PRIMARY SCHOOL
Building Belonging: Chartiers Valley Introduces New K – 5 House System
This fall, Chartiers Valley Primary School and Chartiers Valley Intermediate School will embark on an exciting new tradition that promises to strengthen school spirit, build lasting relationships, and create an even greater sense of belonging for every student and staff member. Thanks to a generous grant from the Highmark Foundation, all students in kindergarten through fifth grade will be " sorted " into one of six houses, becoming part of a schoolwide family that will remain with them throughout their elementary years.
The House System is a joint initiative between the Primary and Intermediate Schools, inspired by the nationally acclaimed Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta, Georgia. More than just a fun tradition, the House System is designed to enhance the district ' s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports( PBIS) framework by reinforcing the character traits that are already woven into daily instruction and student recognition.
While students will experience the excitement of the sorting ceremony for the first time this fall, the staff have already embraced the tradition. During the spring of 2026, faculty and staff participated in their own sorting ceremonies and proudly joined one of the six houses. They are now eager to welcome students into the program and begin building house pride together.
Unlike classrooms or grade levels, houses are permanent communities that connect students and staff across both schools. Every child will remain in the same house from kindergarten through fifth grade, creating meaningful relationships that extend beyond their classroom walls. As students transition from Chartiers Valley Primary School to Chartiers Valley Intermediate School after second grade, they will continue alongside familiar house members, helping make the move to a new building feel more comfortable and connected.
The six houses were intentionally named to reflect the core character traits that Chartiers Valley teaches, models, and celebrates every day:
• Dignitas – The House of Respect
• Salus – The House of Safety
• Amicus – The House of Friendship
• Certus – The House of Responsibility
• Benignus – The House of Kindness
• Tenacitas – The House of Perseverance
These names, rooted in Latin, reinforce the values that define the Chartiers Valley school community while giving students a meaningful identity they can proudly represent. hartiers Valley CHARTIERS VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Teacher Tammy Feeney reaches into the sorting box to find out which house see will join. Counselor, Bethany Ward, holds the box. Back row: Christian Owens, Emily Crouse, Randi Watson, Taryn Briggs
34 CHARTIERS VALLEY