September 2026 – St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School

September 24, 2026

From the Principal

Dear SPC Families,

As we welcome the first days of fall, there is something special about this time of year at St. Paul of the Cross. Our classrooms have settled into their rhythms, friendships are growing, our activities and athletics are well underway, and our campus is filled with the energy that comes from learning and growing together. As the seasons change, I am reminded of how grateful I am for the wonderful community we share at SPC.

Our theme of belonging continues to guide us this year. Belonging is more than simply being part of a school—it is knowing that you are welcomed, valued, supported, and an important part of our community. Over the next several weeks, there are many opportunities for our students, parents, faculty, staff, and parish community to come together and strengthen those connections.

Fun Run — Friday, September 25
We are excited for one of our favorite SPC traditions—our Fun Run this Friday, beginning at 8:30 a.m.! We invite all of our families to join us as we cheer on our Tigers and celebrate our school community.

A sincere thank you to every family who has donated, volunteered, promoted, and supported this year’s Fun Run. Your generosity and enthusiasm make this event possible. I also want to extend a special thank you to our Fun Run Committee for the tremendous amount of time, planning, and energy they have given to make Friday a memorable day for our students.

Beyond being an important fundraiser, the Fun Run is a wonderful expression of belonging at SPC—a day when our entire community comes together to celebrate our students, friendship, school spirit, and one another. We hope to see you there!

First Responders Mass — September 29
Our Annual First Responders Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 29, at 9:45 a.m. This is a special SPC tradition and an opportunity for our school community to pray for and recognize the police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders who dedicate themselves to protecting and serving others. We are grateful for their service and look forward to honoring them as a faith community.

SPC Advisory Board Open Session — September 29
Families are invited to attend the SPC Advisory Board Open Session from 7:30–8:30 p.m. in the UGC A/B Room on Tuesday evening. Our discussion will include updates on school programming, upcoming events, and the many opportunities we are creating to foster belonging and engagement throughout SPC. We welcome your participation and appreciate the partnership of our families.

Coffee with the Principal — September 30
Please join me for our next Coffee with the Principal on Wednesday, September 30, at 8:15 a.m. in Holy Family Chapel. This month’s gathering will feature an open agenda, providing parents with an informal opportunity to ask questions, share ideas, hear school updates, and simply connect.

These conversations are another important way for us to strengthen the partnership between home and school. All SPC parents are welcome, and I hope you can join us for coffee, conversation, and community.

Picture Day — September 30
Don’t forget to smile! Wednesday, September 30, is also SPC Picture Day. We look forward to capturing those school-year memories and seeing plenty of Tiger smiles throughout the day. Please watch for any additional information regarding Picture Day schedules and details.

Fall i-Ready Results
Our Fall i-Ready scores were made available to parents on September 24. These results provide one important data point as we monitor student growth, identify areas of strength, and determine opportunities for continued academic development.

Thank you to our teachers and students for their work during our fall assessment window and to our families for your continued partnership in supporting learning at home and at school.

Save the Date — Parent-Teacher Conferences
Please also save the dates of October 8 and 9 for Parent-Teacher Conferences. Conferences are an important opportunity for parents and teachers to connect, celebrate student growth, discuss areas for continued development, and strengthen the partnership between home and school. Additional information regarding conference scheduling will be shared with families.

As we enter this beautiful season of fall, I hope each of us takes a moment to appreciate the many blessings surrounding our school. The changing leaves remind us that growth often happens gradually—day by day, experience by experience, and relationship by relationship. The same is true for our children.

Thank you for continuing to make SPC a community where our students can learn, grow in faith, build friendships, and know that they belong. I am grateful for your partnership and look forward to seeing many of you at Friday’s Fun Run and throughout the exciting weeks ahead.

Have a wonderful fall weekend, and Go Tigers!

With gratitude and prayers,
James White, M.Ed.
Principal

SPC Tiger Fun Run 2026 – And We’re Off!!

Step Right Up to the Greatest School on Earth!

Dear SPC Families,

The countdown is over! TOMORROW, September 25, our SPC Tigers will take center stage for a carnival-filled day of running, cheering, celebrating, and showing off their Tiger spirit. We can’t wait to see the fun begin!

A huge THANK YOU to all of our friends and families for your generous pledges and to our incredible sponsors for your support! The pledges have been coming in steadily, and we are getting closer to reaching our $165,000 goal! Keep those pledges coming!

We will accept online pledges through midnight tomorrow night after the Fun Run at PledgeStar.

