Why House?
Why a House System?
- Houses build community and foster belonging across all grade levels, and provide an opportunity for students to build long lasting relationships outside of their friend group.
- Facilitates meaningful connections between students across grade levels and with adult mentors.
- Offers organized opportunities for social interaction, leadership, and character development.
- Motivates engagement through inter-House competitions and activities
- Built in time weekly for students to take a break from rigorous academic expectations and build interpersonal relationships.
- Opportunity to strengthen existing relationships and develop new relationships with students & adult mentors.
- Built in time weekly for students to learn and practice life and leadership skills, such as planning events, reflecting, working cooperatively, advocating for self and others, prayer, serving others, effective communication, resolving conflict, time management, and follow through.
- Small group Family interactions help prevent students from “falling through the cracks”.
- Diversification of students during events, such as all school Mass provides a comfortable environment while also drawing less distractions from peers and the focus can be on the event.
What are the goals of House?
- Ensuring each student has an adult advocate in their Family Mentor who can get to know the student and provide support, encouragement, and trust through all 4 years.
- Create numerous leadership opportunities for students to serve as leaders, with informal and formal training.
- Deepen student’s engagement and investment in school through events, games, activities, and competitions.
- Strengthen community bonds amongst students regardless of grade level, race, socioeconomic status, personal interests, and individual experiences.
- Provide structured breaks and room for fun in the school day
- Foster mentorship between older and younger students
