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Dear Holy Spirit Prep Family,
As you know, the 2020-2021 Annual Fund campaign officially begins on Tuesday. If you have not already had the chance, we invite you to watch this message from David & Stephanie, our Annual Fund Chairs for 2020-2021.
Each year, Holy Spirit Prep families, faculty, staff, alumni and benefactors support our mission by contributing to the school’s Annual Fund. These gifts demonstrate the community’s commitment to our children and their proper formation. HSP faculty and staff participation in this year’s Annual Fund is already at 100% (parents - we did get a head start on you). We ask every HSP family to participate in the Annual Fund 2020-2021 as well.
Approximately 430 students attend Holy Spirit Prep. It is our hope that every family strives to donate as much as possible towards the Annual Fund for us to be able to achieve our ambitious, but critical goal of raising $400,000 with 100% participation. Funds are utilized to benefit each and every student.
Any grade with 100% Annual Fund participation will earn a week of dress down. Any grade meeting its monetary goal will earn a week of “outside” lunch, chosen by the grade. Class projects are being developed in some grades already to help meet their monetary goals. More information will be coming soon from your Annual Fund grade level representatives with information on monetary goals per grade.
Donation Match Opportunities:
The bulk of Annual Fund donations will offset costs of equipment, supplies, and labor relating to Covid-19. These include cleaning supplies and labor estimated to exceed $120,000 (possibly higher, depending on the progression of COVID-19), and Swivl classroom technology to enhance synchronous education capabilities, which will cost over $60,000. Your Annual Fund gift will allow HSP to respond and adapt as circumstances require to maintain the health and safety of students, faculty and staff, as well as to maintain in-person classes and high quality remote instruction when necessary.
Please consider supporting the Annual Fund 2020-2021 at any one of the following Holy Spirit Prep Annual Fund Giving Levels by October 9, 2020.
25th Silver Anniversary Level:< $25,000 and above Donors will be invited to a Mass and Donor Appreciation Dinner as well as receive a personal invitation from Father Mitch Pacwa S.J. to join the studio audience of his EWTN show, tour the EWTN studio and to dinner. Donors will also receive a hand crafted 25th Anniversary decorative cross
Donoghue Level: $10,000 - $24,999 Donors will be invited to a Mass and Donor Appreciation Dinner and receive a hand crafted 25th Anniversary decorative cross
Donnellan Level: $5,000 - $9,999 Donors will be invited to a Mass and Donor Appreciation Dinner
Dillon Level: $2,500 - $4,999 Donations will be matched by several generous benefactors up to a total of $100,000
The Paraclete Level: $1,500 - $2,499
The Gold Level: $500 - $1,499
The Green Level: $250 - $499
Green Level and above: Donations will be recognized in the Annual Report and on the Holy Spirit Prep website.
All donors receive a prayer card and the gratitude of our HSP family
Annual Fund Spirit Week
Starting on Tuesday, September 22, we will celebrate Annual Fund Spirit Week with a series of activities on all campuses, including:
Make your gift today on the following link: Annual Fund 2020-2021.
I offer you my sincerest thanks. God bless you and your wonderful families!
In Christ, Ed
Follow this link to support Holy Spirit Prep's Annual Fund.
Annual Fund 2020-2021
Thanking you!
Calendar of Events
One Page Academic Calendar
Varsity Volleyball
Varsity Football
On Saturday, September 12, twenty-two of our current eleventh graders received the Sacrament of Confirmation. For these students, this Confirmation was a long time coming. They were originally scheduled to receive the Sacrament in late March of this year, then Covid hit. I spoke to many of the students prior to going virtual last academic year and they were devastated, realizing their Confirmation may be delayed. Nearly six months later to the day when the effects of Covid were realized, these students finally receive the Sacrament they've longed to receive.
The Confirmation Mass was joyful. Bishop Ned, along with Monsignor Dillon, Fr. Juan Hernandez, Fr. John Klein, and Deacon Bill celebrated a beautiful liturgy culminating in the reception of the Holy Spirit in full by our confirmandi. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church highlights, "by the sacrament of Confirmation, the baptized are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. Hence they are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed (CCC 1285)."
A special thanks is extended to the clergy, altar servers, administrators, faculty, staff, and campus ministry team for making this a truly special event in the lives of our students.
As is tradition at HSP, students entering the House system attend a Tying ceremony where they learn what House they have been assigned to and receive their House ties. While today's Tying Ceremony may have been different to years past due to COVID-19, it was still a special occasion for our 5th grade as well as new 6th and 7th grade students as they received their House ties.
