Bristow Elementary School Principal Chris Stunson stood, megaphone in hand, as students gathered Thursday around a new spiral slide that connects the school’s first and second floors.

One by one, students stepped up to a wheel, spun it and raced upstairs to slide back down.

Along with a similar slide at Alvaton Elementary School, it’s a new way for Bristow staff members to encourage students to do their best. Students at Bristow and Alvaton spun wheels to be sorted into school “houses” that employees said helps students work together, make friends and feel like they belong at school.

“It’s fun, and it gives the school a better system,” said Bristow sixth-grader Sincere Smith, who joined team isibindi, a South African word that means courage.

Students at Alvaton also appreciated their new slide.

“I think it’s really cool,” sixth-grader Peyton Maynard said.

Among the eight houses at Bristow, several represent character attributes, such as johto embodying leadership or sabio for wisdom.

Once sorted into their house, students remain there until they move into middle school. As students spun the wheel at Bristow, housemates in color-coded shirts gathered to welcome new members to their teams.

Stunson said the school was inspired to adopt the approach by The Ron Clark Academy, an acclaimed, nonprofit middle school in Atlanta that teaches students from different socioeconomic and academic backgrounds.

Last year, Bristow had one of the highest populations of transient students in the school district, Stunson said. The new house system, he said, will help students feel connected to their school and encourage “living life and being a good citizen.”

It’s meant to teach values like friendship and teamwork, Stunson said, adding the program also allows him to spotlight students. Each Friday, he’ll call a student up in front of the student body to spin for their team and get a chance at collecting points. The slide ties into the program as a reward for students.

“It is such a team-building experience. I’m just so excited about it,” said Vinetta Daniell, a staff member at Bristow.

Daniell doesn’t worry about the house system becoming cliquely or competitive.

She said school employees will prevent that.

“We’re here to build up,” she said.

– Follow education reporter Aaron Mudd on Twitter @BGDN_edbeat or visit bgdailynews.com.