Dear SPC Families,

Happy Thursday! This weekend, SPC is a busy place! The gym will be packed for the Spotlight Basketball game extravaganza on Friday and Saturday. Games on Friday begin at 5:30 pm and end at 8:30; on Saturday, the basketball games start at 9:00 am and end with the last game at 7:00 pm!   

Sunday, please pray for the 8th graders who will complete their Confirmation retreat. We will also host the 6th-grade family Mass at 10:30 in the Holy Family Chapel.

Today you will be receiving your Celebrating the Spirit Invitation in your oldest/only student's Thursday takehome folder, so be sure to check those backpacks! The committee has been hard at work behind the scenes getting everything ready, and this is sure to be an amazing evening! I know it's a busy time of year, but you will definitely want to get a head start and purchase your tickets. Also, be sure to plan for your Well Wish so you don't miss the deadline of December 18th. You can visit the CTS website to order your well wish, and simply email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. your well wish photo! Tickets and Well Wishes can be purchased by going to the Celebrating the Spirit 2024 website here. 

THIS IS ANOTHER JAM-PACKED THURSDAY MAILING:

• Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY Last Call!
• BAND REGISTRATION IS LIVE
• Re-enrollment is in process!
• SAVE THE DATE: CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE & CONCERT GRADES PS-3 (updated parking options)
• DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES

Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY-LAST CALL!

Thank you to everyone who has donated; so far, we have raised close to $4000 for gift cards for our food pantry families, which will enable us to purchase 80 gift cards!

Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY

SPC has a long-standing tradition of partnering with the parish social service ministry to ensure that needy families in our community have a wonderful Christmas. The Adopt-A-Family program will collect funds and purchase gift cards so families can buy their own gifts. Given the timeline, we ask that funds be collected by December 10, 2023. Please consider donating to the Adopt-A-Family program so our school can continue this Advent tradition. 100% of these proceeds will go towards the Adopt-A-Family program in Social Service Ministry. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

BAND AND PIANO LESSON REGISTRATION IS NOW LIVE!
We are excited to announce that registration for band (4-8) and piano (K-3) is now live! Please see below for information and registration.

Tomorrow, we will welcome Band for Today to campus, who will give demonstrations for students in grades 4-8! Please register before January 1st to allow us time to create the schedule.

Re-ENROLLMENT for 2024-2025
Re-enrollment is in FULL SWING! You will need to complete re-enrollment (we are using the same process as last year through FACTS) to secure your child's space for the 24-25 school year. All families should have received the link for their student packet(s) last Friday. If any family accidentally created a new student application, please contact Mrs. Waldeck immediately so she can deactivate that application and reverse the fee.  

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

WHERE: Church

WHEN: Thursday, December 21 at 10:00 am

GUESTS ALLOWED: We will Livestream so friends and family can watch it. Please be mindful of the number of guests you bring; we have limited capacity. 

PARKING:  Parking will be a challenge; please utilize the public parking in Park Ridge. There is also parking available along the tracks for a fee. I STRONGLY RECOMMEND carpooling! YOU MAY NOT PARK IN FM GLOBAL or RYAN PARKE FUNERAL HOME.  

PARKING OPTIONS:

• Tiger Parking Lot—small parking lot off of Ridge Terrace next to the Kinnane Center. Teachers will not be parking there on concert day. 
• Pay for Metra Parking along the tracks
• Park Ridge Public Works will extend a courtesy parking on Summit Ave on the day of the event (12/21) from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. 
  The courtesy parking will begin at the point where the street sign says "bus parking only" and extend to Ridge Terrace. ***The part from S. Washington Ave up to door B7 is still off limits. 
• Uptown Park Ridge Public Parking

CAN I BRING MY OLDER STUDENTS TO THE CONCERT? No, the older students will see the concert during the practice on Wednesday, December 20th, allowing for more room in the church.

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 livestream the performance so that you can still see your child perform if you can't be there.

DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES:
December 21- Preschool-3 Christmas Concert (see above for details)
December 22 - Last day of school before Christmas break!