Some Helpful Reminders for the Big Day

The big parking lot will be closed at 5:30 am. Please be patient and use caution as we utilize Washington Avenue headed south for the UGC “kiss-and-go.” EGC drop off will not be affected.
Please do not park in the FM Global or Ryan Park Funeral Home lot at any time during the school day.
Please do not bring dogs to the Fun Run.
Please make sure your student wears comfortable bottoms, gym shoes, and brings a full water bottle. Teachers will distribute Fun Run T-shirts tomorrow morning at the start of school.
Come cheer the students on! Create a sign at our Spirit Table sponsored by the Meyers Family, grab a cup of coffee from Triple Scoop’d, and enjoy the FUN!

Fun Run Schedule

Jr. Kindergarten: 8:30-8:45 am
Preschool: 8:50-9:05am
Kindergarten: 9:10-9:35 am
1st Grade: 9:40-10:05 am
2nd Grade: 10:10-10:35am
3rd Grade: 10:40-11:05 am
4th Grade: 11:10-11:35 am
LUNCH: 11:35 -12:15 pm
5th Grade: 12:15-12:40 pm
6th Grade: 12:45-1:10 pm
7th Grade: 1:15-1:40 pm
8th Grade: 1:45-2:10 pm

Attention, Caffeine Enthusiasts!
No need to make a coffee run between races this year! Triple Scoop’d will be on site selling hot coffee, iced coffee, and water. Even better, 10% of the proceeds will be donated back to St. Paul of the Cross School!

Incentives
Students will receive our final round of individual incentives tomorrow morning before the Fun Run.

Grade Level Incentives: Homeroom teachers will let families know which incentives each grade has earned and when they will be redeemed.

Grade-Level Incentives
Homeroom teachers will let families know which incentives their grade has earned and when they will be redeemed.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Thank you for your incredible support of the 2026 SPC Tiger Fun Run! We can’t wait for a great day on September 25!

Connie Keady, Kathy Madeja & Stephanie Martinez
Fun Run Committee Chairs

SPC Athletics

The deadline for winter sports registration is TOMORROW, Friday, September 25th. Winter sports include Bitty Basketball (boys and girls K-3), Bitty Cheer (girls 1-3), and Grades 4-8 Boys and Girls Basketball. More info can be found on the registration form below. Once the registration is complete, a copy of the form will be automatically sent to your registered email, which will serve as confirmation. New jerseys and shirts for these sports need to be ordered ASAP, so it is essential that this form is completed before Friday’s deadline as we will not be accepting late registrations. We look forward to starting our basketball seasons in the coming weeks and months!

Winter Sports Registration 2026-2027

New Athletics Social Media Page

More SPC Updates and Events

St. Paul of the Cross Life Team
2026 – 2027 School Year ⭐ 7th & 8th Grade
All 7th and 8th Grade students are invited to live the Gospel of Life through community service! Together, we serve the most vulnerable communities: the elderly, the homeless, the unborn, and those with special needs while growing in faith and friendship.

Please download the flyer with all the details here.

Please click here to download the picture day pdf.

Order your **2027 St. Paul of the Cross Yearbook** today!
This year’s yearbook will have **94 pages** and include students from **Jr. Kindergarten through 8th grade**.
**Save 10% when you order by October 31st!**
Order at **https://treering.com/**
**Yearbook Password:** 101414618165482
All students receive **two complimentary custom pages** that can be personalized later.
**Final order deadline: Friday, April 16th.**
Questions? Contact Mrs. McCallister at **[email protected]**.

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

St. Paul of the Cross Parish Women’s Club

SPC Parish Women’s Club Oktoberfest!
Friday, October 2
5:00–10:00 p.m.

Please join us for our first Oktoberfest!

**Please RSVP for Oktoberfest here!**

***The big Church parking lot will be closed on October 2 beginning at 4:00 pm to begin set-up.

From our Catholic High Schools

From our Community

September 17, 2026

From the Principal

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue through a wonderful start to our school year, I remain incredibly thankful for the students, families, faculty, and staff who make Saint Paul of the Cross such a special community. Our theme of belonging continues to guide our work this year. We want every student, parent, faculty member, and staff member to know that they are valued, welcomed, and an important part of the SPC family.

This weekend provides several wonderful opportunities to put that sense of belonging into action.

Parent Mingle – Friday Evening
I hope our current parents will join us Friday evening for our SPC Parent Mingle. Whether you have been part of SPC for many years or are new to our school community, this evening is about connecting with one another, meeting new friends, and simply enjoying time together. Our message is simple: You belong at SPC!

