Holy Spirit School

"Allthat is required for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing"...many good people have tried to do something, unfortunately, they are not being listened to. It is disturbing to see how an intruder can come into our community and completely change the landscape of the school. Even more disturbing that parents and staff don't feel heard by the priest.
--Submitted by a parent

Clearly a tough time at this school, and the children are the ones suffering. What is undeniable is that there are fantastic teachers leaving again this year - for the third or fourth year in a row. That's not a favoritism issue or a "parent" issue - that's a management issue, and it is directly tied back to the current administration. It's unfortunate that the joy, enthusiasm and dedication to a positive Christian and Catholic education is being drained from this school. The parents, the parish community and most of all the students deserve better.
--Submitted by a parent

If you are so unhappy, quit complaining and go somewhere else! Very Christian attitudes on here...how disgusting. As far as the pastor is concerned...no, he does not cater to some of the high-maintenance parents that are overly involved. He trusts his teachers and the principal; remember, they have the degrees in Education , not us!
--Submitted by a parent

I have had several children go through this school over the last 12 years, and have seen some very serious, and detrimental changes. The 7th and and 8th grade classes have always been lacking good teachers, with the exception of one, and our kids are the ones that suffer. The Parish is a great one, but the school is sub par. I have seen 4 principals in this time, and I have heard nothing but complaints about the current bully in charge. We have had a couple great candidates apply for the position of Principal, only to be passed over, and they are now being appreciated at other Parishes. Great Parish! great People, but the school is out of control, and behind with their curriculum!
--Submitted by a parent

Run as fast as you can away from this school - the good teachers are leaaving and the church administration seems powerless to stand up to the principal. It's not a good environment for learning and your children can do better at the great public schools in the area.
--Submitted by a parent

We love, love, LOVE Holy Spirit Catholic School! Our children have grown in their love of learning and in their faith because of the wonderful staff and administration. Our children are constantly being encouraged to do their best while being challenged to reach new levels of success. We could not be happier with our experience in this loving and supportive community. We feel blessed every day to have joined this fantastic school and parish!
--Submitted by a parent

Don't let the good test scores fool you - that and and the community of families are the ONLY good things about this school. Since coming in 2-3 years ago, the principal has waged a campaign to chase away talented, experienced educators and fill the teaching positions with unimaginative, uninspired teachers who will not stand up to her craziness. She has obsessed over test scores to the detriment of our children's development, and has cost them many opportunities to grow and enjoy their elementary and "middle" school years. She manages by intimidation and fear, makes no attempt to "work" with the families
--Submitted by a parent

I too disagree with the 3/1/11 posting. Our children have been part of the Holy Spirit school community for the last 13 years and will continue for several more years. We have been very happy with the catholicism, leadership, staff and the community in general. This is one of the most supportive communities around. As parents, we have always felt welcome at Holy Spirit school. Bear in mind that some parent's get disgruntled when things don't go their way and angry/defensive when issues (esp regarding their children) are appropriately brought to their attention. The current principal is professional, experienced, financially sound, on top of all the issues - She cares about our children. She's the type of leadership/management this school needs.
--Submitted by a parent

I disagree with the 3/1/11 post on Holy Spirit. This school is exactly the opposite of locking parents out. The school, administration, and teachers welcome parent involvement....and I am not citing gala or fundraising, etc. Teachers & admin welcome parent-school collaboration and participation in their children's growth & education. The church has a fantastic priest and admin; the school has a cohesive group of veteran teachers with new faculty that have brought in positive energy and ideas. And the principal is doing a good job leading the school; one who is always actively involved with the children and parents. I would remark to the 3/1 post that if parents with problems feel as if they get no where with the principal, they might ask if the principal is in the position to change what they're requesting; and if its for the good of the school (the students) as a whole or just a select group. Holy Spirit is an award winning school with a strong and supportive community employing superb faculty, some of the best Ive witnessed in my years of education. This school is fun, supportive and uplifting for the children. It wants parents to volunteer to be involved with the school.
--Submitted by a parent

Nothing has changed with the attitude of the "new" principal. Parents are still locked out. So much so that the parents association are attempting to address the issue by going to the principal with an action plan. That says alot if they have to do that! Parents with individual problems feel like they get nowhere when going to the principal. Many families are trying to "ride it out" the last few years until their child graduates. Survey the 7th & 8th graders & get an earful of their opinion of the administration. I hope this doesn't have a long term affect on their commitment to the Catholic faith. The whole situation is very sad & hopeless. Unfortunately, money is king. The principal is supposedly good with the budget. But what about everything else??
--Submitted by a parent