May 28, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we approach the close of another wonderful school year at St. Paul of the Cross, my heart is filled with gratitude, pride, and excitement for all that our students, staff, and families have accomplished together.

First and foremost, congratulations to all of our graduating 8th grade students! We are incredibly proud of each of you and all that you have achieved during your years at SPC. As you begin your high school journey, we pray that you continue to grow academically, socially, and spiritually. Always remember where your foundation began and know that Jesus walks beside you in everything you do. Your SPC family will always be cheering you on, and we cannot wait to see the amazing things you accomplish in the years ahead.

I would also like to share some very exciting news for our school community. Prior to the end of the school year, Dr. Karl Ochsner and Ms. Kathy Goldberg submitted a video and application on behalf of St. Paul of the Cross to be considered as an Apple Distinguished School. Apple Distinguished Schools are recognized as some of the most innovative schools in the world and demonstrate excellence in leadership, teaching, learning, and the implementation of Apple technology in education. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Ochsner and Ms. Goldberg for their leadership, vision, and dedication throughout this process. This opportunity is a tremendous reflection of the amazing work happening daily in our classrooms.

SPC Olympics
Tomorrow, we will host one of our favorite SPC traditions—our annual SPC Olympics from 8:00 am-3:00 pm! This event is always filled with school spirit, teamwork, laughter, and fun memories for our students. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all of our volunteers who have generously given their time and energy to help make this day such an awesome experience for our children. Your support truly makes our community special.

Parking and Drop off
The main parking lot will be closed at 7:30 am. Please use Washington for drop off. DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILD OFF NORTHBOUND ON WASHINGTON, WE DO NOT WANT KIDS CROSSING THE STREET IN BETWEEN TRAFFIC. You may also use Summit and Ridge Terrace for Kiss and Go.  

Dismissal
Hopefully the well planned schedule will go smoothly but we ask for some patience if dismissal is a little after 3:00. Our aim is to have the parking lot opened by 2:50. 

Please read through the SPC Notification email you received this morning containing important details for your child.

State of the School Presentation
Last week, we shared our State of the School presentation at the Board Meeting. You can view the slides here.

Next week marks our final week of school for the 2025-2026 school year. Please note the following important dates and reminders:

  • EDP registration for the 2026-2027 school year closes on June 1, 2026. Families may register through the EDP page on the school website.
  • The final day for Preschool and Kindergarten students is Thursday, June 4th.
    • The Preschool end-of-year program will be held in the gym at 10:30 am, with dismissal immediately following the program.
    • The Kindergarten end-of-year program will begin at 1:00 pm in the gym and conclude at 2:00 pm, when students will be dismissed for the school year.
  • The final day for students in 1st through 7th grade will be Friday, June 5th. Dismissal will take place immediately following our end-of-year 10:00 am Mass.
  • Trimester 3 officially concludes on Friday, June 5th.
  • Elective sign-ups and course descriptions for incoming 7th and 8th grade students will be emailed in July. Please note that courses will be confirmed on a first come, first served basis.

Summer Reading and Math
The 2026 summer reading and math packets are on our website here. As a reminder, all incoming 3rd through 8th graders are required to do the math and reading packets. The math and reading packets are enrichment for our incoming 1st and 2nd graders.

During the summer months, school office hours will be held from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I will also continue sending summer communications every few weeks to keep our families informed about important updates and school news.

As we conclude another incredible year together, I want to once again thank all of our families for choosing SPC as the place for your children to learn, grow, and deepen their faith. Thank you for entrusting us with their care, education, and faith formation. Your partnership, support, and belief in our mission make our school community truly extraordinary.

In Christ’s peace,
James White
Principal


More SPC Happenings


PS/JK RSVP Here.

K RSVP Here.


Olympic day is tomorrow!  It’s hard to believe such an exciting tradition is upon us again.  A big thank you in advance to over 80+ parents who will be volunteering during the day tomorrow to make this a special day for our students.  Even our preschoolers will enjoy a special Tiny Tiger Olympics in the safe zone!  The weather looks like it will cooperate! 