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

Celebrating the Spirit 2024

Today you will be receiving your Celebrating the Spirit Invitation in your oldest/only student's Thursday takehome folder, so be sure to check those backpacks! Our amazing committee has been hard at work planning the amazing Party Boards, Auction, entertainment, and we are so excited for February 2!

We know it's a busy time of year, but it's not too busy to plan a fantastic night with out celebrating our school community! Also, a reminder to get your well wishes in by December 18th! These are such a fun and heartfelt CTS tradition, you won't want to miss. Just visit the CTS website to order your well wish, and simply email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. your well wish photo! Tickets and Well Wishes can be purchased by going to the Celebrating the Spirit 2024 website here. Click on the menu for the different tabs.

CTS FAQ sheet

Thank you! 
CTS 2024 Co-Chairs
Kelly Bontempo, Amy DiGregorio, and Megan Weber

SPC Home & School Association

Happy December!  
With the holidays right around the corner, the Home and School Association (HSA) will once again host the SPC Faculty Christmas Gift Fund.  This is a school-wide collection of monetary gift donations which is then equitably divided among all SPC full and part-time faculty, administration, and support staff as a demonstration of our appreciation during this holiday season. 

In previous years, families have donated $40-$50 per student (an average of $6-$10 per faculty or staff member with whom your child interacts depending on grade level), however, the FACTS form allows for you to contribute any amount with which you are comfortable.

This donation is in lieu of individual gifts. The last names (only) will be added to the Christmas card that will be given to each faculty and staff member with the check enclosed on Friday, December 22nd.

Donations can be made by clicking this link.  The final date to donate is Tuesday, December 19th at 5:00 pm.
Thank you in advance for your generosity! 
Home and School Association

Teacher Cookie Exchange!

Please click on the flyer above for the Sign Up Genius.
Please click here to download the flyer directly.

More School News 

BAND AND PIANO LESSON REGISTRATION IS NOW LIVE!
We are excited to announce that registration for band (4-8) and piano (K-3) is now live! Please click below for all the details and the registration link.

SPC Band
SPC Piano

SPC Athletic News

Pack the gym Saturday, December 9th-Come see your favorite SPC basketball team play. Games will take place from 9am-7pm. We will be honoring our 8th grade athletes later in the day. We will be selling hotdogs, pretzels, popcorn and candy from our concession stand all day. Come check it out, you just might get to see our Mascot, Stripes!

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

FROM THE COMMUNITY

Dear SPC Families,

I pray you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! This week, we are excited to begin the much-anticipated Book Fair! A special thank you to Mrs. Dohr and her team of book fair elves, who make our Book Fair a HUGE success! Please see below for more details! We hosted two parent mingles this week for preschool and 1st-grade families at Harp and Fiddle. Thank you to Mrs Waldeck and our CTS chairs, who helped with the event! I look forward to the next parent gathering—VIVA LasSPegas! Please see below for updated information. Tomorrow, we begin re-enrollment for the 24-25 school year; please be on the lookout for that email!

THIS IS ANOTHER JAM-PACKED THURSDAY MAILING:

• ADVENT
• Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY
• Re-enrollment Begins Tomorrow!
• Change in 3-8 Music & Band
• Save the Date Christmas Prayer Service and Concert Grades PS-3
• December Save the Dates 

ADVENT
I often find the season of Advent more challenging than Lent. It is easy to get carried away in the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations as the commercial Christmas can very quickly overshadow the anticipation and prayer asked of us during Advent. Advent calls us to slow down, to be countercultural. Each week, as we sit in the darkness, the light of each week is revealed to us as we light the candles representing hope, peace, joy, and love, which helps prepare our hearts for the Christ Child.

Full confession: it is hard for me to remain in the quiet darkness of Advent while my Christmas to-do lists dance around in my head. December is chaotic! School activities, baking, lists, parties, more baking, and shopping to plan that “magical” Christmas are no easy tasks as a parent. Each year, I challenge myself to sit longer in the darkness…to wait...to pray, and to reflect. As I light the advent candles or sit in the darkness and enjoy the Christmas tree lights, the commercial chaos diminishes, and I find myself focusing more on preparing my heart for the birth of Jesus.  

