'House System' Fosters New School Spirit at Helen Steiner Rice

A $3,000 grant helps implement Ron Clark Academy program, promoting courage, unity, kindness, friendship

LORAIN—When fourth-grade student Noah Gonzalez stepped up to the sorting wheel at Helen Steiner Rice Elementary School on Friday, October 1, he already had big plans for his future house.

 

"I think by coming to school every day, we can win points as a house. I haven't missed a day this year," he said eagerly.

 

Moments later, the wheel landed on green, the cafeteria exploded in cheers, and Noah joined Isibindi — the House of Courage.

 

Friday was sorting day at Helen Steiner Rice, and in a scene that would have been right at home at the fictional Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry from the "Harry Potter" book series, students were divided into houses to serve as their identities for the rest of this school year. 

 

The Ron Clark House System, brought to life by teacher Brian Thomas with a $3,000 grant from Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, is designed to build character and community. It is inspired by the original program at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta.

 

"When I proposed the house system, our principals were on board from the start," Thomas said, clad orange from head to toe as the head of the House of Onraka. 

 

Assistant Principal Amanda Ward, who implemented a similar program at Lakewood, said she saw the value immediately in how the house system changes a school's culture and was happy to do the same for her students at Helen Steiner Rice. 

 

She is in the House of Amistad. The name "Amistad" is Spanish for "friendship."

 

"I've seen firsthand how a house system transforms a school, Ward said. "It turns everyday moments into opportunities for students to shine."

 

Principal Brittany Brookbank said the house system will foster a sense of belonging and pride. 

 

"We know that a sense of belonging can transform a student's school experience, and this system is designed to do just that," she said. "By sorting our fourth and fifth-grade students into houses representing courage, unity, kindness, and friendship, we're nurturing an environment that celebrates teamwork, positive behavior, and community spirit."

 

That and so much more was on display Friday. As the sorting ceremony unfolded, a student from Amistad House declared it "the best day of his life."

 

Students were assigned their place in the spinning lineup based on alphabetical order. When each student's name was called, they walked to the front of the cafeteria as their classmates cheered them on. Sometimes, they spoke out loud the name of the house they hoped for - as if making a wish to the "magical" sorting wheel.

 

After each spin, they entered a room illuminated with the color of their new house: Onraka (orange), Amistad (red), Isibindi (green), or Nurumari (purple). 

 

The sorting ceremony, despite minor hiccups with the larger wheel, created a sense of magic. Students chanted and cheered for their classmates, turning the event into a moment of school spirit.

 

The enthusiasm was contagious, with students chanting "fly, dragon, fly" each time a new member joined the House of Nurumari or wished for the wheel to land on orange to boost the House of Onraka's numbers.

 

Fifth-grade student Zara Coates, sorted into Onraka, was pumped up from the start.

 

"I'm really excited because our house has good teachers, and we'll do fun stuff," she said.

 

She already envisions showing unity by "uplifting others."

 

For Gianna Ogletree, being in Isibindi is a chance to make a difference.

 

"This will make my school day better because I can help more students and earn points for my house while doing it," she said.

 

Students will learn their houses' histories, languages, and symbols and compete in friendly challenges throughout the year, leading up to a championship party at the end of the year.

 

"We've seen research showing that the Ron Clark House System boosts student attendance, minimizes behavior referrals, and inspires students to support each other," Brookbank said. "Implementing this program means that every student - no matter their background - has a place to belong, thrive, and contribute. I can't wait to see how this impacts our school and strengthens the bonds among our students."