September 10, 2026

From the Principal

Dear Saint Paul of the Cross Families,

As we move into another week of the school year, I continue to be incredibly grateful for the energy, dedication, and spirit you bring to Saint Paul of the Cross each day. Something very special is happening in our school community. Our students are learning, growing, forming friendships, discovering their gifts, and—most importantly—beginning to understand that they are an important part of something much bigger than themselves.

This year, one of our primary school goals is belonging. We want every child to know, “I am known. I am valued. I am loved. I have a place here.” As a Catholic school, belonging is more than simply creating a welcoming environment. It is about building a community where our students experience the love of Christ through their relationships with one another and with the adults who care for them each day.

With that goal in mind, I am excited to share two new initiatives that will help us intentionally strengthen the sense of belonging across our school.

First, we will be introducing our EGC “Belonging Buddies” program. Students in PS3 through Grade 2 will be paired with multi-age partners who will come together at least once each month. These buddy experiences will include partner reading activities, collaborative projects, shared learning experiences, and other opportunities that encourage participation, cooperation, friendship, and joy. We hope these relationships will help our youngest Tigers look beyond their individual classrooms and recognize that they are part of a larger school family.

Second, we will introduce a monthly K–8 celebration of student and staff achievements. Think of it as a school-wide pep assembly—but one that reaches far beyond athletics. We want to celebrate academic accomplishments, personal growth, acts of kindness, grade-level successes, artistic and musical achievements, service, leadership, perseverance, and the many ways our students and staff make SPC a better place. We want our students to see one another succeed, cheer one another on, and understand that every accomplishment is worth celebrating. We will share more details about this exciting initiative soon.

Both of these programs are rooted in the same belief: belonging grows when people are known, relationships are nurtured, and accomplishments are celebrated together.

I am also excited about an important opportunity coming in November, when SPC will host our Play Like a Champion coaching and parent sessions in coordination with the University of Notre Dame. This program will give us an opportunity to embrace Catholic values and ideals that are so important in developing a strong foundation in our young athletes, coaches, and parents. Athletics can be one of the most powerful places for children to learn about teamwork, humility, perseverance, leadership, sportsmanship, sacrifice, and faith. We want our athletic programs to be an extension of our Catholic mission and an opportunity to form not only better athletes, but better disciples.

As we continue this journey together, I encourage each of us to ask a simple question: “What am I doing today to help a child feel that they belong?” Sometimes it may be a lesson or activity designed to bring students together. Sometimes it may be a conversation in the hallway, an encouraging word, an invitation to participate, or simply noticing a child who needs to know that someone sees them.

Thank you for the countless ways you make belonging possible at SPC. Your commitment to our students is one of the greatest gifts we can give them. Together, let us continue building a school community where every child knows they are loved by God, supported by their teachers and peers, and truly belong to the Saint Paul of the Cross family.

Have a wonderful Thursday, and thank you for all that you do for our students and for one another!

Did you know?
We are pleased to announce our return to using the Fountas and Pinnell Individualized Reading Assessment as an important tool to support and monitor the reading development of our early learning students. This individualized assessment provides teachers with valuable information about each child’s reading accuracy, fluency, comprehension, and overall reading behaviors, allowing us to better understand students’ strengths and identify areas where additional instruction or support may be beneficial. Used alongside our other assessment data and classroom observations, the Fountas and Pinnell assessment will help ensure we continue to make informed instructional decisions and provide each student with the targeted support and challenge needed to grow as a confident, capable reader.

Occupational Therapy at SPC
We are excited to partner with In2Great Pediatric Therapy to offer Occupational Therapy services at SPC. If you are interested in learning more, please join us for a virtual webinar on Tuesday, September 15 at 12:00 p.m. to learn about the services available to SPC students and families.

Please RSVP for the Google Meet link. If you have any questions, please contact Ronda Quinn, [email protected]

Parent Mingle: You Belong!
All current SPC parents are invited to join us on Friday, September 15, for a fun and relaxed Parent Mingle! Enjoy an evening of conversation, connection, and community as we socialize, meet new friends, and strengthen the relationships that make our SPC community so special.

Whether you are new to SPC or have been part of our school family for years, you belong here! Come as you are, bring your smile, and enjoy some time getting to know the wonderful parents who make up our SPC family. RSVP here.

FOR THE WEEK

Friday, September 11
- Home & School Out of Uniform Day
Monday, September 14
- 8th Grade Faith-Driven Leadership Retreat at Loyola Academy
Tuesday, September 15
- Info session with In2Great Occupational Therapy 12:00–1:00 pm
Wednesday, September 16
- Fun Run Kickoff!
Friday, September 18
- 8th Grade Leadership Retreat in Lake Geneva
- SPC Parent Mingle 6:30–9:00 pm

A Look Ahead

Sunday, September 20
- Family Mass — 10:30 a.m. Holy Family Chapel
Wednesday, September 23
- Prospective Family Tour – Please share with your family and friends. They can sign up here.
Friday, September 25
- SPC Fun Run!
Tuesday, September 29
- First Responders Mass 9:45 am

Save the Date

Sunday, November 8 – Play Like a Champion Trainings for All Coaches & Parents

10:30 am Mass
11:30 am Coaches Lunch
12:00-3:00 pm Coaches Training
3:30-4:30 Parent Training
Cost: There is no charge for these trainings

With gratitude and prayers,
James White, M.Ed.
Principal

SPC TIGER FUN RUN – September 25, 2026

A big thank you to all of our Tiger Fun Run sponsors who are supporting this year’s event! We are so grateful for your generosity and support of our students.

