St. Paul of the Cross Catholic School in Park Ridge earned an Apple Distinguished School designation, an invitation-only recognition Apple grants to schools with established one-to-one device programs.

Principal James White announced the news in the school's Thursday Mailing on Sept. 17.

"This is an accomplishment for our entire SPC community, and I could not be more thankful for everyone who contributed to this recognition," White wrote.

The Apple Distinguished School program requires schools to demonstrate innovative use of Apple products, faculty proficiency with iPad or Mac, and a continuous innovation leadership team. More than 1,100 schools across 41 countries hold the designation, according to Apple. The recognition lasts three years.

White said the designation reflects the work of SPC's teachers, staff and students in integrating technology into the classroom. The specific term of St. Paul of the Cross's recognition has not been announced.

Tiger Fun Run targets $165,000

The school is also preparing for its annual Tiger Fun Run on Friday, Sept. 25, with a fundraising goal of $165,000.

The event runs grade by grade, starting with junior kindergarten at 8:30 a.m. and ending with eighth grade at 2:10 p.m. A lunch break runs from 11:35 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Fun Run committee chairs Connie Keady, Kathy Madeja and Stephanie Martinez said in the mailing that pledge collection is already underway. Students can register through PledgeStar at pledgestar.com/stpaulofthecross, where each student receives a personalized pledge page.

Pledge incentives will be distributed on three dates: Friday, Sept. 18; Tuesday, Sept. 22; and Friday, Sept. 25. Pledges must be received by 5 p.m. the evening before each distribution date.

Triple Scoop'd will sell coffee and water at the event, with 10% of proceeds going back to the school.

SPC hosts its first prospective-family tour of the 2026–2027 school year on Wednesday, Sept. 23.