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When Thursday, June 6 • 6:00pm Where Studio Theatre at City Springs (1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328)
The City of Sandy Springs will host another public meeting regarding our campus plan on Thursday, June 6, at 6:00pm in City Hall. This is a new date: the city originally scheduled the meeting for June 3, but rescheduled in anticipation of a large crowd.
Holy Spirit Prep needs your vocal support at this meeting! Please plan to attend the meeting and to speak, even briefly, in support of the school's plan. We encourage you to wear green as a visible sign of support.
An Open Letter from the Head of School Head of School Mr. Pietrantonio published an open letter in the Northside Neighbor this month responding to criticism from opponents of the campus plan. You can read the open letter here.
Sign the Public Comment Form The City of Sandy Springs is collecting public comments on our campus plan. Please have each person in your household - as appropriate - complete the public comment form in support of the plan.
We've extended the initial deadline to register for summer camps to today, May 15!
After today, we will remove camps will low registration, and re-open registration for the remaining camps. Registration for camps will be available all summer.
Congratulation's to Holy Spirit Prep's Class of 2019, the fourteenth graduating class of Holy Spirit Prep! This year's graduates celebrated all of the traditions of graduating from our school: signing the Matricula, descending the spiral staircase, Baccalaureate Mass celebrated by Bishop Schlesinger, and Commencement. This year's commencement speakers were co-valedictorian Watson Casal; co-valedictorian Mikayla Brown; and faculty speaker Mr. Thomas Cole, Theology Department Chair.
Archbishop Donoghue Award is awarded in recognition to the graduating senior who has accumulated the highest number of service hours throughout their high school career. The award recipient’s name will be added to the perpetual crystal trophy and he or she will receive a personalized trophy. The 2019 recipient is Elizabeth Pérez.
Atlanta Journal Constitution Cup is awarded to the senior who has achieved excellence in academics while putting forth an extra effort in leadership in both school and community activities. The award recipient receives a personalized trophy. The 2019 recipient is Morgan Wright.
The Eagle Scout Award (Boy Scouts of America) and the Gold Award (Girls Scouts of America) is given to those scouts who have accomplished a series of scouting benchmarks, including a culminating community service project requiring a wide scope of planning, volunteer recruitment, and development. The Boy Scouts report that only about 7% of Boy Scouts are named Eagle Scouts. Likewise, only about 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts are awarded the Gold Award. In earning these awards, these scouts join a society whose roster includes US Presidents, First Ladies, astronauts, and Nobel Prize winners. Our 2019 recipients are: Watson Casal, Emma Daly, Olivia Ford, Sarah Gunderson, Regina Muñoz, Anna Neligan, Megan Turpin, and Morgan Wright.
STAR (Student Teacher Achievement Recognition) is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators Foundation and honors a top academic senior in each participating Georgia High Schools. The school’s nominated student is the senior with the highest score in one sitting of the SAT. That student then chooses a teacher who he or she believes demonstrates a commitment to excellence in education to honor as well. The award recipient receives a certificate and is honored at a breakfast with community leaders in February. The 2019 recipient is Watson Casal.
On Friday, May 3, the class of 2019 participated in the third annual Senior Pennant Ceremony and hung their pennants to signify their college destinations for next year. The 51 students in the graduating class have received acceptances to over 80 colleges and over $2.7 million in scholarship offers. Our students have again proven competitive across all types of universities: From into Ivy League universities, Catholic colleges, and small liberal arts colleges to large research public universities.
