Mission
Our mission at Holy Spirit School is to learn, live, and share the message and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Statement of Philosophy
Holy Spirit School draws its energy from the gospel message of Jesus. We live this by building a Catholic Christian community in our school, continually serving and reaching out to others. We bring the hopes, plans, actions, and needs of our members before the Lord in prayer.
Our Christian atmosphere is the foundation for a comprehensive program of academic excellence. The individual needs and diversity of each student are identified and addressed through traditional and innovative instruction.
History
Since opening its doors in 1953, Holy Spirit School has developed an outstanding reputation for a program of academic excellence in a Christian atmosphere. Religious education and formation continue to be the primary purpose of our Catholic School. This philosophy is lived out in a four-fold commitment to the message of Jesus Christ: building Christian community, serving others, reaching out to those in need, and bringing our hopes and plans before the Lord in prayer.
Our Team
The dedicated, highly qualified staff of Holy Spirit School prides itself in providing an academically challenging curriculum and assisting each student’s learning endeavor with Differentiated Instruction and a high level of individualized support during, before, and after school.
- 13 of our 20 teachers have earned their Master’s Degree in Education
- 4 additional teachers have over 18 hours of post-graduate work in education classes
- All teachers at Holy Spirit School hold current certification as required by the State of Michigan
2025-26 Instructional Staff
- Melanie Francis — Child Development Center Director
- Andrea Berndt — Preschool
- Kim Reynolds— Young 5s
- Lisa Kalahar — Kindergarten
- Kathleen Houdek — 1st Grade
- Katie Martinez– 1st Grade
- Peyton Tuttle — 2nd Grade
- Kristen Mersino— 2nd Grade
- Nikki Kastner — 3rd Grade
- Paul Debri – 3rd Grade
- Lizzie Duffy — 4th Grade
- Sarah Butch– 4th Grade
- Claire Phillips– 5th Grade
- Ella Wiersema– 5th Grade
- Meg Hoeft– Middle School
- Elizabeth Leibler — Middle School
- Michelle Null — Middle School
- Lisa DiGiovanna — Middle School
- Tom Wisniewski — Middle School
- Kelly Clancy — Classroom Teacher/Math Support Teacher
- Melissa Swider — Classroom Teacher/Reading Support Teacher
- Casey DeBruyn- School Social Worker
- Rosemary Sweedyk– Academic Support Services
- Erin Gottleber- Instructional Aide
- Anna Scalici – Instructional Aide
2025-26 Administration
- Rev. Mark Peacock – Pastor
- Pat Kalahar – Principal
- Paula Ryan – Assistant Principal
- Terri Kelly – Administrative Assistant
- Laura Russo – School Secretary
- Rosemary Sweedyk– Athletic Director
Board of Directors
Our Holy Spirit Board of Directors (formerly Education Commission) is composed of a variety of committed parents and community leaders who offer guidance to our school providing the compass that directs our team when setting policy and analyzing best practices.
Current (2025-26) Board:
- Chris Abid
- Scott Aikens
- Sara Aldworth
- Tyler Erhorn
- Dan Grey
- Vicki Jansma
- Alan Rheault
- Tony Torsell
- Barb Vidro
Ex-Officio:
- Rev. Mark Peacock, Pastor
- Pat Kalahar, Principal
- Paula Ryan, Assistant Principal
Liaison:
- Rosemary Sweedyk, Athletic Director