Mary Ploen – St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School

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

**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.

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

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.

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

April 30, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue through the 5th Week of the Easter Season, we are reminded of the joy and hope of the Resurrection and the ways God continues to bless our school community each day. The Easter season invites us to live as people of hope, gratitude, and renewal, and I am thankful for the many ways our SPC families and staff continue to build such a strong and faith-filled community.

A sincere thank you to all of the parents who attended our Open Board Meeting this past week. We had meaningful conversations about a wide range of topics, including what families can expect next fall, i-Ready testing, summer learning packets, and other important school initiatives. I am grateful for the open dialogue, thoughtful questions, and the opportunity to hear concerns and address challenges together. Your partnership and engagement help make our school stronger.

A reminder to families that Financial Aid Award notifications will be emailed by May 15th.

As we continue to plan for the 2026–2027 school year, St. Paul of the Cross is currently seeking applicants for two teaching positions: a Grade 6 English Teacher and a Grade 4 Self-Contained Teacher. If you know of qualified candidates who may be interested in joining our incredible school community, please encourage them to send their résumé to [email protected].

This Saturday at 10:00 a.m., our 2nd grade students will celebrate the beautiful sacrament of First Holy Communion. This is such a special milestone in their faith journey. Please keep these students and their families in your prayers as they prepare to receive Jesus in the Eucharist for the first time.

Next week, we will celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week. I would like to offer a special shout-out to all of our teachers and staff at SPC. Your dedication, love, and commitment to our students are what make SPC truly “The Place to Be.”Thank you for the countless ways you serve our children and our mission each day.

Please note that Friday, May 8th is a scheduled No School Day for students as our faculty will participate in on-campus professional development.

Our annual Book Fair will be held in the UGC from May 5–7. We encourage families to stop by and support our school while helping foster a love of reading in our students.

Up and Coming

May 5 – 7
- Scholastic Book Fair (details and links below)
Tuesday, May 5
- Weekly School Mass at 9:45 a.m.
- Kindergarten Field Trip to Wagner Farm
- Cinco de Mayo
Friday, May 8
- No School for Students (Faculty Professional Development)
Sunday, May 10
- Mother’s Day

As the weather continues to warm and we spend more time outdoors, please be reminded that pets are not permitted on campus. We have noticed an increase in pets during arrival, dismissal, and school events. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all students.

As we enter the month of May, dedicated in a special way to our Blessed Mother, let us continue to ask for her intercession for our school, our families, and our children. May God bless all of our SPC mothers, grandmothers, and mother-figures as we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day next weekend.

In Faith & Education,

James White
Principal

SPC School Board Election

Meghan Arquette
Tiffany Braun
Zach Fichter
Ashley McNichols

Online Voting will be open from Thursday, April 30th 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.

Book Fair Tuesday, May 5th through Thursday, May 7th!

It’s Almost Time! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming soon, YAY! Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.
Click here for all of the details!

Mentor Families
We are thrilled to welcome many new families to SPC in the fall and are looking for our current parents to help be a mentor family. Mentor families will be a go-to source for new families for questions they may have as they prepare for their new school and help keep them in the loop with information throughout the year. We do our best to also match student grades so the new students get to also meet a new friend or two prior to the start of the school year.
Please click here to volunteer as a mentor for the 2026-2027 school year

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

April 23, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue our journey through this Easter season, we are reminded of the many blessings God pours into our school community each day. Thank you for your continued partnership in faith, learning, and love.

Next week, our students in grades K–8 will begin the Archdiocese Religion Assessment, which will take place from April 27–May 8, 2026. This assessment will be administered during their regularly scheduled religion classes. We encourage our students to approach this opportunity with confidence, doing their best to reflect the knowledge and understanding they have grown in throughout the year.

We will also hold our Advisory Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 28th in the UGC. The meeting will begin with an executive session at 6:30 PM, followed by an open session from 7:00–8:00 PM. During the open portion, I will share a presentation highlighting the many exciting updates and enhancements our families and students can look forward to this coming fall. All are welcome to attend.

