House Structure-Student Members-Proposal

House Structure--Student Members

I. Assignment of Students to Houses

There are two general philosophies for methods of assigning students to Houses. Each general philosophy has its own strengths and its own drawbacks. There is also a third option that combines elements of both philosophies. The two general philosophies are random and non-random methods; the third possibility would involve some method of non-randomly dividing students into groups, and then from each group, randomly assigning students to Houses.

1. Random methods

Any random method would be sufficient for the purpose--drawing names out of a hat, essentially. The real issue is not how to make something random, but what are its strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

• Minimizes the possibility of certain cliques or other student groups all ending up in the same House

• Minimizes the likelihood of a single House being the "popular" one


• Minimizes the likelihood of a single House dominating in competition events due to the random distribution of students
  


• Most impartial method

Weaknesses

• Less possibility for Houses to comprise students who naturally fit House characteristics


• Due to the above reason, it would make it more difficult for Houses to develop a certain character
  


• Will almost certainly guarantee that family members will not always be a part of the same House. This is not necessarily a problem; family members wouldn't have to end up in the same Houses. But if Houses have certain characteristics, there should possibly be a greater likelihood that families would end up in the same House.
  

2. Non-random methods

Non-random methods that have been proposed include separating students with some sort of selection process, perhaps using a personality quiz or some set of predetermined questions. Other non-random methods might include House faculty members choosing their House Members; however, this method should probably be rejected to avoid favoritism and intentional "Empire-building." Thus, the strengths and weaknesses below refer to the question-based selection methods.

Strengths

• Since it would be based on individuals' characteristics, it would sort students by similar personality traits, thus increasing the likelihood of group compatibility


• Would be more likely to select students to each House that would fit the characteristics of that House


• Due to the above reasons, would facilitate the development of House personality and characteristics


• Increased likelihood that family members would be in the same House; though would not make it automatic, since it would still be based on individuals
  

Weaknesses

• Since it is non-random, increased likelihood that cliques or certain groups would be placed together into a House


• Unless this problem were overridden by some procedure, the selection process would not necessarily divide students evenly into the Houses


• Depending on the quality of the method, it could be unfairly biased


• After a time, students would likely be able to decipher the selection method and engineer their placement into the Houses

Combination Methods

1. Random selection from criterion-based categories--In this method, the general idea would be that students would be separated first into groups based on some sort of selection criteria. For example, AP-level students; CSF and NHS students; student athletes; etc. After this sorting process, students from each selection group would be randomly assigned to Houses. The philosophy of this method would be to maximize the separation of cliques and other student groups, while assuring a random and thus theoretically, the most fair and impartial separation otherwise. For example, a purely random method could still potentially result in a number of athletes in a single House, giving them an edge in competitions based on athleticism, as well as any of the accompanying social issues of having a large number of athletes in one House; or a House could end up with a number of AP-level students, giving the House an edge in academically based competitions, as well as any accompanying social issues. As further examples, a single House could end up, randomly, with a higher proportion of trouble-making students; or students who are likely to always be exuberant participants

2. Criterion-based selection modified by random selection--In this method, all students would be given some sort of selection assessment, like a set of questions, for example. In order to minimize the students' ability to decipher it, you could give each student just a few questions selected from a much larger bank of questions, and give different questions to each student. You could use, say, four questions. Any student who answered all four questions in favor of House A would be placed into House A. Any student who answered three questions for A and one for House B would be selected by a random method with a 75% probability of House A and a 25% probability for House B. Any student with two questions for House A and two questions for House B would be selected by a random method with 50% probability for each of the two Houses. Any student who answered questions for more than two Houses, regardless of the distribution of those answers, would be randomly selected to a House by a process with 25% percent probability for each of the Houses. Note that this is merely a suggestion of distributions; an actual method could differ in a number of ways.

With either of these methods, oversight of the process by the faculty House Members would be required. By assent of all four Heads of House, random redistribution to equilibrate the populations of the Houses, or to break up potential problem groups of students, could then be performed. If it is a matter of numbers, the needed number would be pulled randomly from the House(s) with an excess, and then randomly assigned to the other Houses. If it is a matter of splitting a certain group up, then the same number of students from other Houses should be randomly drawn, and all those students randomly redistributed into the Houses.


Regardless of the method finally approved and used, the Heads of House will have the sole and joint authority to approve the final outcome of the process. Note that "trading" members of the House is never to be permitted; but if a Head of House has a legitimate concern about the distribution of the Houses, it is the responsibility of all Heads of House to address that concern, at least by discussion until the concern is resolved, or in the extreme case, by re-selection of the Houses. However, unless the process chosen shows itself to be egregiously inequitable, the same process must be used within a single year. It shall, however, be within the purview of the Heads of House to modify or totally alter the selection process for the following year.


