Bring Houses to Vel Phillips!

Help Launch the House System at Vel Phillips Middle School – Where Every Student Belongs!

At Vel Phillips Middle School, we’re committed to creating more than just a place to learn—we want our school to be a place where every student feels seen, supported, and inspired. We’re excited to launch something truly transformative in the 2025–26 school year: The House System. But to make it a reality, we need your help.

Why the House System? Why Now?

Middle school is a turning point in a young person’s life. It's a time of enormous growth—emotionally, socially, and academically. But it’s also a time when many students start to feel disconnected. Peer pressure intensifies, school can feel impersonal, and students can struggle to find their place.

We see it every day—kids who are drifting, kids who are unsure of who they are or where they fit in. That's where the House System comes in. It's not just a structure. It's a culture shift.

The House System is designed to build community, spark school pride, and give every student a sense of belonging. It turns a large, complex school into a place that feels smaller, more connected, and more meaningful.

How the House System Works

Every student and staff member will be placed into one of several houses, each with its own name, colors, identity, and traditions. These houses become students' “home base” throughout their middle school years.

Houses will participate in friendly competitions, service projects, spirit days, and events that reward teamwork, effort, and character. Think Hogwarts, but with a 21st-century, equity-driven twist.

What Your Donation Supports

This isn’t just about banners and T-shirts (though we’ll need those too!). Your donation directly supports:

• House Identity Materials: Custom banners, shields, T-shirts, and signage to give students a sense of pride and connection

• Incentives & Rewards: Positive behavior prizes, spirit gear, and recognition programs to celebrate student growth and effort

• Events & Competitions: Supplies for team-building activities, academic contests, service challenges, and celebrations

• Student Leadership: Training and materials for house captains, ambassadors, and student-led initiatives

• Community-Building Traditions: Kickoff events, end-of-year celebrations, and shared experiences that turn school into something unforgettable

In short: Your gift helps us bring this program to life in a way that is fun, equitable, and lasting.

What We’ll Gain—Together

We’re not just launching a program—we’re reshaping our school culture. Here’s what we expect to see:

• Stronger Student Connections: When students feel they belong, they’re more likely to show up, participate, and thrive

• Positive Peer Influence: Houses include students across grades, encouraging mentorship and reducing bullying

• More Leadership Opportunities: Not just for the few, but for all—leadership roles that build confidence and life skills

• Stronger Adult Relationships: Staff assigned to houses build lasting bonds with students, improving trust and support

• Pride & Identity: Students will take pride in their house—and their school—creating lifelong memories and traditions

What Success Looks Like

Schools across the country have seen powerful outcomes from House Systems:

• Improved attendance

• Fewer behavior referrals

• Increased academic engagement

• Better relationships between students and staff

• Students who feel proud of where they go to school

That’s the kind of school we want for our students at Vel Phillips—and with your support, we can build it.

Be Part of Something Bigger

This isn’t just about funding a program. It’s about changing the middle school experience—for the better.

Your donation helps us create a culture where students feel connected, empowered, and inspired. A school where kindness, leadership, and teamwork are celebrated every day. A school where every student has a place to belong.

We believe every child deserves that. If you do too, please consider donating today. Every dollar brings us one step closer to building something meaningful—and lasting—for our students.

Let’s do this together.