Programs & Activities

Ambassadors

Third and fourth-grade students who show exceptional leadership skills are invited to apply for an ambassador position. These students display good character, a love for learning, and a positive attitude. GES Ambassadors serve as daily greeters and hosts for school events.

House System

Goodlettsville Elementary implemented a house system in 2015.  Children are grouped into four house teams. The houses are Altruism, Fidelta, Tha'rros, and Philotimo.  Upon school entry, each child is placed in a house and remains a team member throughout their time at Goodlettsville Elementary.  All faculty and staff are members of a house, and they encourage and support the children in positive team building through the house system.

Students contribute to their house point totals in many ways, both in and out of the classroom.  House points are awarded for individual and group accomplishments.  Simple actions such as being at school on time and ready to learn, having your agenda or folder signed regularly, and following school and classroom rules can earn a student house points.

Every week, the house points are counted, and a weekly winner announced during our House Party every Friday and added to the house leader board. House points are then tallied over the year.  At the end of the year, once all house points are tallied, the House Champions will be announced. The House Cup is awarded to the winning house.

The Goodlettsville Elementary Essential 42 are the rules we believe make us a productive environment that prepares students for life in and out of school.  Our Essential 42 includes rules governing classroom management, positive environments, self-respect, respect, and manners.

  
The Goodlettsville Elementary Essential 42 and House System's goal is to strengthen our implementation of a supportive and engaging environment.  Research shows that schools with house systems have happier, more engaged students and those students have more school spirit than they did before having a house system.  Through the implementation of Goodlettsville Elementary Essential 42 and the House System, there is consistent encouragement for students to do their best. Increased students' positive attitudes toward one another and the school is a benefit of the house system. Other benefits to students include:

• being a part of a smaller community and helping students acclimate quickly to their school environment and experience an immediate sense of belonging.
• having a team of caring faculty/staff mentors.
• having an opportunity to interact with students from all grade levels.
• reinforcement of our school essentials and expectations.
• having a source of positive peer-pressure and motivation that can positively affect the classroom.
• opportunities to enjoy creative expression, physical activity, and social engagement at weekly 'house party' rallies.  Music and chants extensively used support expression and engagement.

Trauma Informed School

When children experience toxic stress and trauma, they need all the adults around them, including their educators, to support them in healing and moving forward. Trauma-informed schools are meant to be places that help do this. A trauma-informed school acknowledges that many of its students have had traumatic experiences. Understanding this, a trauma-informed school helps students build their toolbox of coping skills and strong adult relationships by engaging in practices that support their resilience and wellbeing. Trauma-informed schools also actively resist creating more trauma and toxic stress for students by meeting each unique situation with compassion and support while maintaining high expectations. Children spend about half of their waking hours inside a school building, so it’s essential that these hours not only prepare them with academic skills, but also the life skills that will be essential in their future. Optimally, parents and caregivers can work with schools as partners in creating the best possible outcomes for all students.