During the three weeks of Advent that we are in school, the teachers will help the children prepare their hearts for Jesus; we will light the Advent candles, discuss the meaning of Advent, and wait in eager anticipation for the birth of the Christ Child! Our early childhood children will have an Advent Prayer Service each week, and our older students will attend Mass and reconciliation during this time. In classrooms, you will not see Christmas decorations or activities until the last week before the break to help children understand the Advent Season. Each Monday, we will light our classroom Advent Wreaths with a school-wide prayer over the PA led by the Student Council. Student Council and NJHS will lead the school in a service project. I hope some resources below can help your family reflect and honor the Advent season!

ADVENT REFLECTIONS

• https://hallow.com/blog/advent-candles-and-advent-wreaths/
• https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/inspiration/enjoy-advent/
• https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/about-advent/advent-links-to-explore-and-share/advent-waiting/
• https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/inspiration/advent-anticipation/

ADVENT RESOURCES

• https://www.loyolapress.com/catholic-resources/liturgical-year/advent/
• https://www.catholicicing.com/advent-and-christmas-with-kid/
• https://www.sadlier.com/religion/blog/advent-catholic-prayers-advent-activities-for-kids
• https://www.thereligionteacher.com/advent-activities/

Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY
SPC has a long-standing tradition of partnering with the parish social service ministry to ensure that needy families in our community have a wonderful Christmas. The Adopt-A-Family program will collect funds and purchase gift cards so families can buy their own gifts. Given the timeline, we ask that funds be collected by December 10, 2023. Please consider donating to the Adopt-A-Family program so our school can continue this Advent tradition. 100% of these proceeds will go towards the Adopt-A-Family program in Social Service Ministry. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

Re-Enrollment for 2024-2025
We will hold our re-enrollment from December 1st through January 18th. You will need to complete re-enrollment (we are using the same process as last year through FACTS) to secure your child’s space for the 24-25 school year. We will email all families the link for their student packet(s) tomorrow. If any family accidentally created a new student application, please contact Mrs. Waldeck immediately so she can deactivate that application and reverse the fee.  

ANOTHER CHANGE IN 3-8 MUSIC AND NEW ON BAND:

Unfortunately, the new music teacher has a family tragedy and is unable to come to SPC to teach for the rest of the year. We are looking for her replacement and hope to welcome a new teacher soon. 

FUTURE PLANS FOR BAND:
We will welcome Band for Today to campus on December 8th to begin the registration process. Stay tuned for more information. Lessons will start in January.

We are partnering with Band for Today to continue the band program! On December 8th, all students in band and in the 3-8 will receive information on registering for band and lessons. One small change to the program is that all lessons will take place during the school day. We hope this change will encourage more students to participate in the program as it will not interfere with afterschool activities! Students will take their weekly lessons on a 5-week rotating basis so that they are not pulled at the same time each week. We will also begin offering piano instruction for K-8 students during the school day.  

Looking to Volunteer?
A reminder that all volunteers at school must be in full compliance with our safe environment protocols!  Please click here if you think you would like to volunteer in the future.  This includes coaching, room parents, lunch parents, SPC Olympic volunteers etc..

Save the Date Christmas Prayer Service and Concert Grades PS-3
WHERE: Church

WHEN: Thursday, December 21 at 10:00 am

GUESTS ALLOWED: We will Livestream so friends and family can watch it. Please be mindful of the number of guests you bring; we have limited capacity. 

PARKING:  Parking will be a challenge. Please utilize the public parking in Park Ridge. YOU MAY NOT PARK IN FM GLOBAL or RYAN PARKE FUNERAL HOME.

CAN I BRING MY OLDER STUDENTS TO THE CONCERT? No, the older students will see the concert on Wednesday, December 20th, during the practice, allowing for more room in the church.

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 livestream the performance so that you can still see your child perform if you can't be there.

DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES:
December 21-  Preschool-3 Christmas Concert (see above for details)
December 22  Last day of school before Christmas break!

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

SPC Home & School Association

Home & School Association Restaurant Fundraiser - Raising Cane’s Chicken- Wednesday, December 6 from 4pm to close

The H&S fundraiser will be at Raising Cane’s Chicken on Wednesday, December 6th. If you participate, students may come out of uniform on Thursday, December 7th. Please mention the SPC fundraiser when placing your order.  They will not have out of uniform passes, so please send your receipt to school with your child. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating the Spirit 2024

CTS FAQ sheet
Please click here for our flipbook packet on Celebrating the Spirit 2024!

Or, click on the individual links below. 
Parent Letter 
Well Wishes 
Sponsorships
Auction
Party Boards

Thank you! 
CTS 2024 Co-Chairs
Kelly Bontempo, Amy DiGregorio, and Megan Weber

Scholastic Book Fair - November 30th - December 5th
Please click here to download all the details!

More School News

Smiling Strings Violin AND Guitar Winter Season Begins on December 5th. Please click here for the details and flyer.

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

Please click here for the Apostolate of Women Registration Form.

St. Nick’s Party:  St. Nick’s is back! Last year we were able to bring part of the event back and this year we will have the full event (including the children’s shopping area!). The event will be 10 am to 12:30 pm on Sunday, December 3 in the Morello Parish Life Center – Gym. Please mark your calendars to attend and consider volunteering! See sign up links for adult and student volunteers below.  

Adult volunteer link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094DA9AC23AAFA7-45604041-stnicks 

Student volunteer link (service hours available): Students: St. Nick's Party - Student Volunteers (signupgenius.com)

Click here to download the flyer.

Dear SPC Families,

I pray you all have a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving! We had an exciting week, complete with the tradition of the early childhood feasts; thank you to all the parents who helped with the celebrations! I look forward to seeing everyone when we return to school on November 27th. There will be no Thursday mailing next week.  

Tomorrow marks the end of Trimester 1; the first third of the school year has flown by. I am so proud of our hardworking students and faculty! I hope you see how your children are learning and growing each day! Report cards will be emailed home on November 30th. 

THIS IS ANOTHER JAM-PACKED THURSDAY MAILING:

• Coming Soon Re-enrollment
• Change in 3-8 Music & Band
• Looking to Volunteer? 
• Uncle Pete's Ministry Bagged Lunches-Dropoff Tomorrow Morning
• Save the Date Christmas Prayer Service and Concert Grades PS-3
• November/December Save the Dates
• Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles!
• Book Fair Save the Date and Information
• Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY

Re-Enrollment for 2024-2025
Coming soon! We will hold our re-enrollment from December 1st through January 18th. You will need to complete re-enrollment (we are using the same process as last year through FACTS) to secure your child’s space for the 24-25 school year. A detailed re-enrollment letter will be sent the week of November 27th. 

Change in Grades 3-8 Music and Band
I regret to inform you that Mr. Angus is leaving St Paul of the Cross to return home to attend to family matters. We thank him for his service and wish him well in the future. St Paul of the Cross partners with RISE education for the music program and they have secured a new teacher who will begin after Thanksgiving break!  

Welcome Mrs. Giusti!
My name is Jenilca Giusti, a Mother of 2 young boys living in Brookfield, IL. I have been teaching music to children for over 10 years and went to school for Audio Engineer at Columbia Flash Point in Chicago. I grew up in Florida where I attended Catholic School throughout my school years and was always involved in band, theatre and choir. I also started in Music young at the age of 17 touring the world with many artists where I took breaks to also study Music Theory. Now I keep myself busy between Mom life, teaching and writing and recording music. I look forward to meeting everyone and I’m excited to have a fun rest of the year!

Future Plans for Band:
I am committed to ensuring that SPC continues to provide band! We are partnering with Band for Today to continue the band program! When we return from Thanksgiving all students in band and in the 3-8 will receive information on registering for band and lessons. One small change to the program is that all lessons will take place during the school day. Our hope is that this change will encourage more students to participate in the program as it will not interfere with afterschool activities! Students will take their weekly lessons on a 5 week rotating basis so that they are not pulled the same time each week. We will also begin offering piano instruction for K-8 students during the school day. 