On Wednesday, April 29th, we are excited to host Career Day for our students in grades 4–8. We are deeply grateful to the parents and volunteers who have generously offered their time to share their professional experiences. Your witness to vocation and service is a powerful example for our students as they begin to reflect on their God-given gifts and future paths.

We would also like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mrs. Hart, our Week of the Young Child team, and our Home & School Association for making this past week such a joyful and high-energy experience for our students. The thoughtful planning and care behind each activity were truly evident. One example of this dedication was our movie outing on Wednesday, where the safety and support of our students were ensured by the presence of Nurse Kari, several security officers, and more than 80 parent volunteers. We are incredibly thankful to all who gave their time and energy to make this week so special.

Coffee with the Principal – Wednesday, May 20th, 8:00-9:00 am
Topic: Occupational Therapy Services at School
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 Wednesday, May 20th at 8:00 a.m.

What Is Occupational Therapy?
Occupational therapy helps children develop the skills they need to participate fully in everyday activities — including learning, socializing, and self-regulation.
Please click here to read more about this and how our SPC counselors can help.

Finally, we offer our heartfelt congratulations to our 2nd grade students who will receive the Sacrament of First Holy Communion on May 2. This is a beautiful and sacred milestone in their faith journey. May they feel the presence of Christ in a special way, and may the Holy Spirit guide them always. We ask our entire community to keep these students and their families in your prayers.

Up and Coming

Tuesday, April 28
- School Board Meeting – Open Session 7:00 – 8:00pm UGC Room 203
Wednesday, April 29
- Career Day Grades 4-8
Friday, May 1
- Spirit Wear Day

Wishing you and your family a peaceful and joy-filled weekend.

James White
Principal

Endowment Scholarships – Time Sensitive!
Each year, the Endowment awards merit-based, named scholarships to current SPC students who will be returning for the following school year. Please read this letter for complete details, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for these exceptional opportunities.

**Deadline for May Hot Lunch Registration Tomorrow, April 24th.

SPC Athletics

**Get ready!** The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to SPC **Tuesday, May 5th through Thursday, May 7th.**
This is a great opportunity to connect with your child over the thrill of bringing home new books to dive into again and again. **Here’s what you need to know about our upcoming fair**!

Parents of girls who will be in Kindergarten at SPC in Fall 2026:
Would you be willing to become a leader? We would like to start a Daisy Girl Scout troop for girls entering Kindergarten and we need a few parents to volunteer as leaders for the troop.
Please click here to read more about how you can help!

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

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.

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

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

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

From the Community

Maine South Spring Musical Final Weekend

Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. This breathtaking story intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and Queen Persephone — as it invites you on an unforgettable journey to the underworld and back. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Maine South High School take on this beautiful, Tony award-winning musical.

Get your tickets today using the QR code. Show opens on 04/17 and closes on 04/25.

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

Please download the Park Ridge Healthy Kids Running Series details here.

From our Catholic High Schools

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

April 16, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

I hope this message finds you well as we continue our journey through this beautiful season of growth and renewal. Each day, I am grateful for the faith, joy, and sense of community that fills our school. Thank you for the many ways you support our students, teachers, and mission.

School Masses This Week
We look forward to gathering in prayer together:

Grades 4–8 will attend Mass on Tuesday at 9:45 AM
Grades K–3 will attend Mass on Friday at 10:00 AM in celebration of VIP Day and Week of the Young Child (WOYC)

Week of the Young Child (PS–3)
Next week, we joyfully celebrate our youngest learners in Preschool through Grade 3! This special week highlights the importance of early childhood education and the wonder of learning at these formative ages. Please see the detailed schedule of events below for all the exciting activities planned.

Pancake Breakfast – Supporting SPC Athletics
A special thank you to our athletics program for organizing this weekend’s Pancake Breakfast, taking place this Sunday. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together as a community while supporting our student-athletes. Additional details are included below—we hope to see many of you there!

