STEM’s House System Takes on Charitable Fundraising

Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School students have taken on supporting charitable causes in a friendly house competition. The school introduced the “House System” two years ago. It’s modeled after the Ron Clark Academy.

The STEM school houses will come together in two weeks to discuss and choose a charitable cause to support for the spring season. “Our goal is to show students how they can make a positive impact on our community,” Principal Donna Moro said. “Once students choose a charity, the house competition begins to see which house will raise the most for their charity.”

The house with the largest contribution will earn points bringing them closer to the coveted end of year trophy and the house parade.

At STEM, every student belongs to a house and each house earns points throughout the month for demonstrating qualities like, respect and responsibility. Each month, the winning house earns a house party and at the end of the year a trophy is awarded to the overall winner followed by a parade through the school.

The Ron Clark Academy House System is billed as a “dynamic, exciting and proven way to create a positive climate and culture for students and staff,” according to the organization’s website. “Using RCA’s methods will help your school or district confidently implement processes that build character, relationships, and school spirit. Our guidelines are designed to give you a streamlined framework that can be applied to any type of learning environment.”

To support this spring’s fundraising efforts, STEM students and families will have the opportunity to participate in a community market day. Each house will be given a method of fundraising; either a car wash, bake sale, craft sale or pancake breakfast and on June 1 “our school community will come together to see how much we can raise to help others,” Ms. Moro said. “We are excited to bring civic learning to our students giving them an opportunity to see how they can make a difference and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes from helping others!”