Energy, excitement and a passion for Christ-centered education abounds this year at Mile High Academy. The year’s theme Faith Can Move Mountains was unveiled to more than 220 students as they encircled the MHA campus during the school’s annual Prayer Walk.
“God continues to bless our students and school,” said Jamie Frain, VP of school culture. “We are so thankful to start the year with Him taking center stage on campus.”
MHA continues to expand ways to ensure students feel welcome and a part of the school’s community. One such contributor to the feeling of community and school ownership is the implementation of house groups. The core guidelines for house groups are based on the Ron Clark Academy House System. Ron Clark Academy is a highly acclaimed, nonprofit middle school in southeast Atlanta that has received both national and international recognition.
“Our MHA faculty and staff have visited the RCA campus to best implement the house system,” said Frain. “It was clear that their student sense of belonging is strong. We knew implementing a similar system on our campus would further strengthen relationships at MHA.”
MHA students have been placed in house groups, and the four house groups have a distinguishing Bible verse, tagline and CHERISH value specific to Mile High Academy. They are as follows:
ASMUND: Protector
Color: Black
Bible text: “Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life” (Gal. 6:4-5 MSG).
Tagline: Only those who dare to fail greatly ever achieve greatly.
CHERISH value: House of exploration
AVODAH: Work/Worship/Serve
Color: Red
Bible text: “Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord” (Rom. 12:10-11 CSV).
Tagline: Honor, serve, love
CHERISH value: House of honor/service
LEOCOR: Lion Heart
Color: Purple
Bible text: “The wicked run away when no one is chasing them, but the godly are as bold as lions” (Prov. 28:1 NLT).
Tagline: Rise and rise again until lambs become lions
CHERISH value: House of heroism
VERITAS: Truth
Color: Green
Bible text: “And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and deep is the love of Christ” (Eph. 3:17-18 NIV).
Tagline: Rooted in Christ; growing in truth
CHERISH value: House of integrity/responsibility
A point system, based on both team and individual points, is tracked and tallied together to determine the winning house at the end of the year. Points are earned through good character, academic achievement, school spirit, outstanding performance, effort, teamwork, humility, compassion and responsibility.
“We want Mile High Academy to be a school known for promoting positive, inspiring relationships for our students,” said Chris Morris, middle school teacher and house group coordinator. “Our house groups allow every student to be teamed with caring adults and fellow MHA students to instill a feeling of pride and belonging in our school, and promote doing the right thing.”
Karrie Meyers is an administrative assistant for Mile High Academy.
