Kelly Springs Elementary School fosters community with Harry-Potter-inspired initiative

DOTHAN, Ala. (WDHN) — It turns out Hogwarts is in The Wiregrass! (Kind of.)

Kelly Springs Elementary School is bringing together wizards and moghuls alike for a Harry-Potter-themed cause: to build community.

The school hosted a kickoff event today, where students will be sorted into four houses, or groups. Each house will earn points based on how hard they work and what good deeds they perform throughout the year.

“it was fun. I liked how it was you didn’t just choose this, and it’s over. It’s like they turned it into a big event,” said Landon Brindisi, a fifth grader.

Complete with confetti, a bounce house, and plenty of noise, it kicked off what officials hope will be a long-lasting initiative.

Today’s event was just for fifth grade, but future events are on the horizon, officials say.

“We are really hoping to help build community and make sure that students are connected with other students and adults here in the building,” said Monica Montalvo, school principal.

At the event, a kid would draw the name of one of the four houses out of a box. They would hand that name over to a staff member.

Then, they climbed up the bounce house, and as they slid down, their chosen house would shout and cheer for them.

The model Kelly Springs is using comes from the Ron Clark Academy House System, which originated in Atlanta.

“I’m so excited about this house system. Our students are excited about the house system…and mainly, we want to motivate them to achieve at high levels,” Montalvo said.

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