As the school year begins, new students complete one of the final steps to be fully immersed into the red-tailed hawk community: being sorted into a house. On August 28th, BASIS had its annual house sorting ceremony, where new students grades 5 to 12 selected their forever home. Approximately 85 students were sorted this year, with an estimated 95 students per house.   

Four years ago, a committee of now BASIS alumni and Mr. Wright discussed the idea of a house system. They considered house names, such as North, East, South, and West, or the Hogwarts Houses from Harry Potter. It wasn’t until the next year that students were sorted into Hhouses for each element, including Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Since then, our house system has continued to grow and develop. In 2023-2024, house leaders added a point system and colored t-shirts for each use. As the house system improves and grows, so does school spirit. 

The points system added a new level of competition, where students band together at monthly events to bring glory to their houses. Fire house won in 2023-2024 and received a nameplate on a huge trophy. 

“I am a proud member of the Earth house. I mean, Fire won last year, but I would love to see a new house win.” Mr. Wright said.

The house system is an integral part of the BASIS community as it brings together students of different ages. This non-academic component of BASIS strengthens us as a whole. Additionally, it allows students to build a sense of spirit within their house. Being involved in a house is a great way to show school pride. Besides head of house and assistant head of house, all students can run for prefect, which is a great leadership opportunity. Students can still show their enthusiasm without being a leader, however, as simply wearing your house shirt and participating in games goes a long way.