Schools that have implemented a House System have found it has a significant impact on the educational experience. The House System provides a cohesive school culture, opportunities for healthy competition, and encourages teamwork and positive student interactions.
All students will be sorted into a house and will remain a member of that House throughout their time at CSJH. Each House will be made up of teachers, support staff, and students in grades 6th through 8th. The diversity in each House affords students an opportunity to collaborate and create friendships across grade levels and interact with staff outside of the classroom setting. At the beginning of the school year, a House sorting ceremony will be held for students new to CSJH. Students who start throughout the school year will be sorted into their House on the Friday following their first day of school.
The House System also provides all students a chance to participate in healthy competition amongst their peers during House rallies, daily actions and behaviors, and other school-wide events. A House competition brings the three Houses together for team-building activities, games, and fun. The Houses will compete against each other in an attempt to earn points for their House. Students can also earn points by displaying extraordinary behavior that aligns with our Houses’ character traits. Points will be awarded by staff members. Points can not be taken away! The goal is for students to learn how to be team players and how they can positively contribute to the House. At the end of each quarter, the House with the most points will be awarded the honor of being the Quarterly House Winner. At the end of the school year, the House that has earned the most points will be the House Champions. Staff members are not limited to giving points to their students; they can award points to any student on campus when the opportunity presents itself. To uphold the integrity of the House system, points should not be awarded simply to inflate the numbers and put a specific House in the lead. A House Points Reference Guide is available to help determine if points should be awarded and how many points should be given.
An important part of the House system is staff involvement. Staff and faculty should be promoting the House system and encouraging students to participate in House events and to show positive behavior and actions. Teachers can get creative and find fun and unique ways to implement the Houses into their classroom.
THE FLOCK
Latin for "perseverance"
Color: Green
Animal: Phoenix
Traits: Excellence & Perseverance
THE WOLF PACK
Innuit for "wolf"
Color: Yellow
Animal: Wolf
Traits: Responsibility & Determination
THE HERD
Latin for "integrity"
Color: Blue
Animal: Moose
Traits: Positivity & Integrity