The House System Institute
A National Symposium
Implementing, Designing, and Improving House Systems
The House System Institute seeks to bring together educators interested in implementing, developing, or improving a school house system through conversation, presentation, and collaboration.
Hosted by O’Dea High School in Seattle, the House System Institute offers a symposium for educators interested in the use of a House System to achieve the goals and mission of their school communities.
Creating a school climate principled upon student growth—intellectual, moral, social and emotional—is the focus of a House Systems.
Please consider joining the conversation on the implementation, the development, or the improvement of a school House System. Register today and become a part of the House System Institute.
About the 2020 House Institute
O’Dea High School would like to invite you to the 2020 House Institute! The institute brings together school personnel from around the country to learn about and discuss aspects of implementing, developing, and improving House Systems. The institute is designed for administrators, house deans, faculty, and staff that are interested in implementing a program or have a role in House Systems and are interested in sharing ideas for improvement.
2020 House System Institute Presenters
- House Directors, Deans, Mentor Teachers
- Student Leaders
- Experts in Social and Emotional Development
- Graduates
2020 House System Institute Topics
- Developing and Launching a House System
- Social and Emotional Development
- Developing Cultures of Care and Support
- Adult and Student Leadership Development
- Using Technology to Increase School Connectedness
- Inclusive Competition
- Mentor Group Development
- School Connectedness
2020 Institute Schedule
Monday, June 22nd
- 5:30 - 8:00 pm | Social and Keynote
Tuesday, June 23rd
- 8:00 - 9:00 am | Registration, Coffee/Tea
- 9:00 - 10:30 am | Welcome Session
- 10:45 - 12:00 pm | Keynote
- 12:00 - 12:45 pm | Lunch
- 1:00- 2:00 pm | Breakout Sessions
- 2:15 - 3:15 pm | Breakout Sessions
- 3:30 - 4:30 pm | Breakout Sessions
- 4:30 - 6:00 pm | Social Gathering
Wednesday, June 24th
- 7:30 - 8:00 am | Prayer Service
- 8:00 - 8:30 am | Gathering, Coffee/Tea
- 8:30 - 9:30 am | Keynote
- 9:45- 10:45 am | Breakout Sessions
- 11:00 - 12:00 pm | Lunch
House Systems' unique leadership framework create many opportunities for students to lead in and outside of the building.
School Captain Hank Przelenski announces leaders for the 2019-2020 school year to the student body.
Jack Irwin '19 teaches middle school students about leadership styles during O'Dea's annual Middle School Leadership Summit
Registration and Payment
Register before April 1st 2020 | $200 per person
Register after April 1st 2020 | $250 per person
Registration includes institute fee, lunch on both Tuesday and Wednesday, and Socials on Monday and Tuesday evening.
House Systems increase school engagement and connectedness through friendly competition. All houses are vying to win the House Cup.
At O'Dea, Houses earn points in five categories: Academics | Service | Citizenship | Spirit | House Games
Kilkenney House Wins the 2019 House Cup - for the third year in a row!
Additional Information
Recommended Accomodations
About O'Dea's House System
At the core of O’Dea’s culture is its House System, dedicated to developing leadership skills and connecting students with each other, their school, and the community. O’Dea’s motto “Four Houses, One Brotherhood” references each student’s membership within one of four Houses (Dublin, Kilkenny, Limerick, Waterford); these Houses come together to form one O’Dea Brotherhood. Upon entering O’Dea High School, students are placed with a Mentor Teacher from the Faculty/Staff. These groups meet each morning and are together throughout their four years, encouraging interpersonal relationships amongst peers from every grade level and their dedicated Mentor Teacher. The academic, emotional, and social support throughout the House System provides students with the necessary tools to become young men of character, faith, and service.