INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
hartiers Valley
CHARTIERS VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
The newly formed House of Kindness, Benignus Front Row: Sierra Vogel, Nicole Knepp, Kylie Mihalov, Gabby Ciccone-DeLuca, Nikki Warfield Back Row: Jane Andruscik, Maya Vaughan, Jill Calabria, Shari Dissen, Sarah Beerhalter, Emily Crouse, Deb Zellenik, Samantha Phillips
The House System builds upon the school ' s already successful PBIS program rather than replacing it. Students will continue earning Super Colt Tickets for demonstrating positive behaviors aligned with the school ' s expectations. The difference is that each ticket will also earn points for a student ' s house, encouraging collaboration instead of individual competition. Every act of kindness, responsibility, respect, safety, friendship, or perseverance contributes to the success of the entire house, reminding students that everyone ' s actions matter.
Every nine weeks, houses will gather for special meetings filled with team-building activities, leadership opportunities, games, and character lessons developed by the PBIS team. These experiences will allow students to build friendships across grade levels, interact with adults they may not normally see during the school day, and develop a deeper connection to their school community.
Perhaps the most unique aspect of the House System is that everyone belongs. Every student, every teacher, every principal, every custodian, every secretary, every cafeteria worker, and every support staff member is part of a house. This creates opportunities for authentic relationships that extend far beyond the classroom and demonstrates to students that every member of the school community plays an important role in their success.
For two schools serving hundreds of children, creating a close-knit community is no small task. The House System helps make large schools feel smaller by ensuring that every student is known, valued, and connected. It provides an immediate sense of belonging for new students and staff, strengthens relationships across grade levels, encourages teamwork and school pride, and creates a seamless connection between the Primary and Intermediate Schools. As the inaugural student sorting ceremonies approach, excitement is building throughout the district. Students will soon discover the house they will proudly represent, begin forming new friendships, and take part in traditions that will grow year after year.
At its heart, the Chartiers Valley House System is about much more than earning points or wearing house colors. It is about creating a culture where every child feels seen, every adult feels connected, and every member of the school community understands they are part of something bigger than themselves.
With the support of the Highmark Foundation and a shared vision between Chartiers Valley Primary School and Chartiers Valley Intermediate School, the House System marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter— one that will strengthen relationships, celebrate character, and ensure that every Super Colt knows they have a place to belong.
CHARTIERS VALLEY ❘ FALL 2026 35