‘Hatchet House System’ introduced at Tomahawk Middle School

TOMAHAWK – Tomahawk Middle School last week introduced the new “Hatchet House System.”

The School District of Tomahawk explained that through the Hatchet House System, students in grades 6 through 8 will be randomly assigned to one of five Houses, creating groups made up of students from all three middle school grades, along with staff from multiple grade levels.

The five Hatchet Houses are Pine, Granite, Ember, River and Northstar.

“Students assigned to a House in 6th grade will remain in that House throughout their entire middle school career,” the district stated. “This gives students the opportunity to build connections with a group of about 40 students, creating familiar faces and a stronger sense of community throughout the halls.”

The district said community building across grade levels is “at the heart” of the Hatchet House program and added that the system is designed to encourage a sense of belonging; cross-grade connections; leadership and role-model opportunities; character and behavior growth; and mentor-type relationships.

As students progress through middle school, the district said, they'll have opportunities to naturally step into leadership and role-model roles while getting to know students they may not otherwise interact with regularly.

“And it won't all be about community building,” the district said. “Each quarter, students will participate in fun challenges and games during TEAM, competing against the other Houses.”

A clothing order for students who would like to represent their House on House Challenge Days will be open through 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30. To place an order, visit www.tomahawkms26.itemorder.com/shop/home/.