Thank you to all that were able to attend this mornings' events. We are so excited for the students that were tied into their Houses, and they are excited too! It was so evident by the smiles on their faces and the excitement that we could feel as they walked out with their new ties and pins.
We look forward to getting started with our House Challenge competitions, to the building of lasting bonds between House mates, and to all of the great opportunities that the House system brings. Not least of which are the leadership roles that are available in our upcoming House leadership elections. We will present this information to the students in the coming weeks. Please encourage them to participate.
Here are some pictures for you to enjoy.
The School Doc Health Profile needs to be completed for your child(ren) this week. Even virtual students need to have this done. If you are still awaiting physical exam appointments, please let the clinic know when to expect these. I am happy to work with you. However, I need all the online information done now. If you have any questions, please contact the clinic clinic@holyspiritprep.org.
Thank you, Beth Daly, CRNP
In an effort to keep parents informed about work their child has due, the Google Guardian feature was enabled in Google Classroom this week for 2nd-12th grade students. This allows parents and guardians to receive weekly email summaries of students’ upcoming work. Parents will have received an email invitation to be a Guardian. Here are some helpful links with information about how Guardian summaries work: How to get email summaries and FAQs.
Please read the following updates to our Remote Learning policies.
Lower School:
The Remote Learning Option in the Lower School will only apply to students who know they are going to be out for 2 or more days, or for students who are opting to stay home for learning for one or more school quarters. Teachers will need at least 24 hours notice in the Lower School to prepare materials for remote learners. Students in the Lower School are required to use their HSP issued technology (iPad K-1, Chromebook in 2-7). HSP issued technology is set up in a way that allows for our teachers and students to easily access school resources and follow along with classroom instructions.
To access their Meet link, students in the Lower School should navigate to their Clever Portal using their HSP Google account credentials, and click on their homeroom teacher’s picture. Clever Portal
Upper School:
The Upper School will offer the Remote Learning option to students who are out sick for any period of time. This might be for one or more days, or for students who are opting to stay home for learning for one or more school quarters. Students in the Upper School are required to use their HSP issued technology in grades 8-9. Students in grades 10-12 may use the device of their choice.
To access their Meet link, students in the Upper School should navigate to the StudentNet using their HSP Google account credentials and click on the Remote Learning Tab:
Please contact Ms. Allison Berry (aberry@holyspiritprep.org) if you have any questions or need assistance in any way.
Holy Spirit Prep's 2020-21 family directory is now available online, through PlusPortals, the online portal for grades. You can also access PlusPortals from Holy Spirit Prep's homepage. Just click on the "Directory" button in the ribbon at the top of the page.
HSP’s Family Directory is compiled from information submitted by each family. It includes contact information for each student and their family, including mailing addresses, preferred phone numbers, and e-mail addresses. If you would prefer some of your information excluded from the directory, you can make those changes by logging into your Plus Portals account, clicking the drop down arrow next to your name at the top, then click “Directory Listing.”
The directory is provided for the exclusive use of the families and faculty of Holy Spirit Preparatory School. This directory is not to be used for any commercial purpose, under any circumstances.
Thank you for your cooperation!
Travel Considerations: The following information regarding COVID-19 from the Georgia Department of Public Health should be considered if your family is planning on traveling in the near future or over Thanksgiving break.
COVID-19 Testing: All tests are not created equal! If you are needing to be tested, please research the type of test you or your child will be taking.
Gold Standard for COVID-19 detection is a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test. This is a nasal swab or possibly a throat swab . Tests are sent to a lab. Results are generally a few days. This test is specific and accurate although is indicative of the virus at the time of testing. You can potentially have a positive PCR test for several weeks after you have had the virus and not be contagious.
Rapid Antigen tests: also a nasal or throat swab and get back results within minutes or hours although sometimes needs to be sent to a lab. The rapid antigen tests are not as sensitive as a PCR test, meaning if negative does not mean you do not have the virus. If you have a negative rapid antigen test, and have been exposed to a positive person or have symptoms, you should get a PCR test within 2 days to follow up. However, the rapid tests are as specific as a PCR test meaning if positive results, you do have COVID.
Rapid Antibody tests: generally a finger prick blood test with results in minutes or can be sent to a lab. There are only 2 FDA approved rapid antibody tests available. All antibody tests reflect PAST infections, not current infections. This is not an accurate test to have done to determine if you have a current COVID infection.
If you have any questions, please email Nurse Beth Daly at clinic@holyspiritprep.org.
