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Dear Holy Spirit Prep family,
Hector and Gertrudis Gamarra have cared for our facilities (and the facilities of the Solidarity School) for almost a decade. They have kept the lights glowing, the halls immaculate, and the buses bustling. In countless ways, they have made our campuses fit to operate and enabled our teachers to teach and our students to grow in a beautiful environment. I am most grateful to them for their love and care of our community, and I am going to miss them very much when they begin their well-deserved retirement next week. Please join me in praying for a blessed and happy retirement for them and, if you see them this week, let them know how much you appreciate them. You are also welcome to drop off cards at the Upper School main office.
It has been a brutal month for parts of our country and our neighbors: hurricanes in Texas, Florida, and the Caribbean; and an earthquake in Mexico. Our community has family in all of these places- Houston, Miami, Mexico City, and Puerto Rico - and we've felt the impact of these storms. Several weeks ago, our community raised over $2,500 to support the relief efforts of Catholic Charities in Texas. You are most welcome to continue supporting relief efforts in these places. One organization that is offering disaster relief is Catholic Relief Services. Here is more information about their earthquake fund and their hurricane fund. We will have a dress-down donation day this Friday to support relief efforts in Mexico and Puerto Rico, with a suggested minimum donation of $3 from our students.
We have many good things to look forward to on campus this October. Homecoming Week begins on October 9, culminating in our Homecoming football game and tailgate at North Springs stadium on Friday. We'll have the grill going before kickoff at 7:30pm, and we will celebrate our Homecoming court at halftime.
Two weeks later, on October 28, we'll celebrate our Annual Fund Run, the cap on this year's Annual Fund campaign. We expect to raise $575,000 in gifts by then, with 100% participation from our board, faculty, and parents. Admission to the Annual Fund Run is complementary with your gift to the Annual Fund, including race entry, t-shirts, and the picnic afterwards.
Thank you for your support of our school and its mission! I look forward to seeing you at a school event this October.
Yours in service, Kyle
Holy Spirit Prep's 2017-18 Annual Fund campaign has begun! The campaign runs for forty days, ending on October 28 with the Annual Fund Run. A gift to the Annual Fund is the primary gift you can make in support of HSP's mission of formation. Annual Fund donors earn free admission to the Annual Fund Run with their Annual Fund gift (including t-shirts, race access, and a picnic for the whole family).
In 2016-17, we achieved 85% participation from families, raising over $540,000. This year, we aim to raise $575,000 with 100% pledged participation from our current parents by October 27.
We had a wonderful Gala Kickoff Breakfast at Dr. Linda Anthony’s home on Tuesday morning, September 26. If you were unable to join us and are interested in volunteering for the Spring Gala, please reach out to the Gala Co-Chair, Rebecca Bernier, at rebecca.b.bernier@gmail.com. We still have many volunteer opportunities available on the different committees - Live Auction, Silent Auction, Sponsorship, Ticket Sales, and Day-of-Gala Setup. We would really appreciate your help!
The Spring Gala will be held on April 21, 2018, at Flourish.
Believe it or not, Advent season is right around the corner, starting on December 3rd! HSP’s PVA has secured another season of beautiful Vermont Advent Wreaths (including candles!) and Christmas Wreaths for our community. These are wonderful fresh cut wreaths to give as gifts or keep for yourself. All items can be individually delivered! The PVA receive a portion of all the sales.
(Type in the code spirit when prompted)
Deadlines to order are: Advent Wreaths: November 1 Christmas Wreaths: November 7
Since 2008, Hector Gamarra has served as HSP’s facilities manager. His hand is in every part of our Upper School campus - from its glowing lights and flowing fountain to its air-conditioned classes and immaculate hallways. Hector's wife, Gertrudis, has had the same care in her custody of the Solidarity School. It is bittersweet for us that, this Friday, September 29, the Gamarras will retire.
Hector was honored by Archbishop Wilton Gregory for his work in Catholic education in 2016, at the Archbishop's Education Banquet. At the time, he talked about his love for the HSP community, “the highlights of my work happen when students and parents approach me to thank me for helping them with special projects such as theater and school functions. I especially feel appreciated when students who graduate thank me with big hugs and cards for all the help I’ve provided them throughout the years.”