Family Mass – Sunday, September 20
Please join us Sunday for our Family Mass as we come together in faith and fellowship. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of who we are, and celebrating Mass together is one of the most meaningful ways we strengthen our connection as a school and parish community.

Fun Run – Come Cheer on Our Tigers!
Another great SPC tradition is right around the corner! We invite all families to come out, cheer on our Tigers, and support this year’s SPC Fun Run. This is always an exciting celebration of school spirit, community, and fun. All are welcome to attend, and we encourage families and friends to consider donating to this important traditional SPC fundraiser. Thank you in advance for supporting our students and our school! Please see below for updates from our Fun Run chairs.

Congratulations—SPC Is an Apple Distinguished School!

I am also thrilled to share a tremendous accomplishment for our school community. Congratulations to our faculty, staff, and students on Saint Paul of the Cross earning recognition as an Apple Distinguished School!

This recognition is a testament to the excellence in education that takes place at SPC each day. It reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff, the enthusiasm and hard work of our students, and our commitment to using technology thoughtfully and effectively to enhance teaching, learning, creativity, and collaboration.

This is an accomplishment for our entire SPC community, and I could not be more thankful for everyone who contributed to this recognition. Congratulations, Tigers!

A Few Calendar Reminders

Please remember that we will have a 2:00 p.m. dismissal on Tuesday, September 22, to provide our teachers and staff with dedicated time for professional development. We appreciate our families’ support as we continue investing in the growth and development of our faculty and staff.

On Wednesday, September 23, SPC will host our first prospective-family tour session of the school year. We are excited to welcome families interested in learning more about our school, our Catholic mission, our academic programs, and the wonderful community that makes SPC such a special place to learn and grow. Thank you to our current families for continuing to share the good news about SPC with friends and neighbors!

As we head into another busy week, thank you for the many ways you support our school. Whether you attend the Parent Mingle, worship with us at Family Mass, cheer on our Tigers at the Fun Run, volunteer, or encourage your children each morning, you are helping build a community where everyone belongs.

We are grateful that you are part of the SPC family.

Go Tigers!

With gratitude and prayers,
James White, M.Ed.
Principal

SPC Tiger Fun Run 2026 – And We’re Off!!

SPC TIGER FUN RUN – September 25, 2026

The Tiger Fun Run is officially underway, and the excitement is building under the big top! Thank you to everyone who has already registered and started collecting pledges. We are off to a fantastic start and well on our way toward our $165,000 goal!

If you have not yet registered, now is the time to step right up! Visit PledgeStar and click “Not Registered For This Year’s Event.” Once registered, your student will have a personalized pledge page that can be shared with family and friends.

Let’s get our Tigers ready to run on Friday, September 25th!

Fun Run Schedule

Jr. Kindergarten: 8:30-8:45 am
Preschool: 8:50-9:05am
Kindergarten: 9:10-9:35 am
1st Grade: 9:40-10:05 am
2nd Grade: 10:10-10:35am
3rd Grade: 10:40-11:05 am
4th Grade: 11:10-11:35 am
LUNCH: 11:35 -12:15 pm
5th Grade: 12:15-12:40 pm
6th Grade: 12:45-1:10 pm
7th Grade: 1:15-1:40 pm
8th Grade: 1:45-2:10 pm

Individual Incentives

The fun doesn’t stop with pledges! Individual incentives will be distributed on:

Friday, September 18
Tuesday, September 22
Friday, September 25

To receive an incentive on one of these dates, pledges must be received by 5:00 pm the evening before. This gives our Fun Run Team time to organize and sort the incentives before they are distributed to students.

Grade-Level Incentives
Homeroom teachers will let families know which incentives their grade has earned and when they will be redeemed.

Fun Run Sponsorship Opportunities
A big thank you to all of our Tiger Fun Run sponsors who are supporting this year’s event! We are so grateful for your generosity and support of our students.

There are still a few sponsorship opportunities available. Please visit our sponsorship page here.

If you have any questions, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Thank you for your incredible support of the 2026 SPC Tiger Fun Run! We can’t wait for a great day on September 25!

Connie Keady, Kathy Madeja & Stephanie Martinez
Fun Run Committee Chairs

More SPC Updates and Events

Please click here to download the picture day pdf.

Please RSVP for Parents Night Out here.

To volunteer for Parents Night Out, please click here.

SPC Athletics

Basketball, Bitty Cheer, and Bitty Basketball Registration is Here!

