HOUSE SYSTEM

CONCEPT

As a classical school featuring a curriculum based on the traditions of Western culture, Leman Academy of Excellence (LAE’s) House System is inspired by the ideals of republican participation, shared leadership, and civil service.

Specifically, the LAE House System exists for three purposes:

to allow scholars a system in which they can belong, collaborate, and serve.
to allow families an organizing structure to build community, celebrate learning, and give back to their local school.
to sponsor school events and other school needs with the creativity, energy, and
leadership of our family-volunteers in each grade-level.

Similar to how our curriculum is organized by historical time period following a 4-year cycle, scholars in each grade-level will belong to a House (called by the Latin “Domus”) in partnership with the other grade-level that is studying the same period in history each year, as follows:

Domus Fortudinis (House of Fortitude)

Scholars who will complete 8th grade in 2019, 2023, and 2027
(e.g., for the 2018-2019 school, this includes our 8th and 4th graders, both of which study the Modern time period, plus our Kindergarteners)
Adopting our campus for beautification: September & February
Bringing our whole school community this event: Sweetheart Dance in February
Symbol: Lion
Color: Red
Motto: Virtus Decus Sapiencia (Courage, Honor, Wisdom)

Domus Gratitudinis (House of Gratitude)

Scholars who will complete 8th grade in 2020 and 2024
(e.g., for the 2018-2019 school, this includes our 7th and 3rd graders, both of which study
the Early Modern Time Period)
Adopting our campus for beautification: October & March
Bringing our whole school community this event: Grandparents Day in November
Symbol: Wolf
Color: Gold
Motto: In Gratia Cantantes Incipere (Begin with Gratitude)

Domus Veritis (House of Truth)

Scholars who will complete 8th grade in 2021 and 2025
(e.g., for the 2018-2019 school, this includes our 6th and 2nd graders, both of which study the Middle Ages Time Period)
Adopting our campus for beautification: November & April
Bringing our whole school community this event: Fall Festival in September
Symbol: Torch
Color: White
Motto: Veritas Lux Mea (The Truth Enlightens Me)

Domus Justitiae (House of Justice)

Scholars who will complete 8th grade in 2022 and 2026
(e.g., for the 2018-2019 school, this includes our 5th and 1st graders, both of which study the Ancient Time Period)
Adopting our campus for beautification: January & May
Bringing our whole school community this event: Math & Science Night in April
Symbol: Scales
Color: Royal Blue
Motto: Valeat Justitiae (Justice Must Prevail)

Once Houses are formed, those scholars will remain in the same House as they progress from one grade to the other until their time at LAE is completed. Families with multiple children enrolled at LAE will be able to support multiple Houses, along with each of their children. Older scholars will be in the position to model, encourage, and mentor younger scholars in their same House. As younger scholars progress through our program, they will become the mentors.

HOUSE SYSTEM

RESPONSIBILITIES

Each House is charged with the following:

Elect your House Captain (a parent-volunteer) each year that will meet quarterly with the Principal to:
○ Report on status and progress of House initiatives outlined below
○ Review a calendar of proposed House events
○ Request approval and guidelines from school, as needed
○ Seek to understand the school’s current needs and opportunities to offer support
Select your House’s Latin motto (like the U.S.A.’s motto “e pluribus unum,” translated, “out of many one”)
Design your House crest . For example, add the House name and motto to a crest like:

Plan and help host one community-building event each year, from the following:
○ Fall Festival
○ Sweetheart Dance
○ Grandparents Day
○ Math & Science Night
*The first year, coin toss will determine the order in which each House gets to choose which event they will be in charge of. Subsequent years, the order for choosing will be determined by the amount of funds raised by each House.
Unite as a House and compete against the other Houses in donation drives (like books) and fundraisers sponsored by the PTO for the LAE Teachers’ Fund
Campus Beautification: each House will adopt the school campus for 1 month each semester, to help pull weeds, pick up trash where needed, donate minor landscaping projects, etc.
○ Whole school: July, before we begin each new school year
○ Domus Fortudinis : September, February
○ Domus Gratitudinis : October, March
○ Domus Veritis : N ovember, April
○ Domus Justitiae : January, May

To volunteer to help with House events, share ideas, or if you have questions, here are our Co-Captains by grade level for the 2018-2019 school year:

Name	Grade Rep	House	Email
Paige McLaughlin	2	Truth	pcmclaughlin@outlook.com
Jenny Moore	2	Truth	media10jen@yahoo.com
Mary Loiseau	6	Truth	maryloiseau@yahoo.com
Heidi DeJager	2 & 6	Truth	hdejager26@yahoo.com
Pat Propp	8	Fortitude	ppropp@comcast.net
Mary Russell	K	Fortitude	mrsruss2008@gmail.com
Mineko Zeidlhack	4	Fortitude	Mineko007@aol.com
Karen Snow	3	Gratitude	karen@thesnows.family
Berny Bille	7	Gratitude	bernadettebille@comcast.net
Naomi Bruhn	1	Justice	njbruhn@gmail.com
Stacy Thomas	5	Justice	stacythomas1831@gmail.com

Please be sure to thank your these generous, talented, and dedicated volunteer leaders. They will play a vital role in making this year outstanding for our scholars.

If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of a house system within the larger school, check out this article.