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Dear Holy Spirit Prep Family,
The school year is well underway, and we have had a solid start. Thank you so much for your patience as we continue to work through challenges in a cooperative and productive way. We are truly grateful to be able to be on campus with your children in class and on the athletic fields and courts.
As conveyed in our newsletter and the Green and Gold last Friday, we continue to strive to provide the best learning environment possible for your children during the pandemic - balancing many factors relating to education, physical, and mental health. In order to maximize the effectiveness of what we do, it is critical that we share a collective commitment to the safety protocols and procedures established to address COVID-19.
Please carefully monitor your children for COVID-19 symptoms, every day. If they, or anyone in your household develops symptoms, please keep them out of school and group activities, and contact your child's healthcare provider as soon as possible.
COVID-19 symptoms include:
For the good of our community, if anyone has been potentially exposed to COVID-19 but is asymptomatic, at a minimum, please wear a mask until a negative test result is obtained.
We also have some exciting news, as we continue to build our faculty and staff to meet the needs of our children. We are blessed to have several amazing new people join team HSP.
Dr. Angela Arnold joins the High School to serve as Interim Counsellor, beginning Monday, September 13. Dr. Arnold brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise from her professional practice, and will be of great value to our students. Please see Dr. Arnold’s bio below.
Dr. Angela Arnold received her medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine after earning a Masters of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology from Memphis State University. Dr. Arnold completed her residency training at the Emory University School of Medicine.
Dr. Arnold’s focus turned to the psychiatric care of women early in her medical studies. She has provided personalized psychiatric care to women for more than 20 years, continuing to study the latest developments in psychiatric and women’s health.
In 2004, Dr. Arnold stepped away from a career in the public sector and established her private practice here in Atlanta.
Dr. Arnold’s specific areas of expertise are:
Anxiety and Depression Attention Deficit Disorder Chronic Pain Finding Work/Life Balance Medication Management
Dr. Alice Murphy officially joins HSP next week to serve as Director of the Resource program at the Lower and Middle Schools. She will also oversee special testing and accommodations on both campuses. Please see Dr. Murphy’s bio below.
With over thirty years experience, Dr. Murphy worked as a teacher, administrator, adjunct professor, and educational program specialist for individuals with developmental, emotional and neurological disabilities at risk for underachievement due to barriers caused by these conditions.
As an expert analyst of comprehensive IDEA regulated educational programs, Dr. Murphy most recently worked at a private Catholic school as Coordinator of Learning Support for over 5 years. Prior to that, she worked for the Georgia Department of Education, Division for Special Education Services and Supports as a liaison/program specialist for school districts, families and agencies throughout Georgia.
Dr. Murphy’s professional focus has been developing and implementing statewide capacity building projects and providing teacher and administrative training to improve performance and long term outcomes for individuals with learning differences. She consults with school administrators, psychologists, pediatricians and families to design and seek the best educational support for children.
Dr. Murphy received her AS degree in science with emphasis in education from Young Harris College, BS degree in social work from LaGrange College, a Masters Degree in Special Education, specializing in Learning Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities and Emotional/Behavioral Disorders from the University of North Georgia in Dahlonega, Middle School Studies from Georgia State University, Doctorate in Educational Administration plus Special Education Administration specializing in Program Development for Students at Risk from Florida Nova Southeastern University, followed by post doctoral studies with Emory University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychology and Psychiatry Center for Autism and Related Neurological and Developmental Disorders.
A reminder to check the school online calendar regularly to know of upcoming events. In the event of any changes to events, our online calendar is adjusted accordingly.
We appreciate your support and prayers as we continue to partner with you to educate your children, focusing on the development of critical thinking rooted in the Truth of our savior, Jesus Christ.
In Christ
Dr. Ed Lindekugel Head of School
Pleas refer to the online calendar to know of upcoming events. The calendar is continually being updated and so we so recommend that you refer to the calendar on a regular basis in case of any changes to the calendar.