Hector is a product of Catholic education himself, a graduate of Colegio San Calixto, a preschool-12th grade Jesuit school in Bolivia. "It’s where I learned that we are all responsible to bring a word of faith, love, and hope to all who need it,” Hector said. It was at San Calixto that Hector was formed by teachers like Fr. Basiana. “He impacted me by his kindness and the humble life he led. He taught me that we can…help people through our daily actions."
Dave Rosenzweig, Dean of Houses, said, "Hector will be greatly missed. His love for our school and the students was always on display. He was always ready to help however needed and made everyone else’s day that much better. Hector never sought praise for his work and was consistently one of the 'glue' people on our campus to make sure everything ran smoothly. I will miss his work, but, more importantly, his friendship and his impact on our entire community."
"Hector is the kindest, most patient person on campus!" said Mrs. Sotomayor, Upper School principal. "He is always willing to help with a calm demeanor and great professionalism. We will definitely miss him!"
This Friday, the Upper School will dedicate their outdoor classroom to Hector, in gratitude for his time at Holy Spirit Prep.
For years, the Gamarras have - humbly and without notice - gone above and beyond the duties of their position to support HSP, our school's mission, and our faculty and students. We are profoundly grateful for their work, and wish them a blessed and happy retirement.
After the terrible natural disasters affecting the Caribbean, Florida, Texas, and Mexico, please join the Hispanic committee of HSP to support the people affected. Holy Spirit Prep supports the relief work of Catholic Relief Services. The easiest way to help is by making secure donations on their websites: Catholic Relief Services: Hurricane Relief in the Caribbean Catholic Relief Services: Earthquake Relief in Mexico
Catholic Relief Services supports relief efforts in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the work of its sister agency, Catholic Charities USA. A link to their donation page is on the hurricane relief link above.
Dress-Down Day We will have a dress-down donation day this Friday to support relief efforts in Mexico and Puerto Rico, with a suggested minimum donation of $3 from our students.
Quick Fact Through it's dress-down day fundraiser this September, HSP raised $2,470.50 for Catholic Relief Service's efforts in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.
From Catholic Relief Services: "Our programs seek to prevent loss of life, minimize suffering, reduce property damage, speed recovery, reduce vulnerability, and otherwise better cope with natural or man-made disasters, while fostering a culture of peace, dignity and respect.
CRS is able to set up operations within days of a disaster. Our access to private funds enhances our capacity to quickly deploy staff, get items to those who need it and adapt to ever-changing circumstances. We give disaster-affected communities greater control over decisions that affect their lives. We focus on the most vulnerable, so that they have a voice in community and household decisions.
Immediate shelter is paramount in emergencies. Immediately after a crisis, CRS distributes tarpaulins, rope, and other building materials that provide lifesaving short-term protection from the elements. We also offer rapid, affordable, transitional housing that is culturally appropriate, meets international standards, and can be expanded or upgraded to permanent homes. We address issues related to land tenure, urban planning, infrastructure, and reconstruction to help people recover.
In 20 years of shelter programming, CRS has provided or built over 208,000 transitional and permanent shelter units, assisting over 1 million vulnerable people in 29 countries."
Holy Spirit Prep has been proud to welcome Deacon John Klein, LC, to its campus ministry team this school year. Deacon John will assist Fr. Juan in his chaplaincy efforts at the Lower and Upper School campuses, assisting with Masses, catechizing students, hosting junior high Gospel reflections, and facilitating retreats, among other ministry opportunities.
Deacon John with his family at his diaconate ordination
"After so many beautiful experiences during my seminary formation, I am very excited to arrive to the HSP community and be a servant to all its member here, celebrating all the good things God is already doing here and using my God given abilities to add what I can so each student and family may be all God wants them to be," Deacon John said. "I hope to learn as much as I can from each of the faculty, students and campus ministry team members so as to learn how to best contribute to this great effort at HSP to form young Catholic leaders who serve with the heart of Christ."
"Love is Brave:" an article about Deacon John
Originally from Missouri, Deacon John left studies in engineering and music production to enter the Legion of Christ. He completed his novitiate in Cheshire, Connecticut; his philosophy in Thornwood, New York; and concluded his theology with three years of studies at Regina Apostolorum in Rome, Italy. Deacon John was ordained to the diaconate this July, and, alongside over thirty of his fellow seminarians, will be ordained a priest on December 16 at a ceremony at St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.
