As a parent of two Cape Henlopen students, I’ve been proud to see efforts to foster school spirit and community made by Milton Elementary through programs like the new House initiative. At the beginning of the year, the children were divided into five Houses named for virtues such as creativity, responsibility, kindness, respect and safety. However, as the first year of this program unfolds, I find myself deeply concerned about its unintended impact on some of our youngest and most vulnerable students.
The program divides students into teams that compete throughout the year, with rewards for the winning House. While this approach may spark friendly competition, it has also introduced exclusionary practices that risk isolating many children. For instance, the upcoming Winter Wonderland holiday celebration is only open to the winning House, leaving the other students to attend House meetings where they will do a craft and reflection.
This event may be just one of many celebrations for some children, but for others, it could be their only holiday experience. To exclude these students from the joy of a school celebration risks deepening the divide between those who have and those who do not. As Charles Dickens wrote, “This is the time of year when want is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoices.”
When my first-grader learned that not everyone would attend, he was heartbroken. Through tears, he insisted it wasn’t fair, saying, “Everyone worked hard; why can’t we all celebrate together?” For a 6-year-old, the message of exclusion feels especially harsh – particularly during the holiday season, a time meant to bring people together.
While the intent behind tying charity and good deeds to rewards is admirable, it may inadvertently burden families with fewer resources. How can we ask families already struggling to contribute to food drives or other initiatives in the same way as their more affluent peers? It’s a system that risks reinforcing inequities rather than building the unity we hope to foster in our schools.
The good news is that the Winter Wonderland celebration hasn’t happened yet, which means there’s still time to make a change. Instead of excluding students, the district could host an all-school event that celebrates everyone’s efforts while honoring the winning House. This approach would allow every student to feel included, recognized and part of a larger community.
Moments like these should bring us together, not drive a wedge between those who win and those who don’t. I hope the district will reflect on how to make these programs more inclusive as they evolve, ensuring that all children feel valued, especially during this season of giving and connection.
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