STUDENT ATTIRE:
As a reminder, all students (in grades K-7) will be given their Olympic shirts when they report to their homeroom in the morning. Students will change into their shirts in the bathrooms.  Weather is expected to be in the low 80s, so we would encourage students to dress appropriately in SPC gym short bottoms.  Athletic shoes are required to participate in the day as well.  This year Home and School has purchased SPC Olympic shirts for each student, and each Olympic Team has a unique colored t-shirt. This will help keep teams together and will  help students easily identify their teams.  STUDENTS MUST WEAR THEIR ASSIGNED TEAM SHIRT IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE IN OLYMPICS.  Volunteers will also be given shirts.   All early-childhood Olympic information will be shared by your homeroom teacher and room parents. 

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD BRING TOMORROW?
Students will need to come to school with a labeled water bottle to carry with them throughout the games.  Snacks (Skinny Pop and Popsicles) will be provided by Home and School Association; and there will be hot lunch for those that ordered it.  Students will be outside for a majority of the day so applying sunscreen before school is a good idea. 

PARKING AND DROP OFF:
The main parking lot will be closed at 7:30am. Please use Washington for drop off. DO NOT DROP YOUR CHILD OFF NORTHBOUND ON WASHINGTON, WE DO NOT WANT KIDS CROSSING THE STREET IN BETWEEN TRAFFIC. You may also use Summit and Ridge Terrace for Kiss and Go.  

DISMISSAL:  
Hopefully the well planned schedule will go smoothly but we ask for some patience if dismissal is a little after 3:00.  Our aim is to have the parking lot opened by 2:50. 

SPECTATORS:
Tomorrow is a very busy day with multiple logistics, if you are not signed up as a registered volunteer you are not permitted to come to campus to spectate. We have volunteer t-shirts for those adults assisting so that we can easily identify approved adults on campus. Non volunteers will be asked to leave campus. We appreciate your cooperation. 

Thank you to Mrs. Spanos and Home & School Association for all your hard work in putting this together.


Faculty Gift Fund
With the end of the school year just around the corner, Home and School Association has begun collecting contributions for the Faculty Fund. The Faculty Fund is a school-wide collection of monetary gifts which is then equitably divided among all SPC full time faculty, part time faculty, administrative and support staff.  In previous years, families have donated $100 per family, however, the FACTS form allows for you to contribute any amount with which you are comfortable.

The link to the form will be open through June 1st

Thank you in advance for supporting our wonderful faculty and staff.

If you have any questions, please contact Home and School Association at [email protected]


It’s time to order ahead to save on School Supplies!
Click here for the details and payment information.

Supply packs will be in your child’s classroom at Meet the Teacher Night.
For questions, please contact Rosemary Francis


Raise Right and Box Tops Updates

Raise Right Update: I will be placing one final physical gift card order for the year on May 29th so that I can deliver cards before the last day of school. Please have any orders in by noon. I will be turning off “ship to coordinator” for the summer. You will still be able to buy virtual cards, reload cards, or have cards shipped to you. For more information on Raise Right, click here.

Box Tops Update: We have earned $225.60 so far this year with Box Tops. We have had an average of 9 parents scanning receipts each month and we’d love to have more. For more information on Box Tops, click here.

Thank you for your participation!
Carrie Jackiewicz


SPC Athletics


Upcoming Parent Workshops
Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.


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’ Weekly Letters



From the Community

From our Catholic High Schools


Loyola Academy Learn to Row Camp
Open to rising 7th, 8th & 9th Graders –

Click here to download the details.




Click on the image for all of the details and to register.

May 21, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue through this beautiful Easter season, we look ahead to the great celebration of Pentecost Sunday this weekend. Pentecost reminds us that the Holy Spirit fills our hearts with courage, wisdom, joy, and faith. May we continue to pray that the Spirit guides our students, families, faculty, and parish community as we finish our school year strong. We encourage all families to attend Mass this weekend and celebrate the gift of the Holy Spirit together.

Our Spring Musical performances will take place tonight and tomorrow night, Thursday and Friday, from 6:30–8:30 PM. We are incredibly proud of our student performers and grateful to the faculty, staff, and parent volunteers who helped make this production possible. Thank you to all who signed up for our first “Dinner and a Show” performance on Thursday evening. Dinner will begin at 5:00 PM, and we look forward to a wonderful evening celebrating the arts and our school community.

