Principal’s Message
Dear SPC Families,
Dear SPC Families,
Congratulations to all of our students who received the Sacrament of Reconciliation this past week. We are so proud of them and continue to hold them in our prayers. May the love and mercy of Christ fill their hearts and guide them each day.
2026–2027 School Year Calendar Update
Our draft calendar for the 2026–2027 school year has been finalized and submitted to the Archdiocese of Chicago for approval. Once approved, we will share the calendar with all families in a separate communication in the coming weeks.
As a new principal within the Archdiocese, I have gained a deep appreciation for the many parameters that must be considered when building a school calendar. Over the past several weeks, our administrative team has worked diligently to ensure compliance with Archdiocesan requirements while also supporting our SPC community. The proposed calendar includes:
- 176 instructional days, as prescribed by the Archdiocese
- Alignment with local school districts
- Required professional development days and holidays
- A full week off for Thanksgiving and two weeks for Christmas
- A proposed first day of school on August 24, 2026
- A projected last day of school on June 4, 2027
We will wait for final approval before publication. Stay tuned for updates.
Looking Ahead: Program Enhancements Beginning Fall 2026
Are you looking for additional rigor and focused instructional time? We are excited to share several enhancements planned for fall 2026:
- New accelerated English courses for grades 6, 7, and 8
- Accelerated mathematics for grade 5 (previously shared)
- STEM programming expanded to include Preschool as a weekly elective
- i-Ready pathway expectations completed during the school day under teacher supervision, rather than as take-home assignments (previously shared)
- Elimination of Archdiocesan PD days with asynchronous learning — all PD days will now be days off for students
- Revised Parent & Student Handbook, coming soon
All newly implemented programs for fall 2026 will be shared in one comprehensive publication this summer for your review.
Important School Closure Reminder
I want to be sure all families have seen this information, and I sincerely appreciate your understanding and support.
Due to inclement weather conditions, Saint Paul of the Cross School will be closed from Friday, January 23 through Sunday, January 25. School will reopen on Monday, January 26. The campus will be completely closed during this time.
As a result:
- All school activities, athletic games, Bitty Basketball, hot lunch, the Home & School meeting, and the Home & School dress-down day will be rescheduled
- The Catholic Schools Week Open House has been cancelled
- Students will be reminded prior to dismissal today to bring home any materials or personal items they may need before returning on Monday
This decision was made with the safety and well-being of our entire SPC community as our top priority. Thank you for your patience, flexibility, and continued partnership.
Next Week
- Monday – Friday, January 26-30
- Catholic Schools Week! – Please see flyer below
- Monday, January 26:
- SOS Grade 8
- Tuesday, January 27:
- All School Mass 9:45
- School Board Meeting Open Session 7:30 pm Duffin Hall
- Friday, January 30:
- Celebrating the Spirit 7:00 pm Park Ridge Country Club
Up and Coming
Celebrating the Spirit – January 30
We hope you’ll join us for this special evening next Friday! Additional details are included below.
Roundball – March 1st – March 7th
See details below.
Thank you for the many daily sacrifices you make to support Catholic education and for entrusting us with the care and formation of your children. We are grateful for each and every SPC family.
Happy Catholic Schools Week,
James White M.Ed.
“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 one week away! Please visit the CTS website here to purchase your tickets.
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.
Student Player Registration Form
High School Alum Coaches Form
Sponsorship Form
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 – Look for the Registration in next week’s Thursday Mailing!
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!
SPC Yearbooks
The deadline to order the 2025-2026 yearbook is Thursday, April 2nd!
Please click here for details and information.
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 Park Ridge Baseball Softball Registration
Please click here to download the details and registration link.
2026 Edison Park Youth Indoor Soccer – PK(4) – 8th Grade Boys and Girls
Click here to download the flyer