House System

In the fall of 2025, South Park Elementary Center implemented a program called the SPEC House System. The system, created by the Ron Clark Academy (RCA), has a proven track record of creating a positive school climate and culture that is embraced by students, staff, and families.

As part of the SPEC House System, South Park Elementary Center students, educators, staff members, administrators, and even school board members are members of one of eight houses. The eight houses are Altruismo (The House of Givers), Amistad (The House of Friendship), Isibindi (The House of Courage), Reveur (The House of Dreamers), Sollevare (The House of Uplifting), Nukumori (The House of Kindness), Onraka (The House of Unity), and Protos (The House of Success). 

The week of October 6, 2025, students in every grade-level attended a House Sorting assembly. One by one, their name was announced and they reached their hand into a box to pull out the wristband of their house. Students will remain members of that house for their entire time at South Park Elementary Center. By being a part of a house, every child has a smaller group within the larger school community. In those houses, students can take on leadership roles, like serving as heads of house, heads of committees, or organizers of house events.

“The SPEC House System has students excited,” said Kelli Dellarose, South Park Elementary Center principal. “The energy and enthusiasm for House Sorting Days were infectious. And so much of that is because of our teachers. They have been members of houses for months, and have been getting their students ready for the big day when they would learn their ‘crew and cause.’”

Schools around the world that have implemented the House System program have reported a decrease in discipline referrals, more positive relationships among peers and staff, better school attendance, and improvements in academic performance. The creators say this is because the system encourages students to take ownership of their learning and behavior while working together to achieve common goals.

During the school year, students will have the opportunity to receive points for their houses. Points are awarded for going above and beyond expectations in areas such as academic achievement, character, school spirit, and uplifting others. Monitors throughout the school will display the updated leaderboard with pictures of students who recently earned points. The house that earns the most points at the end of the year will be named the House Champions.

“The purpose of the House System isn’t points or competition,” Mrs. Dellarose emphasized. “It is about building community. Students will work together for their house and will celebrate, support, and encourage one another to do their best. That’s the culture we want to foster and support at South Park Elementary Center.”