Please note there will be no school on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We wish all of our SPC families a happy, safe, and restful holiday weekend as we remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

Next week marks many important milestones for our Graduating Class of 2026:

  • Tuesday, May 26 is the final attendance day for Grade 8 students. Dismissal will be at 12:00 PM.
  • Tuesday evening we will host our Grade 8 Memory Dinner and 8th Grade Dance.
  • Wednesday, May 27 at 10:00 AM, Grade 8 students will gather for yearbook signing and a celebratory lunch.
  • Graduation Mass and Ceremony will take place Wednesday evening at 7:00 PM in the Church.

Congratulations to all of our 8th grade students and families. We are so proud of your accomplishments, leadership, faith, and growth throughout your years at SPC. As you prepare for the next chapter, always remember:
“Remember where you came from—Jesus is always by your side.”

SPC Olympics will be held next Friday, May 29. This is always one of the most exciting and joy-filled days of the school year, and we look forward to celebrating together as a school community.

Please note there will be no school Mass this coming Tuesday, May 26.

Looking ahead to next school year, information regarding Grade 7 & 8 elective opportunities will be shared with all eligible families in June. Students entering Grades 7 and 8 will receive signup information and will select their first trimester elective courses at that time. Elective offerings will be available in the general areas of STEM, Music, and Art, helping students explore their interests and talents in new and exciting ways.

Thank you for all who attended our “Coffee with the Principal” on Wednesday morning. You may download the presentation information here.

Finally, thank you to everyone who joined us for this week’s Open Board Meeting. I sincerely appreciated your time, thoughtful questions, and continued support of Saint Paul of the Cross School. Your partnership and involvement help strengthen our school community and mission each and every day.

May God continue to bless our SPC families abundantly as we move toward the close of another wonderful school year.

Reminder: Summer Office Hours: EGC Door D5
Tuesday/Wednesday 8:00am-12:00pm (Summer Drop Box for forms located on the front door)

  • Thursday, May 21st and Friday May 22nd
    • Spring Musical – Dr. Dolittle
      We are excited for this year’s production! Join us for a special Thursday evening performance featuring a homemade pasta dinner before the show. Please click the link below for show dates and dinner package information.
  • Friday, May 29th
    • SPC Olympics (Preschool–7th Grade)
      A full day of school spirit, fun, and community-building!

In Christ’s peace,
James White
Principal


More SPC Happenings

Tickets for SPC’s Spring Musical, DR. DOLITTLE JR. are available at the door!

It’s going to be such a wonderful night! The cast has been working so hard to put together a really fun show, so be sure to join us if you want to be like Dr. Dolittle and talk to the animals! 



Hello, SPC Families!

With the end of the school year just around the corner, Home and School Association has begun collecting contributions for the Faculty Fund. The Faculty Fund is a school-wide collection of monetary gifts which is then equitably divided among all SPC full time faculty, part time faculty, administrative and support staff.  In previous years, families have donated $100 per family, however, the FACTS form allows for you to contribute any amount with which you are comfortable.

The link to the form will be open through June 1st

Thank you in advance for supporting our wonderful faculty and staff.

If you have any questions, please contact Home and School Association at [email protected]


It’s time to order ahead to save on School Supplies!
Click here for the details and payment information.

Supply packs will be in your child’s classroom at Meet the Teacher Night.
For questions, please contact Rosemary Francis


Raise Right and Box Tops Updates

Raise Right Update: I will be placing one final physical gift card order for the year on May 29th so that I can deliver cards before the last day of school. Please have any orders in by noon. I will be turning off “ship to coordinator” for the summer. You will still be able to buy virtual cards, reload cards, or have cards shipped to you. For more information on Raise Right, click here.

Box Tops Update: We have earned $225.60 so far this year with Box Tops. We have had an average of 9 parents scanning receipts each month and we’d love to have more. For more information on Box Tops, click here.

Thank you for your participation!
Carrie Jackiewicz


SPC Athletics


Upcoming Parent Workshops
Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.


