After one semester, North Central’s house system is beginning to show how it’s reshaping student life, from convocations to wearing house shirts and everyday hallway interactions.
There are four houses in the house system: ruby, diamond, quartz and obsidian. There are 32 total leaders across all four groups.
“Being a house leader because I get to help make decisions and help provide a perspective from students, not just teachers trying to play silly games. We can include actual fun activities that I know students actually enjoy,” Obsidian house leader, Finn McMahan, said.
According to students, the house system has encouraged greater involvement and made school activities more enjoyable.
“It encourages students to get more involved around the school, and not only that it encourages students to participate in activities. It also adds a lot more fun into the school environment,” McMahan said.
Students say they are noticing changes, too. Many enjoy meeting peers from different grade levels, building new friendships, and taking part in house activities that build a sense of community around the school.
“I like how you can interact with other students from different grade levels and build new friendships with students. I also like the activities we do in house huddles, they make class more enjoyable,” sophomore Ben Kremer said.
Students have made it clear that the house system makes them feel more comfortable and connected to the school.
“I feel like the house system is very beneficial because it helps students feel more comfortable,” Kremer said.
“The house system gets students a lot more involved and creates connectivity to the school. I think overall it has a good impact and it is getting to the point where school is fun to be at,” McMahan said.
Not only has the house system brought new friendships and engagement to the school, but students have also benefited academically from the system.
“The house system helps me make new friends and get to meet new people. I can also use the time to study for tests and get classwork done,” Kremer said.
The house system seems to be preferred by students and staff throughout the school opposed to the old homeroom schedule.
“I prefer the house system because it is more engaging and builds a community throughout the classroom and school. Opposed to the homeroom system where it was boring and didn’t benefit students as much as it should have,” Kremer said.
Overall the house system has sent North Central in the right direction regarding building a community and improving school spirit.
“So far, the house system has benefited students in numerous ways but has also improved the schoolwide community and improved school spirit,” McMahan said.