Looking to Volunteer?
A reminder that all volunteers at school must be in full compliance with our safe environment protocols!  Please click here if you think you would like to volunteer in the future.  This includes coaching, room parents, lunch parents, SPC Olympic volunteers etc..

Uncle Pete's Ministry Bagged Lunches!
Tomorrow, Friday, November 17th, Uncle Pete's Ministry and our NJHS students will be collecting meals for those in need. These bags will be collected as students enter the building tomorrow morning. Thank you everyone for your support of this mission to feed the hungry.

Save the Date Christmas Prayer Service and Concert Grades PS-3

WHERE: Church

WHEN: Thursday, December 21 at 10:00 am

GUESTS ALLOWED: We will Livestream so friends and family can watch it. Please be mindful of the number of guests you bring; we have limited capacity. 

PARKING:  Parking will be a challenge. Please utilize the public parking in Park Ridge. YOU MAY NOT PARK IN FM GLOBAL or RYAN PARKE FUNERAL HOME.

CAN I BRING MY OLDER STUDENTS TO THE CONCERT? No, the older students will see the concert on Wednesday, December 20th, during the practice, allowing for more room in the church.

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 livestream the performance so that you can still see your child perform if you can't be there.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES:

• November 20-24 - THANKSGIVING BREAK
• Book Fair November 30 - December 5
• December 21 - Preschool-3 Christmas Concert 
• December 22 - Last day of school before Christmas break!

Scholastic Book Fair - Thursday, November 30th through Tuesday, December 5th. Please see the information below. 

Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY
SPC has a long-standing tradition of partnering with the parish social service ministry to ensure that needy families in our community have a wonderful Christmas. The Adopt-A-Family program will collect funds and purchase gift cards so families can buy their own gifts. Given the timeline, we ask that funds be collected by December 10, 2023. Please consider donating to the Adopt-A-Family program so our school can continue this Advent tradition. 100% of these proceeds will go towards the Adopt-A-Family program in Social Service Ministry. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles! Please see the information below. 

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

SPC Home & School Association

Home & School Association Restaurant Fundraiser - Raising Cane’s Chicken- Wednesday, December 6 from 4pm to close

The H&S fundraiser will be at Raising Cane’s Chicken on Wednesday, December 6th.  If you participate, students may come out of uniform on Thursday, December 7th.  Please mention the SPC fundraiser when placing your order.  They will not have out of uniform passes, so please send your receipt to school with your child. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating the Spirit 2024

ONE OF THESE LEGENDS WANTS TO PARTY WITH YOU ON 2/2/24!

CTS FAQ sheet
Please click here for our flipbook packet on Celebrating the Spirit 2024!

Or, click on the individual links below. 
Parent Letter 
Well Wishes 
Sponsorships
Auction
Party Boards

Thank you! 
CTS 2024 Co-Chairs
Kelly Bontempo, Amy DiGregorio, and Megan Weber

Scholastic Book Fair - November 30th - December 5th
Please click here to download all the details!

More School News

Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles!

Calling all preschool- first-grade parents... it's time for a fun parent night out! We hope you can join your grade-level night to sip, mingle, and enjoy a fun time! Appetizers, wine, beer, and mixed drinks will be served. This is a parent-only event. There will also be a fun raffle as we look forward to SPegas CTS on February 2, 2024. All parents who attend will be entered into a raffle to win a fun CTS surprise. Please click the link to RSVP. Payment Forms (nelnet.net)

Smiling Strings Violin AND Guitar Winter Season Begins on December 5th. Please click here for the details and flyer.

---

Register NOW for the Fall Session of Chess-Ed’s Chess Enrichment Program
Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway!  The 10-
week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 12/05/23 to
02/20/24.  

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 https://2023-2024stpaulofthecrosschess.eventbee.com.  For
more information about the program, please see the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking
forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST!
Click here to download the flyer.