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’ Weekly Letters



From the Community

From our Catholic High Schools


Loyola Academy Learn to Row Camp
Open to rising 7th, 8th & 9th Graders – Click here to download the details.




Click on the image for all of the details and to register.

May 14, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue through this beautiful Easter season, I want to thank our students, parents, teachers, and parish community for the many ways you continue to support the mission and spirit of St. Paul of the Cross School. As we enter the final weeks of the school year, there is tremendous energy and excitement throughout our building. We encourage all of our students to continue finishing the year strong academically, spiritually, and socially both in and out of the classroom.

We warmly invite all SPC families to join us this Sunday at 10:30 AM for our Family Mass in the Holy Family Chapel. This special Mass will be facilitated by our Grade 8 NJHS members, and we look forward to celebrating together as a faith community.

We are also excited to officially announce that the National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony for our incoming Grade 7 members, along with the NJHS Graduation Ceremony for our current Grade 8 members, will take place on Monday, May 18 from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Holy Family Chapel. We congratulate all of our students being recognized for their scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

On Tuesday, May 19, at 7:30 pm, we will host an open Advisory Board Meeting in the Holy Family Chapel featuring a “State of the School” presentation. We encourage families interested in learning more about our school’s continued growth, planning, and future initiatives to attend. Earlier that morning, during our weekly 9:45 AM Mass, we will also celebrate our Grade 8 Ribbon Ceremony as we begin recognizing the accomplishments of the Class of 2026.

As we begin preparing for summer months, please note that the main office in the EGC building will remain open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM throughout the summer. A secure drop box for summer forms and paperwork will also be available outside Door D5 for your convenience.

Our next “Coffee with the Principal” gathering will take place Wednesday, May 20 at 8:00 AM in the Art Room. We are pleased to share an exciting partnership and opportunity to support your child’s success here at school. Following a recent professional development presentation: Understanding how sensory challenges can affect learning and behavior, our school is taking steps to better connect families with occupational therapy (OT) services — and the good news is that these services may be covered through your health insurance. We are partnering with In2Great Pediatric Therapy. Dr. Angie Harisiadis will host a parent info session.

On Thursday, May 21, students in grades K-8 will begin our final iReady Reading testing window. We kindly ask parents to encourage students to do their very best on this assessment. iReady data continues to serve as an important tool in helping us determine academic placement, instructional support, and inclusion services for the upcoming school year. We greatly appreciate your partnership and encouragement at home.

We are thrilled to invite everyone to our Spring Musical, “Dr. Doolittle,” taking place next Thursday and Friday evenings from 6:30–8:30 PM. Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard preparing for this wonderful production. A pre-show dinner will also be available on Thursday evening. Please see the links and additional details below in this mailing for ticket and dinner information.

Please remember there will be no school on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day as we honor and remember the men and women who have faithfully served our country.

As we continue planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we are pleased to share that teacher hiring has officially been completed at this time. We are excited to welcome three outstanding new faculty members joining our school family in Grade 2, Grade 4, and Grade 6 ELA/Reading next fall.

Additionally, summer academic packets and information will soon be posted on our school website. For students entering grades K–2, summer materials will remain optional and are intended as helpful family resources. Students entering grades 3–8 will be assigned summer reading along with a mathematics packet. Please note that summer expectations and assignments have been intentionally reduced from prior years in an effort to create a healthy balance of academic review and summer family time.

We are excited to announce the results of this year’s Advisory Board elections. Congratulations to Tiffany Braun and Ashley McNichols, who will officially join the Advisory Board beginning with the 2026–2027 school year. We thank all of the candidates who were willing to serve our school community through leadership, stewardship, and a commitment to Catholic education.

I would also like to share that the Advisory Board recently met with Dr. O and Mrs. Goldberg to discuss the thoughtful and responsible use of technology in our classrooms, including how it supports learning and student well‑being. These conversations are part of an ongoing effort to ensure technology is used intentionally, consistently, and in alignment with the school’s educational mission. As technology continues to evolve in education and in our daily lives, we believe it is important to thoughtfully evaluate both the opportunities and challenges connected to student and teacher technology use within our classrooms and school community.

