Similarly to the Houses in the fictional Hogwarts School in the famous Harry Potter book and movie series, Fallen Timbers Middle School students and staff learned which “house” they will be assigned to for the 2024-25 school year on Tuesday, September 10.
Students dashed through a tunnel set up on the 50-yard line of Schaller Stadium and opened a bag to find a tee shirt that revealed their assigned House: Fettari, Tigalo, Modero or Setega.
After learning their team for the year, students participated in a House Meeting where they learned about the General Way expectations of being respectful, responsible, safe and involved and the Generals 7 - a set of seven behavior expectations that help to encourage a positive and supportive learning environment.
1. Exhibit effective listening skills.
2. Utilize excellent conversation skills.
3. Use your manners.
4. Choose to work hard. Strive to be successful in whatever you do.
5. Support, respect, and encourage the people around you.
6. Be honest and do not make excuses. Take responsibility.
7. Take pride in our school and yourself.
These expectations for conduct align with the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. The research-based tiered system creates a consistent, safe and positive school climate, using a constructive approach to discipline that clearly defines the expectations of students to improve academic, social and behavior development.
“We think that the house system will be the perfect PBIS system for our building and the development level of our 5th and 6th grade students,” said Jenny Minni, School Counselor. “It is important to reinforce positive expectations that will help the students learn and be successful. The house system allows us to do this in a fun and exciting way with the students.”
Also similar to Harry Potter’s Hogwarts, students who are observed demonstrating the Generals 7 expectations will be awarded a point, with points accumulating as a House throughout the week. At the end of the week, the points are tallied and the House with the most points will earn a belt to display in celebration of their accomplishments.
At the end of each quarter, students will be rewarded for their efforts and participate in a fun team building and competitive events to celebrate. At the end of the school year, the house with the most points will earn a special reward day and the trophy.
“We really want to build a family-like atmosphere and provide a building where all students feel they belong. The Generals 7 and the houses will help us accomplish this," said Mrs. Minni. “Teachers can use the system to help emphasize classroom behavior and improve learning. We also have a lot of fun competing and showing house spirit. We want school to be fun.”
While the concept is new to Fallen Timbers Middle School, it is something that has been successful at other nearby middle schools. Mr. Smith, now in his second year as principal at FTMS, initiated a similar “house” structure at Swanton Middle School, where he found it to be highly successful and enjoyable by the students.
“It took off right away and we had many schools come and visit us to learn how we did it and get ideas to take back to their schools,“ he said. “It really is great because it gives every student a chance to be part of something and make connections with other students that they may not have normally.”
ABOUT THE HOUSES
House Name: Fettari
Characteristic: Critical Thinkers
Color: Black
Symbol: Falcon
Known For: The falcon is fearless, intelligent and determined. Fettari represents knowledge, discipline and perseverance.
House Name: Tigalo
Characteristic: Honorable Achievers
Color: Gray
Symbol: Timber Wolf
Known For: The timber wolf is loyal, wise and clever. Tigalo represents accountability, grit and generosity.
House Name: Modero
Characteristic: Servant Leaders
Color: White
Symbol: Mustang
Known For: The mustang is powerful, driven and enduring. Modero represents optimism, helpfulness and usefulness.
House Name: Setega
Characteristic: Relentless Learners
Color: Blue
Symbol: Shark
Known For: The shark is relentless, adaptable and powerful. Setega represents strength, flexibility and determination.