NOTE: As in the faculty section, the proposal in the next section is NOT the names of the positions, but the positions themselves. The names could be changed to anything.


II. Student Members

A. Senior Class

1. House Captain--There shall be two House Captains, one boy and one girl, chosen from the Senior class of each House. The House Captains should embody the spirit and values first of ECHS, and second of their House. They are to be the paragon of what it means to be a Charterian first and a member of the House second.

• The House Captains are to be appointed by the Head of House, from a list of recommendations made by the House Regent, made with input, as required, from the House Scribe, who shall solicit information from other faculty members of the House as needed.


• Though other students may be considered, the previous year's House Prefects and House Pages should be considered automatic candidates for the position of House Captains.


• The House Captains shall be expected to actively look after members of their own Houses; in both a protective as well as supervisory capacity. In other words, it shall be the duty of the House Captains to assist other students in the House in whatever capacity is needed and in which they are able. Students should feel free to come to the House Captain with various concerns or problems; and the House Captain is expected to help if he or she can, or to bring the issue to the attention of a faculty Member of the House if possible. As proud student leaders of the House, the House Captains should also not just serve as examples of the proper attitudes and behaviors, but also censure members of their own House for improper comportment.
  


• The House Captains shall not have the power to add or deduct points themselves; however, they are the only student members of the House who shall have the authority to report to the Regent a recommendation that such point alterations occur. It shall be, in all cases, the final decision of the Regent, whether points should be awarded or subtracted. If the House Captain feels there is an ongoing problem in being heard by the Regent, he or she should bring this to the attention of the Head of House.
  


• House Captains should be made to feel free to bring issues of concern or merit to the Regent of any House, including other Houses than their own. For example, if a Captain of House A witnesses exceptional behavior on the part of a student from House C, the Captain is welcome and encouraged not just to praise that student, but to report the observation to his or her Regent. Likewise, if a House Captain witnesses improper behavior, he or she is expected and encouraged to censure the student, and report the issue to the appropriate House Regent.


• The House Captains shall be expected, at all times, to embody and emphasize both the academic and civic expectations of ECHS. The House Captains must never show favoritism in dealing with students from their House, or partiality in dealing with students from other Houses.
  


• The House Captains shall, additionally, be requested to attend all official House meetings and functions. In addition, the House Captains may be asked by the Head of House, the Regent, or the Scribe, to attend House leadership discussions.
  


• The House Captains will be expected to provide support and assistance in any capacity in the operation of the House, whether in day-to-day activities or at events.


• The House Captains shall participate in the selection process of students and teams for competition events in the House Championship. This participation is to be in the form of input to the Scribe, who will oversee the process; but the Scribe should take this input into account in rendering any final decisions.


• The House Captains should have some form of insignia or special symbol designating their positions, that can be worn with regular clothing or a uniform on such occasions when a uniform is worn.


• The House Captains shall, at their own discretion or at the behest of the faculty House leadership, call for and conduct meetings of the student House leadership.
  

2. House Adjutants--There shall be two House Adjutants, one boy and one girl, chosen from the Senior class of each House. The House Adjutants should epitomize what it means to be a Charterian first and a member of the House second.

• The House Adjutants shall be appointed by the Head of House from a list of recommendations made by the House Regent, made with input, as required, from the House Scribe, who shall solicit information from other faculty members of the House as needed.

• Though other students may be considered, the previous year's House Prefects and House Pages should be considered automatic candidates for the position of House Adjutants.


• The House Adjutants shall assist the House Captains in their duties when called upon to do so.


• As the House Captains are leaders of the entire student population of the House, the House Adjutants shall serve as the leaders and representatives of the Senior Class of their House. It is the House Adjutants, in other words, who should bring the concerns of the Senior Class to the House; as well as provide a means of communication between the Senior Class and the House.


• Like the House Captains, the House Adjutants are expected to look after the welfare and behavior of the members of their House. However, while the Adjutants shall be authorized to censure or praise student behavior, they may not make recommendations to the Regents for point modifications. However, the Adjutants should, if they alone witness such positive or negative behavior, bring it to the attention of the Captain; who can then decide whether or not to bring it to the attention of the Regent.


• The House Adjutants are expected to embody both the academic and civic expectations of ECHS, but to emphasize, in student interactions, the academic expectations.
  


• The Adjutants will be expected to attend all official House meetings and events, and to offer spirited, but appropriate, participation, as well as encouraging the participation of the other members of their House.


• The House Adjutants may be asked to attend House leadership meetings by one of the faculty members of the House.


• The House Adjutants will be expected to attend meetings of student House leadership called by the Captains, and to facilitate those meetings as requested by the Captains.


• The House Adjutants should have some form of insignia designating their position.

