrol)
October 24 - Tie-Dye Tuesday
October 25 - Wacky Hats & Socks Wednesday
October 26 - Throwback Thursday: Decades!
October 27 - Fun Fair Friday! Where your Halloween costume today

Trivia Night! November 3, 2023

Trivia Night is coming up on Friday, November 3rd, and I'm really looking forward to seeing so many of you at this fun event! Click on the Trivia Night image to reserve your tickets. If you have any questions, please email the Endowment Committee at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

SPC Home & School Association

Home & School Association Restaurant Fundraiser - Triple Scoop'd, Wednesday & Thursday, October 25th & 26th from 3pm to 9pm

If you participate, students may come out of uniform on Monday, October 30th. They will not have out of uniform passes, so please send your receipt to school with your child. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating the Spirit 2024

Don't miss this dynamic duo at The Lone Tree Manor on February 2, 2024!

CTS FAQ sheet
Please click here for our flipbook packet on Celebrating the Spirit 2024!

Or, click on the individual links below. 
Parent Letter 
Well Wishes 
Sponsorships
Auction
Party Boards

Thank you! 
CTS 2024 Co-Chairs
Kelly Bontempo, Amy DiGregorio, and Megan Weber

Don't forget to stop at the Used Uniform Sale TODAY!

SPC 2023-24 Yearbook Pre-order and Save!

With all the back-to-school chaos still whirling around, you may have yet to hear...It's an early bird sale on St. Paul of the Cross, IL yearbooks!
Take 10% OFF the best moments of the school year!
We'll even package them up in a beautifully bound yearbook and deliver it.
Go ahead. Check it off your to-do list.
Click here to download the information and order form.

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

Click here to download the flyer.

Please click here for the Apostolate of Women Registration Form.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

From our Catholic High Schools