Dear SPC Families,
While this week has been a challenge for all of us, I would like to first thank all of our amazing teachers who have been working tirelessly to provide learning, community and connection during these uncertain times. Overnight they were asked to put fear aside and create an online platform so that our kids can continue to learn. They recognized quickly that it was also important for our kids to see one another and started using tools to allow for greater connection.
This was unprecedented and new to us all. We recognize that it was not perfect. On behalf of the entire faculty, thank you for your patience and understanding. We fully recognize that overnight you were thrown into a teacher’s chair all the while trying to manage working from home. I have asked the teachers to remember to practice self-care. If at anytime the e-learning becomes too stressful in your home, please email your teachers. More stress in our lives is not what we need now.
As I wrote this Thursday Mailing, Mayor Lightfoot announced Chicago schools are closed through April 20th. While I am not aware of any announcement regarding the Arch schools outside of Chicago or at the State Level, I would imagine our e-learning will continue past March 31st.
I know you all have questions about ASPIRE testing and Easter Break. As soon as I am made aware of any changes I will let you know. Should this extend past Easter Break, we will suspend e-learning during that time.
This is new for all of us and I appreciate your patience. You are all in my prayers daily. Many of our families are first responders or work in the health profession, please hold them all in your prayers throughout this.
If I have learned anything during this first week, it is the power of community. SPC is a beautiful place where community and faith is the center of who we are. Today, I watched a first grade class pray together on zoom and every time I think about that moment I cry all over again. Despite all the uncertainty, our children know the power of prayer and the power of being with one another!
Here is a great article on helping children during this time. Children sense this and are coping the best they can, but it is also understood they are scared and anxious. I encourage families to be present, and if overwhelmed with e-learning lessons, it can wait and just do something fun. https://www.chicago-psychotherapy.com/cp-blog/2020/3/12/what-do-we-tell-the-kids
May God continue to watch over you and your family. I pray we will all be together again soon!
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal
Heart of the School Awards Nomination officially launched!
Every year, the Archdiocese of Chicago honors outstanding Catholic school employees with the Heart of the School Awards. Any current full or part-time St. Paul of the Cross School teacher, administrator, or staff member may be nominated here through March 30, 2020. Nominations are accepted across seven categories: Heart of Christ, Heart of the Community, Heart of Excellence, Heart of Enrichment, Heart of the Future, Heart of Inclusion, and Heart of Service. We encourage all school parents and students to consider the many ways your teachers and staff embody the descriptions of these seven categories and take a moment to honor them with your nomination. Parents, students, fellow teachers and staff may submit up to seven separate nominations (one form per category). Winners will be selected by a committee appointed by the Office of Catholic Schools and honored at the Heart of the School luncheon this spring.
ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIPS DEADLINE EXTENDED APRIL 7th - Attention Parents and Students - Five Merit Based Scholarships
The Endowment Committee is excited to announce the merit-based scholarships available to current SPC students for the 2020-2021 school year. Each year the Endowment administers five merit-based, named scholarships totaling $3,750:
- Pastoral Leadership Award- We are pleased to invite current 5th and 6th grade students to Three monetary awards of $750 will be given to students who most demonstrate the qualities of leadership and service to others.
- Maureen Kelly McCambridge Scholarship- We are pleased to invite current 7th grade students to apply for this $1000 scholarship established in Maureen’s honor and
- Roseann McHugh New Family Welcome Award- This $500 award is available to families who, for the first time during the 2019-2020 school year, have students in K-7th grades and are returning to SPC for a second year. It will be granted to welcome a new family to the SPC community.
St. Baldrick's Save the Date and Sign Up!
Last Year SPC raised over $33,000 to fight childhood cancer. We participated in honor of Dominic Vecchio, who sadly lost his courageous battle this December. This year let us honor the memory and fight of Dominic and so many children who face cancer. Please consider joining the team and raising money. Last year we also had a great time at the event while fighting for a great cause!
https://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/129638/20
St. Paul of the Cross will be starting a reading incentive program called Squeeze’s Scholars on Monday, March 16th. The Chicago Dogs professional baseball team in Rosemont is providing us with this wonderful opportunity. As an incentive to participate in this fun program, every student who reads the goal set by their grade level teacher between March 16th and May 8th will receive a free hat and a free ticket to any Chicago Dogs 2020 regular season home game at Impact Field. When your child has completed their reading goal at home, send the verification form attached to this email on or before Friday, May 8th. Your child's homeroom/reading teacher will then send home the ticket order form. Please contact Mrs. McCallister at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any questions.
Reading Goals
Preschool- read 50 books
Prekindergarten- read 50 books
Kindergarten- read 480 minutes
First Grade- read 25 books on their own
Second Grade- read 600 minutes
Third Grade- read 700 minutes
Fourth Grade- read 600 minutes
Fifth Grade- read 600 minutes
Sixth Grade- read 400 minutes
Seventh Grade- read 400 minutes
Eight Grade- read 400 minutes
Please click here for the details and form.
The Six Flags® Read to Succeed Six Hour Reading Club
A few weeks ago all kindergarten through sixth grade students received the Six Flags Read to Succeed Six Hour Reading Club information. The Six Flags® Read to Succeed Six Hour Reading Club is due by Wednesday. April 8th. Teachers will not be accepting reading logs after that date. Every student in kindergarten through sixth grade who completes six hours of recreational reading and enters the information online by Friday, Wednesday, April 8th is eligible for a free admission ticket valid at Six Flags Great America. Tickets will arrive in May, and will be distributed to those students that participated.
This year all reading logs need to be completed online. You can register your child/ren by going to http://www.sixflags.com/books . Please see all homeroom teacher’s codes below.
Homeroom Teacher Codes:
Mrs. Kusinski- XW4QZ
Mrs. Murphy- PADTH
Mrs. Rinaldi- A9TU3
Mrs. Hader-HFETT
Ms. Kraft-MDWRX
Mrs. Chaparro- D9EAH
Mrs. McCallister-S5E6V
Ms. Chambers- PZZHU
Mrs. Johnson- A5CY6
Mrs. Galvin- EKCVJ
Mrs. Golden-YWR2H
Ms. Lewandowski-4RMSZ
Mrs. Valdez- JPDBZ
Ms. FaQuin- ZQNPZ
Mrs. Zimmerman-Q9K7V
Mr. Okimoto-EKVBE
Mrs. Pecoraro-CGW7S
If you have any questions, please email Mrs. McCallister at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
St. Paul of the Cross Parish
We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. Britto's weekly letter and to stay informed about all of the upcoming events and programs. Parish Bulletin for March 22, 2020
From The Community
Loyola Academy Summer Jr. High Enrichment Program
Park Ridge Newcomers Labors of Love
Please SAVE THE DATE and help us spread the word – tickets for this year’s Park Ridge Newcomers Club “Labor of Love” Gala are going on sale March 9! Last year’s event sold out in just 24 hours! This year’s recipients are near and dear to our community and Maine South family! The event this year is Saturday, May 9, from 7pm-12am at the Hyatt in Rosemont. Help us “Make Magic Happen” for Sara and Olivia – two local sisters in need. Also, yard signs are NOW available for a suggested donation of $20 each – also available on the PRNC website. Help us paint this town purple - all proceeds benefit the girls!
Sara & Olivia’s story:
https://www.parkridgenewcomersclub.org/page-1857688
Yard signs:
https://www.parkridgenewcomersclub.org/page-1857652
Summer Camps
