Thursday, September 3, 2020

Dear SPC Families,

Happy Thursday! We almost have our first full week back at school under our belt! I am very impressed by how our children have adjusted to the wearing of masks and the new requirements. Our teachers are truly amazing and are adjusting to all the new guidelines. I know they are looking forward to a three day weekend! Parents, thank you for your cooperation. You get an A+ on drop off and pick up procedures as well as wearing masks and social distancing on campus. We are truly in this together, and our combined efforts will keep our community safe. Thank you!

SCHOOL CALENDAR ADJUSTMENTS:

This is a new year with new challenges. The Illinois State Board of Education has allowed us to have a school year of 175 days and an additional five days for professional development. Given the constraints of the new school day, these added professional development days will provide additional time for teacher collaboration and training. Please note the changes (they have been updated on our school calendar. We are reserving the two other PD days for emergencies in the event of a return to remote learning (let's hope we don't need them!)

  • SEPTEMBER 25: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS, Professional Development Day
  • OCTOBER 8: NO SCHOOL. Parent-Teacher Conferences 7:30-3:30 pm (will be Zoom meetings)
  • OCTOBER 9: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. Teacher Professional Development Day
  • NOVEMBER 13 NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. Teacher Professional Development Day
  • MARCH 11: NO SCHOOL. Parent-Teacher Conferences 7:30-3:30 pm (will be Zoom meetings)
  • MARCH 12: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. Teacher Professional Development Day

SEPTEMBER STANDARDIZED TESTING:
In the next 2-3 weeks, we will be evaluating all students in grades K-8. Students in grades K-2 will be assessed via iready. Students in grades 3-8 will be assessed using NWEA MAP. Please refer to your weekly newsletter for specific days for the assessments.

NEW LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS:
SCHOOLOGY GRADES 3-8
We are hoping that Schoology will be up and running for our students and parents next week. Given the incredible surge in need, Schoology is a little backed up in implementation across the country. Look for information to come home soon.

SEESAW GRADES PRESCHOOL-2
Teachers are in the process of sending out the Seesaw information to parents. If it has not arrived, please look for it no later than early next week. 

A REMINDER OF WHAT WAS SENT YESTERDAY (now on our webpage)
1. VIDEO EXPLANATION OF PROTOCOLS:

2. RESOURCES TO PRINT & KEEP AT HOME:

3. ATTENDANCE REPORTING: NEW PROCEDURE: 

If you are reporting a child absent, please use this form.

Please read below for important deadlines and sign up opportunities. Thank you!

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal

  


Milk Order Deadline Tomorrow, September 4th
Tomorrow is the last day to order milk for your child(ren.) Milk service begins on Tuesday, September 8th. The fee is for the entire year and you will be billed through FACTS. Please click here to download and print the form.

Out of Uniform Ten-Packs!
The first CTS Out of Uniform date is next Friday, September 11th. If you have not had a chance to purchase your Out of Uniform Ten Pack (Grades K-8) and still plan to do so, please click on this link to purchase them by Thursday, September 10th. 
ALL families who purchased the Out of Uniform passes last February (CTS Online) were sent an email reminder today that they've already purchased them. 

There are a total of Ten CTS Out of Uniform Days throughout the school year (also noted on the school calendar):
September 11th
October 2nd
*November 12th (This is a Thursay because there is no school on Friday Nov. 13th)
December 11th
January 22nd
February 19th
March 19th
April 16th
May 14th
June 4th

The "Ten Packs" cover your child for the entire year. Several years ago, SPC went "green" with the passes, therefore, they are in the form of a list only. The homeroom teachers will have the final updated lists for their classrooms.

Thank you for your generosity and continued support of St. Paul of the Cross School.


Chess-Ed - Virtual classes begin on September 14th

Chess-Ed has gone virtual!  Keep your chess skills and game playing sharp and register now for our 10-week Fall 2020 session.  Classes begin on 9/14 and extend through 11/20/20. 

Using Zoom, lichess.org and other chess software, our instructors will deliver organized and interactive online lessons, thought-provoking puzzles, and time for student game playing and instructor oversight/feedback, similar to our in-person programming.  

Our 55-minute virtual lessons are offered every weekday after school, at 4, 5, and 6 pm with Beginner, Novice, Continuing, and Advanced program levels to appeal to students with a wide variety of chess knowledge and skills.  The program is open to all students in all grades. 

To register, click here.

 Chess-Ed instructors look forward to seeing your chess enthusiast in class. JOIN TODAY! 


FROM THE PARISH

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. Britto's weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs. Please click here for the August 30 Bulletin.