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Pittsburgh Arlington highlights house system and student-run pantry after discipline gains
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Summary
Principal Crystal Caldwell showcased the Ron Clark House System and a student-run pantry at Pittsburgh Arlington, saying the house model coincided with a 90% reduction in fights and increased student engagement; the pantry is run in partnership with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank.
PITTSBURGH — Crystal Caldwell, principal of Pittsburgh Arlington, opened an "In Your Neighborhood" school feature by describing the Ron Clark House System the school uses to build community, reward citizenship and raise student engagement.
"We have the green house of Isavindi, that is the house of courage ... the black house of altruismo, which is the house of givers," Caldwell said, explaining that every student and staff member belongs to one house. She told viewers that since starting the house system the school has seen a 90% reduction in fights and that students are more focused on academics.
Caldwell also highlighted a student-run pantry launched with support from the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. Middle school students assist in stocking shelves, handling deliveries and learning life skills through their work in the Arlington Eagle Pantry. The school's community schools resource room provides clothing, shoes and coats to families, Caldwell said.
The segment presented the house system and pantry as part of the school's approach to improving school climate and meeting student needs. The feature closed with an invitation to watch other Pittsburgh Public Schools spotlights in the district's series.
The school-level success referenced in this feature was later cited during the April 27 board public hearing as an example of improvement that advocates say district-wide plans should seek to replicate.