Deacon John is a passionate musician. Since entering his formation, he has performed at Santiago Bernabeu stadium for World Youth Day in 2011, and on stage in downtown Krakow for World Youth Day 2017. He has performed at youth retreats in Connecticut, Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, and Rome, among other venues. Deacon John has released 2 albums, the Love is Brave EP and Fearless, both available on iTunes.
"I have always had a great heart for young people and I desire to dedicate my life to helping youth discover the fullness of life and the fullness of their potential in encountering Jesus Christ and becoming his friend and apostle," said Deacon John.
Upper School English Chair Jamie Reger was recently recognized as a Master Teacher by the Georgia Independent School Association (GISA). Jamie was one of just twenty-five teachers from across the state of Georgia to be named a Master Teacher from over 166 GISA member schools and hundreds of applicants.
"I am surrounded by amazing teachers, so I am truly humbled by this," Jamie said.
Designation as a Master Teacher recognizes teachers who exhibit best practices in the classroom, as well as a demonstrated commitment to collaboration with other educators. Master Teachers are full-time independent school professionals with a preferred minimum of a Master's degree in an educational field and at least five years of teaching experience. Candidates are required to submit an application, a portfolio of outstanding classroom work and educational collaboration, and an unedited video of the candidate's classroom teaching utilizing best practices. The candidate must also submit five letters of recommendation from colleagues, parents, and students.
"I often look back at the beginning of my career and the mentor teachers I had. I still remember them and use the strategies they taught me, so I know from personal experience how important mentorship is," Jamie said. "I feel blessed to have the opportunity to give back through this program and to collaborate with other teachers within the GISA community. Teaching can be an isolating experience; collaboration reminds us that, as educators, we should strive to support and inspire each other, but more importantly, that there is always more to learn."
Upper School Principal Mrs. Sotomayor expressed her pride in Jamie, "She is an amazing teacher. She's so balanced in her teaching and her care for her students. She's good at showing her students that she cares. That's what you want in a teacher."
In spring of 2017, Jamie was recognized by the HSP community with a Cura Personalis award. She will be recognized as a Master Teacher during November's Annual GISA Conference and at a separate Master Teacher Luncheon hosted at Woodward Academy.
Picture Day was last Friday, September 22 (and this Tuesday, September 26, for our Pre-K2s). In case you didn't pre-order photos on picture day, but were wondering how to, don't worry! There are two ways to order photos:
1) Head to https://cadystudios.ephotohost.biz/Register.aspx. You can pre-order photos there.
2) We expect to get proofs back by the end of October. We'll send them home in Friday folders or with Upper Schoolers. You can submit your order with those proofs.
Also, if you happened to missed picture day, don't fret! Makeups are scheduled for Wednesday, January 17.
A family directory is now live on PlusPortals. This secure directory, accessible only to HSP families with a PlusPortals login, publishes basic contact information for each family, including address, phone number, and email addresses. It's a convenient way for families to organize birthday party invitations, grade level get-togethers, and club meetings.
To access the directory, log in to PlusPortals, and click on "Directory" in the green banner at the top of the page.
If you're not sure how to access PlusPortals, or if you see that your family's information needs to be updated, please email our registrar, Rachel Little, at rlittle@holyspiritprep.org with your changes.
We recently caught up with Kathleen Muckenhirn, one of HSP's first alums to earn her doctorate (alongside Class of '07 grad Jennifer Devine). Coincidentally, both alums now work in veterinary medicine.
You can see more Alumni Profiles on our Alumni page.
How did your (academic, spiritual, social and athletic) experience at HSP help form you into the person you are today? The teachers and my classmates at HSP always encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and push boundaries. This mindframe has stayed with me since graduation and has allowed me to face many challenges head on. The excellent academic curriculum at HSP prepared me for the difficult coursework at the Air Force Academy and the double course load after I switched my major in my senior year to finish at the University of Connecticut.
Was there a specific experience or particular teacher at HSP who kindled a desire in you to go into your field of choice? Both Mrs. Lee and Ms. Drake (now Mrs. Olsen) kindled a love for science and biology. I always looked forward to their classes and when it came time to choose a field of study, medicine was a no-brainer.
How do you hope to serve God and others through your field? As a veterinarian, I am uniquely placed to offer care and comfort to both families and their pets. Pets are now members of the family and I am honored to be trusted with their care.
What is your favorite memory from your time at HSP? I have a few favorite memories. Spending lunches playing cards and soaking up the sun outside the cafe with a few friends was a favorite pastime. Some of the more exciting memories include staying up all night for the senior prank and our yearbook committee nights at school finishing last minute details and having a shaving cream fight that ended in the fountain around 2am.
