A new tradition is underway at Duffield! Helen B. Duffield Elementary recently kicked off its new house system, sorting students into four groups that represent giving, dreaming, friendship and courage.

Inspired by their friends at Cherokee Street Elementary and modeled after the Ron Clark Academy House System, students spun a wheel to discover which house they would join: Altruismo (The House of Givers), Rêveur (The House of Dreams), Amistad (The House of Friendship) or Isibindi (The House of Courage). During the kickoff, students met their fellow house members and learned their chants and hand signals, with fifth graders helping lead the younger students.

Throughout the year, students can earn points for demonstrating positive characteristics at school, while also contributing to their house total. The friendly competition comes with a bigger message: when one person does well, everyone does well!