Inspired by Ridgewood Elementary’s first year of using the House System during the 2024-2025 school year, Oak Ridge decided to create their own House System to continue building school pride and create deeper connections between the students and staff.
“We want every student and staff member to feel a true sense of belonging. With such a large school community, it’s important that every child has a “home base” where they are known, supported, and celebrated—not just within their classroom, but across grade levels and throughout the entire school,” said Oak Ridge Principal Jacy Roberson.
Each of the eight Houses signifies a specific trait or core value and is assigned its own color and animal: Quantam - Respect, Wolf, Pink, Reveur - Responsibility, Bear, Orange, Compassio - Compassion, Elephant, Light Blue, Conatus - Grit, Rhino, Teal, Integritas – Integrity, Lion, Purple, Sollevare - Positivity, Dolphin, Yellow, Determinatio - Determined, Turtle, Green, and Isbindi - Courage, Eagle, Red.
Earlier in the school year, staff received their House assignment to begin planning cheers and to build excitement among the students. During the House Sorting Party last week, all 600+ students in pre-k through 5th grade drew at random one of the eight Houses that they will call home.
“We will have House Parties each six weeks. These are meant to be fun lessons that focus on one of the eight traits and how our kids can exemplify that each day,” said Oak Ridge Dyslexia Therapist Alison Dailey. “On house party days we will wear our house colors. We will also have a house rally each semester that is just a fun pep rally.”
Once assigned a House, the student and staff members will stick with that House the entire time they are at Oak Ridge. Principal Roberson, this helps the students connect and build lasting relationships throughout their years at Oak Ridge. She hopes the House celebrations will not only build school spirit but also grow a culture where everyone knows they are valued.
“Our goal is to build teamwork, strengthen relationships, and connect character lessons directly to positive behavior, attendance, and academics,” said Roberson. “The House System provides a structure for us to intentionally teach and reinforce life skills such as respect, responsibility, perseverance, and kindness in a way that is both fun and meaningful. It also allows us to recognize and celebrate the growth and achievements of our students collectively, not just individually.”