Family Mass
All are welcome to join us for Family Mass this Sunday at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel. This week’s Mass will be beautifully facilitated by our Spring athletes—we are grateful for their leadership and witness of faith.

Prayer Buddies
Our cherished Prayer Buddies program will take place on Friday from 2:00–2:50 PM. It is always a meaningful time as our students connect across grade levels in prayer and fellowship.

Board Meeting Update
As part of our ongoing commitment to thoughtful stewardship of our school environment, this week’s internal Board meeting (closed session) will include a focused discussion on the use of technology at SPC. This includes considerations around screen time, age-appropriateness, and how technology is utilized to best support student learning in the classroom.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our SPC community. It is a blessing to work together in forming our students in faith, knowledge, and character.

Wishing you and your family a peaceful and joy-filled weekend. Go Tigers!

James White
Principal

Up and Coming

Sunday, April 19
- Family Mass 10:30 am Holy Family Chapel
- Pancake Breakfast 8:30 am – 12:30 pm (details and link below)
April 20–24
- Week of the Young Child – (See below for details.)
Thursday, April 23
- Home & School Out of Uniform
Friday, April 24
- VIP Day – Grades K-3
Tuesday, April 28
- School Board Meeting – Open Session 7:00 – 8:00pm Duffin Hall

Family Mass and Pancake Breakfast

Join us at our Family Mass this Sunday, April 19th in honor of our spring athletes!

**Click here register and purchase your tickets to breakfast in advance.**

Pancake Breakfast: 8:30 am – 12:30 pm | Gym
Family Mass: 10:30 am | Holy Family Chapel

We invite all baseball, softball, floor hockey, and flag football players to attend and help serve. Please wear your team jersey top to Mass as we pray for a fun and safe season.

Volunteers Needed
Sr. Pia is seeking the following volunteers to assist with the liturgy:

Students: To read, bring up gifts, usher, or greet.
Coaches & Alumni: Trained Eucharistic Ministers to serve during Mass.

To volunteer: Email Sr. Pia at [email protected].

We hope you can join us for this special Mass and breakfast as we pray for a fun and safe season.

St. Paul of the Cross Early Childhood VIP DAY (Very Important Person Day)
Save the Date: Friday, April 24, 2026
Please find all of the details here. RSVP by Friday (tomorrow), April 17th.

Week of the Young Child 2026! April 20-24

Click on the image to download the full schedule.

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

Please join us for our final meeting of the year tomorrow, Friday April 17th, at 8:00 AM in the Holy Family Chapel. If you can’t join in person, Please join us via Zoom:

Topic: April HASA Meeting
Time: Apr 17, 2026 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/84527800966?pwd=jVXq8SdKpSutXzLYjexgJosE0peao9.1

Meeting ID: 845 2780 0966
Passcode: 4Nirkk

Join instructions
https://us05web.zoom.us/meetings/84527800966/invitations?signature=plH8rDsxdbB8Aa8pBDlJf2MEg1gOkVwFFMtFUOfet24

Join us for the inaugural SPC Sneaker Ball!
Information is below; tickets can be purchased by clicking the link here.

Volunteers Needed
The success of this event relies on volunteer support, and we currently have very few commitments. We encourage anyone who is able to get involved. Please consider volunteering to help with set up or one of the two sessions, your time makes a huge difference.
You can volunteer by clicking here.

We are excited to continue the tradition of our St. Paul of the Cross School Olympics Day on May 29- a day filled with energy, teamwork, and school spirit for more than 600 of our students and faculty. To help make this day unforgettable, we are seeking sponsors to offset the cost of the event t-shirts worn by every participant. With a donation of $1,500, your family or business will be recognized with your logo featured on the back of the shirts- a lasting way to show your support for our school community. If you’re interested in sponsoring or would like more information, we would be so grateful for your partnership in making this special day possible! Please email us at [email protected] and [email protected].

Our next HSA meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.