Bitty Cheer – Grades 1-3
Bitty Basketball – Grades/Leagues: K-1 co-ed league; 2-3 co-ed league
Girls Basketball Grades/Leagues: 4-8 girls (4-5 instructional leagues, 6-8 Gold and Silver Divisions)
Boys Basketball Grades/Leagues: 4-8 boys (4-5 instructional leagues, 6-8 Gold and Silver Divisions)

Please click on the link below for the 2026-27 winter sport offerings, details, and registration information. The deadline for winter sports registration is next Friday, September 25th.

SPC Winter Sports Registration 2026-2027

**A message from Play Like a Champion Today**
We are very pleased to share that we recently published an article in the Special Sport Edition of the Journal of Catholic Education. The article is entitled Trauma-informed Coaching: An Application of Catholic Social Teaching to Formation and Healing through Sport. We know you will notice our Play Like a Champion philosophy with direct application of neuroscience and motivational psychology research as well as connection to our rich tradition of catholic social teaching. We hope you will take the time to click through and download the article at this link: https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/ce/vol29/iss2/6/

Box Tops for Education and Raise Right

Thank you for participating in Box Tops and Raise Right. The money we earn from these programs supports the Home and School Association and all of the fun events we hold each year.

Box Tops
Box Tops is an easy way to earn money for the Home and School Association. You buy participating products, scan your receipts with the Box Tops app and you earn money for SPC. For information about Box Tops and my tips, please click this link. Last year we raised over $250.00!

Use my code to sign up (GUIS4H7E) and scan your first receipt and SPC will earn Bonus Box Tops.

Through 9/30, when you buy a participating product at Costco and scan your receipt, you will earn 10 Bonus Box Tops (that’s $1.00!).

Through 11/30, purchase any 5 participating products at Jewel and you will earn 55 Bonus Box Tops.

Raise Right
We use Raise Right for our Tuition Reduction Program. This program also raises money for Home and School. When you buy gift cards through Raise Right, you earn a rebate that is a percentage of your purchase price. This rebate is put back into your FACTS account twice a year. Last year a few families earned over $600.00 toward tuition. For information about how Raise Right works at SPC, tips for ordering gift cards for uniforms, and my tips about using the app, please click this link.

Please contact me with questions about either program.
Carrie Jackiewicz
[email protected]

Important H&S Reminders

Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Out of Uniform Passes!
Just a friendly reminder to purchase your Out of Uniform Passes for the 2026–2027 school year! These passes help support the Home and School Association and fund many of the activities and programs we provide throughout the year.

One form must be completed for each student enrolled at SPC. The form also gives you the opportunity to contribute toward our monthly Teacher Appreciation Lunches and faculty/staff birthday celebrations.

We are asking each family to complete this form. One form per student enrolled at SPC needs to be completed. This form will allow you to purchase Out of Uniform Passes and also provide you the opportunity to donate towards our monthly teacher/faculty luncheon and birthday celebrations.This year the Home and School Out of Uniform Passes are $40 and valid for the following dates (also indicated on the SPC School Calendar): Sept 11, Oct 23, Nov 20, Dec 18, Jan 29, Feb 26, Mar 19, Apr 23, May 21.

PS and JK students will be able to purchase a PJ Day Pass for $20. PJ days will be on the same days as out of uniform days.

On the form, you will also have an opportunity to donate towards Teacher Appreciation Lunches. Each month Home and School provides a faculty and staff lunch. The requested contribution per student is $20.00.

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

St. Paul of the Cross Parish Women’s Club

SPC Parish Women’s Club Oktoberfest!
Friday, October 2
5:00–10:00 p.m.

Please join us for our first Oktoberfest!

Men’s Club Annual Golf Outing – Friday, September 25

Children’s Choir
Online Registration is OPEN!

Online Registration for the 2026-2027 Children’s Choir is now open! All children in grades 2-8 are invited to sing with the choir. Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 23, and run from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in The Holy Family Chapel.

Visit the church’s website to register your child.

For more information contact our Director of Music, Ed Eicker, at [email protected].

From our Catholic High Schools

From our Community

September 10, 2026

From the Principal

Dear Saint Paul of the Cross Families,

As we move into another week of the school year, I continue to be incredibly grateful for the energy, dedication, and spirit you bring to Saint Paul of the Cross each day. Something very special is happening in our school community. Our students are learning, growing, forming friendships, discovering their gifts, and—most importantly—beginning to understand that they are an important part of something much bigger than themselves.

This year, one of our primary school goals is belonging. We want every child to know, “I am known. I am valued. I am loved. I have a place here.” As a Catholic school, belonging is more than simply creating a welcoming environment. It is about building a community where our students experience the love of Christ through their relationships with one another and with the adults who care for them each day.

With that goal in mind, I am excited to share two new initiatives that will help us intentionally strengthen the sense of belonging across our school.

