Welcome to 5th Grade at Holy Spirit! This year students will deepen their math skills with multi-digit multiplication, fractions, decimals, and introductory geometry and data analysis; sharpen reading comprehension through novels, nonfiction texts, and close-reading strategies; and build confident writing via structured essays, research projects, and grammar practice. Science labs explore forces, matter, and ecosystems while social studies covers U.S. history, geography, and civic responsibility. Skills such as organization, time management, study habits help prepare the students for a successful transition to middle school — all rooted in Catholic values, prayer, and service.

Ms. Claire Phillips

Ms. Claire Phillips grew up in Rockford, Michigan.  She loves to go home and go kayaking down the Rogue River, as well as getting ice cream from Rocky’s. Claire graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Elementary Education.  She teaches 5th grade math, science, and social studies. She has been a teacher at Holy Spirit since 2025.

Claire has been playing volleyball for the past 10 years and hopes to coach someday.  She is thrilled to start this school year and to be a part of the Holy Spirit community.

Email Ms. Phillips: cphillips@hsparish.org

Mrs. Ella Wiersema

Mrs. Ella Wiersema is from Cheboygan, Michigan. She grew up on the Cheboygan River where she now spends her summer with her family. She attended Aquinas college and received a degree in elementary education and English Language Arts.

In her free time, she enjoys boating and spending time with family and friends. Ella is eager to begin this school year and loves be a part of the community here at Holy Spirit.

Email Mrs. Wiersema: ewiersema@hsparish.org

Infinite Campus Portal Link

4th-8th Grading Scale:

A+97-100
A93-96
A-90-92
B+87-89
B83-86
B-80-82
C+77-79
C73-76
C-70-72
D+67-69
D63-66
D-60-62
F0-59