March 4, 2021

Dear SPC Parents,


Tomorrow marks the end of the 2nd Trimester! As the weather starts to warm up, I hope we can soon enjoy some much-deserved time outside in the fresh air. 

Please note the following in this weeks mailing:

  • Trimester 2 Student Report Cards
  • SPC Winter Report Cards--so much to celebrate!
  • Parent-Teacher Conferences-clarification and scheduling
  • Endowment Scholarships
  • Financial Aid Applications Due April 1st
  • Shamrock Shakes--to Support Lenten Almsgiving!
  • Travel Guidance
  • Covid Dashboard--Keep up the Good Work!

Trimester 2 Student Report Cards:

Report Cards will be emailed on Wednesday, March 10th. 


Student Achievement Data - An Overall Winter Report card
Almost a year ago, our children's education was disrupted. As a parent and an educator, the disruption to the school year and the pivot to remote learning made me concerned about the impact on student achievement and learning. I could only think that even in the best of remote learning situations, we would see a slide in student achievement. While I was confident that we would be able to adequately adjust instruction and curriculum to close any gap through our amazing teachers' tremendous efforts, I was still nervous about the consequences; we were in completely uncharted waters. 

In August, I shared with you the safety plan and the academic plan to address any gaps in learning due to the 2020 pivot to remote learning.

  • In August 2020, the teachers met to revise any curriculum maps and adjust content based on gaps that may have existed after the last school year. 
  • I-Ready, Fountas & Pinnell, and NWEA MAP assessments were administered in early September.
  • Priority learning standards were adjusted and re-taught based on I-Ready and NWEA Map data.

I am pleased to announce that our plan has allowed us to continue to provide an excellent curriculum despite the challenges that exist in our Covid-19 reopening reality. There is no question that given the safety requirements we must follow, instruction looks different this year. Small groups and cooperative learning is limited, and many classrooms have had to pivot to 14 days of remote learning. Despite these challenges, our student achievement surpasses expectations. 

Typically, overall student data is shared at the end of the year; however, given the school year's unique nature, I think it is important to pause and examine how students are performing mid-year. I am overjoyed to report that St. Paul of the Cross students continue to perform at or above the national average in both Math and Reading in all grades K-8! Both the I-Ready (K-3) data and the NWEA Map (4-8) data do not show gaps in learning as an area of concern; our students are above where they should be and growing each day! Our students and teachers should be congratulated for the level of hard work and rigorous curriculum that is evident at SPC. Please click on the letters below that highlight our overall school data for each grade level. 
Click here for I-Ready Data Grades K–3
Click here for MAP Data Grades 4–8

Thank you for your trust in allowing us to educate your children during these challenging times. I am so proud of the resilience of our community and the perseverance in following our guidelines so that we may continue in-person instruction all year long! 


Parent-Teacher Conferences and Professional Development
March 11th and 12th

Please click here
for details about scheduling your conference. I am aware that an email when home stating these are optional, that was incorrect. They are strongly encouraged. Please schedule a time to meet with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress.


Endowment Merit Scholarships
The Endowment Committee is excited to announce the merit-based scholarships available to current SPC students returning for the 2021-2022 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 apply. 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 memory.
  • Roseann McHugh New Family Welcome Award- This $500 award is available to families who, for the first time during the 2020-2021 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.

Below, please find detailed information concerning each scholarship and their respective criteria. All applicants will be judged using an independent, nonbiased format. In order for us to continue the growth of the Endowment, all award recipients and their families will be asked to help in some capacity at future Endowment events.

Listed below is the timeline for submission. Please note that all deadlines are final and there will be no exceptions to this or any of the scholarship requirements. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Mickelburgh.

Submission Timeline for Endowment Merit-Based Scholarships

April 1, 2021      Applications for the Pastoral Leadership Award, Maureen McCambridge Scholarship & Roseann McHugh New Family Welcome Award due (by 9:00pm)

May 3, 2021       April Maureen McCambridge semi-finalists notified

May 10, 2021     Maureen McCambridge semi-finalists interviewed

June 2021          Pastoral Leadership Award, Maureen McCambridge Scholarship & Roseann McHugh New Family Welcome Award recipients honored at all school Mass.

Please click here for the Scholarship Information and criteria.


 

Tuition Assistance Financial Aid Applications Due April 1
Tuition Assistance is available for all eligible students in grades in K-8. Award Letters will be emailed to parents in May. Please click here for the application.


Shamrock Shakes Sponsored by Student Council
The Student Council is hosting a McDonald's Shamrock Shake fundraiser to benefit the SPC Lenten Almsgiving Mission! Thank you to the Herrera Family for donating the Milkshakes!

Parents/guardians, you may purchase a Shamrock Shake for your child for $4.00 through the first link attached below. You may purchase a maximum of one shake per child. Shamrock Shake orders will be accepted through Tuesday, March 9th. All orders are due by March 9th. Shamrock Shakes will be delivered to students and faculty during their lunchtime on Wednesday, March 17 --- a perfect way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!

Preschool & PreKindergarten parents/guardians, please make sure your child will be in attendance on Wednesday, March 17, if you wish to order them a Shamrock Shake.

Parents/guardians, click here to place your child's Shamrock Shake order.

Travel Guidance
Please make sure you read the email sent last week regarding new travel guidelines. Click here for a copy.

Covid Dashboard March 4, 2021
Keep Up the Good Work

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Please read on for more information from the school!

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
Principal


SPC Yearbooks - Ordering Deadline is Thursday, April 8th

The deadline to order a St. Paul of the Cross yearbook is Thursday, April 8th.  If you are not sure if you have already ordered a yearbook, please contact Mrs. McCallister at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before ordering. 

Here are three reasons we chose TreeRing:

  • Custom Yearbooks:  Every student gets a one of a kind printed copy containing two free pages to customize with personal photos. (This is optional; don’t feel obligated to complete this)

  • Green Yearbooks: In the past four years TreeRing planted almost 2,100 trees on behalf of St. Paul of the Cross.

  • Beautiful Yearbooks:  All yearbooks are gorgeously printed in full color using the highest end print production available.

YOU CAN PURCHASE AND PERSONALIZE YOUR St. Paul of the Cross YEARBOOK BY CLICKING HERE https://www.google.com/url?q=https://tr5.treering.com/validate&source=gmail&ust=1614979315981000&usg=AFQjCNHySH4YtoGx662EbEW9YiwarztUVA">https://tr5.treering.com/validate

Yearbook password: 101414618165482

A few important facts:

o   Your personalized yearbook only costs $28.00 for a soft cover. You may order a hardcover yearbook for an additional charge.

o   You’ll need to purchase your copy and complete your free personal pages by April 8th

o   Your 2 free custom pages are optional, if you don’t customize you’ll receive a standard yearbook.

Regards,

Mrs. Melissa McCallister

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

P.S. If you need help, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. TreeRing has a wonderful customer service. I have found that calling them at 877-755-8733 works well too.

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 latest bulletin.

Park Ridge Wilderness Princesses / St. Paul of the Cross Food Pantry Food Drive – Saturday, March 6th
Please click here for all of the details!

FROM THE COMMUNITY

St. Viator's March Future Lions Newsletter