First, we will be introducing our EGC “Belonging Buddies” program. Students in PS3 through Grade 2 will be paired with multi-age partners who will come together at least once each month. These buddy experiences will include partner reading activities, collaborative projects, shared learning experiences, and other opportunities that encourage participation, cooperation, friendship, and joy. We hope these relationships will help our youngest Tigers look beyond their individual classrooms and recognize that they are part of a larger school family.

Second, we will introduce a monthly K–8 celebration of student and staff achievements. Think of it as a school-wide pep assembly—but one that reaches far beyond athletics. We want to celebrate academic accomplishments, personal growth, acts of kindness, grade-level successes, artistic and musical achievements, service, leadership, perseverance, and the many ways our students and staff make SPC a better place. We want our students to see one another succeed, cheer one another on, and understand that every accomplishment is worth celebrating. We will share more details about this exciting initiative soon.

Both of these programs are rooted in the same belief: belonging grows when people are known, relationships are nurtured, and accomplishments are celebrated together.

I am also excited about an important opportunity coming in November, when SPC will host our Play Like a Champion coaching and parent sessions in coordination with the University of Notre Dame. This program will give us an opportunity to embrace Catholic values and ideals that are so important in developing a strong foundation in our young athletes, coaches, and parents. Athletics can be one of the most powerful places for children to learn about teamwork, humility, perseverance, leadership, sportsmanship, sacrifice, and faith. We want our athletic programs to be an extension of our Catholic mission and an opportunity to form not only better athletes, but better disciples.

As we continue this journey together, I encourage each of us to ask a simple question: “What am I doing today to help a child feel that they belong?” Sometimes it may be a lesson or activity designed to bring students together. Sometimes it may be a conversation in the hallway, an encouraging word, an invitation to participate, or simply noticing a child who needs to know that someone sees them.

Thank you for the countless ways you make belonging possible at SPC. Your commitment to our students is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Together, let us continue building a school community where every child knows they are loved by God, supported by their teachers and peers, and truly belong to the Saint Paul of the Cross family.

Have a wonderful Thursday, and thank you for all that you do for our students and for one another!

Did you know?
We are pleased to announce our return to using the Fountas and Pinnell Individualized Reading Assessment as an important tool to support and monitor the reading development of our early learning students. This individualized assessment provides teachers with valuable information about each child’s reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension, and overall reading behaviors, allowing us to better understand students’ strengths and identify areas where additional instruction or support may be beneficial. Used alongside our other assessment data and classroom observations, the Fountas and Pinnell assessment will help ensure we continue to make informed instructional decisions and provide each student with the targeted support and challenge needed to grow as a confident, capable reader.

Occupational Therapy at SPC
We are excited to partner with In2Great Pediatric Therapy to offer Occupational Therapy services at SPC. If you are interested in learning more, please join us for a virtual webinar on Tuesday, September 15 at 12:00 p.m. to learn about the services available to SPC students and families.

Please RSVP for the Google Meet link. If you have any questions, please contact Ronda Quinn, [email protected]

Parent Mingle: You Belong!
All current SPC parents are invited to join us on Friday, September 15, for a fun and relaxed Parent Mingle! Enjoy an evening of conversation, connection, and community as we socialize, meet new friends, and strengthen the relationships that make our SPC community so special.

Whether you are new to SPC or have been part of our school family for years, you belong here! Come as you are, bring your smile, and enjoy some time getting to know the wonderful parents who make up our SPC family. RSVP here.

FOR THE WEEK

Friday, September 11
- Home & School Out of Uniform Day
Monday, September 14
- 8th Grade Faith-Driven Leadership Retreat at Loyola Academy
Tuesday, September 15
- Info session with In2Great Occupational Therapy 12:00–1:00 pm
Wednesday, September 16
- Fun Run Kickoff!
Friday, September 18
- 8th Grade Leadership Retreat in Lake Geneva
- SPC Parent Mingle 6:30–9:00 pm

A Look Ahead

Sunday, September 20
- Family Mass — 10:30 a.m. Holy Family Chapel
Wednesday, September 23
- Prospective Family Tour – Please share with your family and friends. They can sign up here.
Friday, September 25
- SPC Fun Run!
Tuesday, September 29
- First Responders Mass 9:45 am

Save the Date

Sunday, November 8 – Play Like a Champion Trainings for All Coaches & Parents

10:30 am Mass
11:30 am Coaches Lunch
12:00-3:00 pm Coaches Training
3:30-4:30 Parent Training
Cost: There is no charge for these trainings

With gratitude and prayers,
James White, M.Ed.
Principal

SPC TIGER FUN RUN – September 25, 2026

A big thank you to all of our Tiger Fun Run sponsors who are supporting this year’s event! We are so grateful for your generosity and support of our students.