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

Please click here for the Apostolate of Women Registration Form.

St. Nick’s Party:  St. Nick’s is back! Last year we were able to bring part of the event back and this year we will have the full event (including the children’s shopping area!). The event will be 10 am to 12:30 pm on Sunday, December 3 in the Morello Parish Life Center – Gym. Please mark your calendars to attend and consider volunteering! See sign up links for adult and student volunteers below.  

Adult volunteer link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094DA9AC23AAFA7-45604041-stnicks 

Student volunteer link (service hours available): Students: St. Nick's Party - Student Volunteers (signupgenius.com)

Click here to download the flyer.

Dear SPC Families,

This week, we hosted our first-ever First Responders Mass; it was a beautiful morning and Mass. Thank you to all of our parents who joined us for the morning. We are grateful that our students could pray in thanksgiving for your service to our community! 

A huge thank you to all who attended Trivia Night on November 3rd and made it such a memorable event! And a very special thanks to our Endowment Committee for planning this exceptional night and our SPC alums, who helped us with all the behind-the-scenes throughout the night. The energy and brainpower in the Parish Life Center were in overdrive; what an outstanding evening filled with great fellowship and so much laughter! All of our teams/tables were so creative in their themes! The faculty Las Vegas team had a very fun night (see the CTS update below.) And we are happy to report that we raised $7,400 in net proceeds for the Endowment Fund. 

We have a jam-packed Thursday Mailing this week: 

• NASA WINNERS ON CBS2
• WINTER CLUB REGISTRATION FORM
• UNCLE PETE'S MINISTRY BAGGED LUNCHES!
• PICTURE RETAKE DAY 11/13
• SAVE THE DATE: CHRISTMAS PRAYER SERVICE & CONCERT GRADES PS-3
• NOVEMBER/DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES
• NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION-CURRENT FAMILIES
• Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles!
• Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY
  
  

SPC NASA WINNERS ON CBS2

Our 7th grade NASA winners showcased their talents on the news again! CLICK HERE to watch the fantastic interview.

WINTER CLUB REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

Check out these great after-school activities that take place at SPC! Our creative staff has created some unique and full-filled after-school CLUBS (these are classes in addition to after-school activities provided by other outside vendors). Please sign up soon, as spots are limited.  

Winter Clubs begin the week of November 27th. Some clubs will be offered four weeks before break (Nov. 27-Dec. 22) and then ten weeks following break (Jan 16 - Mar 22). Once you have submitted the registration form and payment, changes cannot be made, and refunds will not be issued. Please make a note on your calendar of any club you sign up for and the dates the club is in session.

Click here for the Winter Clubs Descriptions and Details.

Registration is Open Now! CLICK HERE 

Registration will be open until Thursday, November 17th, at 8:00 am. Please complete one form for each student.

UNCLE PETE'S MINISTRY BAGGED LUNCHES!
On Friday, November 17th, Uncle Pete's Ministry and NJHS students will collect meals for those in need. On Monday, November 13th, we will send all students home with a brown paper lunch bag and instructions for creating meals. The NJHS will collect these bags as students enter the building on the morning of November 17th. Thank you, everyone, for supporting this mission to feed the hungry.

PICTURE RETAKE DAY!
Color Portraits will be here for student and faculty picture retakes/missed photos on Monday, November 13th. If students are retaking, please have them bring their original proofs to return to the photographer.

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

WHERE: Church

WHEN: Thursday, December 21 at 10:00 am

GUESTS ALLOWED: We will Livestream so friends and family can watch it. Please be mindful of the number of guests you bring; we have limited capacity. 

PARKING:  Parking will be a challenge. Please utilize the public parking in Park Ridge. YOU MAY NOT PARK IN FM GLOBAL or RYAN PARKE FUNERAL HOME.

CAN I BRING MY OLDER STUDENTS TO THE CONCERT? No, the older students will see the concert on Wednesday, December 20th, during the practice, allowing for more room in the church.

