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 Children’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 5th grader, and Ian is a 2nd grader here at Holy Spirit.  As a family they love being active and traveling, especially to National Parks.

Contact Mrs. Houdek:  khoudek@hsparish.org

Laura Stroh

Laura Stroh earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Ferris State University and is currently working toward her Master’s Degree in Education from Grand Valley State University.  This is her 16th year of teaching, and 9th year at Holy Spirit, where she too was a student.  She loves helping first graders grow in their faith, develop a love for reading, and become confident in math skills.

Laura and her husband Justin are members of Holy Spirit Parish and they have two children, Lily and Liam, and their family dog.  Lily is a 7th grader, and Liam is a 3rd grader here at Holy Spirit School.  Laura’s favorite thing to do is spend time as a family playing games and being outdoors.  They also love to travel to Disney World and have taken many family vacations there!

Contact Mrs. Stroh:  lstroh@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