Harrison Elementary showcases new 'house' system and honors educators at Lakewood City School Board meeting

Harrison Elementary used a Lakewood City School Board meeting to showcase a new 'house' system designed to build cross-grade community and social-emotional learning, and to recognize students and staff for achievement and service.

Principal Sabrina Jackson introduced the school's Resilient Ranger, Macy Graham, and described Macy's contributions in school and the community. Fifth-grade teacher Miss Burley cited Macy's involvement in garden club, news crew and 4-H, and recounted a holiday 'shop with the cop' story used to illustrate Macy's empathy and initiative.

Third-grade teacher Kristen Adams described how staff piloted and adapted the house system after observing it at other Lakewood schools, saying the program renewed student engagement and created mixed-grade houses that encourage older students to mentor younger classmates. Student-wellness specialist Megan Widen explained the house system's social-emotional learning tie-ins and said the school used the book You Belong to connect the house work to district empathy competencies.

Music teacher Stephanie Grant described house-driven monthly themes and student-led activities — including a school Jeopardy-style challenge during Black History Month — that shifted event planning from teacher-led to student-driven. Students spoke briefly about the excitement of the house-reveal process and demonstrated chants; parent Travis said the reveal felt celebratory and praised staff for the warm morning greeting and the program's effect on his children.

In the same session the board honored educators Adrien(e) Parker (family resource coordinator), Kim Spurley (fifth-grade teacher) and Greg Stormer (preschool teacher) for family outreach, consistent communication and creative early-learning methods. Administrators presented small tokens of appreciation and described each honoree's contributions to student supports and family engagement.

The school presentation emphasized family involvement, monthly competency alignment and plans to use the house system to increase student leadership and belonging. Board members responded with positive comments and interest in how other district schools are implementing the approach.

The board then returned to regular business items. The presentation concluded without a vote; it served as an informational demonstration and recognition of staff and student efforts.