Principal’s Message
Dear SPC Families,
As we move through the heart of January, I want to thank you for your continued partnership and support of St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School. Please remember that there will be no school on Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. We hope you enjoy a restful and meaningful long weekend with your family.
You are warmly invited to join us for our Family Mass this Sunday, January 18, at 10:30 a.m. in the Holy Family Chapel, graciously facilitated by our 3rd and 4th-grade students. We look forward to gathering together in prayer as a school community.
Thank you in advance to all the volunteers working diligently behind the scenes to make this year’s Celebrating the Spirit Event on January 30 a wonderful success. Your time, talent, and generosity truly reflect the spirit of SPC.
This coming week, students will also complete their winter iReady testing. We appreciate your support in ensuring students are well-rested and ready to do their best.
Finally, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you for the daily sacrifices you make to provide your children with a faith-filled SPC education. Your commitment to our mission does not go unnoticed and is deeply appreciated.
Yours in Faith & Education,
Jim White, M.Ed.
iReady Winter 2026 Testing:
- Dates: January 14, 2026, Mathematics
- Dates: January 21, 2026, English/Language Arts
- Testing window closes January 27, 2026
- No retest opportunities unless approved by the principal or assistant principal for absence or special circumstances.
- iReady test results are one factor in determining student placement in advanced courses. The results also identify students who may need extra help and support.
i-Ready Assessment: Student Reminders
- Make sure your iPad is fully charged daily.
- Do your best and take the assessment seriously—i-Ready helps teachers understand your strengths and areas for growth.
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast before testing days.
- Take your time and read each question carefully before answering.
- Use scratch paper when allowed, especially for math questions.
- Answer every question to the best of your ability—do not rush to finish.
- If you are unsure of an answer, try your best and move on.
- Stay focused and work quietly so everyone can do their best.
- Raise your hand if you have a technical issue or need assistance—teachers are there to help.
- Remember that this is not a graded test; it is a tool to support your learning and growth.
- Be proud of your effort—your results help guide instruction and support throughout the year.
Next Week
- Tuesday, January 20:
- SOS Grade 7
- 9:45am All School Mass
- 2:00 Dismissal Teacher PD
- Thursday, January 22:
- Grade 8 Graduation Pictures
- Friday, January 23:
- Home & School Meeting 8:00am Holy Family Chapel
Up and Coming
Celebrating the Spirit – January 30
We hope you’ll join us for this special evening in three weeks! Additional details are included below. Reminder that ticket prices go up after Sunday, January 18th!
Roundball – March 1st – March 7th
See details below.
“inflammate omnia—“go, set the world on fire.”
Celebrating the Spirit
Celebrating the Spirit Aprés SP SKI FAQ
Take a moment to read through our FAQ. It has everything you’ll want to know for a fantastic evening!
Reserve Your Tickets!
Celebrating the Spirit is just two weeks away! Please visit the CTS website here to purchase your tickets. Remember, prices go up after this Sunday, January 18th!
Sponsorships -There is Still Time!
We invite you to support CTS 2026 through one of our sponsorship opportunities!
Our sponsors play an essential role in bringing this event to life and directly supporting the programs and experiences that make SPC such a special community. From premium visibility to recognition in our event materials, each sponsorship level offers meaningful ways to showcase your family or business. Explore the full sponsorship package through the link above and join us in creating an incredible evening for SPC!
Apres SP Ski Beanies!
Award-winning author Mac Barnett and illustrator Carson Ellis will be visiting our school on Wednesday, February 4 to speak with some of our students and promote their newest book, Rumpelstiltskin.
Mac Barnett and Carson Ellis are celebrated for many beloved and award-winning books, including Extra Yarn (Caldecott Honor), Sam & Dave Dig a Hole (Caldecott Honor), The Wolf, the Duck, and the Mouse, and Chloe and the Lion. Their work is known for its creativity, humor, and imaginative storytelling.
We are thrilled to welcome them and look forward to this special opportunity for our students to engage with two outstanding creators.
Click here to pre-order the book! – Please note the deadline for pre-order is February 1st.
It’s time to sign up for Roundball!
Calling all 6th to 8th Grade SPC Students, High School Alums, and Roundball Fans and Sponsors!
It is time to sign up for Roundball 2026. Spread the word to friends and family as the entire SPC community comes together for this exciting, week-long event, March 1st – March 7th.
The SPC Roundball Tournament is open to all sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in good academic and behavioral standing. An SPC tradition since 2013, the continued success of Roundball is made possible through the collaboration of the school, the Alumni Association, the Roundball Committee, and the St. Paul of the Cross Men’s Club.
Roundball features two basketball tournaments for sixth, seventh, and eighth grade boys and girls. High school aged SPC alums proudly return to their alma mater to coach the teams, bringing energy, leadership, and friendly competition. The fun continues with the Future Stars of Roundball game for fifth grade basketball players.
With SPC Men’s Club members serving as announcers and professional referees officiating each game, awards recognize champions, school spirit, leadership, and integrity. From start to finish, Roundball brings together the entire SPC community, including students, alumni, and families, to celebrate teamwork and tradition.
Sponsorship Form
Student Player Registration Form
High School Alum Coaches Form
Sponsorship Form
Home and School Meetings
Our next meeting will take place, Friday, January 23, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. If you’d like to join us virtually, please use this link:
Time: Jan 23, 2026 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84150983864?pwd=CfiPSFfIhB18w8Gy90FbnKNuaoQjQq.1
Meeting ID: 841 5098 3864
Passcode: mnZ73i
Join instructions
https://us05web.zoom.us/meetings/84150983864/invitations?signature=n3zvc0wHeCcve7chEHu5xuJoKHB9e2ZQfia23YypAy0
Save the Dates: SPC Parent-Child Events
Mark your calendars for our upcoming SPC Parent–Child Events. We hope you can join us!
Sweetheart Dance
Saturday, February 21| SPC in the Gym
Three time slots to choose from
4th–8th Grade Mother/Son Golf Outing
Saturday, March 21 | The Shack, Glenview
11:00am – 1:00pm
PS–3rd Grade Mother/Son Event
Saturday, April 25 | SPC in the Gym
More details and registration information will be shared in the New Year in the Thursday Mailing. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Thank you and Happy New Year from the SPC Cub and Boy Scouts!
Thank You and Update from the Scouts
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
2026 Edison Park Youth Indoor Soccer – PK(4) – 8th Grade Boys and Girls
Click here to download the flyer