BUILT FOR BELONGING
Inside the Middle School house system
This year, the MPCS Middle School introduced something new that is already shaping the student experience in meaningful ways. The House System has brought energy and connection to students in grades 5 through 8 while creating a stronger sense of identity across the division.
Led by Middle School Principal Kendra Sue Finch, the vision for the House System started with a simple but important goal: to help every student feel like they belong.
“Middle school is a time when students are figuring out who they are and where they fit,” Finch shared. “The house system creates an immediate sense of ‘this is my group and these are my people’ while also building connections across grade levels.”
That impact has been clear from the start. Students who may not have crossed paths in a traditional structure are now cheering for one another, working together, and building relationships across the entire Middle School.
More Than Competition
While the House System brings plenty of excitement, it is grounded in something deeper. Each of the six houses, Sinai, Carmel, Tabor, Zion, Ararat, and Moriah, is tied to a meaningful moment in Scripture and connected to specific character traits.
The names come from mountains where God revealed His power, strengthened His people, and shaped the course of their stories. From Mount Sinai, where God gave His covenant, to Mount Moriah, where faith was tested and provision was made, each house carries a story that points students back to a bigger purpose.
Because of that foundation, the House System is about more than friendly competition. It gives students a framework for character formation, leadership, and growth.
Students are not simply earning points. They are learning how to encourage others, how to represent something bigger than themselves, and how to take ownership of their role in the community.
How It Works
Throughout the year, students earn points for their houses in a variety of ways. Participation plays a big role, whether through organized competitions, school events, or shared moments of involvement in the life of the school.
Students can earn points by taking part in house challenges, showing school spirit, and attending community events like the Middle School basketball championship, the Pancake Dinner game, or the Patriot 5K. The system is designed to reward enthusiasm and consistency while giving students many ways to contribute.
Progress is visible throughout the year and celebrated along the way. House standings are shared regularly, which helps build momentum as the year unfolds. Rather than focusing only on the final outcome, the process highlights effort, growth, and shared success from start to finish.
Bringing the Houses to Life
From the very beginning, the House System has created moments students will remember.
The House Launch and Sorting Ceremony set the tone as students were placed into their houses for the first time and worked together to create chants that are still heard across campus.
The Christmas Corner Contest gave each house the chance to design a themed space filled with decorations and creative details. It quickly became a favorite and brought out plenty of house pride.
Service has also been part of the experience. A Pop Tab competition benefiting Ronald McDonald House connected friendly competition with a meaningful cause.
Monthly house challenges have added another layer of energy to the year. From box stacking to “Hungry Hungry Hippos” and human tic tac toe, these events give students a chance to work together, have fun, and represent their houses well.
The Moments That Matter Most
While the events have been memorable, the most meaningful impact has come in the everyday moments.
Students celebrate one another. They encourage their peers. They step into leadership roles and take pride in something they share.
“It has truly added a new layer of connection and excitement to our middle school,” Finch said. “We can’t wait to watch this grow and evolve.”
Looking Ahead
After a year of community and competition, when the points were totaled, the Sinai house came out on top. Students enjoyed celebrating their win, as well as the bigger "win" of the friendships that were formed.
What has started this year has brought real excitement to Middle School life and created new opportunities for students to connect across grades.
We are excited to build on that momentum and look ahead to year two of the Middle School House competitions.