Gilham Elementary School

Welcome to Gilham Elementary!

We have many wonderful things that make up our school. We have a caring staff, a great community of
families, and many programs that make Gilham a fabulous place to be! One unique program that Gilham
has implemented is our House System or Houses, as we refer to it. No other school in Eugene 4J has this
program. We are proud of our Gilham Houses and the community that it builds within the school walls and
beyond. Each Gilham staff member and student is a part of a House.

The goal of the House System is to ensure that EVERY Gilham student is seen and known. Through a
mentorship program, every student is matched with an adult mentor in our building. This mentor is often
someone other than the homeroom teacher. We want our students to feel as if they are important, loved,
and excited about school. We want students to feel as if they are an important part of a team. Mentors
check in with their students regularly. This check in could be a hello, a wave, a short conversation, a note
on a desk, or another way to make a quick connection.

Additionally, new students are randomly placed into cross-grade House teams. Students in every grade
level are a part of a House. Kindergarten through 5th grade belong to one of six Houses. The team
names are character trait goals that all House will be working to exemplify. The House colors and names
are: Red/Integrity, Orange/Esteem, Yellow/Tenacity, Green/Valor, Blue/Honor, Purple/Fortitude. Being a
part of a House is very important because students and staff are united, included, and working toward a
common goal. Your student will be an important part of their House! Students will remain with their House
for the duration of their time at Gilham Elementary.

We have one House assembly and one House meeting per month. During the monthly House meeting,
House teams meet, see other cross-grade level House members, connect with their mentor, play a game,
work on a project, and have fun! During the monthly assembly, the entire school meets, gathers in House
teams, and gets fired up! We play a game, encourage our teams, practice sportsmanship, and earn
House Points.

What is a House Point? House Points are another very important part of our House System. They are
very special tickets, handed out to students who exhibit excellence and exceptional behavior. House
Points are not the same as the Pawsitive tickets that staff already hand out to students. House Points are
awarded for exceptional behavior, rather than expected behavior. Students can earn a House Point in
many ways, including: assisting without being asked, showing empathy, encouraging team mates,
showing great sportsmanship, being inclusive, and being an excellent role model for others to look to.
House Points can also be awarded for attendance, showing House spirit (wearing their House colors),
and encouraging their House team. House Points are collected in special boxes located on House bulletin
boards in the main hallway. House Points are collected and counted monthly for special celebrations that
House teams can earn.

How can families help? Encourage positive sportsmanship, team acceptance, and inclusion. Encourage
students to exhibit exceptional behavior, go the extra mile, and show the character traits that will help
them be successful in school and beyond. Be sure to congratulate students when they earn House Points
and support students in showing their House color spirit on House assembly days (the wackier, the
better)!

Questions? Contact your child’s teacher or House System coordinator: Roxanne Simpson (simpson_r@
4j.lane. edu)

We are glad that you are here!

The Gilham Elementary Staff