Join a Committee
We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.

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

**This Sunday, April 19th!** **Please click here to register and for more details.**

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

From the Community

Get your tickets today using the QR code. Show opens on 04/17 and closes on 04/25.

Please download the Park Ridge Healthy Kids Running Series details here.

From our Catholic High Schools

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

April 2, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we enter this most joyful and sacred season, I wish each of you a blessed and hope-filled Easter! May the promise of the Resurrection fill your hearts and homes with peace, renewal, and abundant grace. We are deeply grateful for the many blessings within our SPC community and for the partnership we share in faith and education.

We wish all of our families a safe and faith-filled Easter Break. We will welcome students back on Monday, April 13.

With thankful hearts, I am pleased to share several exciting updates from this past week. We have successfully balanced our budget for the 2026–2027 school year and completed an Advisory Board review. Our final budget will be submitted to the Archdiocese by the April 10 deadline. Additionally, we have drafted a proposed daily schedule for our Early Childhood Grades (EGC). I am happy to share that all EGC teachers, aides, and inclusion staff have been secured for Preschool through Grade 2, with classroom assignments finalized.

We also celebrate the continued growth of our school community. In a recent meeting with Mrs. Waldeck, our Enrollment Director, I was pleased to learn that we currently have 739 students registered for next fall, with three sections at every grade level from Preschool through Grade 8. This growth is a testament to the dedication, care, and excellence demonstrated each day by our teachers, staff, and families—thank you for being such an important part of our mission.

Additionally, all accelerated placement invitations for Math (Grades 5–8) and Reading/ELA (Grades 6–8) have been sent to qualifying students. We commend these students for their hard work, perseverance, and commitment to academic excellence.

Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate the Week of the Young Child beginning April 20. A full list of activities is included below. We also invite you to join us for our Pancake Breakfast on Sunday, April 19, in support of our athletic program. That same day, we will celebrate our Family Mass in honor of our spring athletes.

As we return from Easter Break and begin our spring athletic season, it is a meaningful time to reflect on how we represent our school in all that we do. Whether as athletes, parents, or staff, we are called to model respect, sportsmanship, and integrity. As a reminder: “Lose with grace, win with humility.”

Up and Coming

Spring Break – April 2-12
School Resumes – April 13
School Board Meeting – Open Session 7:00 – 8:00pm Duffin Hall
Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of our school community.
With gratitude and Easter blessings,
James White
Principal

School Board Nominations
The SPC School Board will have two (2) open positions for the upcoming 2026-27 school year. We invite parents and parish members to consider taking a leadership role and participate on the school board. Please read the details and information here.

Endowment Scholarships
Each year, the Endowment awards merit-based, named scholarships to current SPC students who will be returning for the following school year. Please read this letter for complete details, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for these exceptional opportunities.

Join us for the inaugural SPC Sneaker Ball! Information is below; tickets can be purchased by clicking the link here.
This event cannot run smoothly without volunteers! Please consider volunteering to help with set up or one of the two sessions. You can volunteer by clicking here.

More School News & Happenings

Little Flowers Girls’ Club – Summer Registration

Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.

Rooted in the spirituality of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, the “Little Flower,” this authentic and joyful Catholic program nurtures a love for the faith at a young age. Through shared learning and prayer, the girls form a special community that fosters friendship while discovering what it means to be a beloved daughter of God.

For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].

Week of the Young Child 2026!

SPC Athletics

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

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

From the Community

Please download the Park Ridge Healthy Kids Running Series details here.

From our Catholic High Schools

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

March 26, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded of the importance of reflection, service, and gratitude in our daily lives. This sacred season offers us a meaningful opportunity to grow in faith as a community, and it has been a blessing to witness our students living out these values through their kindness, prayerfulness, and commitment to one another.

As we look ahead, next week marks Holy Week, the most sacred time in our Church calendar. Please note that school will be closed for Easter Break beginning Thursday, April 2, with classes resuming on Monday, April 13. We wish all of our students and their families a holy, peaceful, and safe holiday as we celebrate the joy of the Resurrection.