The Class of 2019's College Acceptances * indicates that a student intends to enroll in this school
Agnes Scott College* University of Alabama* University of Alabama, Birmingham American University University of Arizona Auburn University* Bard College* Baylor University* Belmont University* Berry College University of California, Berkeley* University of California, Davis University of California, Santa Cruz Carson-Newman University University of Central Florida Centre College Clemson University* Coastal Carolina University University of Colorado, Boulder Connecticut Central State University* University of Connecticut Cornell University* Daemen College University of Dallas University of Denver Elmira College Elon University* University of Florida Florida Atlantic University Florida State University* Georgia College* University of Georgia* Georgia Institute of Technology* Georgia Southern University Georgia State University* University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign* Indiana University* University of Iowa Kennesaw State University* University of Kentucky* Le Moyne College Long Island University, Post Louisiana State University Loyola Marymount University Loyola University Maryland Loyola University of New Orleans Mercer University Miami University of Ohio Middle Georgia State University Mississippi State University Missouri State University University of Michigan University of Mississippi* University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill* University of North Carolina, Charlotte North Carolina State University University of North Georgia* Oglethorpe University University of Oklahoma Pepperdine University Reinhardt University* Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rollins College* University of San Francisco Santa Clara University SCAD Seton Hall University* Sewanee: University of the South Syracuse University United States Merchant Marine Academy* University of Scranton University of South Carolina* University of Tennessee* Texas Christian University Texas State University Valdosta State University Villanova University Virginia Tech* Virginia Wesleyan University* West Virginia University Wofford College Xavier University
Co-Valedictorians Pursuing Science in the South Mikayla Brown and Watson Casal not only tied for the highest GPAs in the Class of 2019, but they also had stellar options when making their college decisions. Both students were looking for a large school environment where they could fully pursue their interests in science. Mikayla was drawn to the University of South Carolina for their Capstone Scholars program. She chose USC over in-state option UGA and other significant scholarship options around the southeast.
Though Watson Casal had options to pursue engineering in every direction around the country—the University of Michigan, NC State, Clemson, and full scholarships at dozens of schools thanks to his National Merit Finalist status—he was drawn to Midtown Atlanta for one of the best engineering programs in the country at Georgia Tech.
Head Boy and Head Girl Destinations Haben Tijar dreamed of heading west to the state where she was born, California. Haben was thrilled to receive acceptances all over the state and eventually chose to attend the University of California at Berkeley, the school with the most emblematic nickname of her college search, “Cal.” She is our second Head Girl in a row to go to a University of California campus for college.
Conner McKittrick will continue HSP’s strong legacy of sending graduates to appointments at our country’s five service academies. With a love of the water, Conner has chosen to attend the United State Merchant Marine Academy. From there, he will be able to commission as an officer into any branch of the military. You can also look for him on the field representing the Mariners in football!
Posse Scholarship As our first Posse Scholar from Holy Spirit Prep, CeDaniel Sumpter made it through three rounds of exceptionally competitive interviews to be one of 10 students from Atlanta who will attend Bard College in New York on this full-tuition scholarship. Bard is a prestigious liberal arts school in Annandale-on-Hudson, NY.
Georgia Tech and UGA Success Holy Spirit Prep students continue to excel in admissions to our state’s flagship institutions. 76% of students who applied to UGA were accepted this year (compared to 45% overall) and 38% were accepted to Georgia Tech (compared to 19% overall).
The Office of College Counseling works closely with our high school students and their families to find the best college fit for each student. Director of Academic and College Counseling Ashley Meyer is to you with any questions or needs you may have.
Congratulations to the House of Nicaea, who won the 2018-19 Olympiad Cup and House Day. The student members of the House of Nicaea, through acts of service, kindness, and House competition, earned more House points than members of any other House this school year, granting them the Olympiad Cup. After the final challenge, a hybrid of capture the flag with water balloons, the House of Nicaea defeated the House of Chalcedon and claimed the title of House Day champions!
The House of Nicaea banner will hang over the entrance of the Liberal Arts building next school year in commemoration of their victory.
In partnership with George's International Tours, Monsignor Dillon is leading a pilgrimage to the Holy Land from November 9-19, 2019.
Download the trip brochure and reservation form
The 11-day pilgrimage includes visits to the Sea of Galilee, Capernaum, Nazareth, Jericho, Bethlehem, and Jerusalem. It is suitable for children ages 10 and older.
Middle School and Varsity Cheerleading (6th-12th grade girls) Please contact Coach Morgan at morgan.gallagher@holyspiritprep.org for more information.
