Thursday Mailing – St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School

August 28, 2025

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

Thank you for your continued support of Catholic education at St. Paul of the Cross School. As we enter September, our community is settling into daily routines, preparing for Back-to-School Night, and getting ready for i-Ready standardized testing. We are also reviewing our support and enrichment programs so that every student is both challenged and nurtured.

At SPC, our mission is not only to teach, but to form students in faith, knowledge, and service. Together, we are preparing graduates who will go forth as faith-filled leaders, committed Christians, and loyal citizens ready to serve in a global society.

We are grateful for your partnership and wish you a joyful, faith-filled week!“Go forth and set the world on fire.” – St. Ignatius of Loyola

Reminders

No School – Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
School Mass – Tuesday, September 2, at 9:45 a.m.
i-Ready Testing (Grades K–8) – Begins Wednesday, September 3
Back-to-School Night – Wednesday, September 3, 6:00–9:00 p.m.
Donuts with the Principal – Sunday, September 7, after 9:00 & 10:30 Masses

Coming Soon

Friday, September 12 – Grade 8 Trip to Lake Geneva
Wednesday, September 17 – High School Fair (Grades 7–8, gym)
Friday, September 19 – Parent Mixer
Friday, September 26 – FUN RUN 🏃‍♂️ (Save the Date!)
Principal presentation: Interpreting Your Child’s i-Ready Results (date announced soon)

Notables

Student headphone adaptors will be distributed this week.
Fall clubs, athletics, and camps (through December) will be shared with parents by September 3.
Follow us on Facebook → facebook.com/spcschoolpr

Back-to-School Night – Wednesday, September 3

Please click here to download the Back-to-School Night Schedule.

i-Ready Testing Information

Testing Dates:

Wednesday, September 3 – Mathematics
Wednesday, September 10 – Reading

Schedule for Grades 4–8:

Homeroom: 8:00–8:10
Testing: 8:13–9:45
Period 1: 9:48–10:35 (10:11)
Period 2: 10:38–11:25 (11:01)
Lunch/Recess: 11:28–12:21
Period 3: 12:24–1:11 (12:47)
Period 5: 1:14–2:01 (1:37)
Period 6: 2:04–2:51 (2:27)
Homeroom: 2:54–3:00

Grade 3 – 10:00–11:15
Grades K–2 – Testing times will vary based on schedules.

What is i-Ready?

i-Ready is an adaptive diagnostic tool that:

Pinpoints student needs.
Provides personalized learning paths.
Equips teachers with resources for tailored instruction.
Offers grouping reports to guide small-group learning.

Testing Tips for Students

✔ Get a good night’s sleep & eat a healthy breakfast.
✔ Stay calm, positive, and follow directions carefully.
✔ Use deep breathing to manage test anxiety.
✔ Make sure your laptop is fully charged.
✔ Bring your headphones.

Please read through the entire Thursday Mailing below.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support.

Thanks for All You Do,
James White, M.Ed.
Principal

SPC Tiger Fun Run 2025 – September 26, 2025

We are excited for our SPC Tiger Fun Run this year; mark your calendars for Friday, September 26th. The schedule for the Fun Run is listed below; we hope you can come to cheer on your SPC Tiger(s)!

Fun Run Sponsorships

Thank you to everyone who has been signing up for the Fun Run sponsorships! Keep them coming! A reminder that deadline for the T-shirt sponsorship is tomorrow, Friday, August 29th. Please read all the sponsorship opportunities here.

Fun Run T-Shirt Order Form

Please submit your child’s T-shirt size here. The T-shirt size will be used for the Fun Run and SPC Olympics this year. T-shirt sizes are due by tomorrow, August 29th. If not submitted by August 29th, the committee will order a size based on the class average.

Fun Run Schedule

Multi-Age Early Childhood: 8:30-8:55 am
Kindergarten: 9:10-9:35 am
1st Grade: 9:40-10:05 am
2nd Grade: 10:10-10:35 am
3rd Grade: 10:40-11:05 am
4th Grade: 11:10-11:35 am
LUNCH: 11:40 am-12:20 pm
5th Grade: 12:30-12:55 pm
6th Grade: 1:00-1:25 pm
7th & 8th Grade: 1:30-1:55 pm

Thank you for supporting SPC!
Caitlin Brown, Lauren Nast, and Katie Noonan
Fun Run Committee Chairs

Please RSVP here!

