Seven Oaks Elementary Global Magnet kicked off the school year with a burst of school pride and friendly rivalry as it officially launched its new House System—an initiative rooted in the Positive Behavior Intervention System (PBIS) and designed to support the school’s journey toward becoming an authorized International Baccalaureate (IB) World School.
Much like the houses in Harry Potter, the Seven Oaks houses build community, celebrate attributes such as being caring and knowledgeable, and spark joyful competition. But these houses include a global twist that reflects the IB’s emphasis on international-mindedness: each house is named for one of the school’s “Four Be’s” behavior mottos, translated into a world language and paired with an animal symbol.
Students, faculty, and staff across the school represent:
- Itsula — the American Black Bear, symbolizing “Be Collaborative” in Cherokee
- Aman — the Arabian Wolf, symbolizing “Be Safe” in Arabic
- Dayalu — the Bengal Tiger, symbolizing “Be Caring” in Hindi
- Wajibu — the African Lion, symbolizing “Be Responsible” in Swahili
Points are earned throughout the year through a variety of school initiatives. Currently, Dayalu is leading with 74 points, but that could soon change with an upcoming winter-themed Teacher House Challenge next month.
The new system is already bringing students together across grade levels, encouraging positive behavior, and strengthening the global focus at the heart of the school’s mission. Cheers echo through the gym during monthly competitions, and school pride is on full display through house colors, promoted in partnership with Irmo’s Fully Promoted.
