Dear SPC Families,
“Habemus Papem!” Today, our students and faculty were joyfully watching the white smoke and the announcement of Pope Leo the XIV! We were able to go outside and listen to the church bells toll in the excitement of the election of the 1st American Pope! May God Bless our New Pope! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12JfN73MCQe/
May is always a very busy month, and this year is no exception. I want to give a shout-out and sincere thanks to all of our parents who volunteered for Career Day last week. Our 4th-8th graders loved learning about a variety of careers.
Thank you to Home and School for planning a delightful Teacher Appreciation Week. We are so blessed to have supportive parents who shower the teachers with gratitude.
Next Thursday, we will be inducting the new class of National Junior Honor Society Members!
SCHOOL BOARD ELECTIONS FOR 2025-2026
The SPC School Board is holding an election to fill two (2) vacancies for the terms that will run from May 2025 – May 2028. We are fortunate to have seven (7) candidates interested in serving on the Board.
- Dan Bohlke
- Patrick Collins
- Maria Foukas
- Mary Elizabeth Hare
- Edgar Herrera
- Ashley McNichols
- Courtney Mordan
Online voting will be open starting today, Thursday, May 8th through Monday, May 19th. School parents & registered parishioners are eligible to vote. To review the candidates’ personal statements then cast your online vote, please scan the QR code below, or use this link: https://forms.gle/TGvjNtfXUBCYQfjB7.
STEM NEWS:
Congratulations to Dr. Ochsner and the SPC winners for the 2024-25 eCybermission National STEM competition!!
- Elliana G, Samantha W, Jane B, and Sophia O – 8th Grade 1st in State and Regional Winners
- Molly O, Aika O, Samantha C, and Sofia D – 8th Grade 2nd in State
- James O, Daniel S, Alex F – 7th Grade 2nd in State
- Sofia F, Avery S, Elizabeth N – 7th Grade 3rd in State
CHESS NEWS:
Congratulations to Ryan V and Violet G! At the 157th Kumbaya Chess Tournament this past weekend, Ryan won 4th place, and he and Violet G together won 2nd place for SPC (team)! The trophy is in the office!
MAY CROWNING:
Wednesday, May 14th, at 10:00 am! Given space availability, please know that only 8th-grade and 2nd-grade parents are allowed to attend.
May Crowning Attire:
May Crowning is a dress up day for all students in grades 1-8. “Dress up” means absolutely no sweat pants, sweatshirts, t-shirts, jeans, leggings, gym shorts, or short skirts! The 2nd graders will be wearing their First Communion attire, and the 8th graders will be wearing their graduation gowns.
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR MAY CROWNING COURT!
Crowner:
Cecilia Porcaro
Girls Court:
Ysa Caballero
Sophia O’Connor
Jane Bjornson
Lidia Bogdanowicz
Escort:
Emmett Yonka
Boys Court:
Sam DeTagyos
WIlliam Fletcher
Oliver Rogalski
Timothy Serafin
Candle Carrier: Nick O’Connor
SPRING CONCERT GRADES 1-3
Date: Tonight, Thursday, May 8th 6:30 pm
Where: The Gym
Students in grades 1-3 have been busy preparing some wonderful songs for the spring show! We look forward to seeing you tonight, Thursday, May 8th! This fun, high-energy show will be under an hour. Come ready to cheer, clap, and celebrate our talented students!
Reminder to our 8th Grade Students – Deadline This Saturday, May 10th!
2025 SPC Men’s Club Rising Star Scholarship
2025 Apostolate of Women Scholarships
Please scroll below to the PARISH section for all of the details. We are so fortunate to have the opportunity to apply for these generous scholarships through the SPC Parish Men’s Club and Women’s Apostolate.
DISSECTION CLUB–CALLING ALL 7th and 8th graders!
Dissection club by Mr. Galuska. The 7th and 8th graders will have the opportunity to dissect a mink, iguana, and quail. The students will be able to see, touch, and hold the organs of an animal.
Dates:
May 13th and May 14th and
May 20th and May 21st
Time: 3:00–4:00 pm.