We are also excited to share that our annual Career Day will take place on April 29, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This is always a wonderful opportunity for our students to learn about a variety of professions and to begin thinking about how their unique gifts and talents can serve others in the future.

If you are interested in presenting, please take a moment to complete the Google Form linked here by this coming Monday, March 30th. The form will close after that date. Your time and willingness to share your experiences make a lasting impact on our students, and we are truly grateful for your support.

If you have any questions regarding Career Day, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Kathy Goldberg.

Endowment Scholarships
Each year, the Endowment awards merit-based, named scholarships to current SPC students who will be returning for the following school year. Please read the letter below for complete details, eligibility requirements, and the timeline for these exceptional opportunities.

Please read the entire Thursday Mailing thoroughly, as it contains important updates and upcoming events you won’t want to miss.

Calendar of Events

Friday, March 27
- H & S Out of Uniform Day
Tuesday, March 31
- School Board Meeting (Executive Session Only)
Wednesday, April 1
- Mass 10:00 am
Thursday, April 2
- Holy Thursday
  Easter Break Begins

Up and Coming

Spring Break – April 2-12
School Resumes – April 13
School Board Meeting – Open Session 7:00 – 8:00pm Duffin Hall
Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)

Thank you, as always, for your continued partnership and support of our school community.
With gratitude and blessings,
James White
Principal

Join us for the inaugural SPC Sneaker Ball! Information is below; tickets can be purchased by clicking the link here.

More School News & Happenings

**April Hot Lunch Registration Closes Tomorrow Night (Fr**iday, March 27th)

The Stage School Premier Program – Pre-K – 2nd Grade
Wednesdays beginning April 1st.
Please click here to download the information.

Spring Spanish Club – Kdg-2nd Grade

Spring Clubs at SPC! – Designed and taught by SPC staff!
Registration Deadline is Tomorrow, Friday, March 27th
Click here to view and register.

Little Flowers Girls’ Club – Summer Registration

Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.

For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].

Week of the Young Child 2026!

SPC Athletics

SPACE and Peaceful Homes.

Boy Scouts
The District is holding their annual Pinewood Derby on April 12th at Woodfield Mall.

Please click here to download the flyer with additional Information.

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

St Paul of the Cross Blood Drive- 20th Anniversary This Sunday, March 29th!

The Holy Family Guild is hosting the St Paul of the Cross blood drive in association with Vitalant on Sunday, March 29th from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. The blood drive will be held at the Morello Parish Life Center at 320 S. Washington in Park Ridge (behind the church). Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted.

Come be a hero and help us save lives — every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in this country, and the blood shortage is critical!

Contact the Blood Drive Coordinators, Christine Perille, 847-494-5150 or Eileen Kaczmarek 847-533-7952 with any questions or to schedule your appointment. You may also go to Vitalant.org and use code ORD0RG08. Please call 877-258-4825 option #1 with medical or travel questions.

From the Community

Please download the Park Ridge Healthy Kids Running Series details here.

From our Catholic High Schools

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

March 19, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue our Lenten journey, we are reminded that this sacred season calls us to prayer, reflection, and a deeper awareness of Christ’s presence in our lives. Even in the quiet and simplicity of Lent, there are so many moments of grace and joy within our school community.

One such moment was witnessed last week through the incredible work of our 5th-grade students in their Living Stations presentation. Their reverence, preparation, and heartfelt portrayal of Christ’s Passion were truly inspiring and a powerful reminder of the meaning of this season. We are so proud of them and grateful for the way they helped bring our community into deeper reflection.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to Sister Pia for her ongoing dedication to our students and her leadership in program development. Her presence is a true blessing to our school, and we are fortunate to have her guiding our students in faith and purpose each day.

