Volume 2 | Issue 12
Nov. 23 - 29
- THANKSGIVING BREAK - NO SCHOOL
- Note specific instructions from extracurricular activities (e.g. basketball, band, etc.)
Sunday, Nov. 30
- Adult Basketball (Evening) - Click to join Signal group here if interested
Monday, Dec. 1
- Fall Picture Retakes
- Homework Club (After School)
- Basketball Practice (After School & Evening)
- Littlest Knights Dance Team Practice (Evening)
Tuesday, Dec. 2
- Beginner & Intermediate Band Practice (During School)
- Advanced Band Practice (After School)
- Bricks 4 Kidz Engineering Program (After School)
- Basketball Practice (After School & Evening)
Wednesday, Dec. 3
- School Mass (During School)
- Homework Club (After School)
- Intermediate Band Practice (After School)
- Basketball Practice (After School & Evening)
Thursday, Dec. 4
- Advanced Spanish (Recess)
- Knight Crew Dance Team Practice (After School)
Friday, Dec. 5
- SANTA'S SECRET SHOP
- Advanced Band Practice (During School)
- Beginner Band Practice 4th & 5th Grade (After School)
Saturday, Dec. 6
- Feast of Saint Nicholas. He was a 4th-century bishop of Myra known for his generosity and kindness, especially toward children, which is why he is the patron saint of children. His legend inspired the modern figure of Santa Claus
The Knight's Watch
A Thanksgiving Reflection
Thanksgiving didn’t begin as a polished holiday with parades, football, and perfectly timed turkey. Its origins trace back to weary pilgrims who had survived a brutal winter, aided by the generosity of the Indigenous people who taught them how to live on unfamiliar land. That first shared meal wasn’t about abundance—it was about relief, humility, and the profound awareness that they didn’t make it through alone.
That spirit fits hand-in-hand with our Catholic understanding of gratitude. The early Church Fathers wrote often about thanksgiving as a discipline—an intentional act of noticing God’s presence in every circumstance. And at the center of our faith is the Eucharist itself, our highest form of thanksgiving, where we recognize Christ’s sacrifice as the ultimate gift.
This season gives us the chance to pause, breathe, and look with fresh eyes at the blessings we can sometimes race past:
— The families who anchor us
— The friends who walk with us
— The teachers, coaches, and mentors who help shape our young people
— And the St. Pius X community that surrounds our students with love, faith, and purpose
— The families who anchor us
— The friends who walk with us
— The teachers, coaches, and mentors who help shape our young people
— And the St. Pius X community that surrounds our students with love, faith, and purpose
Being thankful doesn’t mean life is perfect. It means we choose to see the grace woven through it—often in the people God places in our path.
May your Thanksgiving table be full, may your homes be warm, and may your hearts be peaceful as you reflect on the gifts that truly matter.
— The Mighty Knight
The Manna Program:
Get Your Holiday Shopping Planned Now!
It’s that time of year again—time to start thinking about holiday shopping and how your purchases can give back to St. Pius X! The SPX Manna Program is the easiest way to earn money toward your tuition (or help the school) simply by buying gift cards for the places you already shop.
When you purchase Manna gift cards, a percentage of each sale goes directly toward your SPX tuition account—or, if you don’t have a student currently enrolled, it can benefit the school directly. It’s truly a win-win for everyone!
Think of it as: Free Money. Free Tuition. Free Help for Our School.
Whether you’re buying groceries, gas, or gifts, every purchase adds up. With the holidays right around the corner, now is the perfect time to stock up on Manna gift cards and make your shopping count for more than just great gifts.
Don’t miss out—shop smart this season with SPX Manna!
Click Picture to Find Out More
Join today using enrollment code 7L79582C9713.
Questions? Email manna@stpiuslombard.org
Shop smart. Give back. Go Knights!
Questions? Email manna@stpiuslombard.org
Shop smart. Give back. Go Knights!
Food Drive Success at St. Pius X
Our St. Pius X Student Council wrapped up a highly successful food drive for the St. Vincent de Paul pantry, inspiring our school community to give generously. Thanks to their leadership — and the incredible response from students and families — volunteers shared this was one of the best school-run collections they’ve ever received.
A huge thank-you to everyone who donated and to our Student Council for showing what it means to live our mission of faith and service.
The Week in Photos
This week at St. Pius X had all the energy, heart, and little moments that make our school feel like home. We stopped by the Littlest Knights Dance Team practice, where our youngest performers showed off big enthusiasm and even bigger smiles. Classrooms were buzzing with learning, and our 8th graders took a break from academics to get moving in PE.
At student Mass, Deacon Larry gave a memorable homily on growth and capacity, using antique computer equipment to draw a clever analogy about how God expands our hearts when we let Him. In Pre3, Mrs. DeFeo’s class enjoyed their Thanksgiving feast, while Mrs. Kaefer and Mrs. Igoe continued their annual tradition of being the “turkeys” we all know and love.
Our 8th graders spent time with their 1st grade buddies, building connections that make our school family so strong. And to cap off the week, our Student Council wrapped up a tremendously successful food drive for the St. Vincent de Paul pantry — a beautiful example of faith in action.
A full week, a grateful community, and plenty to celebrate at SPX!
SPX Student Council Fundraiser
Kicks off the Week We Return
St. Pius X Winter Events!
Chess Scholars Returns to SPX this Winter!
(Click flyer to Sign Up - Course Code: SPX1.7.26)
We are thrilled to announce that tickets are now on sale for our upcoming “Painting with Paul” fundraising event! Join our own Mr. Paul Velat, St. Pius X Fine Arts Teacher, for a creative and relaxing evening as he guides you through painting your very own masterpiece.
