St. Margaret’s House Leagues are one of the Lower School’s longest-running and most treasured traditions, promoting community, camaraderie, friendship, and healthy competition beyond the classroom.

 

Now, thanks to the senior gift from the Class of 2025, House Leagues will be a part of student life in the Upper School and Middle School, as well. 

 

The Class of 2025 gifted an expansion of the House Leagues, and older students at St. Margaret’s are getting acquainted (or reacquainted) with the four houses: Belmont, Carlton, Oxford and York. 

 

The expansion has also led to a unique opportunity for Lower School students to lead the expansion. At a recent Upper School Convo in Hurlbut Theater, several Lower School students joined Lower School music teacher Zach Hanna to demonstrate the House League chants to the older students. 

 

The rollout of the House Leagues began right away, and its impact on student life is already evident. 

 

"Over the years, I’ve seen the House League system strengthen connections across grade levels and bring a real sense of belonging to our school community,” said Jennifer Cuda, Lower School personal fitness and wellness teacher. “Students form friendships outside of their immediate classes and celebrate each other’s successes. The houses create a healthy balance of competition and camaraderie, which has truly enriched our school culture."

 

Established in 1985 by St. Margaret’s physical education teacher Pigeon Campbell, the House system was modeled after long-standing team formations that Campbell experienced during a career in education. The four Houses, each inspired by historic Scottish houses, boast their own colors, symbols, and histories. But over time, they’ve grown into more than thematic teams. The House Leagues grew into communities with distinct values and personalities, shaped by the students and staff who uphold them.

 

Upon entering Lower School, each student is assigned to one of four Houses, where they remain through graduation. These mixed-age groups include every student, as well as teachers, faculty, and staff to encourage friendships across grade levels and strong relationships with adult role models outside the classroom. 

 

Throughout the year, Houses compete by earning points through school-wide events and individual student achievements, particularly for positive behavior and community-minded choices. Each month, the House with the most points earns a coveted Spirit Day, celebrating their collective efforts and reinforcing the school’s values in a fun, meaningful way.

 

St. Margaret’s creative use of the House system to span across grades connects younger students to older peers, who in turn serve as mentors and role models which foster natural opportunities for leadership. The cross-divisional House approach aims to promote strong community building, encouraging friendships and also academic collaboration.

 

Mrs. Cuda remarked, "We always try to create activities where every student feels like they have a role and a way to contribute. Whether it’s through teamwork, leadership, or just showing great sportsmanship, the focus is on building character and community as much as it is on competition. We mix in different types of activities so everyone’s strengths can shine, and at the end of the day, it’s about having fun while living out our school’s values together."