As we look ahead, please keep an eye out for information coming in April about our next Coffee with the Principal gathering and an upcoming Young Men’s Club meeting. These opportunities continue to strengthen the partnership between school and family, and I look forward to connecting with many of you.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support, your partnership, and your commitment to our shared mission. Let us continue to walk together in faith during this Lenten season, keeping our hearts centered on Christ.

Important Updates & Notables

Accelerated Reading/ELA:
- Invitations for Accelerated Reading/ELA will be sent on 03/19. Information on the selection process is noted below.
Hot Lunch:
- SPC will partner with Marlas Lunch as our food service provider beginning in fall 2026. Our partnership will provide our families with daily lunch options, expanded lunch variety and selections, compliance with tax laws, direct business management of our lunch program, and more. More detailed information will be provided in our summer mailing.
April School Board Meeting:
- Our next “open” board meeting is scheduled for April 28, from 7–8pm in the UGC/Room 203. I will provide an overview of many of the changes we will implement in fall 2026. The format will be a slide presentation. Copies of the slides will be available on our website for all stakeholders in May.
Blaze:
- We’re excited to introduce Blaze, a new program for girls in grades 7–8 at SPC. Blaze is part of the Walking with Purpose ministry that so many of the women at our Parish already know and love. We will begin with a 6-week Bible study titled “Discovering My Purpose.
  
  This Bible study opens girls’ eyes to their unique gifts, their God-given purpose, and the depth of His love for them. The aim of Blaze is to help young women grow in confidence, deepen their faith, and better understand who God created them to be. Our hope is that through honest conversations, meaningful lessons, and time spent as a community, each girl will feel seen, encouraged, and inspired.
  
  If your daughter is interested in joining Blaze, or if you have any questions, please reach out to Sr. Pia at [email protected]. If you are a mom interested in learning more about our Walking With Purpose women’s groups, please reach out to Megan McLaughlin at [email protected]
Parent Survey Deadline Tomorrow, March 20th:
- WE NEED YOU! This is a reminder that the 2026 Archdiocese of Chicago 5Essentials Parent Survey opened on Feb. 17, 2026. The survey window will close tomorrow, March 20, 2026. SPC needs at least 50% of parents to respond to reach our survey goal.Link for parents to take the survey: http://survey.5-essentials.org/archchicago/survey/parent/

Calendar of Events

Friday, March 20:
- NO SCHOOL (Students)-Teacher Professional Development Day
Tuesday, March 24
- All School Mass – 9:45am
- 2:00 Dismissal – Teacher PD
Wednesday, March 25
- Restaurant Fundraiser – Cane’s
Thursday, March 26
- Restaurant Fundraiser – Cane’s
Friday, March 27
- H & S Out of Uniform Day

Up and Coming

Spring Break: April 2-12
Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)

As we walk through this Lenten season together, may we continue to model Christ’s love through our words, actions, and service. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your commitment to our mission. Let us keep one another in prayer as we prepare our hearts for Easter.

With gratitude and blessings,
James White
Principal

Accelerated Reading/ELA Program Requirements

Grades 6–8
St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School
St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School is committed to providing an engaging and challenging academic environment that supports the growth of every student. In our Middle School program (Grades 6–8), students participate in a two-period English block designed to strengthen both Reading and English Language Arts (ELA) skills.

Program Structure
All students in Grades 6–8 are enrolled in two daily periods of English instruction (fall 2026), divided into the following areas:

Reading
English Language Arts (ELA)

Each grade level (6–8) has three English sections. Within these sections, one designated section per grade level is assigned as the Accelerated Reading/ELA section. This section provides students with opportunities for deeper analysis, advanced reading selections, and a more rigorous pace of instruction.

Accelerated Reading/ELA Placement
Students invited to participate in the Accelerated Reading/ELA section are selected based on a holistic review of academic performance and readiness. Placement considerations include:

i-Ready Reading/English assessment scores
Earned grades in English and Reading coursework
Teacher recommendation

The number of students selected for the accelerated section may vary based on overall grade-level enrollment and scheduling considerations.

