EPLA East High School uses a house system composed of animal symbolism. Every animal is a visual representation of CRSHH values learned in middle school and a symbol of Mexican culture.
The selection process of each House consists of students providing their top 3 choices, a personality test, and a teacher’s input during the first week. By the end of the second students are placed in a house and they may not change until the end of 9th grade.
By the beginning of 10th grade, students will have a permanent house where they will reside until 12th grade.
Throughout the year, every House will be competing against each other in a point system where every week, the House with the most points will take home the “ EPLA Totem”.
In addition, as the Houses obtain points they will earn rewards. This will keep the competition going, and avoid any “giving-up” attitudes in the houses. Every week each house will award students with the “Top Point-Earning Student” and “The Most Diverse Student” awards weekly.
At the end of the school year, one house will be proclaimed the winner and will earn a substantial prize for their entire house.
The Houses
Serpiente (sehr-pyehn-teh)
representing Hunger, these scholars explore, ask questions, change the status quo and work to build themselves up and others.
Aguila (ah-gee-lah)
expanding on Hunger, these scholars demonstrate bravery and fearlessness and are unafraid to face any challenge and rise to meet and fly beyond it.
Jaguar (jah-gwar)
Representing Collaboration, these scholars demonstrate unity and the power of a teamwork approach to any task and the importance of building each other up.
Xoloitzcuintle (“show-low-itz-QUEENT-ly”)
Representing Humility, these scholars take nothing for granted and are driven to be of service to their communities
Chapulin (chah-poo-leen)
Representing Responsibility, these scholars take responsibility for their words and actions for the betterment of others.