August 21, 2025

Principal’s Message

Dear SPC Families,

The first days of school are officially here, and our campus is alive with the wonderful buzz of students settling into their new routines. As a principal, I often wish I could capture and save the joy, energy, and excitement that fill these early days—so we can revisit it during those times later in the year when challenges arise. For now, the enthusiasm is contagious, and we are all riding the wave together as the year begins to take shape.

I am also delighted to share some exciting news. Many of you may have already heard that Sr. Pia Shelton, CSFN, has joined SPC as our new Campus Chaplain. Her role will include planning Masses, supporting sacramental preparation, visiting classrooms, and meeting with students both individually and in small groups. Sr. Pia’s presence will be a wonderful gift to our Catholic identity and to the spiritual growth of our students. When you see her around campus, please join me in extending a warm SPC welcome!

Sr. Pia is a Sister of the Holy Family of Nazareth and has been a part of her religious community for five years. The sisters are dedicated to living out the humble, joy-filled spirit of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in Nazareth—finding the love of God in the ordinary moments of daily life. Their ministries extend across the world, serving families in many ways.

A little more about Sr. Pia: she was born in Tennessee, raised in Texas, and has lived in the Chicago area (Des Plaines) for the past three years. She enjoys creative projects such as watercolor painting, graphic design, and finding engaging ways to help young people grow closer to God. We are truly blessed to have her at St. Paul of the Cross, and she is eager to get to know our students and families.

Up & Coming

August 25: Extended Day Program begins – Contact Mrs. Rinaldi at [email protected]
August 26: All-school Mass for students and faculty at 9:45 a.m.
September 1: Labor Day – No School
September 3: Back-to-School Night for Grades 1–8, 6:00–8:30 p.m.

Reminders:

Faculty Professional Development takes place on Tuesdays: 1:50 p.m. for Preschool/Kindergarten, and 2:00 p.m. for Grades 1–8 (student dismissal follows).
Please remember that parking is not permitted in the lots owned by surrounding local businesses.
All medical needs, new prescriptions, or accommodations should be communicated to our school nurse, Kari Heideman, MSN, RN, FNP-BC, at [email protected].

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. We look forward to a year filled with faith, learning, and community at SPC!

Thanks for All You Do,
James White, M.Ed.
Principal

SPC Tiger Fun Run 2025

Welcome back to school! We are excited for our SPC Tiger Fun Run this year; mark your calendars for Friday, September 26th!

The SPC Tiger Fun Run is a ten-day, all-school program that kicks off on Wednesday, September 17th. All students will participate and gather pledges through their own personalized pledge pages for running in the Tiger Fun Run on Friday, September 26th.

Please click here to download our sponsorship opportunities. Please note, the deadline for the Fun Run T-shirt sponsorship is next Friday, August 29th.

Student Fun Run T-Shirts
Every student receives a Fun Run T-shirt to wear the day of the run. The shirts may also be worn as spirit wear throughout the school year (and beyond!) This year, we are asking parents to order the T-shirt sizes for their children. Please complete the HSA form below (one form for each child at SPC) by next Friday, August 29th.

T-Shirts
Please complete this form for each child at SPC by next Friday, August 29th. We will use this form to order T-shirt sizes for HSA events throughout the year, beginning with the SPC Fun Run.

Home and School Meetings
Please mark your calendars for the HSA meetings for this school year. Meetings are at 8 am in Duffin Hall. We will also send Zoom links out if you prefer to join virtually. 9/5, 10/17, 1/23, 4/17

Out of Uniform Passes and Teacher Appreciation Lunches
Home and School Association programs or co-sponsored activities are already underway and we need your partnership to keep the positive momentum. Out of Uniform Passes fund the majority of Home and School activities. We are asking each family to complete this form. One form per student enrolled at SPC needs to be completed. This form will allow you to purchase Out of Uniform Passes and also provide you the opportunity to donate towards our monthly teacher/faculty luncheon and birthday celebrations.

This year the Home and School Out of Uniform Passes are $40 and valid for the following dates (also indicated on the SPC School Calendar):
9/19, 10/17, 11/21, 12/12, 1/16, 2/13, 3/12, 4/16, 5/15

Preschool students will be able to purchase “themed day” passes for $20 the same days (for example PJ day, super hero day etc). The list of Themes will be sent in August.

On the form, you will also have an opportunity to donate towards Teacher Appreciation Lunches. Each month Home and School provides a faculty and staff lunch. The requested contribution per student is $20.00.

More From SPC!

I hope you all had a restful and relaxing summer!
This time of year is exciting, and I also know transitions can be tricky to navigate at times. I often will include resources for parents in the Thursday Mailing. Please see below if transitions can bring up feelings of anxiety in your home. As a Mom myself, I know when things feel stressful, I tend to jump in and try to make it better. There are some good tips on how to manage when emotional distress arises.

How to Manage Back-to-School Anxiety
Webinar: How to Help Your Anxious Teen

I am excited to share that Claire Hanrahan (previous SPC Intern) will be joining the Inclusion team this year. Although her home will be in the EGC, we will collaborate often on Social Emotional and Wellness Programming throughout the year.

We will continue with our 2nd year of implementing Wayfinder, SEL curriculum PK-8. Once the Advisory and Morning Meeting begin, we will be sending home links with more information.

Tigers Spirit Wear Store – 20% Off Through August 24th
20% OFF No Minimum | Code GAMEON20
Visit the Tigers Spirit Wear Store

After School Activities

Fall Ballet Classes Preschool – 2nd Grade
September 9-December 16th
Click here to download the flyer with all of the details and registration link.

Fall Spanish Club Preschool – 2nd Grade
September 9-December 9th
Click here to download the flyer with all the details and registration link.

Chess Ed Fall Registration Grades 1-8

Registration for the Fall chess program at SPC is underway! The 11-week after-
school program takes place on Tuesdays from 2-3 pm and runs from 9/9/25 to
11/18/25.
Click here to download the flyer with all of the details and the registration link.

SPC Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts – Boys in Grades 1-8

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’ Weekly Letters

A Special Invitation to Lead and Serve with the St. Paul Women’s Group (AOW)
Since 1941, the St. Paul of the Cross Women’s Group, the Apostolate of Women (AOW), has been a vibrant part of our parish and community, helping us grow in our faith, establish lifelong friendships, and help those in need.
Please read more here.

Children’s Choir

Online Registration is OPEN!
Online Registration for the 2025-2026 Children’s Choir is now open!
All children in grades 2-6 are invited to sing in the choir.
Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 17 and run from 4:30-5:30 pm in The Holy Family Chapel.
Visit spc-church.org to register.
For more information contact our Director of Music, Ed Eicker, at [email protected].