3. General Members--All other House members of the Senior Class shall be designated as General Members. The General Members are expected, at all times, to uphold the ideals and expectations first of ECHS, then of the House.

• General Members will be expected to assist the House Leadership, both faculty and student, when requested.


• General Members are expected to always demonstrate proper House spirit--being proud of their House and its accomplishments, but never denigrating members of other Houses; always remembering that no House is complete in and of itself, and that all Houses are necessary parts of the whole of ECHS.


• General Members are expected to participate, following the principles of good conduct and sportsmanship expected by ECHS and the House, in competition events for the House Championship.


• General Members shall be expected to accept the censure as well as any internal disciplinary measures of the House for inappropriate behavior. NOTE: This will be outlined in another section; but internal House discipline is never to exceed the level of discipline that would be merited by the behavior from the policies and procedures of ECHS; and in general, should not consist of anything more than the equivalent of a detention. However, Members may be asked to complete tasks for the House as part of a disciplinary measure. All Members, upon joining the House, must agree to this stipulation. These tasks would not be allowed to be unduly arduous, and would likely involve clerical work that benefits the House--for example, helping the Scribe to sort documents, or typing up the minutes from a student House leadership meeting.


• General Members shall be expected to demonstrate esprit de corps, and accordingly, should have some sort of insignia affiliating them with the House; and to wear the insignia or whatever uniform is designated by the House for the appropriate occasions.


• In addition, each General Member of the Senior Class shall be requested and required to pair up with a Freshman Member of the House, to serve as a mentor and resource for the freshman's progress through ECHS, and as a guide for the traditions, practices and expectations of the House. In the event that there are more Freshman Members than Senior Members, the House Captain shall appoint some Senior Members to "adopt" two Freshman wards so that no Freshman Member is left without a Senior mentor. Alternatively, the Captain may appoint a Junior Member for the same purpose.


• Further, there may be some rights and privileges, determined by each House, that are given to members of the Senior Class, that are not extended to lower classes.
  

B. Junior Class

1. House Prefects--There shall be two House Prefects, one boy and one girl, chosen from the Junior class of each House. They are to epitomize what it means to be a Charterian first and a member of the House second.

• The House Prefects shall be appointed by the Head of House from a list of recommendations submitted by the House Regent, with input from the House Scribe and other faculty House Members as needed.


• Though other students may be considered, the previous year's House Squires should be considered automatic candidates for the position of House Prefects.


• The House Prefects shall assist the House Captains and House Adjutants in their duties when called upon to do so.


• The House Prefects shall serve as the leaders and representatives of the Junior Class of their House. It is the House Prefects, in other words, who should bring the concerns of the Junior Class to the House; as well as provide a means of communication between the Junior Class and the House.


• Like the House Captains and the House Adjutants, the House Prefects are expected to look after the welfare and behavior of the members of their House. However, while the Prefects shall be authorized to censure or praise student behavior, they may not make recommendations to the Regents for point modifications. However, the Prefects should, if they alone witness such positive or negative behavior, bring it to the attention of the House Captain; who can then decide whether or not to bring it to the attention of the Regent.


• The House Prefects are expected to embody both the academic and civic expectations of ECHS, but in student interactions, to emphasize the civic expectations.


• The Prefects will be expected to attend all official House meetings and events, and to offer spirited, but appropriate, participation, as well as encouraging the participation of the other members of their House.


• The House Prefects may be asked to attend House leadership meetings by one of the faculty members of the House.


• The House Prefects will be expected to attend meetings of student House leadership called by the Captains, and to facilitate those meetings as requested by the Captains.


• The House Prefects should have some form of insignia designating their position.

2. House Pages-There shall be two House Pages, one boy and one girl, chosen from the Junior class of each House. They are to epitomize what it means to be a Charterian first and a member of the House second.

• The House Pages shall be appointed by the House Regent, with input from the House Scribe and other faculty House Members as needed.


• Though other students may be considered, the previous year's House Squires should be considered automatic candidates for the position of House Pages.


• The House Pages shall assist the higher student House leadership in their duties when called upon to do so.


• The House Pages shall serve as the primary student voice of the House to the student members of the House. The Pages will be asked, in other words, to disseminate information to the entire population of the House. The Pages are therefore given authority to request assistance in this regard from other House leaders below them, as well as all other House Members.


• The House Pages are expected to embody both the academic and civic expectations of ECHS. Although they shall be expected to hold the values and ideals of ECHS first and the House second, the Pages shall be expected, in interactions with other students, to express unflagging loyalty and support to the House, for the purpose of improving House spirit and morale. This is never to be at the expense of other Houses, however; nor is it ever to put a House above ECHS as a whole.
  