Wednesday, May 21st 6:30 pm
Thursday, May 22nd 6:30 pm
Presale Ticket Prices:
- $5/person
- $20 for family of 5
- $6/person on show night
- $3 presale cookie
Shout Outs for the Playbill
Please see details on how to support our young thespians here.
2024-2025 Family Masses: Save The Dates
This year, we have been hosting Family Masses at 10:30 AM in the Holy Family Chapel. These Family Masses are an excellent opportunity for our school community to pray together! Our students do the readings, serve as ushers, and our alumni return to be Eucharistic Ministers.
- May 18th: Preschool & Kindergarten
While the school hosts the above Family Masses, Religious Education hosts Family Masses on the following Sundays at 10:30 AM, and school families are always invited!
May 11
Peace,
Dr. Erika Mickelburgh
SPC Olympics!
We are excited that May is finally here and the countdown to our annual SPC Olympic day has begun! The Olympics will be held the entire day on Friday, May 30th with additional details to follow in Thursday mailers.
To volunteer for the event- please click the link below. We are so grateful for our many volunteers that help to make this day a complete success.
SPC 2025 Volunteer Link
SPC Athletics
More SPC Updates
It’s Almost Time! The Scholastic Book Fair is coming soon, YAY! Choosing their own books empowers kids and inspires them to become Bolder, Prouder, and Stronger Readers. AND—as always—every book they buy earns rewards for our school.
Save these dates for the Book Fair: Tuesday, May 13th through Friday, May 16th.
Volunteers: We’d love to have your help. Thanks!
Click here to sign up for a volunteer slot or two!
To see all of the details, including the schedule, click here.
We can’t wait to see your child at the Fair!
Mrs. Sue Dohr
St. Paul of the Cross Book Fair Chair
[email protected]
The Science of Well-Being…for Parents!
The Science of Well-Being for Parents— launching May 1st, this free online course explores science-backed strategies for happier parenting. If you want to hear when the course is available, sign up at drlauriesantos.com/parents. The course tackles topics like rethinking time management, dealing with tough feelings like guilt and frustration, and navigating your child’s academic stress and screen time. Through engaging lessons and parent Q&As, you’ll learn how to reframe your thoughts, manage your emotions, and modify your behaviors in response to everyday challenges.
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
Attention All 8th Grade Male Parishioners – SPC Men’s Club Rising Star Scholarship Application
In an effort to promote and encourage Catholic Education, the SPMC will award a $5,000 scholarship to be utilized at any approved Catholic High School Institution in the Chicagoland area. This scholarship opportunity is open to any 8th Grade male parishioner of St. Paul of the Cross. The Rising Star Scholarship will be awarded to the deserving individual who demonstrates these key requirements.
- Demonstrates aptitude for extracurricular activities and has contributed to his community through philanthropic opportunities.
- Completes an essay of 500 words or less titled, “What I will gain from a Catholic Education.”
- Provides a letter or recommendation from a current 8th grade SPC teacher
- All applicants will interview with SPC Men’s Club Board Members (evening of May 13,14th and/or 15th) at SPC.
All entries are due no later than Saturday, May 10th and must be submitted to [email protected]
Please download the form here.
Any questions please email SPC Men’s Club board member, Steven Bachert at [email protected] or you can reach him via 312.399.9531.
Good Luck & God Bless,
SPC Men’s Club Rising Star Committee
Attention All 8th Grade Female Parishioners – Apostolate of Women Scholarships
Extended Deadline: Saturday, May 17, 2025
St. Paul Women’s Group Merit Scholarships for Current 8th Grade Female Students Attending ANY Catholic High School in the Fall of 2025
Please click here for the details and on how to apply
You Are the Psalm of the Earth invites children to see the ways God cares for the earth and wants us to see how the beauty of all Creation show His love for us! They will enjoy this week of faith and fun, where the children will SOW seeds of joy and wisdom. Those seeds will GROW as they learn about God’s wonderful world and His love for the earth and us!
June 16-20! Click on this link to find out more!!
From the Community
Our Area Catholic High Schools
Saint Viator High School Service & Song – Attention all Rising 6th-9th Graders!
Please click here for details on this June 23-27 Summer Program!