Holy Spirit Prep has teamed up with the Ascension Music Academy to provide individual and small group instruction both during and after school, on both the Upper and Lower school campuses. Our instructors will work with each student and to develop a specialized curriculum to achieve their musical goals. Piano lessons start in Pre-Kindergarten and band instruments begin in 4th grade.
If interested, please fill out the registration form below and send it in to your child's music teacher or Front Office of either school. Be sure to sign both sides of the form and list your available times, during and/or after school, so that we may match your child to the instructor's schedule. Upper School students can also schedule before school. Priority scheduling will be given based on the order in which the registrations were received. If paying by cash or check, the registration fee is waived. Please email linsalaca@holyspiritprep.org if you have any questions or concerns.
AMA Registration Form.pd
Show your c-pride at home! Order a yard sign for $20!
Order a Yard Sign
Please join us for A Time to Renew and Strengthen your Marriage retreat given by HSP couples in conjunction with Fr. John and Fr. Juan Pablo. Couples will share their true life experiences of living out marriages in Christ and how we can move closer to God's plan for our marriages.
The retreat is open to all married couples of Holy Spirit Prep.
When: Friday, October 16, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm and Saturday, October 17, from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Where: Lower School Cafeteria
Cost: $40 per couple for food and supplies
Contact: Ruth Sacco at saccor1999@gmail.com or 404 309 3484 to register or for questions.
Space is limited and so register soon.
See HSP Marriage Retreat flyer for more details.
Dear HSP Moms
As Our Lady of Fatima shared "… there is no problem, I tell you, no matter how difficult it is, that we cannot resolve by the prayer of the Holy Rosary.”
Parents are welcome any day to join the HSP Connections Moms to pray the Rosary at 7:55 am, before the 8:15 am Lower School daily masses, either in person or by zoom on the following link.
We will pray for an end to the pandemic as Pope Francis has invited us to, for all the special intentions of each family in the HSP community, and for the most needed, so God fills our hearts with his peace, joy, love, strength, and wisdom as we navigate these challenging times together.
The HSP Connections Moms would love to pray for your special intentions.
Please share any special intentions in person, by zoom, anonymously in the prayer boxes of each HSP campus, or by emailing aracelisg_78@yahoo.com.mx.
Our Lady promised to those who pray the Rosary, to sanctify them with graces, virtues, mercy, and love from Jesus; also, to cause virtue and good works to flourish, to destroy vices, decrease sins, and give special protection, as well as the grace of final perseverance. Prayer is the best gift!
Count on our prayers and God bless you!
HSP Connections Moms
The Upper School and Lower School Used Uniform Store is based at the Lower School in the lower level of the Intermediate Building. You can access the store from the back doors near the side parking lot. There will be signs to indicate when the store is open.
Store Hours for September and October:
All Friday mornings from 8:00 am to 10:00 am
And
Only Wednesdays 9/23 & 10/21 from 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
**All payments must be made by cash or check.
**If you need help and these hours do not work, please contact Ruth Sacco (see below).
DONATIONS: Please donate any and all items that have any type of Holy Spirit Prep emblems or wording to the school store. Do not donate these items to other entities. We sell all uniform items that are within the current uniform code as well as accessories and spirit wear.
Any items that are not able to be sold, will be given to other organizations for use. We work with groups that donate to schools in Africa as well as mission trips to Central and South America or we recycle the items.
We ask that all items be washed and clean before they are donated.
Donations may be left at the front office of the school or dropped off at the store during store hours only.
Questions can be directed to: Ruth Sacco at saccor1999@gmail.com
This year, we are partnering with the Emory Sports Medicine physicians to support our student athletes. They will be offering a weekly injury clinic on Mondays at 6:00pm held in the training room in the Upper School gym.
If your athlete suffers from an injury, please take advantage of this complimentary service!
Varsity Cheer - Mariana Munoz “Mariana has stood out at practice due to her hard work and dedication to learning dances for our half-time performances. She has worked hard to improve her technique and it shows in her dance moves!”
Middle School Cheer - Maddie Van Oss “Maddie is always full of energy at practice and has proven to be a leader of the team by calling cheers at pracitce and always reminding the girls to "spirit" after each cheer!”
Varsity Clay Targets - Adam Marshall "Adam was our top shooter this week by hitting a combined total of 150 out of 175 targets. Adam was also the top shooter in Trap with a score of 87 out of 100. Adam led the way and showed significant improvement and consistency from our last competition."
Varsity Cross Country - Davis Braun “Davis ran a strong 3rd man for our cross country team in the Carrollton meet. He finished strong and good things are ahead.”