Placement Review Process
To ensure thoughtful and appropriate placement, the Principal, Assistant Principal, and English teachers in Grades 5–8 meet to review student data and discuss potential candidates for the Accelerated Reading/ELA program. This collaborative review allows faculty to consider each student’s academic performance, work habits, and readiness for an accelerated learning environment.

Final Determination
Final placement decisions are made after careful consideration of the above criteria and the overall composition of each grade level. The goal of this process is to ensure that students are placed in learning environments that best support their continued growth, confidence, and academic success.

Our next meeting will take place on Friday, April 17, at 8am in the Holy Family Chapel. A Zoom link will be sent out if you would like to attend virtually.

Join a Committee
We are looking for volunteers who would like to join or lead some of our committees. Please see this form to get more information and sign up to get involved.

More School News & Happenings

Little Flowers Girls’ Club

Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.

For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].

Spring Clubs at SPC! – Designed and taught by SPC staff!
Click here to view and register.

The Stage School Premier Program – Pre-K – 2nd Grade
Wednesdays beginning April 1st.
Please click here to download the information.

Spring Spanish Club – Kdg-2nd Grade

Week of the Young Child 2026!

SPC Athletics

SPACE and Peaceful Homes.

Boy Scouts
The District is holding their annual Pinewood Derby on April 12th at Woodfield Mall.

Please click here to download the flyer with additional Information.

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

St Paul of the Cross Blood Drive- 20th Anniversary!

The Holy Family Guild is hosting the St Paul of the Cross blood drive in association with Vitalant on Sunday, March 29th from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. The blood drive will be held at the Morello Parish Life Center at 320 S. Washington in Park Ridge (behind the church). Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted.

Come be a hero and help us save lives — every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in this country, and the blood shortage is critical!

Contact the Blood Drive Coordinators, Christine Perille, 847-494-5150 or Eileen Kaczmarek 847-533-7952 with any questions or to schedule your appointment. You may also go to Vitalant.org and use code ORD0RG08. Please call 877-258-4825 option #1 with medical or travel questions.

From the Community

Jersey Mikes Month of Giving for Local Special Olympics Athletes

Please click here to read more about local athlete, Danny McGuire.

Please download the Park Ridge Healthy Kids Running Series details here.

From Our Catholic High Schools

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

March 12, 2026

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

As we continue our Lenten journey together, we are reminded that this sacred season is a time of prayer, reflection, and joyful anticipation of the Resurrection. During these weeks of Lent, our students have been growing in faith through prayer, service, and acts of kindness, and it has been inspiring to witness their sincere efforts to live out the Gospel each day. Even in the quiet and reflective moments of Lent, we are always reminded that the great joy of Easter is drawing closer with every passing day.

This Sunday, March 15th, we look forward to celebrating our next SPC Family Mass at 10:30 a.m. in the Holy Family Chapel. The Church celebrates this day as Laetare Sunday, which means “Rejoice.” It is a beautiful moment in the Lenten season when we pause to celebrate the hope and joy that come from knowing that Easter is near. In keeping with this joyful tradition, all of our students are invited to wear something rose-colored (pink) colored to Mass as a visible sign of this celebration.

We are especially excited that our PS–K students will be helping with the Mass as readers, gift bearers, collection ushers, and greeters. It is always a blessing to see our youngest Spartans so joyfully participating in the life of our parish community.

At this time, we still need several readers for this Mass, as well as a few additional volunteers for roles that do not require reading. If your child would be willing and available to assist, please contact Sr. Pia at [email protected].

Looking ahead, from March 21st through March 31st, our parish is very excited to host a Shroud of Turin Exhibit, featuring a life-size replica of the Holy Shroud, the burial cloth of Jesus. This special exhibit will give our students the opportunity to learn more about the events surrounding Jesus’ crucifixion and to reflect more deeply on the meaning of this sacred season.