Clay Targets (8th-12th grade boys and girls) The 2019 varsity clay targets team will begin official practices and competition starting in August 2019. Everyone of all skills are invited to join. Please contact Coach Bendig at davidbendig@att.net for more information.
Cross Country (6th-12th grade boys and girls) Practice begins Thursday, August 1st at the Upper School Please contact Coach Illya Gonzalez at igonzalez@holyspiritprep.org for more information. Middle School and Varsity Football (6th-12th grade boys) Football summer workouts will begin June 3rd at the Upper School. Workouts will be Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00am-10:30am. Please contact Coach Evans at kevans@holyspiritprep.org for more information.
JV/Varsity Volleyball (8th-12th grade girls) Tryouts are Wednesday, July 31st-Friday, August 2nd at the Upper School. Girls should be there every day to give the best ability for the coaches to evaluate. Please contact Coach Damien Scott at dscottvb10@gmail.com for more information.
Middle School Volleyball (6th/7th grade girls) Tryouts are Monday, August 12th-Thursday, August 15th at the Lower School. Girls should be there every day to give the best ability for the coaches to evaluate. Please contact Coach Tonnie Lentz at tlentz@holyspiritprep.org for more information.
The Preschoolers had a blast celebrating their last days of school before summer break! At field day, we had so much fun splashing around and soaking up the sun. Our students even performed a totally tubular surfer dance for their parents to conclude the day!
On the last day of school, the Lower School honored several students for academic and spiritual excellence.
The Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Award and the St. Agnes Award are given to 7th grade students, one boy and one girl, who have exemplified piety and devotion above all else. This year, these awards were given to Jose Villazon and Brooke Guillaume, respectively.
Duke TIP identifies students across the United States who have scored at or above the 95th percentile on a grade-level achievement test.
Tyler Baradel Kian Jessop Ariana Lajara Myles Maurer Nicholas Plachy Isabella Robledo Lucas Robson Joshua Weaver Lauren Wilhelm
The Presidential Excellence Award is awarded to students who have earned a final average of at least 90% in every subject for the school year. Eligible students will have attended Holy Spirit Prep for the entire school year.
4th Grade Tyler Baradel Camila Castellanos-Mora Isabella Cusimano Sofia De Castro Roman Donner Ariana Lajara Logan Lanier Raeanne Marcoot Myles Maurer Sabrina Munoz Isabella Robledo Emma Shurman Daniel Villazon
5th Grade Sylvia Anulewicz Ciara Berggren Caroline Black Jude Brown Sophia Cardillo Olivia Casal Alexis Coury Addison Cunningham Elizabeth del Mazo Madeleine Hathorn Cullen Hillman Solyana Ketema Madelyn Neff Victor Onuoha Aracel Ramirez-Sanroman Joseph Reger Lily Schmidt Alexander Valenzano Madeline Van Oss Lauren Wilhelm
6th Grade Grayson Ciprari Reese Hillman Pierce Hughey Kelly Kerew Joseph Lee Tristen Lewis Graeme Marshall Mary Meyer Martin Grace Novascone William Oyler Michelle Sande Adam Young
7th Grade Cannon Alsobrook Robert Braun Vincent Casal Luke Coury Richard Donner Brooke Guillaume Ella Johnston Reagan Neff Ulises Ramirez-Sanroman Natalie Schultz Isaac Summers Senah Tesfamariam Jose Villazon
The Presidential Achievement Award is awarded to students who have earned a final average of at least 80% in every subject for the school year. Eligible students will have attended Holy Spirit Prep for the entire school year.
