One year after the introduction of the house system, Menlo has decided to renew the program for the 2025-26 school year to increase school spirit and foster cross-grade teamwork, and plans to continue it for many years to come. 

Last year, the house system was proposed by former Student Body President and Vice President Cody Kletter ‘25 and Melanie Goldberg ‘25. Students and faculty were divided into four houses, each designated with a different color and a name significant to Menlo’s history. The four houses are Warren, Lapolla, Halverson and Douglass. Within these houses, Students participate in house games, rallies and individual house meetings.

Upper School Assistant Director Adam Gelb — who has now stepped into a leadership and oversight role for the house system — said he received great feedback on the house system’s first year. “Based on the energy in the house assemblies last year, I think it was a pretty easy decision to continue it,” Gelb said. 

On Tuesday, Oct. 7, the first house assembly of the 2025-26 school year took place. Students volunteered for activities including timed puzzles, typing contests and Double-Dutch jump rope.

Alexis Bustamante, upper school dean of student life and culture, not only oversaw the creation of the house system last year, but also advocated for the evolution of the house system this year. “We wanted [the activities] to look a little different from what we usually do, like different than musical chairs and dodgeball,” Bustamante said. 

Many freshmen are still familiarizing themselves with their houses, as their grade is the first to be brought into the existing system. “I thought it was really cool and a great way to connect to people [who] were outside of your grade,” freshman Sydney Anderson said. 

Despite the positive feedback, administrators are still dealing with the challenges of the new spirit system, problem-solving as they go. “We really just need student leaders that are going to help; we’re still trying to figure out what the best process is to recruit volunteers and get people to sign up,” Bustamante said. 

“The whole point of the house system is to make sure that we’re connecting [students] with people [in all] grades,” Bustamante said.