From Mr. Wieber:
Houses Are Here!
The St. Anthony House System is a new, dynamic and exciting way to foster a positive school environment and a culture of belonging. In a House, students are able to interact with other grade levels and empower one another to work together through service activities and mentorship. Students in grades 6-8 (lower grades later in the year) are assigned/matched into “Houses” which are composed of a cross-section of students from each grade level. Our Houses (6) are listed below and are named after Catholic colleges where faith, service, and virtue are paramount in student development.
Dominican • Benedictine • Marquette • Xavier • Loyola • Franciscan
Our goals include: forming friendships, building a culture of inclusion and belonging, improved individual and school academic performance, forming a closer relationship to God, character building and healthy competition, peer mentoring, boosting self-confidence, new leadership opportunities, heightened school spirit, student retention and gain, setting and achieving personal and team goals.
Achievement and success should be seen as impressive, cool, and trendsetting. With the House system, good behavior, academic and personal successes, participation in service, and school activities are valued among students because they all know that each students’ success helps their own House get closer to winning the House championship at the end of the year.
Throughout the year, Houses enjoy a series of friendly competitions and service activities that accumulate points that will be recorded and maintained. Points are awarded to students for academic success, athletic and spiritual activities, participation in school events and programs, organizing service projects, volunteerism, good character and virtue, and various House competitions. Houses will meet biweekly.
The House system will address students’ social and emotional learning through the lens of our mission to form Disciples of Christ. These important skills, like cooperation and empathy, while vital for both career success and excellence in responding to one’s vocation from God, are often lacking in our tech-focused world. The House system model is designed to support students in their integral development. School can be stressful for students, but the placement into Houses, the welcoming and acceptance among peers can be a powerful factor in the success of the school year.
If you’d like more details or want to get involved, please email Chad Wieber, Dean of Students at cwieber@saparish.com.
