October 28, 2021 - St. Paul of the Cross School

Dear SPC Families,

Last week I noted that things seem to be looking more normal--and then our Covid Dashboard went up this week. While we will continue to proceed with more normal activities, please remember that while we see the light at the end of the tunnel, we are still in the Covid Tunnel. Please remember to take the necessary precautions and keep your child home if they are not feeling well. It looks like next week, children in the 5-11 age group will be eligible for the vaccine. I encourage you to speak with your child's pediatrician about the vaccine.

TOMORROW IS FUN FAIR!

I don't know who is more excited, the children or me! It promises to be a super fun day of Halloween fun and candy. Thank you to the small army of parents working today and tomorrow to make this a fabulous day for our SPC ghosts and goblins!

CALENDAR REMINDERS

November 1--No School!

November 5- Holy Fire Retreat Grades 6-8 (the retreat will happen at school)

November 5- Trivia Night

November 8th-12th 6th Grade Cyber Safety Presentations

November 16th-PARENT Cyber Safety Presentation--ZOOM LINK COMING SOON.

November 19th-Home & School Out of Uniform Voucher Day

November 22-26 Thanksgiving Vacation

SAVE THE DATE: CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE & CONCERT GRADES PS-3

WHERE: Church

WHEN: Friday, December 10 at 10:00 am

GUESTS ALLOWED: Two per family. Please do not bring more than two per family; we have a limited capacity. We will Facebook Live the performance so friends and family can watch it.

WHY DO WE DO THE SERVICE DURING THE DAY? Excellent question, the truth is when we host the concert at 6 or 7 at night for these little ones it can be a challenge. Asking them to perform when they should be unwinding for the day and getting ready for bed does not make for ideal circumstances, especially during the excitement of the holiday season. We understand that it isn't always the best for parent schedules, but we appreciate your understanding that this decision is focused on what is best for the kids. We will Facebook live the performance so that if you can't be there--you can still see your child perform.

TARDIES:

It is important to get your child to school on time as it helps with classroom routine and getting organized for the day. Students in the UGC will receive detention after their 5th tardy and every one after that per trimester. Only students with a morning appointment will be excused, and they will need to bring in a doctor's note. The bell rings at 8:00 am, and students must be in their classroom so as not to be considered tardy!

THANKSGIVING & CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS AND TRAVEL:
I am getting a few questions about after the Christmas Holidays. I know that we are eager to travel to family over the holidays, and it is wonderful that we will be able to celebrate with family for the 2021 Holiday Season. However, please continue strict adherence to the City of Chicago travel guidelines that are updated weekly. https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/covid-19/home/emergency-travel-order.html

At this time, I do not anticipate a post-Christmas break quarantine. We are planning to return to school after the break on January 3, 2022!

MASKS AND BASKETBALL SEASON:
I am thrilled that basketball is back and our gym is filled. I am also looking forward to the day when our kids can play without masks. However, for the time being, masks must be worn CORRECTLY at all times in the gym, during practice, during games, and while being a spectator. Please do not put our athletics participation in jeopardy by not complying with this rule.

After speaking with the City Suburban Catholic Conference, there are clear consequences for teams that do not comply with the mask mandate. Should there be a complaint about not wearing masks to the City Suburban Catholic Conference, there will be an investigation. If the investigation finds that players and coaches did not wear masks, the game will be forfeited. We do not want this to happen. Spectators that do not comply with the mask mandate will be asked to leave the building.

I was recently watching a game at a gym where another team was not following protocols. I will not police other schools, nor will I police SPC athletes or coaches. I have the utmost confidence that SPC athletes, spectators, and coaches will set an example by adhering to the rules at all times and in all gyms.

Remember, this is temporary; masks will eventually go away.

COVID DASHBOARD
October 28, 2021
This Covid Dashboard indicates an increase in cases over the past week. We currently have a number of students who need to quarantine. A few notes about the Dashboard:

Currently, SPC has had zero "breakthrough cases."
100% of faculty and staff are fully vaccinated.

If your child is vaccinated--you must bring in a copy of the vaccine card to the main office. In cases of close contact quarantine in the older grades, children who are fully vaccinated do not need to quarantine. We have a number of kids who have not needed to quarantine because they are fully vaccinated.

