Grade 1

 Kathleen Houdek

Kathleen Houdek earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Aquinas College, and her Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Grand Valley State University.  This is her 16th year of teaching, and 9th year at Holy Spirit, where she attended grade school.  Go Titans!  Her favorite things about teaching first grade are helping the students become great readers and grow in their relationships with the Lord.  Kathleen is also very involved in the music ministry at church–directing the Student’s Choir, singing in the Praise Band, and cantoring at Mass.

Kathleen and her husband Joe have two boys, Christian and Ian.  Christian is a 6th grader, and Ian is a 3rd grader here at Holy Spirit.  As a family they love being active and traveling, being on their boat in Lake Leelanau, and visiting National Parks.

Contact Mrs. Houdek:  khoudek@hsparish.org

Katie Martinez

Katie is a West Michigan Native. She grew up in Grand Haven and has a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University with a major in Spanish and minor in elementary education. She holds a masters degree from Aquinas College with a bilingual Spanish endorsement. This is her 21st year teaching and her 1st year at Holy Spirit. Katie and her husband Jorge have two boys, Leo and Emilio. Both boys attend Holy Spirit. Leo is in 7th grade and Emilio is in 5th grade.

In her free time she enjoys spending time with family, traveling, going to the beach, exercising and spending time outdoors. Katie is looking forward to a great year in first grade!

Contact Mrs. Martinez:  kmartinez@hsparish.org

How you can support your child at home (homework)

  • Backpack Reading
  • Spelling Words
  • Practice addition/subtraction facts

Here are some websites that will help your child practice math facts and spelling words:

Some good apps for the iPad:

  • Sushi Monster
  • Domino Math
  • Math Cakes