2021-2022 Key Dates Calendar (updated July 2, 2021)
2021-2022 Online Calendar
Due to COVID-19 protocols, the All-School Mass that was scheduled to take place on September 17 will no longer take place as planned.
Instead, there will be a Middle School Mass on September 17 at 8:45 am in the Lower School cafeteria. The Tying Ceremony, in which new Middle School students will be entered into the House system, will take place after Mass. Parents of new Middle School students who will be entering the House System will be invited to join the Tying Ceremony virtually.
High School students will attend Mass on Wednesday, September 15 at 9:50 am and will not have Mass on September 17.
Feel free to contact Coach Sasha Palmer (spalmer@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions!
All fall sports teams will have their team and individual photos taken on Thursday, September 16 and Friday, September 17 on both the Lower and High School campuses. Here is the schedule:
Lower School Gym Lower School Soccer - 9/16 and 9/17 from 3:00pm-3:30pm (individuals only) Middle School Cheer - 9/16 at 3:45pm Middle School Volleyball - 9/16 at 4:00pm
High School Quad Varsity Clay Targets - 9/16 at 3:45pm Varsity Football - 9/16 at 4:00pm Varsity Cheer - 9/16 at 4:15pm Varsity Volleyball - 9/17 at 3:45pm JV Volleyball - 9/17 at 4:00pm Varsity and Middle School Cross Country - 9/17 at 4:15pm Middle School Football - 9/17 at 3:45pm
Please contact your coach with any questions!
Join us for Fall Sports Night next Friday! The varsity football team will be playing Crisp Academy at the High School field. Kickoff is 5pm!
We will be honoring all of our fall sports teams during halftime, including:
Theme: Tie Dye
Admission is $9 for adults, and $5 for non-HSP students. All HSP faculty, staff, and students are free! Concessions, t-shirts, magnets, and bags will be available for purchase!
Come show your c-pride for our Cougars!
Monday, September 13
Middle School Volleyball vs. Davis Academy A Team, 4:30pm • B Team, 5:30pm • Lower School Gym
Tuesday, September 14
Middle School Volleyball vs. The Galloway School A Team, 4:30pm • B Team, 5:30pm • Lower School Gym
Varsity Volleyball at Notre Dame Academy 6:00pm • Away
Varsity Cross Country at the South Metro Classic #1 Westlake High School
Wednesday, September 15
JV Volleyball vs. Cross Keys High School 5:00pm • High School Gym
Varsity Volleyball vs. Fulton Science Academy 6:00pm • High School Gym
Thursday, September 16
Fall Sports Picture Day #1 Middle School and High School
Middle School Cross Country at the MAAC Invitational 4:30pm • Garrard Landing Park
JV and Varsity Volleyball at Cristo Rey JV, 5:00pm • Varsity, 6:00pm • Away
Friday, September 17
Fall Sports Picture Day #2 Middle School and High School
Varsity Football vs. Crisp Academy - Fall Sports Night 5:00pm • High School Field
Saturday, September 18
Varsity Cross Country at the Wire2Wire Invitational Cartersville High School
Picture day is on Wednesday, September 15.
Students are required to wear their dress uniform to school.
Please take 3 minutes and watch this important message from the Annual Fund Chairs, Amanda and Rick Kuhlman.
Questions about the Annual Fund can be directed to Maria Kichler at mkichler@holyspiritprep.org
HSP’s COVID-19 response protocols are under weekly review. In the event of protocols being adjusted, they will be updated internally and on our website.
We’re excited to announce our new school management system – FACTS SIS (Student Information System).
Through the FACTS Family Portal, a private and secure online platform, parents and students will be able to see academic information, while protecting their information from others.
Please see link below for important information.
FACTS Family Portal Information
The Used Uniform Store sells gently worn Lower, Middle and High School uniform items at highly discounted prices and is situated next door to the Lower School Library. School store hours will be from 3:00 pm -4:00 pm daily for parents to shop independently. Should you need to shop outside of the aforementioned hours, appointments will need to be made with Heidi Harrington at heidiharrington@bellsouth.net or Ruth Sacco at saccor1999@gmail.com.