The 2026 SPC Tiger Fun Run kicks off next Wednesday, September 16th, and we are excited to begin one of our biggest and most fun fundraisers of the year!

There are still a few Grade Announcer Sponsorships available, and Website Sponsorships remain open. Sponsorships are a great way for SPC families and our local business community to support our students while being part of the excitement of the Fun Run.

Our Fun Run schedule has changed slightly this year, so please be sure to review the schedule below and plan to join us on Friday, September 25th!

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A 2026 TIGER FUN RUN SPONSOR!

Thank you for helping us make the 2026 SPC Tiger Fun Run a tremendous success!

Fun Run Schedule – Updated on 9/5/2026

Jr. Kindergarten: 8:30-8:45 am
Preschool: 8:50-9:05am
Kindergarten: 9:10-9:35 am
1st Grade: 9:40-10:05 am
2nd Grade: 10:10-10:35am
3rd Grade: 10:40-11:05 am
4th Grade: 11:10-11:35 am
LUNCH: 11:35 -12:15 pm
5th Grade: 12:15-12:40 pm
6th Grade: 12:45-1:10 pm
7th Grade: 1:15-1:40 pm
8th Grade: 1:45-2:10 pm

Thank you for supporting SPC!

Connie Keady, Kathy Madeja, & Stephanie Martinez
SPC Tiger Fun Run Chairs

Dear SPC Families,
Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Out of Uniform Passes!
Just a friendly reminder to purchase your Out of Uniform Passes for the 2026–2027 school year! These passes help support the Home and School Association and fund many of the activities and programs we provide throughout the year.

Box Tops for Education and Raise Right
Thank you for participating in Box Tops and Raise Right. The money we earn from these programs supports the Home and School Association and all of the fun events we hold each year.

Box Tops
Box Tops is an easy way to earn money for the Home and School Association. You buy participating products, scan your receipts with the Box Tops app and you earn money for SPC. For information about Box Tops and my tips, please click this link. Last year we raised over $250.00!

Use my code to sign up (GUIS4H7E) and scan your first receipt and SPC will earn Bonus Box Tops.

Through 9/30, when you buy a participating product at Costco and scan your receipt, you will earn 10 Bonus Box Tops (that’s $1.00!).

Through 11/30, purchase any 5 participating products at Jewel and you will earn 55 Bonus Box Tops.

Raise Right
We use Raise Right for our Tuition Reduction Program. This program also raises money for Home and School. When you buy gift cards through Raise Right, you earn a rebate that is a percentage of your purchase price. This rebate is put back into your FACTS account twice a year. Last year a few families earned over $600.00 toward tuition. For information about how Raise Right works at SPC, tips for ordering gift cards for uniforms, and my tips about using the app, please click this link.

Please contact me with questions about either program.
Carrie Jackiewicz
[email protected]

More SPC Updates and Events

Please click here to download the picture day pdf.

Walking with Purpose -Attention Middle School Girls!

Walking with Purpose (WWP) is a popular national Catholic women’s ministry and parish-based Bible study program, its core mission is to help women and girls develop a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ by making Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church highly practical and relevant to daily life.

Join us for prayer, fellowship, and treats before class!
Tuesday Mornings 7:10-7:40
Starting September 15th! EGC 226 Meet by D5 door

Sign up here.

FALL CLUB Registration – Closes Friday, September 11th at Midnight
Discover our fun and creative after-school Clubs at SPC! These programs, designed by our staff, are separate from activities offered by outside vendors. Space is limited, so register early.

Register for our fall clubs here.

Registration opened Monday, September 7, 2026, at 8:00AM and closes Friday, September 11, 2026, at midnight.

We are partnering with In2Great Pediatric Therapy to offer Occupational Therapy at SPC. If interested in learning more, please join the virtual webinar on 9/15 at 12:00 p.m. to hear more about what services are offered.

Please RSVP for the Google Meet link.
If you have any questions, please contact Ronda Quinn, [email protected]

ADHD Back to School Toolkit

To volunteer, please click here.

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

Men’s Club Annual Golf Outing – Friday, September 25

**Hole Sponsorships are $250 and submissions are due by 9/10/26.** Please reach out to Don Greene ([email protected]) for info. Proceeds go to the Men’s Club Rising Star Scholarship Fund and other service projects.

Children’s Choir
Online Registration is OPEN!