To support this important work, we will be forming a Technology Team made up of stakeholders who will explore technology integration, expectations, best practices, and student engagement in the classroom setting. At the same time, the administration and administrative team are actively reviewing our current practices and procedures regarding technology use by both teachers and students.

As we move forward, our goal is to ensure that technology remains a meaningful tool that supports academic excellence, critical thinking, creativity, responsible digital citizenship, and healthy student development while remaining aligned with the mission and values of our Catholic school community. We look forward to engaging in thoughtful dialogue and collaborative planning as we continue preparing our students for success in an ever-changing world.

Up and Coming

  • Friday, May 15
    • Prayer Buddies Day
      Home and School Dress Down Day
      Financial Assistance Notifications sent via email
  • Sunday, May 17
    • Family Mass at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel – Facilitated by our National Junior Honor Society students
    • Fine Arts Show – 11:15 am – 1:30 pm Gym
      Celebrating the artistic talents of our 4th – 8th graders. **Students who show up to support their fellow classmates will be rewarded an “Out of Uniform” pass for Monday the 18th!

Looking Ahead

  • Tuesday, May 19th
    • Open School Board Meeting – State of the School Presentation 7:30 pm – Holy Family Chapel
  • Wednesday, May 20th
    • Coffee with the Principal – 8:00 AM in the EGC Art Room
      Topic: Occupational Therapy and Family Access to Support Resources
  • Thursday, May 21st and Friday May 22nd
    • Spring Musical – Dr. Dolittle
      We are excited for this year’s production! Join us for a special Thursday evening performance featuring a homemade pasta dinner before the show. Please click the link below for show dates and dinner package information.
  • Friday, May 29th
    • SPC Olympics (Preschool–7th Grade)
      A full day of school spirit, fun, and community-building!

Thank you once again for your continued support, positivity, and commitment to our SPC community. May God continue to bless our students, families, faculty, and parish as we finish this school year with joy, gratitude, and faith.

In Christ’s peace,
James White
Principal


More SPC Happenings

Tickets for SPC’s Spring Musical, DR. DOLITTLE JR. are now available here!

It’s going to be such a wonderful night! The cast has been working so hard to put together a really fun show, so get your tickets if you want to be like Dr. Dolittle and talk to the animals! 

We are excited to offer two ticket options this year: Show-Only Admission or Dinner and a Show Package.

Show-Only Admission
Individual Ticket: $6
Family Package (up to 5 tickets): $20

Dinner and a Show Package (Thursday Show only) 5:00 pm for Dinner
Includes:
Pasta dinner
Reserved seating in the first three rows

Individual Dinner Package: $14
Family Dinner Package (up to 5): $70
If you would like the Dinner and a Show Package, we ask that you purchase those tickets in advance. Online ticket sales will close on May 18, 2026.

It is time for the annual St. Paul of the Cross Fine Arts Show! Please join us May 17th in the gym from 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM to celebrate the artistic talents of the 4th – 8th graders at St. Paul of the Cross. Students who show up to support their fellow classmates will be rewarded an “Out of uniform” pass for Monday the 18th!

Please read this letter from our Book Fair Chairperson, Mrs. Sue Dohr.
If you have unused funds in your child’s eWallet, your child missed out on the Fair, or if your child has already finished every new book, there ’s still time to shop!  Our Book Fair will continue ONLINE THROUGH MAY 18TH!    25% of all online purchases will still directly benefit our school.  Please note, all orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25.  Buddy up with a friend.  EWallets can be shared.  Click below to shop our Fair:
St. Paul of the Cross Book Fair Homepage



It’s time to order ahead to save on School Supplies!
Click here for the details and payment information.

Supply packs will be in your child’s classroom at Meet the Teacher Night.
For questions, please contact Rosemary Francis


Raise Right and Box Tops Updates

Raise Right Update: I will be placing one final physical gift card order for the year on May 29th so that I can deliver cards before the last day of school. Please have any orders in by noon. I will be turning off “ship to coordinator” for the summer. You will still be able to buy virtual cards, reload cards, or have cards shipped to you. For more information on Raise Right, click here.

Box Tops Update: We have earned $225.60 so far this year with Box Tops. We have had an average of 9 parents scanning receipts each month and we’d love to have more. For more information on Box Tops, click here.