Event Details:
📅 Monday, December 9
🕥 Doors open at 6:30 PM
🎨 Guided painting session with Mr. Velat
💛 All proceeds support St. Pius X Parish School
📅 Monday, December 9
🕥 Doors open at 6:30 PM
🎨 Guided painting session with Mr. Velat
💛 All proceeds support St. Pius X Parish School
Whether you’re an experienced artist or just looking for a fun night out, this event is a fantastic way to support our school while enjoying great company and creativity.
Tickets are limited and expected to go quickly—grab yours today!
Dates to Remember
2026-27 School Year is OPEN to
Current St. Pius X Families
Secure Your Spot Now!
(click to go to FACTS Family Portal)
Financial Aid Information from the
Diocese of Joliet Catholic Schools Office
Christmas Concert
Preschool - 2nd Grade
Upcoming Events
Knights of Columbus
Turkey Social
Dads Club Watch Party
Chicago Wolves Family Night Out!
Gala & Fundraiser Auction
Knights of Columbus
Free Throw Contest
Of Interest to our 8th Grade Families
Meet Your St. Pius X
School Board
The St. Pius X Parish School Board works in partnership with our pastor and principal to support a long-term plan for the success of our school. Guided by our vision of Building Minds, Hearts, and Souls, the board is made up of school parents who serve in an advisory role, offering counsel, perspective, and support to help strengthen our faith-based community.
A key part of this work is listening. The board helps ensure that parent voices are heard and considered in school planning and priorities. In the coming weeks, families will receive invitations to participate in small-group listening sessions focused on key aspects of school life. The insights gathered will help inform our discussions with school leadership and guide future planning.
To learn more about the School Board, view meeting materials, or share feedback, visit our webpage on the school site or contact us anytime at schoolboard@stpiuslombard.org.
—Stephen Bannon, School Board President
Santa's Secret Shop is Coming!
Friday, December 5th
Friday, December 5th
If you haven’t signed up to help yet, there’s still time!
Volunteer Sign-Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/SSS2025
The kids are excited to shop for all the special people on their lists, and we need your support to make it a magical experience.
We have a wide variety of gifts available, ranging from $1 to $10. Items include home goods, ornaments, customizable gifts, pet products, and so much more!
To make shopping easier for your child(ren), we recommend sending their money in an envelope with the form filled out. This way, they can check off each person as they shop.
Winter Sports Season Tips Off at SPX!
The excitement is building as Winter Sports season begins at St. Pius X! Our Littlest Knights and Knight Crew Dance Teams have already started practices, filling the gym with energy, rhythm, and school spirit. Next week, our 11 SPX Basketball Teams take the court to begin their own season of skill, teamwork, and Knights pride.
This winter promises plenty of action and community spirit. Check out our home game schedule below and make plans to cheer on our student-athletes.
Be sure to circle two of the biggest dates of the season—both highlighted on the schedule attachment:
- Jan. 10 - Hoops for the Troops games are indicated in red, our annual charity event benefiting The Fisher House at Hines VA Hospital, supporting military families in need.
- Feb. 21 - 8th Grade Basketball Blackout is indicated in black, the biggest night in middle school sports featuring a packed gym, incredible energy, and Knights basketball at its best.
Mark your calendars and get ready to support your teams. Let’s make this winter one to remember—Go Knights!
Start Making Notes to Your SPX Athletics Winter Calendar!
We’re thrilled to welcome everyone to our home basketball games! Come out, cheer on our teams, and be part of the excitement.
Mark your calendars and don’t miss these exciting St. Pius X basketball events and halftime lineups!
- 12/12: Home Opener with performances by our Littlest Knights 6 PM, Knight Crew 7 PM and Knight Life Dancers 8 PM
- 12/13: 7 PM – Teacher & Staff Appreciation Knight
- 1/10: Hoops for the Troops with special performances by our Littlest Knights and Knight Crew Dance Teams
- 1/24: 6 & 7 PM – Preschool Knight featuring our PreK3, PreK4, and our Littlest Knights Dance Team
- 1/31: Hula Hoops at Half, Knights Hall of Fame Induction 6 PM and Alumni Knight 7 PM
- 2/21: Blackout Event honoring our 8th graders, with performances by our Littlest Knights and Knight Crew Dance Teams
Join the Dance and Basketball Teams at the
WINDY CITY BULLS!
On Saturday, January 3rd, our St. Pius dancers and 8th-grade basketball players will have the incredible opportunity to perform and play at the NOW Arena during the 7:00 PM
Windy City Bulls game!
The dancers will perform at halftime, while the basketball players will take the court pregame.
All attendees are required to have a ticket — this includes basketball players and dancers. Each athlete must be accompanied by an adult.
We have a reserved section at mid-court! Ticket sales will remain open through December, though reserved seating is limited. Come support our St. Pius Knights in a fun night of Windy City Bulls entertainment and community!!
Youth Ministry is Alive and Thriving at SPX!
Youth ministry, you might ask? What exactly IS youth ministry? Youth ministry offers a safe space for teens in our parish to come & gather to learn more about our Catholic faith. Is it like religion class? No, not exactly. The teens develop fellowship, are openly encouraged to ask questions about our faith, dig a little deeper into Catholicism, and have a new outlet to hang out in. They will learn more about who they are, their relationship with God, and gain faith encounters and experiences they may otherwise miss out on. Give YM a try - ya never know what God has planned for YOU!
Contact Gina at gwiedman@spxlombard.org to find out more.
December 10 Beyond the Books
Online Safety for Parents
(Click picture to register)
