Page 64 - City of Westlake FY20 Budget

Section 1 Executive
Westlake Academy Profile

HOUSE SYSTEM
Westlake Academy has chosen to implement a house system with each student and faculty member assigned
to one of four houses named after people who represent qualities important to and inherent in the WA
mission statement.

While school and team spirit are promoted, the house system also encourages integration, responsibility and
a sense of community. Membership in a house is life-long. Each student should be responsible for the well-
being of fellow members and be proud to work for the betterment of the house. Houses will work together
and compete in academic, sporting, service projects and events. All siblings will be assigned to the same
house.

The House System organization and leadership team consists of a House Coordinator and its own leadership
team consisting of a House Captain, Service Captain, PYP Captain, and a Faculty Liaison.

Keller House
In 1882, at the age of two, Helen Keller became deaf and blind. Nevertheless, she learned
to read, write and speak. She attended the most prestigious women’s university in the
United States and became a spokeswoman for all people with disabilities. She represents
determination, perseverance and passion.

Thoreau House
Henry David Thoreau was a writer, thinker and naturalist. He was one of the country’s first
environmentalists. He represents a love of nature, independent thinking and standing up
for one’s convictions.

Wheatley House
Sold into slavery at the age of seven, Phillis Wheatley nonetheless learned to read and
write in English, Greek and Latin and published her first poem at the age of thirteen. She
was the United States’ first African-American poet. She represents our search for
spirituality and cultural diversity.

Whitman House
Father of free, non-rhyming verse in poetic literature, Walt Whitman was truly an
innovator who began his career in the years before the civil war. He used his poetry to
express the distinctive virtues of the American nation. He exalts the democratic spirit and
a love of a country.

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