Mcdonnell Elementary School

We are pleased and have no complaints. We so apreciate our childs teachers and everyone who supports them. Thank-you .

In Alabama, crossing guards should not direct traffic when there are no pedestrians present, as their authority is to create a safe gap for children to cross, not to control traffic flow in the absence of pedestrians. While a crossing guard's directions take precedence over traffic signals when they are present, their role is specific to guiding pedestrians, not acting as law enforcement to direct general traffic. A crossing guard's presence indicates there are pedestrians, so drivers should always yield when the guard is in the crosswalk.

My sister, brother and I attended this school from elementary through high school. The school kicked my brother out SENIOR YEAR for “failure to thrive” because he was struggling with the demanding school work. Everyone loved my brother and he was never a trouble maker. The school said he was bringing down their test average so they forced him to leave. My sister who struggled socially and mentally at this school was also asked to leave because they “couldn’t have those kinds of problems at the school.” Her struggles were issues such as not fitting in, feeling like an outcast, not enjoying school, being bullied etc. The school counselor (who was the headmaster’s daughter) did not keep the information my sister shared about her struggles confidential, but instead told her father, the headmaster, about their conversations which led to her dismissal from the school. My sister felt extremely embarrassed and deceived after finally getting the courage to talk to the counselor in hopes to seek support. After attending the school for 5 years and being very involved in activities through the school, we were absolutely shocked to all of a sudden be stabbed in the back. You would think the school would advocate better for their students.

My children graduated from VFCA and now my Grandchildren attend the school. VFCA prepares kids for college but also prepares them to face life after they graduation No school has perfect kids and ours is no exception but what we do have is a staff that helps steer kids to the Lord when they do make mistakes. There are sports for all ages STEM club, Robotics club, and Cyber Technology club. There are Chapel services for all ages (beginning at 4 YO) that teaches the kids to worship and study the Bible. Our theater department is known for the productions they perform, both the Jr. Theater and Master Theater.

I am a new employee of this school. After having worked here for 6 months, I would not hesitate to send my children to school at Holy Spirit. I love that our faith is ever-present, the administration and teachers are caring, the class projects I have seen are fun (a recent 4th grade "wax museum" asked students to research a historical figure, prepare a presentation, and dress up as that person to teach visitors about his/her life and important contributions), the school-wide assemblies relate important information necessary to all citizens (a recent presentation by the first Black person to integrate Alabama schools, a recycling presentation teaching students about the importance of reducing/reusing/recycling, an event centered on military veterans and the importance of their service to our nation)... Most importantly, the children are happy. This year the schools has placed importance on security, and it shows. I whole-heartedly recommend Holy Spirit Regional Catholic School.

We’ve had a great experience at Whitesburg and love the support we’ve had here. My son requires a 504 plan and they’ve been wonderful in helping us reach his goals. His teacher has been great!!