• The Pages will be expected to attend all official House meetings and events, and to offer spirited, but appropriate, participation, as well as to promote and encourage the participation of the other members of their House.


• The House Pages may be asked to attend House leadership meetings by one of the faculty members of the House.


• The House Pages will be expected to attend meetings of student House leadership called by the Captains, and to facilitate those meetings as requested by the Captains.


• The House Pages should have some form of insignia designating their position.

3. General Members--All other House members of the Junior Class shall be designated as General Members. The General Members are expected, at all times, to uphold the ideals and expectations first of ECHS, then of the House. General Members will be expected to assist the House Leadership, both faculty and student, when requested.

The General Members of the Junior Class shall have the same basic description, rights, and responsibilities as the General Members of the Senior Class; with the exception that members of the Junior Class shall not, unless the need arises due to a lack of qualified members of the Senior Class, be assigned a member of the Freshman Class to guide and mentor.

Further, there may be some rights and privileges, to be established by each House, that shall be granted beginning with the Junior Class, that shall not be extended to lower classes.

C. Sophomore Class

1. House Squires--There shall be two House Squires, one boy and one girl, chosen from the Sophomore class of each House. They are to epitomize what it means to be a Charterian first and a member of the House second.

• The House Squires shall be appointed by the House Regent, with input from the House Scribe and other faculty House Members as needed.


• Though other students may be considered, the previous year's House Apprentices should be considered automatic candidates for the position of House Pages.


• The House Squires shall assist the higher student House leadership in their duties when called upon to do so.


• The House Squires shall serve as the leaders and representatives of the Sophomore Class of their House. It is the House Squires, in other words, who should bring the concerns of the Sophomore Class to the House; as well as provide a means of communication between the Sophomore Class and the House.


• The Squires will be expected to attend all official House meetings and events, and to offer spirited, but appropriate, participation, as well as to promote and encourage the participation of the other members of their House.

• The Squires, in particular, shall embody Charterianism and House spirit, and to encourage them in their peers among the Sophomore Class.
  

• The House Squires may be asked to attend House leadership meetings by one of the faculty members of the House.


• The House Squires will be expected to attend meetings of student House leadership called by the Captains, and to facilitate those meetings as requested by the Captains.


• The House Squires should have some form of insignia designating their position.

2. General Members--All other House members of the Sophomore Class shall be designated as General Members. The General Members are expected, at all times, to uphold the ideals and expectations first of ECHS, then of the House. General Members will be expected to assist the House Leadership, both faculty and student, when requested.

The General Members of the Sophomore Class shall have the same basic description, rights, and responsibilities as the General Members of the Junior Class; with the exception that members of the Sophomore Class shall not be called upon to mentor and guide Freshmen House Members.

Further, there may be some rights and privileges, to be established by each House, that shall be granted beginning with the Sophomore Class, that shall not be extended to the Freshman Class.

D. Freshman Class

1. House Apprentices--There shall be two House Apprentices, one boy and one girl, chosen from the Freshman class of each House. They are to epitomize what it means to be a Charterian first and a member of the House second.

• The House Apprentices shall be appointed by the House Regent, with input from the House Scribe and other faculty House Members as needed.
  

• As Freshmen Members have not previously been at ECHS, each House should establish some system of recommendations and/or applications for students to become Apprentices. It may be, for example, that there is a period of time at the beginning of the year that no Apprentices exist, during which time the House holds an open application period, and Freshman Members can apply to the Regent for Apprenticeship. The selection requirements and methods are to be left to the discretion of the House.
  

• The House Apprentices shall assist the higher student House leadership in their duties when called upon to do so.


• The House Apprentices shall serve as the leaders and representatives of the Freshman Class of their House. It is the House Apprentices, in other words, who should bring the concerns of the Freshman Class to the House; as well as provide a means of communication between the Freshman Class and the House.


• The Apprentices will be expected to attend all official House meetings and events, and to offer spirited, but appropriate, participation, as well as to promote and encourage the participation of the other members of their House.

• The Apprentices, in particular, shall embody Charterianism and House spirit, and to encourage them in their peers among the Freshman Class.
  

• The House Apprentices may be asked to attend House leadership meetings by one of the faculty members of the House.


• The House Apprentices will be expected to attend meetings of student House leadership called by the Captains, and to facilitate those meetings as requested by the Captains.


• The House Apprentices should have some form of insignia designating their position.

2. General Members--All other House members of the Freshman Class shall be designated as General Members. The General Members are expected, at all times, to uphold the ideals and expectations first of ECHS, then of the House. General Members will be expected to assist the House Leadership, both faculty and student, when requested.

The General Members of the Freshman Class shall have the same basic description, rights, and responsibilities as the General Members of the Sophomore Class.

The rights and privileges granted to House Members of the Freshman Class are to be determined by each House.