At Holy Spirit School, we take pride in our strong reputation within our community of our ability to assist our students to grow and thrive in their faith formation and academic growth.

  • Our students score in the top 15 percent of the nation on the standardized NWEA MAPS tests.
  • 85% of last year’s Holy Spirit School 8th graders taking the Catholic Secondary Schools’ Placement Test were placed into advanced math classes at West Catholic High School.
  • Over the last 12 years, on an average, 40% of West Catholic High School’s Top 10 Seniors have been Holy Spirit School Alumni. 

Holy Spirit School fosters an environment that is committed to surpassing this goal through innovative and tailored programs along with a nurturing atmosphere that meets each child in their comfort zone and helps them move forward to achieve their fullest potential.

Students today are dubbed as 21st century learners, and it is our job as educators to begin to prepare them with collaboration, communication, and critical thinking skills. Through our use of iPads, our Preschool through Grade 8 Teachers are learning and implementing new instructional strategies and are exploring the world of educational applications (apps) available for PreK-Grade 8 instruction.

Early Elementary Teachers

Preschool – Mrs. Andrea Berndt and Preschool Aide Mrs. Anna Scalici

Young Fives – Ms. Kim Reynolds

Kindergarten – Mrs. Lisa Kalahar

First Grade – Mrs. Kathleen Houdek and Mrs. Laura Stroh

Second Grade – Miss Peyton Jones and Mrs. Kristen Mersino

Third Grade – Mr. Paul Debri and Mrs. Nikki Kastner

Upper Elementary Teachers

Mrs. Kelly Clancy – 6th Grade Religion

Mrs. Becca Couturier –  5th Grade Core Subjects and 4th Grade Science

Mrs. Lisa DiGiovanna – Pre-Algebra and Algebra, 8th Grade Literature

Mrs. Lizzie Duffy – 4th Grade Core Subjects and 5th Grade Social Studies

Miss Maddie Olsen – 4th Grade Core Subjects and 5th Grade Social Studies

Mr. Pat Kalahar – 8th Grade English

Mrs. Elizabeth Liebler – 6th Grade Math, Reading, English

Mrs. Michelle Null – 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade Science, 7th Grade English

Mrs. Paula Ryan – 5th Grade Religion

Mrs. Melissa Swider – 7th Grade Literature

Mr. Tom Wisniewski – 6th, 7th, & 8th Grade Social Studies & 7th and 8th Grade Religion

Math Specialist – Mrs. Kelly Clancy

Reading Specialist – Mrs. Melissa Swider

Academic Support Services – Rosemary Sweedyk

Curriculum ~ We follow the curriculum of the Diocese of Grand Rapids which you can access here:  Curriculum of the Diocese of Grand Rapids

Religion:

  • Christian education and formation
  • Christian and Family Living
  • Positive Peer Relationship Development
  • Daily application of our faith
  • Sacramental Preparation – grades 2 and 8
  • Christian service
  • All catechists are required to achieve Diocesan Catechist Certification.

Math:

  • Young 5’s through 5th grade use Everyday Mathematics
  • Grades 1-5:  Accelerated curriculum available (as deemed appropriate)
  • Grade 6 through 8: Students are intentionally placed in math courses that allow us to differentiate instruction and to teach each child at an appropriate pace and level
  • Problem solving and critical thinking skills are stressed
  • Calculator enhanced instruction
  • State-certified instructors

Language Arts:

  • Literature based instruction
  • Phonics instruction (Young 5’s – grade 3)
  • Emphasis on comprehending informational text as well as literary text
  • Creative Writing
  • Daily Oral Language Program
  • Literature program (grades 7 – 8)
  • Spelling
  • Academic Vocabulary
  • Writing
  • Penmanship
  • State-certified instructors

Social Studies:

  • Community
  • Michigan
  • United States
  • World
  • American History
  • State-certified instructors

Science:

  • Hands-on instruction
  • Full Science lab
  • All teachers trained through the Van Andel Science Academy
  • State-certified instructors

Computer Science:

  • Young 5’s through grade 8
  • Fully equipped, first rate, computer lab and Media Center
  • Internet access capability
  • Weekly instruction and application
  • Extensive software for all levels
  • State-certified instructor

Spanish:

  • Weekly instruction (Preschool-grade 8)
  • Study of language, culture, customs and geography
  • State-certified instructor

Physical Education:

  • Weekly instruction
  • 1st rate facilities
  • Extensive, well-maintained playing fields and grounds for physical activities
  • State-certified instructor

Art:

  • Weekly instruction
  • Skill development
  • Art appreciation
  • State-certified instructor

Music:

  • Weekly vocal instruction (Gr. K-5)
  • Skill development with vocals, theory, and appreciation
  • Band (grades 5-8)
  • State-certified instructor