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.
  • 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.

Early Elementary Teachers

Preschool – Mrs. Andrea Berndt and Preschool Aides Mrs. Anna Scalici and Mrs. Andrea Bastic

Young Fives – Mrs. Stephanie Dolci

Kindergarten – Mrs. Lisa Kalahar and Ms. Chelsey Miller

First Grade – Mrs. Kathleen Houdek and Mrs. Katie Martinez

Second Grade – Mrs. Peyton Tuttle and Mrs. Kristen Mersino

Third Grade – Mr. Paul Debri 

Upper Elementary Teachers

Ms. Sarah Butch – 4th Grade

Mrs. Lizzie Duffy – 4th Grade

Ms. Claire Phillips – 5th Grade

Mrs. Paula Ryan – 5th Grade Theology

Mrs. Ella Wiersema – 5th Grade

Middle School Teachers

Mrs. Kelly Clancy – 6th Grade Religion

Mrs. Lisa DiGiovanna – 6th Grade Math, Pre-Algebra, Algebra

Mrs. Meg Hoeft – 7th Grade English and Religion and 8th Grade Literature

Mr. Pat Kalahar – 8th Grade English

Mrs. Elizabeth Liebler – 6th Grade Reading, English

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

Mrs. Melissa Swider – 7th Grade Literature

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

Shared Time Staff

Mrs. Samantha Garvey – Art

Mrs. Loreal Long – Spanish

Mrs. Hannah Perez – Music

Mr. Ron Warner – Computers/Technology

Mrs. Lauren Wright – Physical Education

Academic Support Staff

Math Specialist – Mrs. Kelly Clancy

Reading Specialists – Mrs. Melissa Swider and Mrs. Tanya Kooistra

Academic Support Services – Mrs. 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:

  • Weekly school Mass
  • Christian education and formation
  • Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (Preschool-Grade 2)
  • Christian and Family Living
  • Theology of the Body
  • Positive Peer Relationship Development (Quest)
  • 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
  • State-certified instructors

Language Arts:

  • Literature based instruction
  • Heggerty Science of Reading Program (Preschool – grade 3)
  • Emphasis on comprehending informational text as well as literary text
  • Creative Writing
  • Spelling and word morphology (Greek and Latin Roots)
  • 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
  • State-certified instructors

Computers/Technology:

  • Kindergarten through grade 8
  • Fully equipped computer lab and Media Center
  • Weekly instruction and application
  • Extensive software for all levels
  • State-certified instructor

Spanish:

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

Physical Education:

  • Weekly instruction
  • 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-4)
  • Skill development with vocals, theory, and appreciation
  • Band (grades 5-8)
  • State-certified instructor