T-Shirts
Please complete this form for each child at SPC by tomorrow, Friday, August 29th. We will use this form to order T-shirt sizes for HSA events throughout the year, beginning with the SPC Fun Run.

First Home and School Meeting Next Week!
Please join us for the first Home and School meeting of the school year next Friday, September 5th, at 8:00 a.m. in the Holy Family Chapel. If you’d like to join virtually, please use the Zoom link below.

Other meetings for the year will be held on 10/17, 1/23 and 4/17.
Topic: HASA September Meeting
Time: Sep 5, 2025 08:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting |
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84442635328?pwd=cuLUBpy3uePtdkyuXFJcjbfYhf6hm6.1
Meeting ID: 844 4263 5328
Passcode: Pmqmk3

One tap mobile
+13092053325,,84442635328#,,,,*142647# US
+13126266799,,84442635328#,,,,*142647# US (Chicago)

Join instructions
https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/84442635328/invitations?signature=tctSfn4d6EWumiULazxLXM0MSG-oAbqPxgcC9wcL5xo

Out of Uniform Passes and Teacher Appreciation Lunches
Home and School Association programs or co-sponsored activities are already underway, and we need your partnership to keep the positive momentum. Out of Uniform Passes fund the majority of Home and School activities. We are asking each family to complete this form. One form per student enrolled at SPC needs to be completed. This form will allow you to purchase Out of Uniform Passes and also provide you with the opportunity to donate towards our monthly teacher/faculty luncheon and birthday celebrations.

This year, the Home and School Out of Uniform Passes are $40 and valid for the following dates (also indicated on the SPC School Calendar): 9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/12, 1/16, 2/13, 3/12, 4/16, 5/15

Preschool students will be able to purchase “themed day” passes for $20 on the same days (for example, PJ Day, Superhero Day, etc.). The list of themes will be sent in August.

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

More From SPC!

Please see below if transitions can bring up feelings of anxiety in your home. Here are some good tips on how to manage when emotional distress arises.
Navigating Back to School Transitions – New this week.

How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
Webinar: How to Help Your Anxious Teen

After School Activities

**Smiling Strings Grades K-6**
September 9th – December 16th
Click here to download the flyer with all the details and registration information.

Acoustic/Classical Guitar Lessons Grades 3-6
September 9th – December 16th
Click here to download the flyer with all the details and registration information.

Fall Spanish Club Preschool – 2nd Grade
September 9-December 9th
Click here to download the flyer with all the details and registration link.

Chess Ed Fall Registration Grades 1-8

Registration for the Fall chess program at SPC is underway! The 11-week after-
school program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/9/25 to
11/18/25.
Click here to download the flyer with all of the details and the registration link.

SPC Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts – Boys in Grades 1-8

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

A Special Invitation to Lead and Serve with the St. Paul Women’s Group (AOW)
Since 1941, the St. Paul of the Cross Women’s Group, the Apostolate of Women (AOW), has been a vibrant part of our parish and community, helping us grow in our faith, establish lifelong friendships, and help those in need.
Please read more here.

Children’s Choir

Online Registration is OPEN!
Online Registration for the 2025-2026 Children’s Choir is now open!
All children in grades 2-6 are invited to sing in the choir.
Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 17 and run from 4:30-5:30 pm in The Holy Family Chapel.
Visit spc-church.org to register.
For more information contact our Director of Music, Ed Eicker, at [email protected].

From the Community

Maine South Home Football Games Community Letter-Please Read

August 21, 2025

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

The first days of school are officially here, and our campus is alive with the wonderful buzz of students settling into their new routines. As a principal, I often wish I could capture and save the joy, energy, and excitement that fill these early days—so we can revisit it during those times later in the year when challenges arise. For now, the enthusiasm is contagious, and we are all riding the wave together as the year begins to take shape.

I am also delighted to share some exciting news. Many of you may have already heard that Sr. Pia Shelton, CSFN, has joined SPC as our new Campus Chaplain. Her role will include planning Masses, supporting sacramental preparation, visiting classrooms, and meeting with students both individually and in small groups. Sr. Pia’s presence will be a wonderful gift to our Catholic identity and to the spiritual growth of our students. When you see her around campus, please join me in extending a warm SPC welcome!

