Principal’s Message
Dear Saint Paul of the Cross Families,
As always, I am grateful for the spirit of faith, generosity, and community that defines Saint Paul of the Cross School. As we look ahead to our annual Celebrating the Spirit event, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you in advance to all who will be attending, supporting, and contributing in any way. This special evening allows us to celebrate our many school successes and the incredible families who make SPC such a vibrant community, while also raising funds for our annual teacher bonuses. We are proud to share that 100% of the funds raised directly support teacher bonuses awarded each October. Your generosity is a powerful affirmation of our gratitude for the dedication, faith, and excellence our teachers bring to your children each day.
Please join me in offering a special blessing to our Grade 8 students who will receive the Sacrament of Confirmation next Saturday. May the Holy Spirit guide them as they continue to grow in faith, leadership, and service, and may they always know how deeply they are supported by their SPC community.
We also wish our preschool teachers safe travels and an enlightening experience as they attend the Alliance for Early Childhood Preschool–Kindergarten Summit next Thursday at the Chicago Botanic Garden. In addition, we are excited to host well-known author and illustrator Mac Barnett & Carson Ellis for our Grade 1–5 students on Wednesday, February 4th. Please note that Friday, February 6th will be an asynchronous learning day as our teachers complete their final professional development obligation with the Archdiocese of Chicago. We hope you enjoy the extended weekend, including our scheduled day off on Monday, February 9th. Please be safe, stay warm, and know how thankful we are for your continued partnership and support.
Next Week
- Monday February 2:
- Home & School Out of Uniform
- Tuesday, February 3:
- All School Mass Mass 9:45
- Wednesday, February 4:
- Author and illustrator Mac Barnett & Carson Ellis for our Grade 1–5 students
- Thursday, February 5:
- Spirit wear day
- Friday, February 6:
- Asynchronous Learning Day for students-Teacher faith development PD
- Saturday, February 7:
- Confirmation 10:00am
- Monday, Feb 9-NO SCHOOL
Up and Coming
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.
James White M.Ed.
“inflammate omnia—“go, set the world on fire.”
Celebrating the Spirit
We are so excited! Après SP SKI is tomorrow night, and we can’t wait to celebrate with you all! What an amazing turnout!
Those attending Celebrating the Spirit automatically receive a welcome message about online bidding when our online bidding opens. Please DO NOT register for online bidding twice; if you have already received the welcome message text and/or email, you are already registered for online bidding. The Party Boards will be at CTS Friday night, and attendees will have the opportunity to sign up upon arrival.
For those of you who are unable to join us tomorrow night but still want to be a part of our online silent auction, click on the provided link below to automatically browse the auction packages.
Let the Bidding Begin! https://spcsch2026.ggo.bid
Please contact us with any questions—Caitlin Brown at [email protected], Kelly Bontempo at [email protected], or Mary Ploen at [email protected].
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 tomorrow night!!!! We can’t wait to see everyone!!!!
Apres SP Ski Beanies!
Baby Bottle Project
I first would like to thank all of you for your support and help with the baby bottle project. We had another very successful year. The final total for the baby bottle collection for The Women’s Center is $25,338.18. We are so very blessed. You will be receiving a letter from The Women’s Center and I will be putting up posters around the school to show the amazing total St. Paul of the Cross collected.
Mary Ryan-Smith and The Respect Life Committee
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