House Program

 
 

The CRCP House Program fosters a better school culture by creating more accountability, ownership, and leadership opportunities among students and faculty in a way that is intentional and personal. The fundamental component of the House Program is the assignment of students, staff, and faculty from a large community into smaller ones. In those smaller communities, accountability, ownership, and leadership are more purposefully and productively taught and embodied for the ultimate end of building a positive school culture and stronger school community.

The terminology was developed using the NGUZO SABA principles and the threefold mission of Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory.
 
● Nia Leaders- Made up of Ritter seniors/The Nia
Leaders are selected by the Umoja Elder in the family.
● Umoja Elders- These are Ritter faculty members (Educators in each rm)
● Imani Head of House- Ritter faculty member chosen to be the representative/spokesperson of the House. 
 

The House Program consists of four houses. Each House is divided into six families with 12-15 students. At least one faculty and staff member is placed in a family. Both houses and families include all four grade levels.

What is the Purpose of having the House Program?

 

  • Purpose: The purpose of the House System is to give a structure that promotes a better school culture by creating accountability, ownership and leadership opportunities among students and faculty
  • The House System: The House System is designed to promote involvement and support for each individual in the entire school.
  • How are Families chosen? Students are randomly placed in Skyward at the time of their enrollment. Each family has members of each grade.

 

Who were the Houses named after? What are some Facts about them?

 
HALL HOUSE - Mrs. Carmella Hall
  • career educator in the city of St. Louis, MO.
  • served many years at Cardinal Ritter College Prep. During her time here, she served as both Principal and President.
  • She served at the Site on Thekla Ave. and at our current site on N. Spring.
 
SHOCKLEE HOUSE - Monsignor John Shocklee
  • served as Pastor of the St. Bridget Catholic Church for many years.
  • He also headed the Human Rights Commission in St. Louis.
  • He was well-loved and respected in the Black Catholic community in St. Louis and was even influential in the founding of Cardinal Ritter College Prep. He also asked the question, “What do Black Kids need? They need what all kids need.”
 
HENDERSON HOUSE- Leon Henderson
  • Henderson served as a teacher and administrator at Cardinal Ritter College Prep for 30-plus years and for 10 of those years he served as President
  • In Leadership class, students developed a strong sense of self-worth and knowledge of history as a Black young man or woman.
  • Henderson also served as the Dean of Student Affairs/Development at Wilberforce University (the oldest Historically Black University in the nation) for two years (2000 –2002) 
  • Henderson also served as an instructor & administrator at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University in New Orleans, Louisiana for 14-plus years during the summer months.
  • Famous Henderson Quote: “You Can’t Teach Them If You Don’t Love Them” Who is the street named after outside our building on spring Ave.  A.  Leon Henderson
 
CARLSON HOUSE- Archbishop Robert J. Carlson
  • has served in the priesthood since 1979. He was later installed as the Archbishop of St. Louis. He was an enthusiastic supporter of Cardinal Ritter College Prep. 
  • He remained a supporter of Cardinal Ritter during his entire time as Archbishop. He retired from his position as Archbishop of the Archdiocese of St. Louis in June 2019. 

 

For more information, please feel free to contact us.