Please check in at the Lower School Front Office when visiting the school store.
Payment may be by cash or check.
Donations of uniforms may be left at the Lower School Front Office.
Apply now for your 2022 Georgia Tax Credit! https://www.goalscholarship.org/
Contact Maria Kichler with questions at mkichler@holyspiritprep.org.
We invite you to read our September newsletter below:
Preschool September Newsletter
Preschool parents are invited to attend Preschool Parent Night
September 16, 2021
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Mc Donough Hall
If you're interested in childcare during this time, please select this link to register: Preschool Parent Night Child Care
Kindergarten to 5th Grade Tutorials:
If your child is in need of tutorial or academic support for specific content, please make an appointment with the teacher via email to schedule a tutorial. Tutorials are offered Mondays - Thursdays from 3:15 pm - 4:00 pm.
Middle School Tutorials:
If your child is in need of tutorial or academic support for specific content, please make an appointment with the teacher via email to schedule a tutorial. Tutorials are offered Mondays to Fridays from 7:40 am - 8:20 am.
HSP is happy to announce the creation of a 4th-6th grade Theater Club.
There are many benefits this program will bring to HSP. Learning public speaking is in direct alignment with our Classical approach to education. Also, drama teaches self expression, creativity, voice development and improvisation to name a few. Clarity and expression are critical factors in being a successful public speaker and presenter, both of these will be improved as a result of participation in a drama club. Participants in this club would learn teamwork, build confidence and nourish their imagination. They will test their own patience and through perseverance and hard work and produce an end-product that will be very gratifying.
Our theater club advisor is Dr. Rick Kuhlman. Dr. Kuhlman brings years of experience, having performed in many musicals and show choirs, and was a performer at Opryland in Nashville, Tennessee. We are thrilled to have him working with us to help develop a strong foundation to our theater program.
The Theater Club will meet from 3:00pm - 4:15pm in the Lower School Cafeteria. All 4th-6th grade students are encouraged to participate. Please be sure to email Dr. Kuhlman at rkchiro@icloud.com before planning for your student to attend.
Gymnastics at HSP
Mondays, beginning September 13
3:20 pm - 4:00 pm
Ages 4 - 12
See flyer for further information: Gymnastics Information
Middle School students are invited to join HSP's Safety Patrol.
The purpose of the Safety Patrol program is to enhance the safety of our students during morning carpool. In addition, it aids in the development of leadership skills and good citizenship qualities. HSP Student Safety Patrol is open to all Middle School students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. To be a part of the safety patrol team is an honored position. There will be special privileges earned and granted for Safety Patrol members throughout the year.
There will be two shifts daily:
Students will be required to arrive 10 minutes before their scheduled shift.
Interested students should submit their application form (found in this week's Middle School Newsletter) to Mrs. Sacco the week of September 7. Students will be notified of acceptance into the program by Friday September 10th. The Student Safety Patrol program will begin on Monday, September 13, 2021.
On September 17, there will be a Middle School Mass in the Lower School Dining Hall at 8:45 am, followed by the Middle School Tying Ceremony at 9:45 am. Middle School students who are new to HSP will be entered into the House system at the ceremony. Parents of new Middle School students will have already received information about joining the ceremony virtually at 9:45 am.
We are looking forward to our Middle School students participating in their first House Day Challenge of the 2021-2022 school year after the Tying Ceremony.
Buckhead Speech Specialists will be available on September 14 to screen students in grades K-5th grade for possible speech and/or language weaknesses for any interested families.
Buckhead Speech Specialists will provide a written report after the screening indicating your child’s results, as well as contact information for more Information. Speech-language pathologists screen for receptive language, expressive language, articulation disorders, fluency disorders, and delayed social skills. For children who qualify, Buckhead Speech Specialists offer therapy services at HSP during the school day.