Tell us about your experience as an undergrad student. I had a bit of an unconventional undergrad experience. As an Air Force Academy cadet, I had opportunities to travel all over the world, including London, Hawaii, Japan, and Alaska. After a few injuries as a cadet, I finished my undergrad degree at the the University of Connecticut. At UConn, I had the opportunity to work with multiple research projects, including a sheep nutrition project which investigated the long term effects of maternal nutrition while pregnant on their lambs. After life threw me another curve ball, I took the opportunity to go to vet school in Prince Edward Island. Living for 4 years with our Canadian neighbors taught me to be grateful for things I had previously taken for granted and allowed me to experience a new culture.
Can you tell us about a recent experience that you will always remember? I recently was a part of a volunteer trip to Nicaragua. While there, we offered veterinary care to the street dogs and cats as well as horses that are many people’s livelihood. The joy and gratitude these people expressed for something as simple as trimming their horse’s hooves was inspiring. I hope to be able to continue participating in volunteer opportunities through World Vets in needy communities.
What are your plans for the future? I am very excited to continue working with dogs, cats, and exotics as a vet. I hope to begin offering acupuncture, chiropractic, and physical therapy within the next few years. I also volunteer with the Humane Society and the Hogle Zoo here in Utah and hope to continue working with these great programs. I am currently living with my dog, cat, and bird but hope to find a lasting (human) relationship now that I have finally settled down.
Kathleen holds a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of Connecticut and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Prince Edward Island. She is an Associate Veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital, focusing on preventative care of dogs, cats, small mammals and birds, but also handling chronic disease, illness and injury cases. She currently resides in Salt Lake City.
The prayer intentions below have been compiled by the volunteers of Connections for Women and Cougars Care. Please consider adding the following intentions to your prayers:
Through November, families at Holy Spirit Prep will host parent parties for each grade level. Save the date for your grade(s) parent parties! Invitations will be sent through your grade level.
Preschool Parent Party Friday, November 3 Hosted by Stephanie and Jim Briles
K/Pre-1st Parent Party Saturday, October 14 il Giallo Osteria & Bar, hosted by Sandy and Luis Rosales
2nd Grade Parent Party Friday, October 20 Hosted by Araceli Sanroman and Ulises Ramirez
3rd Grade Parent Party Saturday, October 28 Hosted by the Cusimanos 4th Grade Parent Party Friday, November 10 Hosted by the Anulewiczes 5th Grade Parent Party To be scheduled 6th Grade Parent Party Saturday, September 30 Hosted by the Rileys
7th-8th Grade Parent Party October 28 Hosted by the Mastersons
9th Grade Parent Party Saturday, November 11 Hosted by the Joneses
10th Grade Parent Party Friday, November 3 Hosted by the Delaneys
Connections is pleased to welcome Fr. Lou DelFra, C.S.C., as our guest speaker on Thursday, October 5 from 8:00am– 9:00am in the Upper School Library. Fr. DelFra will address how we, as mothers, can support the spiritual development of our children.
Connections is HSP's community of women, committed to building prayer, spiritual growth opportunity and fellowship, by way of support, in our HSP community. All mothers, grandmothers, staff, and guests are welcome. Mass is offered at 7:30am in St. Joseph’s Oratory (located in the Liberal Arts building on the 2nd floor behind the library) before the event.
About Fr. DelFra Fr. DelFra serves as Director of Pastoral Life for the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE). He writes and publishes in the fields of religion, literature, teacher education, and spirituality. Fr. DelFra resides in Keenan Hall on the Notre Dame campus. Fr. DelFra has also served as Associate Director for the ACE Program at Holy Redeemer Parish and School in Portland, OR, and as a middle school and high school teacher at Malvern Prep Middle School and High School in Philadelphia. He received his undergraduate and Master’s of Divinity degrees from the University of Notre Dame, and was ordained a Holy Cross priest in 2004.
Register for the Mother-Daughter Paint Party
Dear HSP Community,
Well, it’s been an exciting first few weeks of school and it’s hard to believe that the end of the first quarter is approaching so quickly. It’s been great getting to know all the new students on campus and getting to know the returning ones better.
We had an exciting end to last week in our first annual HSP games house challenge, and the House of Lyons emerged victorious. Our next house event is coming up very soon, and is a house basketball challenge. May the best house win!
