Whether you currently have a middle school student or not, we hope that you have felt the new excitement coming from the middle school students, teachers, and staff this school year! From the selection of Student House Leaders to the introduction of fun monthly competitions, there have been many fun changes that have fostered a stronger sense of community among students. If you are unsure about the House System, and have some questions, here are some frequently asked questions.
1. What is the House System and why do we have it at APS?
The House System is a way to unite students across grades 6-8th while bringing a spirited and fun culture to the middle school. Students are divided into 3 houses: Bellewood, Evergreen and Ridge. Each student receives their House assignment when entering 6th grade and remains in that House through their 8th grade year. Each student will receive a new House Shirt at the start of each school year during Middle School.
2. How are students selected for their Houses?
House assignments are made by the APS Administration when incoming 6th grade students are assigned to their home rooms. Students assigned to Mrs. Crouch, Mrs. Weyhing homerooms are members of Bellewood House. Students assigned to Mrs. Lamoreux, Mrs. Sloan, and Mrs. Just home rooms are members of Evergreen House. Students assigned to Mrs. Johnston, and Mrs. Cheyne’s home rooms are members of Ridge House.
3. Do they remain in the same Houses for their three years of Middle School?
Yes. Once students have been assigned to a House they will remain in that House for the duration of Middle School.
4. Are siblings guaranteed to be placed in the same House?
No.
5. What do the Houses do? When do they meet or get together?
We hold monthly competitions for the Houses to come together. We also come together during some field trips and Pep Rallies.
6. Do the Houses have mascots or colors associated with them?
Yes! The Bellewood Bears are blue, the Evergreen Crocs are green, and the Ridge Raptors (short for velociraptors) are purple. Each House also has a logo as seen below. Students will receive a new House shirt in the appropriate color at the beginning of 6th, 7th, and 8th grades and will have an opportunity to purchase additional items through the House Store when APS Spirit Wear is offered.
7. Do students have leadership opportunities in the House System?
Yes! This is one of the many reasons that APS has embraced this program for our Middle School! Student House Leaders (two per House) are elected at the end of each school year (7th/8th) and end of trimester 1 (6th) Student government meets as an elective course to develop the monthly competition ideas/plans, voice feedback from their peers, and act as liaisons between the students and the administration.
8. Is there a points system?
Yes. Students earn points individually that also accumulate toward their House total. The House that accumulates the most points during each school year is the winning House for that year.
9. Do students earn points individually or as a House?
Both! During monthly competitions students can earn points for their House as a group if they win. However, there are plenty of opportunities for students to earn points individually that also accumulate towards their House’s total points. Students can do things such as attend APS sports and cheer on their classmates, community service, or demonstrate leadership at school to earn individual points. For a full list on eligible points opportunities please click here.
10. Is there a House Trophy or Cup?
Yes! The winning House will be recognized at the end of each school year and have their name and school year listed on a plaque displayed in the Middle School.
11. What can students use their individual points for?
To “purchase” items in the House Store. Items can be small merchandise or candy, or can be experience items such as Lunch Fast Passes (skip the line), Homework Passes, etc.
12. What types of things can students do to earn points for themselves and/or their House?
Any adult in the school building can give students points when they see them exhibiting the big three! Students will also compete in monthly competitions for house points.
13. Is there a House Store or place that students can purchase additional House merchandise?
Students can “purchase” some smaller merchandise items through the points they earn in the House Store. They are also able to purchase House items from the APS Spirit Wear store.
14. Who are the teacher leaders representing each House?
Bellewood: Crouch, Weyhing, Whitlock
Evergreen: Sloan, Lamoreux, Jones
Ridge: Just , Johnston, Giesting