If you are interested, please complete the following permission form:
Screening Permission Form_HSP LS 2021.doc
We are preparing for our Lower School basketball season and want to gauge interest from our community to help us plan accordingly. If your student in K-5th grade is interested in playing Lower School basketball, please fill out the interest form below.
Lower School Basketball Interest Form
K-2nd Grade Students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade will participate in an intramural co-ed league. Grade-level boys and girls will train and play together on Saturday afternoons. The exact time will be determined at a later date.
3rd-5th Grade Students in 3rd-5th grade will participate in the Catholic Metro League of Atlanta. Teams will be divided by gender and grade level, and will be coached by parent volunteers. Below is the proposed weekly practice schedule. Games will take place on weekends.
Monday 3rd Grade Girls - 3:00pm-4:00pm 5th Grade Girls - 4:00pm-5:00pm
Tuesday 3rd Grade Boys - 3:00pm-4:00pm 5th Grade Boys - 4:00pm-5:00pm
Wednesday 4th Grade Boys - 4:00pm-5:00pm
Thursday 5th Grade Boys - 3:00pm-4:00pm
Friday 4th Grade Girls - 3:00pm-4:30pm
We are preparing for our 6th-8th grade boys and girls Middle School basketball season and want to gauge interest from our community to help us plan accordingly. If your student in 6th-8th grade is interested in playing Middle School basketball, please fill out the interest form below.
Middle School Basketball Interest Form
We are preparing for our 6th-8th grade middle school baseball season and want to gauge interest from our community to help us plan accordingly. If your student in 6th-8th grade is interested in playing Middle School baseball, please fill out the interest form below.
Middle School Baseball Interest Form
The Lower School and Middle School Parent Volunteer Association (PVA) is looking forward to a fantastic school year! We have wonderful events planned that need volunteers! The link below will take you to the various volunteer opportunities throughout the year.
Please prayerfully consider giving your time to our HSP community, and email Jamie Neff neff.jamie@gmail.com or Megan Plachy meganplachy@gmail.com with any questions.
Lower/Middle School Parent Volunteer Opportunities
HSP’s technology policy is designed to provide consistency for teachers in the classroom, and security for students and their families. The High School is currently in year 3 of our transition to a 1:1 school-issued Chromebook program. This policy applies to current 9th and 10th graders.
HSP’s technology fee covers the cost of Chromebooks as well as ongoing infrastructure support, upgrades, and maintenance. HSP provides all 9th and 10th grade students with Chromebooks. And on the basis of consistency, security, and other priorities, HSP strongly encourages and prefers that students use school-issued devices on campus. However, HSP will permit responsible use of personal laptop devices by students during school with properly documented parental permission, under the following conditions:
Again, HSP strongly encourages and prefers that students use school-issued devices on campus. However, you may grant permission for your 9th or 10th grade student(s) to use personal devices in class this school year in accordance with these guidelines by sending an email to Brittney Bailey at bbailey@holyspiritprep.org. Please note that the technology fee will not be waived as a result of granting permission.
We are preparing for our 9th-12th grade varsity baseball season and want to gauge interest from our community to help us plan accordingly. If your student in 9th-12th grade is interested in playing varsity baseball, please fill out the interest form below.
Varsity Baseball Interest Form
High School Play: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
HSP’s High School Theatre presents the classic stories of Sherlock Holmes, live on stage! Join us for an evening of excitement, and Sherlock and Watson solve the most confounding crimes to ever cross the threshold of 221B Baker Street!
Thursday, October 21 at 4:00 pm
Friday, October 22 at 7:00 pm
Saturday, October 23 at 2:00 pm
Save the Date: Saturday, October 23rd: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Music Under the Stars is a casual concert event in the Chastian style, where guests may bring their own food and drinks and compete in our table decorating contest. This year’s centerpiece theme is 70’s and 80’s movies. We will feature musical performances by our very own HSP students and community big band, and this year’s headliner will be the Atlanta Brass Cats, a 70’s/80’s horn band performing the music of Chicago and the bands they inspired. Student artwork from preK-high school will be on display as well. Premiere seating available.
