Welcome to My House--HFCA's middle school uses best practices to build community and belonging

Holy Family Catholic Academy (Inverness) has received accolades for its nationally and internationally recognized curriculum and instruction. But, at HFCA learning is so much more than test scores and academic achievement.

"Our goal is to develop the whole child and foster an environment where each child is known and supported academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually," said Principal, Mrs. Kate O'Brien,

Studies abound about the unique needs of adolescents, particularly those aged 12-14. A common thread in these studies is the need for trusting relationships with teachers and other adults and positive interaction with supportive peers. These are the key factors that create a culture of belonging. Building a culture of knowing and supporting each child was a priority when HFCA opened its middle school in 2007 and it continues to be a priority today. Like many things in academics, best practices continue to evolve.

Last spring, a team of HFCA middle school teachers along with Principal O'Brien and Assistant Principal, Laura Clark visited Ron Clark Academy (RCA) in Atlanta. RCA is a model junior high with thousands of followers nationally and internationally. The school is known for its academic rigor, high expectations, creative and innovative teaching methods, and passionate climate and culture.

RCA's culture is rooted in their House System. The Houses are learning and leadership communities made up of a cross section of students from each of the middle school grades, teachers, and staff. These communities allow students to build relationships with both students and teachers beyond the classroom. Membership in the houses is randomly selected and each house is identified by a unique name, color, country of origin, and attributes that are identified with a crest and other symbols. Throughout the year, the Houses compete against each other to accumulate House points awarded for positive behaviors and academic achievement. This sense of healthy, constructive competition demonstrates the importance of teamwork and increases student engagement. Points are awarded by faculty and staff when students excel in such things as academics, teamwork, compassion, and humility. RCA has created an app that accumulates each students' points and alerts parents when points are awarded.

Teachers, students, and parents are excited to launch RCA's Houses at HFCA. "Within the first two weeks, we have noticed a marked increase in positive energy, school spirit, and camaraderie between students in all grades," states middle school teacher Mrs. Eileen Paparone.

Seventh graders Meaghan Barrio, Adrianna Gilewicz, and Sarah Noon were eager to add that they loved getting to know kids in other grades and were excited about the competition. And while houses were randomly assigned, each student agreed that their respective house was already beginning to feel like family.

Welcome to our HFCA house, a place where we belong.