Varsity Football - Patrick Radosta “Patrick is a kind young man, but on Friday night, Patrick becomes a hard hitting determined player who wants to win. Patrick has become the leader in making some of the hardest hits on the field. When the play is over, he gives a hand to his opponents. Patrick is sought out after the games by the other team to meet this gentle man who plays the game with all that he has.”
Middle School Football - Dylan Craig "Dylan came out to practice ready to get better. He worked hard on and off the field to help his teammates prepare for upcoming games.”
Varsity Volleyball - Cali Bond “Cali has done a phenomenal job this season. Her ability to play multiple positions has been exciting to watch. She has played setter in a 6-2, middle hitter, and outside hitter. Her ability to adapt to any position is truly amazing!”
JV Volleyball - Mims Hammond “Mims has worked so hard this season, and it has paid off! It's always fun to watch her in our blocking and hitting drills. She worked to get on top of the ball, and now she's our #1 blocker!” Middle School Volleyball - Alitza Trenado “Alitza has proven to be a great leader on our team. During our match on Monday, Alitza stepped up to lead the team to an impressive win. She is always encouraging her teammates and has a natural competitive drive. As I coach, I really appreciate players like Alitza who are always looking for ways to serve her team!”
Previous Cougar Athletes of the Week
September 8-11 Berry Fox - Varsity Cheer Hadley Darby - Middle School Cheer Tyler Baradel - Middle School Cross Country Patrick Radosta - Varsity Football Aram Santillan - Middle School Football Ava Sipos - Varsity Volleyball Betsy Trenado - JV Volleyball Olivia Casal - Middle School Volleyball
August 31-September 4 Bella Sanchez - Varsity Cheer Bella Cusimano - Middle School Cheer Toland Oakhill - Varsity Clay Targets Alejandro Mata - Varsity Cross Country Mac Harlow - Varsity Football Ben Messer - Middle School Football Rachel Meder - Middle School Volleyball
August 21-28 Riordan Gatwood - Varsity Cheer Emil Sacco - Varsity Cross Country Aiden Dirr - Varsity Football Mary Anna Cumbie - Varsity Volleyball Alexia Riley - JV Volleyball Alondra Olguin - Middle school Volleyball
It's time to order your Letter Jacket. Get $25 off for the month of September. The price will go back to the original on October 1. Visit www.neffjacketshop.com, select Georgia, and then select Holy Spirit to order yours today!
Attention all 6th-12th grade students and families: We are getting ready for our winter sports for girls and boys 6-12th grade swimming, girls and boys 6-12th grade basketball, and 6-12th grade cheer. Please fill out this Google form so that we can be sure to communicate important information to you.
Practices officially start Tuesday, October 13! If your son or daughter is currently playing a fall sport, please note that they are not required to attend winter sport practices until their fall season is over. Please do communicate directly with Kristina Wilhelm at kwilhelm@holyspiritprep.org with any questions.
We honored our student athletes last week for accolades earned during the 18-19 school year as well as the 19-20 school year in Varsity Girls Basketball, Varsity Boys Swimming, Varsity Girls Soccer and Varsity Boys Soccer:
18-19 Varsity Girls Basketball State Champions and Region Champions Coach Paul Belcher Laila Baker Paydn Devine Sarah Gregory Asia Bay Jacob Leah Krupczak Erin McGrath
19-20 Varsity Girls Basketball Region Champions Coach Paul Belcher Laila Baker Kaelyn Bannon Paydn Devine Sarah Gregory Asia Bay Jacobs Leah Krupczak
18-19 Varsity Boys Swimming State Champions Coach Star Brackin Luke Farris Jackson Lehmann Adam Marshall Hector Padilla Jacob Wilhelm
19-20 Varsity Boys Swimming State Runner Up Coach Star Brackin Luke Farris Micah Gunderson Jackson Lehmann Adam Marshall Hector Padilla Andrew Olsen Jacob Wilhelm
18-19 Varsity Boys Soccer State Runner Up Coach Sam Walker Adam Ambo Michael Cabrera Mark Casillas Luke Ciprari Ben Cumbie Dylan Delaney Micah Gunderson Tomas Hossain-Aguilar Daniel Jones Dylan Jones Anthony Prentice Dani Ruiz
18-19 Girls Varsity Soccer Region Champions Coach Pete Radosta Olivia Arnold Cali Bond Liv Centola Sarah Warren Davidson Blaire Ecker Berry Fox CJ Hicks Ainsley Hillman Asia Bay Jacobs Sofia Oliver Natalie Olsen Clara Sautre Nicole Southworth
Friendship helps us to see Christ in others and treat others as Jesus would! Saints - John Bosco, Mother Teresa
"People are often unreasonable and self centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the world you best and it may never be enough. Do you BEST anyway. For you see, in the end it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
-Mother Teresa
The Preschool will be starting Virtual Mystery Readers during the week of September 22nd. Each class will send parents a sign up to read virtually to their student’s class. Our classes will love seeing their parents, grandparents, and special friends read to their class! Try to keep it top secret until your day arrives!