Sr. Pia is a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth and has been a part of her religious community for five years. The sisters are dedicated to living out the humble, joy-filled spirit of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Nazareth—finding the love of God in the ordinary moments of daily life. Their ministries extend across the world, serving families in many ways.

A little more about Sr. Pia: she was born in Tennessee, raised in Texas, and has lived in the Chicago area (Des Plaines) for the past three years. She enjoys creative projects such as watercolor painting, graphic design, and finding engaging ways to help young people grow closer to God. We are truly blessed to have her at St. Paul of the Cross, and she is eager to get to know our students and families.

Up & Coming

August 25: Extended Day Program begins – Contact Mrs. Rinaldi at [email protected]
August 26: All-school Mass for students and faculty at 9:45 a.m.
September 1: Labor Day – No School
September 3: Back-to-School Night for Grades 1–8, 6:00–8:30 p.m.

Reminders:

Faculty Professional Development takes place on Tuesdays: 1:50 p.m. for Preschool/Kindergarten, and 2:00 p.m. for Grades 1–8 (student dismissal follows).
Please remember that parking is not permitted in the lots owned by surrounding local businesses.
All medical needs, new prescriptions, or accommodations should be communicated to our school nurse, Kari Heideman, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, at [email protected].

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. We look forward to a year filled with faith, learning, and community at SPC!

Thanks for All You Do,
James White, M.Ed.
Principal

SPC Tiger Fun Run 2025

Welcome back to school! We are excited for our SPC Tiger Fun Run this year; mark your calendars for Friday, September 26th!

The SPC Tiger Fun Run is a ten-day, all-school program that kicks off on Wednesday, September 17th. All students will participate and gather pledges through their own personalized pledge pages for running in the Tiger Fun Run on Friday, September 26th.

Please click here to download our sponsorship opportunities. Please note, the deadline for the Fun Run T-shirt sponsorship is next Friday, August 29th.

Student Fun Run T-Shirts
Every student receives a Fun Run T-shirt to wear the day of the run. The shirts may also be worn as spirit wear throughout the school year (and beyond!) This year, we are asking parents to order the T-shirt sizes for their children. Please complete the HSA form below (one form for each child at SPC) by next Friday, August 29th.

T-Shirts
Please complete this form for each child at SPC by next Friday, August 29th. We will use this form to order T-shirt sizes for HSA events throughout the year, beginning with the SPC Fun Run.

Home and School Meetings
Please mark your calendars for the HSA meetings for this school year. Meetings are at 8 am in Duffin Hall. We will also send Zoom links out if you prefer to join virtually. 9/5, 10/17, 1/23, 4/17

Out of Uniform Passes and Teacher Appreciation Lunches
Home and School Association programs or co-sponsored activities are already underway and we need your partnership to keep the positive momentum. Out of Uniform Passes fund the majority of Home and School activities. We are asking each family to complete this form. One form per student enrolled at SPC needs to be completed. This form will allow you to purchase Out of Uniform Passes and also provide you the opportunity to donate towards our monthly teacher/faculty luncheon and birthday celebrations.

This year the Home and School Out of Uniform Passes are $40 and valid for the following dates (also indicated on the SPC School Calendar):
9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/12, 1/16, 2/13, 3/12, 4/16, 5/15

Preschool students will be able to purchase “themed day” passes for $20 the same days (for example PJ day, super hero day etc). The list of Themes will be sent in August.

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

More From SPC!

I hope you all had a restful and relaxing summer!
This time of year is exciting, and I also know transitions can be tricky to navigate at times. I often will include resources for parents in the Thursday Mailing. Please see below if transitions can bring up feelings of anxiety in your home. As a Mom myself, I know when things feel stressful, I tend to jump in and try to make it better. There are some good tips on how to manage when emotional distress arises.

How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
Webinar: How to Help Your Anxious Teen

I am excited to share that Claire Hanrahan (previous SPC Intern) will be joining the Inclusion team this year. Although her home will be in the EGC, we will collaborate often on Social Emotional and Wellness Programming throughout the year.

We will continue with our 2nd year of implementing Wayfinder, SEL curriculum PK-8. Once the Advisory and Morning Meeting begin, we will be sending home links with more information.

Tigers Spirit Wear Store – 20% Off Through August 24th
20% OFF No Minimum | Code GAMEON20
Visit the Tigers Spirit Wear Store

After School Activities

Fall Ballet Classes Preschool – 2nd Grade
September 9-December 16th
Click here to download the flyer with all of the details and registration link.

