December 16, 2021

Dear SPC Families,

“The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him…” – John 1:9-10

Artwork by Ethel, Second Grade 

As we approach the final day of school before Christmas break, I want to wish you all a blessed Christmas a Happy New Year! I pray that you all enjoy a wonderful Christmas with your families. Thank you for the gift of your children; it truly is a joy each and every day to walk with them as they learn and grow!

Thank you to all the families who generously donated to the faculty gift fund. All the faculty and staff so appreciate your kindness and generosity!

Christmas Concert Recordings:
Our preschool-third graders recorded their Christmas songs this week, and we are in the process of editing. We hope to send them out tomorrow! Thank you to our teachers and Mr. Johnson for preparing the children and Dr. O, Mr. Agostinelli and Mr. DeCaluwe for directing, producing and sound editing!

Last Week’s Soft Lockdown:
While sending the lifting lockdown email last week, I failed to thank our SPC Security, who provided another layer of support to our school. Having a security guard here double-checking that all the doors were secure and walking the perimeter of the school (and also ensuring the safe delivery of the pizzas for pizza Friday) was a welcome relief during the soft lockdown. Thank you to our security guards!

Celebrating Father Britto’s 40th Anniversary!
On Sunday, December 19th, Father Britto will celebrate the 40th Anniversary of his ordination at the 10:30 Mass in the upper church. Please join us at Mass as we pray together in thanksgiving for his lifetime of ministry. Afterward, join us for donut Sunday in the gym.

Covid and the Holidays:
If you are exposed or test positive over the holidays, please complete the COVID form. You also will have to keep your child home on Monday, January 3rd. We will respond to all Covid exposure and positive cases when we return on the 3rd. Again, if there is any question about symptoms or exposure, please have your child take a PCR test before returning to school in January.

Covid Dashboard December 15, 2021

Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

SPC TRIP (tuition reimbursement incentive program) Update FLASH SALE!

As a reminder, all physical gift card orders may be picked up in the safe zone area at 2:45 PM tomorrow, Friday- December 17th- if you haven't already done so. Thank you to all the families that took part in our 'flash sale' of gift cards. We are placing the remaining cards in one last flash sale with 10% off face value + a 2% rebate to your FACTS account. Those cards will need to be purchased by tomorrow and can be picked up in the safe zone at 2:45 PM. They can be found at this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090949A4AC22A2FC1-final Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any questions. All reimbursements will be made to FACTS accounts after the holiday break.

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.

Empower Illinois / Tax Credit Scholarship 2022-2023 Application Resources

As a reminder, families can make a reservation for a 2022-2023 Empower Illinois tax credit scholarship on January 12, 2022, at 7pm. For all of the details and resources, please go to empowerillinois.org/apply.

Five Tips for Good Mental Health during the Holidays

January Parent Speaker: Dr Caroline Adelman will be returning to speak on January 25, 2022 at the Open Board Meeting. We received great feedback on her presentation last year. We will be sharing more information on her presentation in the coming weeks.

Check out these videos and tips on preparing your child for the vaccine.

ADHD and Executive Functioning Free Webinar Parent Series: Staring in January

Coping with Grief During The Holidays

Snowman Stress Ball Craft: I enjoyed making these with some students this past week.  Here is a quick tutorial if looking for an easy fun activity to do with your child over break.

Grief Groups will begin in February. I will be co-facilitating with Kelsey Hoeper from Willow House.

We have a few spots still in the 1st/2nd and 6th-8th grade groups. Please email me This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you feel your child would benefit from this group. Students are eligible if they have experienced the death of an immediate family member (parent/step parent, sibling, grandparent).

There is an amazing opportunity for you to support Catholic education right here at SPC and significantly reduce or eliminate your state tax bill at the same time. Please click here for Illinois Tax Credit Scholarship Opportunities and also how to take advantage of a 2:1 match available to donors right now!!

The Archdiocese of Chicago has a matching opportunity available – each can school match up to $50,000 until February 28, 2022 or until the matching funds are depleted.

From the Parish 

We have an active and vibrant parish and encourage everyone to read the weekly bulletins for Fr. James' weekly letter and stay informed about all upcoming events and programs. 
Please click here for the latest bulletin. 
Please click here for Fr. James' "The Daily" - Daily Mass Readings and Reflections

CHILDREN'S CHOIR REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

If your child is interested in joining the St. Paul of the Cross Children's Choir, online registration is now OPEN! Click here to sign up.

From the Community

Edison Park Indoor Youth Soccer Pre-K (4) - 8th Grade 
Registration begins January 8th. Please click here to download all of the details.