Online Registration for the 2026-2027 Children’s Choir is now open! All children in grades 2-8 are invited to sing with the choir. Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 16th and run from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in The Holy Family Chapel.

Visit the church’s website to register your child.

For more information contact our Director of Music, Ed Eicker, at [email protected].

St. Paul of the Cross Parish Women’s Club

SPC Parish Women’s Club Oktoberfest!
Friday, October 2
5:00–10:00 p.m.

Please join us for our first Oktoberfest!

From our Catholic High Schools

From our Community

September 3, 2026

From the Principal

Dear Saint Paul of the Cross Families,

As we begin September, I remain incredibly grateful for the wonderful start to our school year. Our hallways and classrooms are filled with energy, enthusiasm, faith, friendship, and a genuine excitement for learning. It is a blessing to witness our students growing not only academically but also as young people developing in character, confidence, and faith.

This year, we are placing a special emphasis on two important themes that help define who we are as a Catholic school community: Belonging and Discipleship.

At Saint Paul of the Cross, we want every student, parent, faculty member, and staff member to know that they belong here. Belonging means creating a school community where every person feels welcomed, valued, respected, supported, and connected. Our children learn and grow best when they know they are seen, known, and loved. Together, we have a responsibility to create classrooms, relationships, and experiences where every child understands that Saint Paul of the Cross is truly a place where they belong.

Our commitment to Discipleship calls us even further. As a Catholic school, we are not simply preparing students for academic success—we are helping to form young people who know and follow Jesus Christ. Through prayer, worship, service, kindness, compassion, and our daily interactions with one another, we strive to help our students understand what it means to be disciples who bring Christ’s love into the world.

When Belonging and Discipleship come together, we create something truly special: a community where people feel connected and are inspired to serve others. This is the kind of community we will continue to build at SPC—one rooted in faith, strengthened by relationships, and united in our mission to help every child grow in knowledge, character, leadership, and faith.

Happy Labor Day!
This weekend, we wish all of our SPC families a happy, safe, and restful Labor Day! Labor Day provides us with an opportunity to pause and recognize the dignity of work and the many individuals whose dedication and service strengthen our families, communities, and country. We hope everyone enjoys this special time with family and friends

A Time of Remembrance: September 11th
As we move through September, we will also pause to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

On Friday, we will remember and pray for all those who lost their lives, the families forever impacted by that day, and the courageous first responders who demonstrated extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and selflessness.

As a Catholic school community, may we continue to pray for peace in our world and teach our children the importance of faith, compassion, service, courage, and caring for one another. May we always remember those who responded to tragedy by putting others’ needs before their own.

CURRICULUM NIGHT — GRADES 3–8
Wednesday, September 9, 2026
5:30–7:30 p.m.
UGC

We look forward to welcoming parents of students in Grades 3–8 to our upcoming Curriculum Night.

Curriculum Night is an important opportunity for parents to learn more about their child’s educational experience and the many programs and opportunities available at Saint Paul of the Cross.

Parents will have the opportunity to:

Learn more about classroom expectations and instructional practices.
Meet and hear from their child’s teachers.
Gain a better understanding of curriculum and academic programs.
Learn about the resources and assessments that support student learning.
Strengthen the important partnership between home and school.
Learn more about the people, programs, traditions, and community that make SPC such a special place.

Just as importantly, Curriculum Night is an opportunity to strengthen our sense of community and belonging. A strong school depends upon strong relationships between students, parents, teachers, and staff. We are grateful for the partnership we share with our parents as we work together to help every child succeed academically, grow spiritually, and develop a genuine sense of belonging at Saint Paul of the Cross.

Please RSVP for the Google Meet link. If you have any questions, please contact Ronda Quinn, [email protected]

Tiger Fun Run – Friday, September 25
A big thank you to all of our Tiger Fun Run sponsors who have already stepped up to support this year’s event! We are so grateful for your generosity and support of our students.

Please be sure to read below for this week’s important information from our Tiger Fun Run Chairs.

FOR THE WEEK

Friday, September 4
- Home & School Meeting 8:00 am – Holy Family Chapel
  All are invited and encouraged to attend!
Monday, September 7
- Labor Day – No School
Wednesday, September 9
- Curriculum Night – Grades 3-8
- UGC Building 5:30-7:30 pm
Thursday, September 10
- i-Ready Math Assessment – Grades K–8
Friday, September 11
- Home & School Out of Uniform Day

Coming Soon

Monday, September 14
- 8th Grade Faith-Driven Leadership Retreat at Loyola Academy
Friday, September 18
- 8th Grade Leadership Retreat in Lake Geneva
- SPC Parent Mingle 6:30–9:00 pm
Sunday, September 20
- Family Mass — 10:30 a.m. Holy Family Chapel
Wednesday, September 23
- Prospective Family Tour – Please share with your family and friends. They can sign up here.
Friday, September 25
- SPC Fun Run!
Tuesday, September 29
- First Responders Mass 9:45 am
Sunday, November 8
- Play Like a Champion Training – For Coaches & Parents

Thank you for your continued trust, partnership, and commitment to Saint Paul of the Cross.