Fall Spanish Club Preschool – 2nd Grade
September 9-December 9th
Click here to download the flyer with all the details and registration link.

Chess Ed Fall Registration Grades 1-8

SPC Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts – Boys in Grades 1-8

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

Children’s Choir

From the Community

Our Catholic High Schools

August 14, 2025

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

Welcome to a brand-new school year! With great joy and anticipation, we open our doors for our 101st year of Catholic school education here at SPC. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the dedication and love of our parish, parents, students, faculty, alumni—and, of course, the power of prayer.

Through the years, our school has thrived because of the faith-filled commitment of our community, and I am confident that the 2025–2026 school year will be no exception. We have so much to be grateful for, and even more to look forward to.

I wish each of you an inspiring and joy-filled start to the school year. Let’s make this a year of faith, learning, friendship, and growth for every child in our care!

Up & Coming

Teacher Letter & Class Assignments
Friday, August 15 — Emailed directly to families.
Back-to-School Mass, Meet the Teachers & Ice Cream Social
Sunday, August 17 | 4:00–6:30 p.m.
Preschool & Kindergarten Parent Meeting
Tuesday, August 19 | 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Parents will receive an email from their child’s teacher with available 30-minute meeting slots (4:00-4:30, 4:45-5:15 & 5:30-6:00 p.m) with a Sign Up Genius link.
First Day of School (Grades K–8)
Wednesday, August 20 — doors open 7:45-school starts at 8:00. *Kindergarten ends the day at 2:50 p.m and Grades 1-8 end the day at 3:00 p.m.
Preschool First Day & “Tears and Cheers” Gathering
Thursday, August 21st, 8:00 a.m.
EDP (Extended Day Program) Begins
Monday, August 25
Labor Day — NO SCHOOL
Monday, September 1
Back to School Night (New Date)
Wednesday, September 3

Here’s to a fantastic year ahead! May our days be filled with curiosity, kindness, and the joy of learning together. Thank you for entrusting SPC with the gift of your children—let’s make this 101st year one we will remember with pride and gratitude.

James White | Principal

Please join us in welcoming our new Faculty and Staff!
New Faculty and Staff Bios

Welcome Parents!
We hope everyone has had a safe, relaxing and joyful summer as we all eagerly anticipate the start of the 2025-2026 Saint Paul Tigers school year! A warm welcome to all the new families entering their first year with SPC and a hearty welcome back to all our returning Tigers!

On Sunday, August 17th, please join us for our Back to School Mass at 4 p.m. in the Upper Church. Immediately following Mass we will have an Ice Cream Social in the Safe Zone and Teacher meet-and-greet/supply drop-off in your respective classrooms. Teacher Meet and Greet/Supply Drop-off will be after Mass until 6:30.

If you ordered your school supplies through Home and School, they will be delivered to your child’s classroom.

Friendly reminders:

For K-8 Families: Last call for the used uniform sale from 2:30-3:30 in the UGC. Cash only!
For Preschool Families: Uniforms and school supplies are not required for PK3 or PK4 and if you are unfamiliar, here is a map to find the Safe Zone (Zones 3 and 4.)
Don’t forget to check out the freshly painted four square, hop scotch and other painted stencils in the safe zone!
A ticket system is being implemented for ice cream this year. Please make sure you grab an ice cream ticket from the ticket table before enjoying an ice cream.

Please RSVP for Back-to-School Night using the link provided below:

Back-to-School Night RSVP

Tears & Cheers

Dear Parents of Preschoolers and Kindergarteners,
Cheering? Tearing up? Either way—join us on Thursday, August 21st, right after drop-off for coffee and donuts. We’ll meet outside the Upper Grade Center door B10.
Meet new friends • Catch up after summer • Enjoy a treat!

Playground Stencils Project Complete!
A huge thank you to all of our wonderful volunteers who came together last weekend to refresh our Preschool – 4th Grade recess playlot, the Safe Zone. They spent the day painting bright, colorful designs on the newly repaved area! There are so many people to thank for this beautiful playlot refresh! Please read all about our stencil/paint project here.

From the Parish

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James’ weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs.

Please click here for the latest bulletin.
Please click here for Fr. James’ Weekly Letters