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 livestream the performance so that you can still see your child perform if you can't be there.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER SAVE THE DATES:

• November 10th - NO SCHOOL Professional Development Day for Teachers
• November 20-24 - THANKSGIVING BREAK
• December 21 - Preschool-3 Christmas Concert 
• December 22 - Last day of school before Christmas break!

NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION-CURRENT FAMILIES
We are excited to begin registration for the 2024-2025 school year; as always, current families have priority in the process. If your family will have a new student to SPC next year, the application is now open to current families only. Please log in to your FACTS account and select Create a New Student Application. 

Adopt A Family Donations–CHRISTMAS DONATIONS FOR SOCIAL SERVICE MINISTRY
SPC has a long-standing tradition of partnering with the parish social service ministry to ensure that needy families in our community have a wonderful Christmas. The Adopt-A-Family program will collect funds and purchase gift cards so families can buy their own gifts. Given the timeline, we ask that funds be collected by December 10, 2023. Please consider donating to the Adopt-A-Family program so our school can continue this Advent tradition. 100% of these proceeds will go towards the Adopt-A-Family program in Social Service Ministry. CLICK HERE TO MAKE A DONATION

Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles! Please see the information below.

Peace,

Dr. Erika Mickelburgh

SPC Home & School Association

Home & School Association Restaurant Fundraiser - D’Agostinos in Niles- Tuesday , November 14th from 3pm to 9pm
The H&S fundraiser will be at D’Agostinos on Tuesday, November 14th. If you participate, students may come out of uniform on Thursday, November 16th.  They will not have out of uniform passes, so please send your receipt to school with your child. Thank you for your support!

Celebrating the Spirit 2024
Plane ride to Vegas to see the faculty perform: $219
Uber to the Lone Tree to see the faculty perform: $6 
We like the $6 Uber option close to home!

Keep those amazing Well Wishes coming! See below for all the details.

CTS FAQ sheet
Please click here for our flipbook packet on Celebrating the Spirit 2024!

Or, click on the individual links below. 
Parent Letter 
Well Wishes 
Sponsorships
Auction
Party Boards

Thank you! 
CTS 2024 Co-Chairs
Kelly Bontempo, Amy DiGregorio, and Megan Weber

More School News

Preschool-1st Grade Parent Mingles!

Calling all preschool- first-grade parents... it's time for a fun parent night out! We hope you can join your grade-level night to sip, mingle, and enjoy a fun time! Appetizers, wine, beer, and mixed drinks will be served. This is a parent-only event. There will also be a fun raffle as we look forward to SPegas CTS on February 2, 2024. All parents who attend will be entered into a raffle to win a fun CTS surprise. Please click the link to RSVP. Payment Forms (nelnet.net)

Register NOW for the Fall Session of Chess-Ed’s Chess Enrichment Program
Registration for the Fall Session of the after-school chess program is underway!  The 10-
week program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 12/05/23 to
02/20/24.  

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 https://2023-2024stpaulofthecrosschess.eventbee.com.  For
more information about the program, please see the program flyer. Chess-Ed is looking
forward to seeing your CHESS ENTHUSIAST!
Click here to download the flyer.

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

Please click here for the Apostolate of Women Registration Form.

St. Nick’s Party:  St. Nick’s is back! Last year we were able to bring part of the event back and this year we will have the full event (including the children’s shopping area!). The event will be 10 am to 12:30 pm on Sunday, December 3 in the Morello Parish Life Center – Gym. Please mark your calendars to attend and consider volunteering! See sign up links for adult and student volunteers below.  

Adult volunteer link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409094DA9AC23AAFA7-45604041-stnicks 

Student volunteer link (service hours available): Students: St. Nick's Party - Student Volunteers (signupgenius.com)

Click here to download the flyer.

FROM THE COMMUNITY

School District 64 Early Childhood Diagnostic Team
2023-2024 Developmental Screenings

School District 64 offers monthly free developmental screenings (cognitive, social-emotional, communication, and motor skill development) for children age 2yrs 9mos through 5yrs 11mos who live in the School District 64 community.

Please click here for the dates and more details. 

From our Catholic High Schools