4th Grade Casen Bosseler Matthew Cabrera Evan Craig Felipe Durand Evelyn Labbe Avery Lanier Carter Schwalb Maddox Warren Joshua Weaver Jackson Willis
5th Grade Edwards Durham Kate Johnston Jacob Kowalzyk Bradley Magnusson Jacqueline Mitts Alexander Nerbonne Nicholas Plachy Luke Stenglein Sebastian Tomay Samuel Yates
6th Grade Soliyana Amsalu William Campbell Dylan Craig Luke Craig Bridget Durham Dillon Harrington Christian Harrison Keira Jessop Alexander Jozefowicz Anthony Lombardi Raquel Marcoot John Masterson Charles Sturgeon Yuliana Villanueva
7th Grade John Middelthon Andrew Olsen Ndiya Onuoha Marlyn Pineda Sarah Pineda Dominick Plachy Jackson Sacco Cuahutli Santillan Matthew Sayers Betsabe Trenado-Bautista Brady Van Oss
Summer reading and assignments are posted below and on our summer reading and assignments webpage for students in grades K-7.
Kindergarten/Pre-1st Grade June • July • August 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade
Summer STREAM Challenge (1st-4th)
Summer Math Work Options Students have the choice to complete either the summer math packet or 24 lessons in Dreambox. Each lesson should take a student about 5-10 minutes. You can access Dreambox online or download the app and use the school code "yq78/tz5k" to login.
5th Grade Summer Math Packet 6th Grade Summer Math Packet 7th Grade Summer Math Packet
We will be using a new school supply provider, EPI, for the 2019-20 school year. To order from EPI, follow the link below and use our school code "HOL067".
Click here to order an EPI school supplies kit
Summer reading and assignments are posted below and on our summer reading and assignments webpage for students in grades 8-12.
YouChoose YouChoose Suggested Reading
8th Grade English 8
9th Grade Literature of the Western World Accelerated Literature of the Western World
10th Grade American Literature Accelerated American Literature
11th Grade Advanced Composition
12th Grade British Literature
AP Biology AP Calculus AB AP Chemistry AP English Language AP English Literature AP Psychology (no summer assignment) AP Statistics AP US Government AP US History
When Thursday, June 6 • Friday, June 7 • 11:00am-2:00pm Where Upper School
We need lots of volunteers for the Used Book Sale on June 6-7 from 11:00am to 2:00pm. Volunteers who commit three hours may shop during the faculty/staff pre-sale on Wednesday, June 5 - ONE DAY EARLY!
Volunteer for the Used Book Sale
Interested in a Win-Win-Win?
Win One Donate your used and outgrown uniforms and get them out of your closets.
Win Two Purchase used uniforms from the Used uniform sale to outfit your student at greatly reduced prices compared to new uniforms.
Win Three Proceeds from the sale support the PVA in providing events and support to students and teachers.
The sale will be in Room 123, and will be self-serve (so bring your checkbook to pay). If you need assistance, please contact Dede Casal at adolphcasal@comcast.net to arrange for personal service.
PLEASE donate ALL uniform items, even those being discontinued. We will donate them to the Uniform Project, a nonprofit in Atlanta that sends school uniforms to schools in Africa and South America for use there.
Volunteers needed! Are you a student or parent interested in volunteering with the uniform sale? Are you available the week of June 10-14 to help set up the sale? Contact Dede Casal at adolphcasal@comcast.net to volunteer your time!
When Saturday, June 8 • 7:00am Where St. Andrew Catholic Church
The 10th annual River Run for Hope 5K/10K/1-mile takes place on the very popular, mostly flat, certified course along the scenic Chattahoochee River in late spring. The chip-timed race starts with a special blessing and finishes with great crowds motivating you to sprint to the finish line. It's one of Georgia's top races.
The River Run for Hope supports the Ghana Friendship Project, which aims toward ending world-wide poverty by focusing on funding health, medical, educational and social programs for the people of Ghana.
Register for the River Run for Hope
When Friday, June 21 • Saturday, June 22 Where Georgia International Convention Center
Archbishop Gregory, Bishop Shlesinger, and Bishop Konzen invite you to join them at this year’s Eucharistic Congress, June 21-22 at the Georgia International Convention Center. This year’s event features a Middle School track, dynamic speakers and lots of opportunities for spiritual enrichment, including Eucharistic Adoration and Confession.
Be energized by music, inspired by dynamic speakers and fellowship with other Catholics around the archdiocese! For more information, please visit congress.archatl.com.