Fairplay Middle School students and staff are going for the gold with a new initiative aimed at 
fostering a sense of belonging.
The Be a Jag House System is now in its second year and grew out of the end-of-year Olympics, according to Assistant Principal Leslie Scream.
Teams — known individually as a House — are formed across grade levels for whole school buy-in, with each team representing a country like in the Olympics.
Teams earn points throughout the entire year for demonstrating the key values in the school motto—Be a Jag: Be Present, Be Respectful, Be Responsible.
“For example, students can earn 'Be Present' House points through monthly perfect attendance, participating in clubs, and attending House-designated sporting events,” Scream said. “They can also earn 'Be Respectful' points by receiving positive referrals from staff members.”
Each House meets monthly to engage in team-building activities, she said. The monthly meetings
are led by a House leader, and activities can include creating banners about the country they represent or working on a team chant.
The first House Meeting of the new school year took place last Friday, with students and staff decked out in the colors of their teams.
The top House each month celebrates with outdoor Olympic-style games, and the House System culminates with the school Olympic event in May.
“This initiative is a whole-school effort to cultivate a welcoming community—one that students are excited and proud to be part of,” Scream said.