by David Hill
Editor
An element of fun during any Homecoming week in Thief River Falls’ schools includes competition between classes. For instance, there may be competitions to see which class decorates the hallways the best, wins the Powderpuff football game, or raises funds for a special event or charitable cause. Students have fun and take pride in those efforts.
Experts have long known that the social motivation of competing against one’s peers can challenge a student to work much harder on his or her tasks than he or she would independently feel compelled to do so. What happens if that effort is directed toward manners, leadership and respect?
Franklin Middle School has now implemented the “House System” that is designed to harness those feelings. It is hoped that it will promote a positive climate and culture for students and staff.
Jackie Kuznia, school counselor at Franklin Middle School, said when they piloted the system last year for one quarter, they saw amazing things come from students. That success spurred them on to implement the program at the school this year.
The program was introduced to students on Sept. 25.
When thinking about the House System, it might be helpful to think of the different competitive “schools” at Hogwarts, as in Harry Potter, but without images of Slytherin or Ravenclaw or other characters.
(The Harry Potter series, by the way, was never mentioned during this interview. It is simply used here as an illustrative example.)
A study by Cal State concluded that healthy competition in schools and between classes in schools can help intermediate age students make sense of and navigate other competitive contexts.
At Franklin Middle School, they aren’t talking about unlocking secret rooms or capturing a golden snitch. They’re talking about earning points by leaving classrooms and hallways cleaner than they found them, beating the bell to class with all their materials and ready to learn, demonstrating kindness to staff and fellow students, and disconnecting from technology in order to establish human connections.
The House System, as it’s being referred to at FMS, also helps establish an identity. Establishing an identity means helping students develop their potential, choosing a purpose and then opportunities to exercise that potential and purpose. So staff often preface comments about the House System to students by saying “People like us … sweep the kitchen or clean the house, or take respect and give respect.”
The system is based on the Ron Clark Academy System (rcahousesystem.com), which has been implemented at schools around the world. The framework being used at FMS provides educators an opportunity to celebrate students for their efforts.
Educators have found that this has several positive outcomes, including helping build character, empowering academic excellence, fostering school spirit, enhancing relationships and promoting a culture of belonging for all.
In other words, it teaches manners, leadership, respect, good behavior and an identity. In this system, teachers and staff award points to students for their achievements. It’s subjective, but instructive (5 points to Gryfindor, 10 to Hufflepuff, for example).
At the conclusion of the first week at FMS, students and educators celebrated with a series of competitive games in the gymnasium. The games called upon select students to put an Oreo on one’s forehead, and without using hands, get the cookies to fall into their mouths; or moving Cheerios from one bowl to another using chopsticks; or moving M&M’s from one pile to a bowl using only a straw.
The noisy affair demonstrated students’ enthusiasm for supporting their class and fellow students, and willingness to participate in learning exercises. Again, experts believe fun while learning helps students retain information better.
The games were interrupted with a short motivational speech on the importance of school culture by former educator Jeff Mumm. Mumm has a lot of experience motivating students. He said he has had a lot of fun being a substitute teacher at FMS.