Tickets go on sale October 8th.
More info will be coming out soon so stay tuned! This is one event you won’t want to miss.
Holy Spirit Prep is pleased to continue their association with Ascension Music Academy (AMA) for the 2021-2022 academic year. AMA will offer private music lessons on all of the band instruments, piano, and voice conveniently located on our campus with some of the best music educators in the Atlanta area. Chamber ensemble coaching is also available. Lower/Middle school students who take lessons later in the afternoon are able to stay in ESP until their lesson time at no additional charge.
If you would like your child to begin taking lessons, please fill out the following registration form and your available times, along with payment, and return to either the front desk or your child's music teacher. If you are paying with cash or check, you are exempt from the registration fee.
Please see the link below for a short video highlighting the benefits of playing an instrument on the brain. Thank you for supporting your child's musical education. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you and God bless!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0JKCYZ8hng
The varsity cross country team competed in the Patriot Invitational this past Saturday in a 5K race. Top placements include Isabella Ramirez who came in 6th!
You can view the full results here: Varsity Boys • Varsity Girls
Varsity Volleyball - Analise Oliver
Analise was nominated for Cougar Athlete of the Week by both the JV and Varsity coaches this week! She has been tremendously helpful ensuring the team starts the season off in the best way, and has continued to be a leader on and off the court. I can't wait to see her grow this season!
JV Volleyball - Isabella Casey
The beginning of any season is difficult, as every player adjusts to find what position they will commit to for the next several months. As each player has been shuffled around, Bella has fearlessly tried every position she has been thrown into. Not only does Bella approach each position without hesitation, but she does so with a contagious positivity, openness, and an unbreakable focus on supporting her teammates through their adjustments as well. We are so grateful to have her in the volleyball family!
Middle School Volleyball - Kate Johnston
Kate is always the first to help others on the team. Anytime we break into serving drills at practice, you can find her helping some of the less experienced players with their serve. She has been a great leader in the program.
Varsity Cross Country - Davis Braun
Davis won the 1600m at the Battle of Sandy Springs.
Varsity Clay Targets - Adam Marshall
This was our first competition of the year and Adam was our top shooter breaking 162 out of 200 possible clay targets for an 81% hit ratio. Great numbers for the beginning of our season.
Varsity Football - Max Bendig
I am excited and fortunate to have Max as a senior this year. Max had a fantastic game two weeks ago making great blocks and several tackles, but the leadership he showed before, during, and after the game is what stood out to me. The personal statistics are easy to list and highlight, yet it's what he does on the team that is more impressionable to our young team that will take this program to the next level. Leadership is earned, not given, and Max has definitely earned his leadership role with the Cougars.
Varsity Cheer - Lilah Sell
Lilah is new to cheer this year, and I'm already so proud of her effort at practices to learn all the cheers, dances, and stunts in such a short time. At practice this week, Lilah was nervous to try an extended stunt, but with some encouragement from her teammates, she executed the stunt with grace!
Middle School Cheer - Abby Casillo
Abby has been a great leader for the middle school team as one of the most veteran members of the team. She was a big help at our first game this week! She was ready to answer any questions the new girls had during the game and was a great role model for them!
(Click here to download this article as a PDF)
The Holy Spirit Prep Athletic Booster Club has one goal - to enhance the experience of our student athletes on all three campuses. The HSP Athletic Booster Club funds will enhance our budget, allowing us to provide supplemental equipment, coaching, and programs to improve the athletics experience for all our students. By becoming a corporate sponsor, you are helping us to fulfill our mission and support all student athletes across all campuses.
2021-22 Corporate Sponsorship Opportunities
Gold Sponsorship - $2,500+
Green Sponsorship - $1000+
If you are interested in becoming a corporate sponsor at a level not listed above, please contact the Director of Athletics, Kristina Wilhelm at kwilhelm@holyspiritprep.org. We welcome the opportunity to meet you where your interests are.
