How P2 Boosted School Culture with Head of House Videos

For the past seven years, Harrisburg Elementary School has been using the Ron Clark Academy House model to build community and foster positive behavior. Throughout this time, we have found innovative ways to make the model engaging, impactful, and fun for students. One of the most exciting developments in this journey has been the creation of our Head of House (HOH)/Positivity Project (P2) videos—an initiative that has quickly become a cornerstone of our school culture and sparked an enthusiasm for Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS).

The Birth of the HOH/P2 Video Concept

Inspired by a session at Cabarrus County School’s Rise Conference, the School House Leads decided to take a fresh approach to our PBIS efforts. We wanted to find a way to regularly highlight and celebrate Positive Behavior  while making the process more interactive for students. We took ideas from the presenters at Rise and expanded upon it to create weekly HOH/P2 videos where students around the school were interviewed about their learning of the P2 character trait for the week.

The plan was for student Head of House leaders to interview other students about their P2 and Positive Behavior learning and how they can apply their learning to school and the RCA House model. These interviews would be edited into engaging videos that would be shared with the entire school.

Adding a Dash of Creativity: Bonus Material and Engagement

To make the videos even more exciting, we decided to incorporate additional materials—music, graphics, and even bonus features like “student shoutouts” or bloopers—into each episode. This added a layer of fun and creativity, which immediately captured the attention of our students.

When the first HOH video was shared, it was met with a wave of excitement. Students were absolutely blown away and even more excited when they were able to recognize their peers on “television.” It wasn’t long before the buzz spread throughout the school. Students began eagerly discussing the P2 content, sharing what they had seen in the video, and even asking if they could be featured in future episodes.

The “Live” Event: Taking It to the Next Level

As the weekly HOH videos gained momentum, we took the excitement to the next level. We staged a “live” event for the entire school, where the HOH leaders hosted a real-time, interactive show. This event skyrocketed the popularity of the HOH P2 show, creating a tangible sense of community and excitement around the weekly videos. Students weren’t just watching—they were participating, discussing, and celebrating P2 in ways they never had before.

The live event was a huge success, and the students’ enthusiasm reached new heights. They were not only excited to see themselves featured in the videos but were now more motivated to embody Positive Behavior in the hopes of being highlighted in future episodes.

Monthly Meetings and Recognizing Positive Behavior

The HOH videos are just one piece of our larger approach to promoting Positive Behavior. Each month, we host House meetings that serve as an opportunity to recognize students for their positive contributions and reinforce the key elements of our P2 framework. These meetings also include time for service projects, house holidays, and a deeper dive into the P2 resources, such as the Tier 2 and Tier 3 toolbox.

During these meetings, we go over the various character traits associated with each House and how they connect to Positive Behavior. By making these traits a focal point, we reinforce the importance of building good character, whether it’s showing respect, kindness, responsibility, or perseverance. These discussions are woven into our monthly meetings to ensure that students are consistently reminded of the values we prioritize and strive to live out every day.

Supporting Tier 1, 2, and 3 P2 Efforts

Another key element of our House meetings is the integration of Tier 2 and Tier 3 P2 resources. While the daily lessons and reinforcement in the classroom (Tier 1) are crucial to setting a strong foundation for Positive Behavior, we understand that some students may need additional support to succeed. To address this, we’ve added discussions around the Tier 2 and Tier 3 resources during our House meetings. These resources help ensure that all students—whether they need a little extra help or are ready for more advanced challenges—have the support they need to thrive.

By connecting these resources with the House model and P2, we create a comprehensive approach that serves all students, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can grow, succeed, and feel recognized.

Looking Ahead: A Stronger, More Engaged Community

As we move forward with the Head of House videos, we are excited to continue building on the momentum we’ve created. What started as a small idea has blossomed into a dynamic and engaging program that has deepened our school’s commitment to Positive Behavior. The videos, live events, and monthly meetings have brought a new level of excitement and engagement to our school culture, making it a place where students feel motivated, valued, and empowered to succeed.

With each new video and meeting, we are reminded of the power of creativity, collaboration, and positive reinforcement. The Head of House videos are just one example of how small changes can make a huge impact. As we continue to integrate these efforts into our school’s fabric, we are confident that our community will only grow stronger, more connected, and more focused on what truly matters: building a positive and inclusive environment for all.

By embracing new ideas and adapting to the needs of our students, we are not only creating memorable moments but also fostering long-term habits of positive behavior. And as we look to the future, we’re excited to see how our HOH videos will continue to evolve and inspire students for years to come!