Student-first approach to creating a better learning environment
Foster skills that will continue for a lifetime: mentorship, leadership…
Parent, teacher, administration involvement in building community
Creates an environment that builds character, acceptance, & growth
Q: Will I be in my house throughout the day?
A: No you are in your house the first 20 min of every day in a positive advisory
period.
Q: Will my incoming 6th grader be intimidated by 7th and 8th graders?
A: Quite the opposite. The House system is designed to foster inclusion
monitored and lead by a faculty advisor.
Q: What happens if a grade level has a field trip?
A: If the 8th graders and 8th grade teachers leave campus, the Houses with an 8th
grade faculty mentor will be redistributed among the other Houses.
Q: What about pep rallies?
A: Students assemble by grade level, not Houses.
Q: What about lunch in cafeteria and courtyard?
A: 6th and 7th grade students sit in the cafeteria by grade level. Eighth grade
students will continue to enjoy the privilege of lunching in the courtyard with
no change.
Q: Do Houses take place in homerooms?
A: Yes, with a faculty advisor present to guide activities.
Q: If siblings are in the same House is there the possibility of sibling clashes?
A: The goal of same House siblings is to create a sense of family participation,
excitement, and House pride that will last generations. Many of our students are second-generation SMS.
Q: So the goal is for 7th and 8th graders to help 6th graders to adapt to life in
Middle School as role models?
A: Yes, that is exactly the goal!
Q: Do they lunch together?
A: Nothing changes in lunch-time privileges for grades.
Q: I am worried that my 6th grader will pick up language and mannerisms of older
students.
A: A faculty member will be in the House at all times providing supervision and
guidance. The 20 minute House period is well structured. This contrasts to the
average hallway passing period where students are more likely to have more
negative interactions when relationships have not been built and strengthened
by the House system.
Q: How many houses will there be?
A: 12 - One for each homeroom in 6th through 8th.
Q: How many students will be in each house?
A: About 20.
Q: Will students be allowed to switch houses?
A: No. The very goal of the House System is to break through typical cliques that
arise in Middle School
Q: What are Focus Circles?
A: Focus Circles are used to develop relationships, build community, and respond
to conflicts and problems.