Each afternoon, the exhibit will be open for students from 1:00–3:30 PM, and we warmly invite you to stop by and experience this powerful and prayerful encounter with the Holy Shroud. In addition to the life-size replica, the exhibit will feature interactive stations with replicas of historical items from the time of Jesus, including the crown of thorns, crucifixion nails, anointing oil, the titulus (the sign placed on the cross), the Sudarium (the cloth that covered Jesus’ face), and other meaningful elements connected to Christ’s Passion.

Thank you, as always, for the many ways you support our faith-filled community. I hope to see many of our SPC families gathered together this Sunday as we pray, celebrate, and rejoice together on this special Laetare Sunday.

Important Updates & Notables

We Need You!
5Essentials Survey: This is a reminder that the 2026 Archdiocese of Chicago 5Essentials Parent Survey opened on Feb. 17, 2026. The survey window will close on March 20, 2026. SPC needs at least 50% of parents to respond to reach our survey goal.
Please ensure you have completed the survey — your voice matters.

Financial Aid:
Applications for Financial Aid close April 17, 2026. Apply: HERE.

Calendar of Events

Friday, March 13:
- Spirit Dress Day
- Living Stations (Grades 3–8) at 1:55 p.m.
Sunday, March 15:
- PS-K will help with the Mass as readers, gift bearers, collection ushers, and greeters. Please email Sr. Pia at [email protected] if your child would be willing and available to help at this Mass.
Tuesday, March 17:
- St. Patrick’s Day-Dress in Green
- 9:45 am All School Mass
Thursday, March 19:
- St. Joseph’s Day-Dress in Red
Friday, March 20:
- NO SCHOOL (Students)-Teacher Professional Development Day

Up and Coming

Week of the Young Child – April 20–24 (See below for details.)
Career Day – April 29 (8:00–11:30 a.m.)

With gratitude and blessings,
James White
Principal

Junior & Mom Classic! – Last Chance to Purchase Tickets!
Join us for our inaugural 4th – 8th grade “Junior & Mom Classic.” Tickets can be purchased here until Friday, March 13th at noon.

More School News & Happenings

SPC Summer Camps
Reminder-The deadline to sign up is on Sunday, March 15th. We will not be taking any late registrations.

Little Flowers Girls’ Club
Our Little Flowers Girls’ Club recently learned about St. Veronica, the woman who compassionately wiped the face of Jesus during the Stations of the Cross. In response, the girls created their own “face print” of Jesus while reflecting on meaningful ways they can be the light of Christ to others.

Summer Registration for the Little Flowers Girls’ Club Summer Session is now open for girls in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade.

For more information, please see the attached Google Form or contact our coordinator, Ms. Ciupinski, at [email protected].

Spring Clubs at SPC! – Click here to view and register.

Week of the Young Child 2026!

SPC Athletics

SPACE and Peaceful Homes.

Boy Scouts
The District is holding their annual Pinewood Derby on April 12th at Woodfield Mall.

Please click here to download the flyer with additional Information.

SPC Yearbooks
The deadline to order the 2025-2026 yearbook is Thursday, April 2nd!
Please click here for details and information.

Spring After School Clubs

The Stage School Premier Program – Pre-K – 2nd Grade
Wednesdays beginning April 1st.
Please click here to download the information.

Spring Spanish Club – Kdg-2nd Grade

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 Blood Drive- 20th Anniversary!

The Holy Family Guild is hosting the St Paul of the Cross blood drive in association with Vitalant on Sunday, March 29th from 8 a.m until 2 p.m. The blood drive will be held at the Morello Parish Life Center at 320 S. Washington in Park Ridge (behind the church). Appointments are highly recommended, but walk-ins will be accepted.

Come be a hero and help us save lives — every 2 seconds someone needs a blood transfusion in this country, and the blood shortage is critical!

Contact the Blood Drive Coordinators, Christine Perille, 847-494-5150 or Eileen Kaczmarek 847-533-7952 with any questions or to schedule your appointment. You may also go to Vitalant.org and use code ORD0RG08. Please call 877-258-4825 option #1 with medical or travel questions.