News – Sheridan Media
In the past year, SCSD#3 School initiated the One Claw House System. According to the information on the SCSD#3 website, the House System is more than just a structure—it’s the heart of their school culture. Designed to build unity, inspire character, and foster healthy competition, the House System connects students across grade levels and backgrounds into six distinct houses, with the addition of elementary houses in 2025, each with its own identity, values, and legacy.
Rooted in traditions both ancient and modern, the system provides a sense of belonging and pride while encouraging leadership, teamwork, and service. Through house challenges, mentorship, and school-wide events, students develop meaningful relationships, build confidence, and take ownership of their learning and behavior. It is a foundation for school spirit, a catalyst for positive behavior, and a powerful tool for creating a connected, supportive, and values-driven school community.
Many community members have a problem with the House System due to the fact that it is required of all the students. Most felt it would better serve the students if it was like a club, or an activity so those wanting to join could, but were not obligated to join a house. Many wanted to learn more about it, and felt the school should have an open forum on the subject.
A large crowd of community members attended the SCSD#3 Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 11 and eight people spoke out with their concerns about the house system.
Kelly Betz was one parent who was concerned about the direction the school was heading. She felt they had a great elementary program, and that the students get one-on-one learning at Clearmont, but she didn’t think the house system worked for all students.
She added that she was not there to say the system was bad, because many students love the House System. “But we cannot forget the kids it isn’t working for. If the kids feel it not working for them, we must support them.”
I want us to all talk about it, she said. She didn’t like the behind doors and closed door stuff.
Several parents, like Sam Olson, are looking at other options for schooling their youngsters. He said his family plans to school their children online. Olson said that in his opinion the house system was like a ‘cult’ that they can’t get out of, and it wasn’t necessary in Clearmont.
Cheryl Roebling, whose kids graduated from Clearmont, said she loves the community, she said everyone needed to support the community and school. She said she has heard from community members, and she wonders what is going on.
Amy Vineyard and Kendel Hepp, parents, also addressed the board on other topics other than the house system.
Cindy Miller, who has a student in Clearmont, was very upset with some of the leaders in the houses. She said when they moved here they were excited about their daughter going to a small school. She said they had a parent-teacher conference about her daughter all the teachers except one said she was doing well. But Miller said that one teacher,
Katie Fennema, who had two daughters graduate from Clearmont, spoke passionately about what was happening.
The house system did have its supporters, house leaders Wyatt Holland, Bronc Vineyard, Ileigh Patterson, Brindle Vineyard and Natalie Stoll, talked to the board about some of the values the houses embrace.
Natalie Stoll, head of house Herculean—“The House of Resilience” had this to say.
Wyatt Holland, head of house Tapferkeit—“The House of Independence” talked about leadership.
The other house heads echoed what Wyatt and Natalie had to say, and they felt it was a good system. Ileigh Patterson added that she had heard many of the younger students say they were excited about joining a house when they moved into seventh grade.
The board will hold a listening session on the subject for community input on December 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the school gym. Everyone who is wondering about the House System is urged to attend, learn more about it, and share their thoughts.
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Last modified: December 15, 2025