December 2, 2021 - St. Paul of the Cross School

Dear SPC Families,

There is a ton of information in this Thursday Mailing; thank you for your careful attention to reading everything!

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving! Personally, it was wonderful to have the Thanksgiving table set for more family and friends this year! I know before the break, our Covid numbers were climbing; it seems like things have settled down (please don't let me jinx myself). I appreciate everyone being extra vigilant and getting tested and keeping kids home if they are sick, that is very helpful!

I want to wish a special CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCK to all our 8th graders who will be taking the Catholic High School entrance exam this Saturday. It is a big day for them, and I am confident they will all do well. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers, as this is a huge step as they prepare to graduate and move on to high school!

As we prepare to open our hearts to Jesus on Christmas day, our students are focusing on preparing their hearts through many advent activities. We hope that by spending time and energy on Advent, the beauty of slowing down and preparing our hearts becomes an advent focus rather than the commercial aspect of the holidays. Students are creating Jesse trees on the doors, and once the doors are complete, the classes can visit other doors. For those unfamiliar with the Jesse Tree tradition, it introduces children to "symbols that depict the ancestors of Jesus or Old Testament events leading to Christ. Teachers explain each symbol and read related Scripture. It helps us understand that many people lived before Jesus was born. They waited for him, just as we wait for his birthday now. These people were good, holy people and have interesting stories!" Students will read stories and then make a symbol to hang on their doors. Each week, we will "light" the advent wreaths in the classrooms and have a special prayer read together over the PA while we light the advent wreath. I encourage you to discuss these lessons and prayers with your children. I have encouraged teachers to hold off on the many Christmas activities in the classroom until the last week before break so that we can have meaningful conversations about Advent and how we prepare our hearts for Jesus. I pray that this Advent is a time for all of us to slow down in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and to rest in the quiet and dark before the light of Christ arrives on Christmas Day.

REMINDER ABOUT RE-ENROLLMENT-EARLY BIRD RE-ENROLLMENT ENDS DECEMBER 15!
Re-enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year is well underway! Thank you to the many families that have already re-enrolled! If you have not done so already, please click the link to submit your child's packet to reserve a space for next year. The early bird fee of $75/student ends December 15 and will increase to $125/student beginning on December 16, 2021.
St Paul of the Cross School - Enrollment - Log In (renweb.com)

If you have any questions about your child's enrollment packet or need log-in assistance, please contact Meghan Waldeck at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

COVID DASHBOARD
December 2, 2021
THURSDAY MAILING December 2 3

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

SPC 2021 CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT - ORDERS DUE TOMORROW, DECEMBER 3rd

We are excited to announce our 2021 Christmas ornament! All proceeds will benefit the St. Paul of the Cross Social Service Ministry.

Please click here to order.
*The order deadline is December 3rd.

Reminder: ADOPT A FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
Each year the school families help to provide a happy Christmas to the families served by our Parish Food Pantry. In partnership with the Parish Social Service Ministry, we help to purchase gifts. However, given the challenges with Covid, we will continue to help fund gift cards that the families can use to buy gifts. Please consider donating to help a family enjoy a wonderful Christmas. Given the timeline, we are asking that funds be collected by December 5th, 2021. Thank you in advance for your generosity!
PLEASE CLICK HERE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

NJHS Care Packages for the Homeless
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The SPC National Junior Honor Society is creating care packages to donate to Catholic Charities for the homeless. We would be very grateful if each student would bring one of each item that is listed for their grade. You are welcome to bring more, as there is always a need! All items are due to your student's homeroom teacher by Friday, December 10th. We greatly appreciate your help and your generosity in the Christmas season!
We thank you in advance for your kindness and generosity!
NJHS Care Package Project

Please click here to download the flyer.

Winter Clubs and After School Activities Starting in January!

Winter Clubs start on January 3rd and will run for 8 weeks. Register now to secure your spot! Click the links below for the flyers and registration information for all clubs. REGISTRATION IS DUE BY DECEMBER 13th!

ART AROUND THE WORLD (K-2) on Wednesday
DRAMA 1st & 2nd Grade on Monday
DRAMA CLUB 3rd-5th Grade on Thursday
Junior Build It PS-K on Monday
Craftastic K-2 on Wednesday

More Winter Programs

Ballet Winter Session for Preschool through Kindergarten Students

Please click here to download the ballet flyer.

Smiling Strings Acoustic/Classical Guitar Lessons Coming to SPC in January!
Attention Students in Grades 3-6

♫ Winter Session Dates: (Jan 11th – Mar 15th) ♫♫♫
Deadline to signup is December 20, 2021.

Please download the flyer with all the details here.

SPC HOME & SCHOOL ASSOCIATION UPDATES

Faculty Gift Fund

The Home and School Association is pleased to sponsor the Holiday Faculty Gift Fund. This is a convenient way for parents to give Christmas Gifts to all their children's teachers and the staff at our school. Your contribution will provide a monetary gift to all teachers (homeroom, practical fine arts, and resources), aides, the principal, assistant principal, administrative assistants, school secretaries, and the maintenance staff. The SPC teachers and staff truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and generosity.

Please consider making a monetary contribution to show your gratitude to our wonderful teachers and staff. They have worked extra hard this year to ensure our children have a safe environment to learn and excel. A donation is not required, and we want to encourage you to give at your comfort level. We realize that families make financial sacrifices to send their children to Catholic School and challenges with COVID, so please give at the level that is comfortable for your family—any amount is appreciated. Last year's contributions averaged around $80.00 per family.

There are two (2) ways to make donations:

Contribute online by using Payal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=S2FH6X558CNXU

This year to go "green," we will not be placing an envelope in your oldest/only child's take-home folder. If you prefer to write a check, please put it in an envelope marked Faculty Gift Fund and send it to the office.

All donations are due by December 10th.

If you have any questions, please contact Katie Murphy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Kelly Regan at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Thank you for your consideration—we have much to be thankful for this year!

Sincerely,
The Home and School Association

Attention All Third Grade Artists!

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

Please click here to download the flyer.

SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR Now through December 5!

Scholastic Book Fair is IN PERSON this week through Sunday, December 5th!

Where: Parish Life Center Room 203
Monday - Friday 8am to 3pm for students. We will stay open until 4pm for after school shopping.
Saturday - Online Sales Only
Sunday 10am - 1:30 pm

Please click here for the Book Fair.

TRIP PROGRAM - CHRISTMAS GIFT CARDS!

Need to order any last-minute holiday gift cards? Order them through the SPC TRIP program and receive rebates onto your FACTS account. The last day to order before the holiday will be December 8th. We will be processing refunds to FACTS the week of December 13th for all orders made this year. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions.

Counselors Corner for website
Coping with Grief During the Holidays

High School Coaches - Spread the Word to SPC Alum Friends!
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

MERRY MAKING DRIVE- IN IS BACK!

We are excited for our 2nd Annual Merry Making Drive-in Movie Nights!
Please click here to register. We can only have 48 cars per movie, so be sure to sign up quickly!