Thank you for your participation!
Carrie Jackiewicz


Volunteer Sign-Up – May 29
The time has arrived to sign up for SPC Olympics volunteer opportunities on May 29!

As a reminder, the SPC Olympics are for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Information regarding early childhood Olympic festivities will be shared separately by room parents.

Important Reminders:

  • All volunteers must be VIRTUS trained.
  • By signing up, you are confirming that you are available for the full commitment and do not have any conflicting responsibilities that day (including lunch shifts, recess duty for early childhood classrooms, childcare, or other obligations).
  • New this year: To allow more families the opportunity to participate, only one parent per family may sign up for a volunteer slot. Please do not register multiple, extended family members.

Volunteer sign-up link here.
If you need to cancel your sign-up, you may do so through the registration site up until May 17.
Thank you for helping make this a fun and successful day for our students!  

Spots fill up very quickly, so THANK YOU for your support in advance of this fun tradition for our students! 


SPC Athletics


Upcoming Parent Workshops
Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.


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’ Weekly Letters



IT’S TIME TO TEND THE GARDEN! EARN SERVICE HOURS!
Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry!
Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’
raised bed throughout the growing season. We supply the boxes, organic mix, grids, trellises, and
plants, plus all the information and support you need to make your garden grow. In keeping with our mission to feed the hungry, the vegetables we grow will be distributed through our food pantry.
Please click here to download all of the details!


Vacation Bible School – All Incoming PK 4 yr – 5th Graders
June 15-19th
Please click here for the details.

From the Community

From our Catholic High Schools

Loyola Academy Learn to Row Camp
Open to rising 7th, 8th & 9th Graders – Click here to download the details.



Click on the image for all of the details and to register.






SPC Legacy Award 2025

Dear St. Paul of the Cross Community,

It gives me great pleasure, along with the St. Paul of the Cross Advisory Board, to announce the first St. Paul of the Cross School Legacy Award recipient, Mrs. Maggie Burke. Mrs. Burke’s over 40-year commitment to St. Paul of the Cross School as a former parent, parishioner, school board member, Athletic Director, and Kindergarten Aide was evident among the many nominations received. Mrs. Burke’s passion for the parish and school has been a continued presence for almost two generations. Her love for her students and colleagues was paramount in her advocacy and devotion to St. Paul of the Cross school. When we received the nominations, testaments to Mrs. Burke’s passion for St. Paul of the Cross School were evident in each nomination. 

Here are a few testimonials highlighting what a gift her legacy has been to the St. Paul of the Cross community.

“I am nominating Maggie Burke. Maggie’s love and dedication to SPC have shown brightly in so many ways. Maggie’s three children are graduates of SPC. Maggie was the athletic director for several years. She worked very hard to make sure all SPC students felt successful in sports. She worked hard to get District 64 services here at SPC. She felt strongly that our students here deserved the services offered in the district. Maggie’s dedication to her students as an aide is unmatched. She touched the hearts of all her students. She loved and cared for each one of them. Maggie loved being in the drop-off line to help kids out of the cars and maybe yell at a few people, too. Even after retirement, Maggie still found a way to support SPC. She started the SPC Women’s Golf Outing with her guild as a fundraiser for the social service ministry. This golf outing has brought so many people together and is a huge success. I nominate Maggie because she isn’t only a legacy but also the heart of this school and parish community.” 

“Few people are as unflinching in their devotion and advocacy to St. Paul of the Cross than Maggie Burke. As an athletic director and teacher’s aide, she proved herself time and again to be a trusted and enthusiastic leader in promoting the educational and spiritual growth of St. Paul. Her presence as a guiding force to a myriad of students, many of whom are our children, has created a permanent place in the hearts of many.”

“We feel Maggie deserves this legacy award because, a parishioner for almost 40 years, she has been involved in nearly every aspect of the parish and school. As a parishioner, she has worked on multiple committees over the years; she’s part of a very active guild and worked on the parish council while always trying to bring parish and school together.”

We don’t think there’s any member of the parish or school who wouldn’t recognize the name Maggie Burke!! 

