Successful Start for House Program at Jack Abrams School

Jack Abrams STEM Magnet School’s “House” program is off to a successful start. The school introduced the “House System” several years ago. It’s inspired by a program at the Ron Clark Academy.

Why a House System? Principal Donna Moro pointed to several reasons:

• Setting universal expectations for all students

• Positive reinforcement

• Creating a culture of belonging

• Encourages character building

• Setting norms for healthy competition

At STEM there are four “houses,” including Amistad, Altruismo, Isibindi and Reveur. Every student belongs to a house and each house earns points throughout the month for demonstrating qualities such as leadership, compassion and honesty, academic achievement, above and beyond thinking and listening, compliments from teachers and staff and demonstrating the school’s monthly character trait.

Altrusimo is known as the House of the Givers while Amistad is the House of Friendship. Isibindi is the House of Courage and Reveur is the House of the Dreamers.

This year’s House Ambassadors include:

Amistad: Olivia Witchell, Andy Ticas Prado, Aaden Dowling, Sydney Tucchillo Alternate: Amira Ingram

Altruismo: Phoebe Cohn, Valentina Carreccia, Matthew Marsala, Abby Moreira Alternate: Kellen Sulinski

Isibindi: Don’te Parker, Lindsay Oh, Emily Hiscox, Thomas Everham Alternate: Taylor Merrell

Reveur: Piper Savatta, Poppy Carey, Nick Schloss, Efrain Molina Baptista Alternate: Briana Funes Torres

There are weekly announcements of the house that earned the most points and student shout-outs. The winning house gets a house party each month. There’s a “House Hero” awards assembly. The house that compiles the most points for the year gets its name affixed to the House Cup as well as a parade around the school in its honor.

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.”