Holy Spirit Preparatory School is a 501(c)(3) and all contributions are tax deductible upon compliance with the Internal Revenue Code.
Payment Options:
Pay online by Bank Transfer or Credit Card using this link Corporate Sponsorship Online Payments
Artwork Requirements: For Web
For Print
Please send your artwork directly to Morgan Gallagher at morgan.gallagher@holyspiritprep.org.
Thank you for your support of our Athletics Program here at HSP! GO COUGARS!
The Holy Spirit Prep Athletic Booster Club has one goal - to enhance the experience of our student athletes.
Join the 21-22 Athletic Booster Club
The HSP Athletic Booster Club funds enhance our budget, allowing us to provide supplemental equipment, coaching, and programs to improve the athletics experience for all our students. These funds will be obtained through HSP Athletic Booster Club membership, corporate sponsorships, restricted athletics donations, online week-long auction revenue, spirit gear sales, Coke Drive revenue, and event ticket and concession sales.
The HSP Athletic Booster Club recognizes that participation in school athletics benefits everyone. In addition to financial support, the HSP Athletic Booster Club will promote opportunities to build and strengthen relationships among all constituencies through the enthusiastic participation of volunteers, students, coaches, parents, school faculty and staff, sponsors, community members, alumni and grandparents.
The HSP Athletics Booster Club offers membership levels for all to participate. Also, volunteers are always needed and welcome. We ask that ALL parents become members of the HSP Athletics Booster Club, at some level. In addition, any financial contribution is welcomed and appreciated.
Depending on your level of membership, you will receive seasons passes for free entry to a select number or all home, non-tournament games!
If your company would like to become a corporate sponsor, please contact the Director of Athletics, Kristina Wilhelm (kwilhelm@holyspiritprep.org) and the Director of Development, Maria Kichler (mkichler@holyspiritprep.org).
C-Pride Gold Member - $1,000+
C-Pride Silver Member - $500+
C-Pride Green Member - $250+
C-Pride Member - $100+
Gold Members ($1,000+) Ashok and Kim Reddy
Silver Members ($500+) Adolph and Dede Casal David and Stephanie Cusimano Chris and Megan Durham Erik and Denise Gunderson Erik and Karen Johnston Kendall Kerew Chris and Christian Riley Chris and Mary Taylor Hugh and Amy Wingate
Green Members ($250+) Kevin and Tracy Bannon James and Margaret Connelly Ben and Suzanne Cumbie Casey and Liz Forrest Chris and Margaret Martin Bruce and Deborah Miller
Members ($100+) Mary Clauson Nicolas Pineda and Karla Cuyan Mike and Cindy Jones John and Marie Lambremont Nathan and Lisa Mathieu Jon and Barbara Muirhead Matt and Farrah Olsen
We're excited to offer sport-specific shirts for each of our 13 sports. All fall sport athletes can pick up their complimentary shirt from Mrs. Wilhelm and/or Ms. Gallagher if you haven't already.
Parents and non-athletes can purchase a shirt at any of our home games or through the link below! Adults sizes are $15, and youth sizes are $12. We are also offering HSP-Branded Nike drawstring bags for $30. The bags are Heather Navy Blue and embroidered with our primary spirit logo.
Order a Sports Shirt and/or Nike Bag
You can also visit our online spirit gear shops provided by Squadlocker.
Shop for Spirit Gear
You can browse by sport or shop general HSP-branded gear, and everything can be personalized! The possibilities are endless. Get geared up today!
All varsity letter winners: Order your varsity letter jackets from our official provider, Neff!
Visit neffjacketshop.com to order today! Select Georgia and scroll to find Holy Spirit Prep to start customizing your jacket.
Friendship: “Help us see Christ in others and treat them as Jesus would.”
“Love everyone with a deep love based on charity...but form friendships only with those who can share virtuous things with you. The higher the virtues you share and exchange with others, the more perfect your friends will be.”
-St. Francis de Sales
This Week at Holy Spirit
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