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

Roundball 2022 is Happening!

It’s time for St. Paul’s Annual Roundball Basketball Tournament for all SPC 6th, 7th and 8th grade students (not just basketball players!) Practices will be held on SATURDAY, JANUARY 15th. Tournament games (a boy’s tourney and a girl’s tourney) will be held SUNDAY, JANUARY 16TH THROUGH JANUARY 24TH. Each team will be coached by SPC alumni who are currently enrolled in high school. All coaches will be expected to dress in professional attire for the games. All games will be officiated by professional referees. Members of St. Paul Men’s Club will announce the game play-by-play on the PA.

Student Registration Deadline, Friday, November 12th
Please click here to register for Roundball 2022.

High School Coaches
All high school-aged St. Paul of the Cross alumni are invited to coach at this year's SPC Roundball Tournament.

ALL COACHES: As an applicant, I understand that I represent the team and the St. Paul of the Cross Parish Community. Therefore, my conduct as coach must exemplify self-respect, self-control, respect for others, and sportsmanship.
Specifically:
• I will treat every athlete, coach and official with respect.
• I will respect the decisions of the officials. I will offer no words, actions, or gestures of disrespect.
• I am a representative of St. Paul of the Cross Parish Community both inside the gym and when on the parish grounds.

Please click here for the 2022 Coach Application.

Sponsorships 2022
Please click here to learn about our Roundball sponsorship opportunities and sign up online.
To download the form, click here.

Registration for NEW Students of Current SPC Families Open November 1st

We are excited to announce enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year will be open on Monday, November 1st. If you will have a new student in the Fall of 2022, please click the application link below (open November 1st.) *All new students need a complete application. Current families will have priority in applying from November 1-15. The application will then open to the public and post on our website on November 16. Re-registration for current students will begin on December 1, 2021. We will be using our same enrollment system to log-in and complete.

*Please note that although you have an enrollment account for other student(s) you will still need to create an account for the new application.

To complete an application for the 2022-2023 school year please click below:
https://stpcs-il.client.renweb.com/oa/?memberid=15206

SPC Directory Reminder - Pay by Today to Keep Access
Just a reminder that if you would like to keep your access to DirectorySpot, our online directory app, payment is due today, October 28th.

It would benefit everyone to login quickly to make sure that your information is correct or to change your privacy settings even if you don't plan to keep your access.

If you did not get an automated email with your login credentials, just go here, use your email address for the username and click on "reset password." You will be sent further directions.

Let Wendy Diez know if you have any questions at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Trivia Night -- There's Still Time to Book Your Table!
The Endowment Committee is thrilled to be bringing Trivia Night back to SPC! This school and parish event is always a fantastic time. So gather your group of friends and click on the flyer below to purchase your group tables. Tables will sell quickly, so don't delay!! See more details below.

Please click here to purchase your tables!
Questions? Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Out of Uniform Day Wednesday, November 3 - Fundraiser for Brendan

HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION

totes magnets
Have you seen the cool SPC canvas tote bags and car magnets around town? The tote bags are a natural colored canvas with an embroidered SPC logo, navy accents, top zip and front pocket. Handles are long enough to go over the shoulder. Car magnets are a great way to show off that SPC is the place to be!
These are available for purchase in both the EGC and UGC offices with cash/check made payable to SPC Home and School Association or convenient online purchasing. Please visit our web page HERE, select the quantity and your purchase will be delivered to the homeroom of your only/oldest! All proceeds/profit support Home & School expenses. If you have any questions, please contact Maria Almendarez at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

CHESS ED

Register NOW for the Winter Session of Chess-Ed’s Chess Enrichment Program

Registration for the Winter Session of the after-school chess program is underway! The 10-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 11/30/21 to 2/15/22. The chess program is taught by Chess-Ed instructors and is open to students in 1^st through 8^th grade and students of all chess abilities. Professional instruction will include the basics for beginning and novice players and build with opening theory, middle game planning, and end game combinations for continuing students. Playing chess improves memory, uses analytical and critical thinking skills, teaches problem solving, responsibility, sportsmanship, social skills and more! The benefits of chess last a lifetime!

To register, please go to www.2021-2022spcchess.eventbee.com. For more information about the program, please see the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST this Winter!
Chess Ed Flyer