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

May 7, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue through the joyful Easter season, I am reminded of the many blessings that make our St. Paul of the Cross community so special. This time of year is filled with celebrations, milestones, and meaningful moments for our students, and I am grateful for the partnership we share in supporting them.

First, thank you to our incredible Home and School Association for the thoughtful ways they have celebrated our teachers and staff throughout Teacher Appreciation Week. The treats, snacks, and gestures of kindness have been deeply appreciated by our faculty and staff. We are especially grateful for the breakfast they will provide during our Professional Development Day on Friday. Your generosity and support mean so much.

A special thank you as well to Sue Dohr and the Book Fair Team for organizing and hosting this year’s Book Fair. As always, it was a tremendous success and brought great joy to our students and families while helping foster a love of reading in our community.

A reminder that Friday, May 8th is a Professional Development Day for faculty and staff, and there will be no school for students. During this time, our teachers will be engaged in important planning for the upcoming school year, including constructing class lists for the fall trimester and building daily instructional schedules. In addition, all faculty and staff will participate in a two-hour CPR training.

Please know that the process of drafting class lists is done with great care, using multiple points of data, teacher collaboration, and administrative input to ensure we create learning environments that best support the academic, social, and emotional growth of every student. Because of this intentional process, SPC does not accommodate parent requests for specific teachers or classroom placements. Thank you for your trust and understanding as we make decisions centered on what is best for all students.

Our Bago Set Raffle will continue Monday through Friday next week. This beautiful handmade set is being raffled as a continuation of the “Round Ball” set featured a few months ago. Tickets will be available for purchase in Mrs. Iacopelli’s office throughout the week. Please note this raffle is cash only.

Ticket pricing is as follows:
• 1 ticket for $5
• 3 tickets for $10
• 8 tickets for $20

The drawing will take place the following week and will be conducted by our 8th Grade Parent Group. Thank you for your support of this fundraiser!

As we begin to look ahead to summer, please note our summer office hours beginning June 15th. The Main Office in the EGC will be open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. A secure drop box will also be available during the week for any forms or paperwork that need to be submitted outside of office hours.

As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, May 10th, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to all mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures in our community. Your love, sacrifice, and faith-filled witness shape the hearts of your children in countless ways. May God bless you abundantly this Mother’s Day. Please note an important calendar adjustment for next week: our weekly school Mass will be moved to Wednesday, May 13th at 10:00 AM in honor of our beautiful May Crowning celebration. Congratulations to the students who have been selected to serve on this year’s May Crowning Court.

Up and Coming

  • Wednesday, May 13
    • 1st Communion School Photos
    • May Crowning Mass – 10:00 AM
    • 8th Grade Mother’s Lunch immediately following Mass in the Gym
  • Friday, May 15
    • • Prayer Buddies Day
      • Home and School Dress Down Day
      • Financial Assistance Notifications sent via email
  • Sunday, May 17
    • • Family Mass at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel – Facilitated by our National Junior Honor Society students
  • A complete list of 8th grade end-of-year activities is included below in this mailing. We look forward to celebrating our graduating class as they prepare for their next chapter.

Looking Ahead

  • Wednesday, May 20th
    • Coffee with the Principal – 8:00 AM in the EGC Art Room
      Topic: Occupational Therapy and Family Access to Support Resources
  • Thursday, May 21st
    • Spring Musical – Dr. Dolittle
      We are excited for this year’s production! Join us for a special Thursday evening performance featuring a homemade pasta dinner before the show. Please click the link below for show dates and dinner package information.
  • Friday, May 29th
    • SPC Olympics (Preschool–8th Grade
      A full day of school spirit, fun, and community-building!

This is truly one of the busiest—and most joyful—times of the school year. There is so much to celebrate, and none of it would be possible without the dedication of our teachers, staff, and parent volunteers who generously give their time and talents to make these experiences so meaningful for our students.

Thank you for your continued partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our SPC community. May God continue to bless your families and guide us through this beautiful season of celebration and gratitude.

In Christ’s peace,
James White
Principal


SPC School Board Election

The SPC School Board is holding an election to fill two (2) vacancies for terms that will run from May 2026 through May 2029. We are fortunate to have four (4) candidates interested in serving on the Board:

  • Meghan Arquette
  • Tiffany Braun
  • Zach Fichter
  • Ashley McNichols

Online Voting will be open through Monday, May 11th.
School parents & registered parishioners are eligible to vote.