ESP is now located in the STEAM Lab. The STEAM Lab is located on the bottom floor of the Intermediate Building. To access ESP, please pull around to our normal carpool side of the building. Our room is the first door to the right which can be accessed from the outside. Everyone can check their student out from this location.
Please note that from the hour of 3:15-4:15 pm, ESP will have an outside activity hour. Following the activity hour, ESP students will return to the STEAM Lab to begin our homework hour. Snacks will be provided during this time.
Hope to see you all there!
Please help us keep the cafeteria chapel and altar beautiful this year by signing up to bring fresh flowers! Click this link to sign up for a week or two!
Flowers can be dropped off at the front desk or can be brought directly to the cafetorium (chapel) if you are attending mass that day.
THANK YOU!
Below are some pictures for you to enjoy.
On Friday, September 25th, The House of Trent will be delivering firewood DIRECTLY to your trunk during afternoon carpool. If you want firewood, come ready - clear a space in your trunk and line it (plastic bags will do) if you want! When you park for carpool, just open your trunk and House of Trent students will bring a load of wood to you and load it in your trunk! Donations accepted in cash, check or by Venmo. The members of the House of Trent are working hard to earn some money which they will then donate back to the school's Annual Fund! Donations will be credited directly to the grade level you specify!
We held our first live-streamed Activity Fair this past Wednesday. We were able to present our four Apostolates and a wonderful collection of different clubs and organizations. This event and many of our flex period competitions will be live streamed regularly throughout the year. If you miss an event don’t worry, you can always watch it later as they are saved on the link below.
Campus Ministries link
Students have been asked to enroll in our Campus Ministry Google Classroom where they can find more information and sign-ups (class code: x5ex3aa).
The Campus Ministry Team will be hosting the 10th grade retreat on campus this Thursday, September 24th from 8:30 AM - 7:30 PM. Please contact Mr. Kilgore (jkilgore@holyspiritprep.org) with any questions or concerns.
On Tuesday, September 29th, we will begin an exciting initiative centered on our Apostolates! Every Tuesday, one of our four Apostolates will gather students who wish to serve in the gym during Cougar Period to help accomplish the goal of the Apostolate. This is a great opportunity for students to serve the needs of others and gather the 25 service hours they need to accumulate each academic year. The service hour form can be found here.
Just a reminder that students are registered as either virtual or in-person students for record purposes.
Any in-person student that is absent from school for any reason, is welcome and encouraged to attend HSP classes virtually if possible. Because the student is not in school, the student will still have to be marked as absent. However, attending class virtually will help the student not fall behind with their classwork. The teachers will keep a record of when a non virtual student attends their class.
All students taking an AP Exam in 2021 must register for the exam by joining the AP Class Section online through their College Board accounts. If you have not already done so and have questions about the process, contact Mr. Reger, the AP Coordinator (mreger@holyspiritprep.org).
If you are taking an AP class online: You still must register for the exam through your College Board account. You need to see Mr. Reger to obtain the join code for the appropriate AP Class Section.
As stated in the Upper School Handbook, the AP Exam is required for all students enrolled in an AP course at HSP (not including online courses through GA Virtual). AP Exams will occur from May 3, 2021 to May 14, 2021. Dates and times for specific exams can be found on the College Board website.
The cost will be $103 for each exam. Please click this link to make your payment. Every student must submit a separate form. Do not combine siblings in the same form. Payment is due by Friday, Oct. 30, 2020. Exam orders submitted to HSP after this date will incur a late fee of $60 per exam.
As we continue to navigate these changing and challenging times, the PVA will keep working to support the school community! While the volunteer opportunities may be different this year, there are still many ways that all parents can be involved and live our school motto of “to serve and not to be served.” Please prayerfully consider volunteering your time in support of our Lower School community, students, faculty, staff and one another.
Check out the Lower School PVA Page and volunteer today!! If you have any questions about volunteering, please reach out to Maria Kichler (mariakichler@gmail.com)
Just click on the Upper School PVA SignUp Genius link to volunteer. Please do not hesitate to contact Cindy Jones Cindy Jones or Christian Riley Christian Riley if you have any questions.
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