The Houses

Video for Parents on the Ron Clark House System

The House System at Upland Junior

The house system is a conglomeration of four individual houses (Altruismo, Amistad, Isibindi, and Reveur)  that make up the Upland Junior High learning community.  Each house will be made up of a heterogeneous mixture of transitional kindergarten through sixth-grade students, staff, and families.  The houses will be supportive communities that learn, grow, encourage, and celebrate together.  All houses will be led by adult and student leaders, and have the active support of their families and the local community.  Houses will meet regularly throughout the year for house meetings, celebrations, and service opportunities.  All four houses will also gather as a whole school community for unity pep rallies and spirit days.  

The house system promotes a sense of belonging by creating smaller communities within the larger school environment.  This fosters a sense of belonging and identity among students.  Being part of a house gives students a group to identify with, which can enhance their overall school experience and motivation.

Students within each house work together on various activities, projects and competitions, fostering collaboration and teamwork skills.  This can help shy or introverted students feel more comfortable participating in group activities and forming relationships.

Our house system will provide leadership opportunities for our students.  Each of the four houses will have leaders.  As they take on responsibilities for their house's success, leaders will strengthen their communication, organization and problem-solving skills.  

Houses will compete against each other in various academic, sporting, and cultural events, promoting friendly competition and school spirit.  This will motivate students to excel academically and participate in extracurricular activities while also fostering sportsmanship and respect for others.

Our house system will incorporate reward systems for positive behavior, such as earning points for academic achievements, acts of kindness, or exceptional conduct.  This incentivizes students to exhibit positive behaviors and encourages a supportive and inclusive school culture.

Students within each house can serve as mentors or role models for younger students, providing guidance, support, and encouragement.  This mentorship dynamic encourages positive relationships between students of different ages and creates a supportive network within the school community.

Our houses will be organized to include students from different backgrounds, abilities, and interests, promoting diversity and inclusion within the school community.  This allows students to appreciate and learn from each other's unique perspectives, experiences, and talents.

The house system promotes a sense of belonging, encourages collaboration and teamwork, develops leadership skills, and celebrates diversity and inclusion.  These attributes contribute to a positive school culture and enhance students' social and emotional development.