To review the candidates’ personal statements then cast your online vote, please scan the QR code or click here.  

If you have any questions, feel free to contact current SPC School Board Member, Kathy Manny at [email protected] or 847-927-4392.


SPC Athletics

More SPC Happenings

Tickets for SPC’s Spring Musical, DR. DOLITTLE JR. are now available here!

It’s going to be such a wonderful night! The cast has been working so hard to put together a really fun show, so get your tickets if you want to be like Dr. Dolittle and talk to the animals! 

We are excited to offer two ticket options this year: Show-Only Admission or Dinner and a Show Package.

Show-Only Admission
Individual Ticket: $6
Family Package (up to 5 tickets): $20

Dinner and a Show Package (Thursday Show only) 5:00 pm for Dinner
Includes:
Pasta dinner
Reserved seating in the first three rows

Individual Dinner Package: $14
Family Dinner Package (up to 5): $70
If you would like the Dinner and a Show Package, we ask that you purchase those tickets in advance. Online ticket sales will close on May 18, 2026.

It is time for the annual St. Paul of the Cross Fine Arts Show! Please join us May 17th in the gym from 11:15 AM – 1:30 PM to celebrate the artistic talents of the 4th – 8th graders at St. Paul of the Cross. Students who show up to support their fellow classmates will be rewarded an “Out of uniform” pass for Monday the 18th!


8th Grade Activities and Year End Events

Here is the complete list of 8th grade end-of-year activities. We look forward to celebrating our graduating class as they prepare for their next chapter.


Mentor Families Last Chance to Sign Up!!!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who has already signed up to welcome our new families! We are so fortunate to be part of such a welcoming SPC community.

We are excited to greet many new families this fall and are still looking for current parents to serve as mentor families. Mentor families provide a friendly resource for new families, answering questions as they prepare for school and keeping them informed throughout the year.

We also try to match student grades so new students can meet a friend or two before the school year begins.
Please click here to volunteer as a mentor for the 2026-2027 school year


Volunteer Sign-Up – May 29
The time has arrived to sign up for SPC Olympics volunteer opportunities on May 29!

As a reminder, the SPC Olympics are for students in Kindergarten through 8th grade. Information regarding early childhood Olympic festivities will be shared separately by room parents.

Important Reminders:

  • All volunteers must be VIRTUS trained.
  • By signing up, you are confirming that you are available for the full commitment and do not have any conflicting responsibilities that day (including lunch shifts, recess duty for early childhood classrooms, childcare, or other obligations).
  • New this year: To allow more families the opportunity to participate, only one parent per family may sign up for a volunteer slot. Please do not register multiple, extended family members.

Volunteer sign-up link here.
If you need to cancel your sign-up, you may do so through the registration site up until May 17.
Thank you for helping make this a fun and successful day for our students!  

Spots fill up very quickly, so THANK YOU for your support in advance of this fun tradition for our students! 


Upcoming Parent Workshops
Please click on this link to read about some valuable upcoming parent workshops.


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’ Weekly Letters




IT’S TIME TO TEND THE GARDEN! EARN SERVICE HOURS!
Sponsor A Raised Bed in our Vegetable Garden to Feed the Hungry!
Sponsoring our parish vegetable garden means planting, watering, and harvesting your own 4’x4’
raised bed throughout the growing season. We supply the boxes, organic mix, grids, trellises, and
plants, plus all the information and support you need to make your garden grow. In keeping with our mission to feed the hungry, the vegetables we grow will be distributed through our food pantry.
Please click here to download all of the details!


Vacation Bible School – All Incoming PK 4 yr – 5th Graders
June 15-19th
Please click here for the details.

From the Community

Park Ridge Soccer Club 2026-2027 Travel Tryouts
May 4-7
Please click here for the details and registration information.

From our Catholic High Schools

Loyola Academy Learn to Row Camp
Open to rising 7th, 8th & 9th Graders – Click here to download the details.



Click on the image for all of the details and to register.






Future Friar Shadow Days are back! See information here.
Register for Summer Camps.