The 2026 SPC Tiger Fun Run kicks off next Wednesday, September 16th, and we are excited to begin one of our biggest and most fun fundraisers of the year!

There are still a few Grade Announcer Sponsorships available, and Website Sponsorships remain open. Sponsorships are a great way for SPC families and our local business community to support our students while being part of the excitement of the Fun Run.

Our Fun Run schedule has changed slightly this year, so please be sure to review the schedule below and plan to join us on Friday, September 25th!

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A 2026 TIGER FUN RUN SPONSOR!

Thank you for helping us make the 2026 SPC Tiger Fun Run a tremendous success!

Fun Run Schedule – Updated on 9/5/2026

Jr. Kindergarten: 8:30-8:45 am
Preschool: 8:50-9:05am
Kindergarten: 9:10-9:35 am
1st Grade: 9:40-10:05 am
2nd Grade: 10:10-10:35am
3rd Grade: 10:40-11:05 am
4th Grade: 11:10-11:35 am
LUNCH: 11:35 -12:15 pm
5th Grade: 12:15-12:40 pm
6th Grade: 12:45-1:10 pm
7th Grade: 1:15-1:40 pm
8th Grade: 1:45-2:10 pm

Thank you for supporting SPC!

Connie Keady, Kathy Madeja, & Stephanie Martinez
SPC Tiger Fun Run Chairs

Dear SPC Families,
Don’t Forget to Purchase Your Out of Uniform Passes!
Just a friendly reminder to purchase your Out of Uniform Passes for the 2026–2027 school year! These passes help support the Home and School Association and fund many of the activities and programs we provide throughout the year.

One form must be completed for each student enrolled at SPC. The form also gives you the opportunity to contribute toward our monthly Teacher Appreciation Lunches and faculty/staff birthday celebrations.

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): Sept 11, Oct 23, Nov 20, Dec 18, Jan 29, Feb 26, Mar 19, Apr 23, May 21.

PS and JK students will be able to purchase a PJ Day Pass for $20. PJ days will be on the same days as out of uniform days.

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.

Restaurant Fundraiser!! September 15-16 at Triple Scoop’D!

Box Tops for Education and Raise Right
Thank you for participating in Box Tops and Raise Right. The money we earn from these programs supports the Home and School Association and all of the fun events we hold each year.

Box Tops
Box Tops is an easy way to earn money for the Home and School Association. You buy participating products, scan your receipts with the Box Tops app and you earn money for SPC. For information about Box Tops and my tips, please click this link. Last year we raised over $250.00!

Use my code to sign up (GUIS4H7E) and scan your first receipt and SPC will earn Bonus Box Tops.

Through 9/30, when you buy a participating product at Costco and scan your receipt, you will earn 10 Bonus Box Tops (that’s $1.00!).

Through 11/30, purchase any 5 participating products at Jewel and you will earn 55 Bonus Box Tops.

Raise Right
We use Raise Right for our Tuition Reduction Program. This program also raises money for Home and School. When you buy gift cards through Raise Right, you earn a rebate that is a percentage of your purchase price. This rebate is put back into your FACTS account twice a year. Last year a few families earned over $600.00 toward tuition. For information about how Raise Right works at SPC, tips for ordering gift cards for uniforms, and my tips about using the app, please click this link.

Please contact me with questions about either program.
Carrie Jackiewicz
[email protected]

More SPC Updates and Events

Please click here to download the picture day pdf.

Walking with Purpose -Attention Middle School Girls!

Walking with Purpose (WWP) is a popular national Catholic women’s ministry and parish-based Bible study program, its core mission is to help women and girls develop a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ by making Scripture and the teachings of the Catholic Church highly practical and relevant to daily life.

Join us for prayer, fellowship, and treats before class!
Tuesday Mornings 7:10-7:40
Starting September 15th! EGC 226 Meet by D5 door

Sign up here.

FALL CLUB Registration – Closes Friday, September 11th at Midnight
Discover our fun and creative after-school Clubs at SPC! These programs, designed by our staff, are separate from activities offered by outside vendors. Space is limited, so register early.

Register for our fall clubs here.

Registration opened Monday, September 7, 2026, at 8:00AM and closes Friday, September 11, 2026, at midnight.

We are partnering with In2Great Pediatric Therapy to offer Occupational Therapy at SPC. If interested in learning more, please join the virtual webinar on 9/15 at 12:00 p.m. to hear more about what services are offered.

Please RSVP for the Google Meet link.
If you have any questions, please contact Ronda Quinn, [email protected]

ADHD Back to School Toolkit

To volunteer, please click here.

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

Men’s Club Annual Golf Outing – Friday, September 25

**Hole Sponsorships are $250 and submissions are due by 9/10/26.** Please reach out to Don Greene ([email protected]) for info. Proceeds go to the Men’s Club Rising Star Scholarship Fund and other service projects.

Children’s Choir
Online Registration is OPEN!

Online Registration for the 2026-2027 Children’s Choir is now open! All children in grades 2-8 are invited to sing with the choir. Rehearsals begin on Wednesday, September 16th and run from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in The Holy Family Chapel.

Visit the church’s website to register your child.

For more information contact our Director of Music, Ed Eicker, at [email protected].