Together, we will continue to support each child’s growth as a student and as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

May God continue to bless our students, families, faculty, and staff throughout the year ahead.

Go Tigers!

With gratitude and prayers,
James White, M.Ed.
Principal

With gratitude,
James White, M.Ed.

SPC TIGER FUN RUN – September 25, 2026

A big thank you to all of our Tiger Fun Run sponsors who have already stepped up to support this year’s event! We are so grateful for your generosity and support of our students.

The 2026 SPC Tiger Fun Run is right around the corner, and we are excited to kick off one of our biggest and most fun fundraisers of the year! This year’s Fun Run will take place on Friday, September 25th.

There are still many ways to sponsor the Tiger Fun Run! Sponsorships are a great way for SPC families and our local business community to support our students while being part of the excitement of the Fun Run. From family-friendly options to highly visible business sponsorships, there are several ways to get involved.

Own a business or know a local business that would be a great SPC supporter? We would love to have them join us as a Fun Run sponsor! Please share our sponsorship information and help us spread the word.

Our T-shirt Sponsorships are limited and offer fantastic visibility, with sponsor names and logos featured on more than 800 Fun Run T-shirts worn by SPC students and faculty throughout the school year.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A 2026 TIGER FUN RUN SPONSOR!

Student T-Shirt Size Selection Form – Deadline September 3, 2026
Please submit your child’s t-shirt size here. The T-shirt size will be used for the Fun Run and SPC Olympics this year. The deadline to order T-shirt sizes for your student is today, Thursday, September 3. If not submitted, the committee will order a size based on the class average. Thank you!

Thank you for helping us make the 2026 SPC Tiger Fun Run a tremendous success!

Fun Run Schedule – Updated on 9/5/2026

Jr. Kindergarten: 8:30-8:45 am
Preschool: 8:50-9:05am
Kindergarten: 9:10-9:35 am
1st Grade: 9:40-10:05 am
2nd Grade: 10:10-10:35am
3rd Grade: 10:40-11:05 am
4th Grade: 11:10-11:35 am
LUNCH: 11:35 -12:15 pm
5th Grade: 12:15-12:40 pm
6th Grade: 12:45-1:10 pm
7th Grade: 1:15-1:40 pm
8th Grade: 1:45-2:10 pm

Thank you for supporting SPC!

Connie Keady, Kathy Madeja, & Stephanie Martinez
SPC Tiger Fun Run Chairs

Join us for this year’s first meeting, tomorrow, Friday, September 4, at 8:00 a.m. in the Holy Family Chapel. If you prefer to join virtually, please see below for the zoom link. Additional meetings for this school year will be held on 10/16, 1/22 and 4/9.

Topic: September Home & School Meeting
Time: Sep 4, 2026 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting chat link
Meeting ID: 832 5054 7351
Passcode: S4Gq31

Join instructions

If you like to volunteer or have questions, please contact [email protected] for more information.

Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Out of Uniform Passes!
Just a friendly reminder to purchase your Out of Uniform Passes for the 2026–2027 school year! These passes help support the Home and School Association and fund many of the activities and programs we provide throughout the year.

More SPC Updates and Events

Please RSVP for the Google Meet link.
If you have any questions, please contact Ronda Quinn, [email protected]

ADHD Back to School Toolkit

To volunteer, please click here.

Walking with Purpose -Attention Middle School Girls!

Join us for prayer, fellowship, and treats before class!
Tuesday Mornings 7:10-7:40
Starting September 15th! EGC 226 Meet by D5 door

Sign up here.

FALL CLUB Registration
Discover our fun and creative after-school Clubs at SPC! These programs, designed by our staff, are separate from activities offered by outside vendors. Space is limited, so register early.

Click here to read the descriptions of all of our Fall Clubs. Registration opens Monday, September 7, 2026, at 8:00AM and closes Friday, September 11, 2026, at midnight. The registration link will be shared on Monday, September 7 via SPC Notifications Blast.

Please download more details and information here. We look forward to a great year!

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

Men’s Club Annual Golf Outing – Friday, September 25