Over the last three years, Holy Family Cathedral’s School has made a classical turn in its approach to its curriculum and learning. This new approach has been very successful and has gained a lot of momentum. This upcoming school year will be historic for the school as they are preparing to graduate their first class of high school seniors in 64 years!
This year, the school is also preparing to complete its accreditation renewal for Pre-K through eighth grade. In addition, ninth through 12th grade will be a new accreditation at the school. To help with this process, Marlene Brown will be coming on board as the Curriculum Director and Pedagogy Coach. She will be helping to arrange the classical curriculum on paper for the accreditation process, as well as working with the teachers to help them teach the material in a way that fits the classical style of learning.
There are a few other faculty and staff changes that will be taking place this year, as well. Trish Spoerl will be passing on her PE duties to Lizzie Schneider and will be a full-time administrator. In addition, she will continue teaching Theology of the Body.
Lizzie Schneider will be joining Holy Family with a bachelor’s in Microbiology from Oklahoma State University, where she was President of the Students for Life organization. She will be teaching some biology in addition to full-time PE.
Dr. Karen Williams, a longtime parishioner of Holy Family, will be transitioning from teaching part-time to teaching science and math full-time.
Sarah Massell, a second-grade teacher, will be welcoming a new baby and will be on a half-day schedule from August-December. Marlene Brown will be assisting with second-grade classes during this time.
This year, the Martin Guild — the parent association at Holy Family — will be led by Veronica Felzke and Katherine Cox, co-facilitating alongside Tristan McGill, Holy Family’s Events Coordinator. Tristan will be working with the Martin Guild to help implement the events calendar for the school year.
Holy Family Classical School offers a classical education that is centered on Christ. This means that the faith is incorporated into the students’ lives throughout the day.
“Each subject is permeated with a Catholic worldview,” says Dr. Marcel Brown, Head of School. “For example, people often think that math can be areligious. However, Dr. Phil, the math teacher in the high school says, ‘If you can conceive of infinity, first of all, you are the only kind of creature that can do that. Second, you can do that because you are made in the image of an infinite creator.’ Dr. Phil sees the proof of God’s existence in math, and he expresses that in the way he teaches his students.”
In addition to incorporating the faith into each subject, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is offered for ages 3 to 5 (level one) and 6 through 8 (level two). The high school does primary text analysis of classical works such as St. Antony of the Desert, The Confessions of St. Augustine, and other spiritual classics. Mass is offered for the whole school once a week and each grade goes to adoration on Friday.
“The high school also prays the Liturgy of the Hours at the beginning and end of each day,” Dr. Brown says. “This was student-led. They studied The Rule of St. Benedict and decided that as a high school, they should do as the Benedictine Monks do.”
Holy Family Classical School provides a wonderful opportunity for students to integrate the faith into their academic learning. There is a lot to look forward to during the 2023-24 school year! The first major event will be the Drexel Gala on Sept. 30, at 6 p.m. This is the school’s only fundraiser. Also, mark your calendars for our school and parish picnic on Oct. 1 at Camp Loughridge. Check the bulletin for me details. We hope to see you there!
You can always support the school through your prayers. If you are interested in getting involved, contact Tristan McGill at tmcgill@tulsacathedral.com.