Holy Spirit School’s Open House

Good morning! My name is Sally Douthit. I assumed the role of school principal last July. As we are halfway through the school year now, I am not sure I consider myself “the new principal” anymore!

I have so enjoyed the past months here at Holy Spirit. The staff is amazingly talented, and they infuse each school day with positive energy and a collective mission to work hard, play hard and pray hard. Our parents and families are engaged, supportive and eager to serve in any capacity that benefits the HSS students.

Together, Fr. Ritche, Fr. John, and the parish staff partner with the school faculty and staff to provide an education for students in Pre-Kindergarten through 8th grade that follows the guiding principles of faith, knowledge, and community.

The teachings and traditions of our faith are taught on a daily basis at Holy Spirit School. Not only do students receive religious instruction that follows diocesan standards, but they also participate in school masses every Wednesday morning as lectors, choir members, and musicians. Each class has a set of parents that are trained to lead classes in Project Cornerstone stories and videos that encourage “treating others, the way you want to be treated”. Lessons in empathy, inclusion, appreciation of diversity and conflict resolution help our students care for each other and those they encounter outside of school. Holy Spirit School follows the example set by our parish in serving those less fortunate. Many of our students and families take part in the Texas and Nicaragua missions and serve locally at Sacred Heart and the Second Harvest Food Bank. The Student Council leads the school in various charitable opportunities such as collecting Halloween costumes and pumpkins for children in shelters, and toys for needy children at Christmas. There are also ongoing contributions that come from the middle school Coyote’s Den Service Club. I am continually amazed at the enthusiasm and generosity of our community!

Following the guiding principle of acquiring knowledge, our school prides itself on educating the whole child. Over 98% of our graduates go on to attend one of our Catholic high schools and fine colleges across the country. We offer a robust curriculum of mathematics and algebra, science, reading, literature and writing along with the fine arts: art, music and drama and everyone’s favorite, P.E. After school programs include Spanish, chess, hands-on science, speech and debate, sports teams, band and choir. All students are given iPads to use as learning tools right alongside their textbooks and periodicals.

Our third guiding principle is to partner with families and the parish to incorporate our students into this vibrant, service-oriented community. We believe that everyone is blessed with gifts and talents and that they should be celebrated and shared. It is our way of bringing Christ to everyone we meet.

In closing, I want to invite you all to come and see the wonderful things that are happening every day at Holy Spirit School. Attend our Open House on Sunday, January 29 from 10:30 to 12:30 or schedule a tour of the school to see our teachers and students in action! You are always welcome!