I would love to take this opportunity to remind the HSP community of several exciting sporting events that are coming in the near future. Friday, October 13th is the night of the homecoming game. Kickoff begins at 7:30 PM and we hope to see as many of you there as are able to make it. Also fast-approaching are the football and volleyball senior nights, October 21st and 12th respectively. Please come support the senior cougars as they near the end of their sporting careers at Holy Spirit.
God bless, Patrick Schulman Head Boy
There is a swim meeting on Monday, October 2, at 7:00pm in the Upper School library. All swimmers and swim parents are required to attend. Coach Brackin will host a parent meeting and the swimsuit vendor will be on site to size the student athletes.
The inaugural clay targets team competed in its first GISA meet on Saturday, 9/16, at the Tom Lowe Shooting Grounds here in Atlanta. Competing athletes included: Hector Padilla, Nolan Gibbs, Sam Williams, Max Bendig, Jackson King and Micah Gunderson. The results are still being tabulated.
The co-ed team formed after the initial success of a skeet shooting club in the spring, and features students in 8th-12th grade. HSP dad Duncan Gibbs is head coach for the inaugural season.
The team will compete in the following GISA meets this fall:
9/16, Tom Lowe (Atlanta) 9/30, South River (Covington) 10/14, Tom Lowe (Atlanta) 11/11, Forest City (Savannah)
Holy Spirit Catholic Church will host the relics of St. Padre Pio on Tuesday, October 3, from 9:00am– 6:50pm, with a Mass celebrated by Archbishop Gregory at 7:00pm. The parish is expecting massive crowds on campus throughout the day to venerate the relics and have arranged for two police officers to be present throughout the day – one at the entrance of HSP/HSCC on Northside Drive, and one in the parking lot. The parish has also arranged for additional off-site parking with shuttle buses.
The circle drive in front of the Upper School as well as the parking places closest to the Memorial Garden/Preschool playground will be reserved for HSP parents who may be dropping off or picking up students throughout the day. Please consider carpooling that day (insofar as you are able) and be sure to allow extra time in arriving on campus for morning drop off and afternoon pick up.
We also hope that you will take some time to venerate the relics yourself – or to volunteer to assist if your schedule allows. You may learn more at www.hsccatl.com/stpio.
Download the September enrichment newsletter
You know and love HSP, and are set to learn all about Kindergarten at next week's Day in the Life of a Kindergartener. HSP is hosting an Open House for the public on Friday, October 20. If you know someone you think would be a great fit for HSP's kindergarten next year, let them know! You can share the flyer below with your friends, neighbors, and family. Thanks for supporting Holy Spirit Prep!
Mr. Schultz has been hosting a series of coffees by grade, an opportunity for Mr. Schultz to meet with parents, share updates of the school, and hear parent feedback. Our closing earlier this week forced us to reschedule our Kindergarten/Pre-1st and 1st grade coffees for later in the semester!
The Kindergarten/Pre-1st grade coffee is Thursday, October 5.
If you'd like, you can join Mr. Schultz for Mass at 8:15am with your student's class, then enjoy some coffee and conversation in the media center starting around 9:00am.
Some after-school activities are still open for signups, including:
Challenge Island Championship Chess ImagineThat and FutureTech SewFun Studios
See the complete story at 11Alive
Congratulations to freshman Paydn Devine, who was selected in a competitive process to be a delegate to the Girl Scouts' National Council.
The National Council convenes every three years at the National Council Session, and will next meet in October 2017. Composed of delegates elected by each Girl Scout council, the National Council is the governing body of Girl Scouts. Among its responsibilities, the National Council:
Among Paydn's duties at the October meeting in Columbus, Ohio, she will be expected to:
All HSP men are invited to attend the Men’s Club on Monday, October 2nd, for drinks, dinner and a unique presentation on St. Padre Pio’s relics. Our speakers will be Msgr. Dillon and the caretaker of St. Pio’s relics and President and CEO of the Saint Pio Foundation, Luciano Lamonarca. They will discuss personal stories of St. Pio and the Friar who attended to St. Pio, and the miracles the Friar witnessed. The price for dinner is $10 (or, for guys in their 20s, it’s only $5). Gather in McDonough Hall at 6:30 p.m. for drinks and socializing, followed by dinner and the presentation. We will adjourn by 8:15 p.m. Please RSVP online. For questions contact Tripp O’Connor.