The program places all third through fifth grade students into “houses,” creating a sense of belonging, teamwork, and shared responsibility. Students drew dragon eggs to determine which house they would join, according to Principal Leigh Bailey. The houses are: House of Zmey, House of Joren, House of Xyvorn, House of Raidem and the House of Kaldor.

“I love the idea of creating houses/teams because it lets us come together and work as a team to represent how to be a successful and responsible person,” Langford said.

The idea for Dragon’s Dominion was inspired by a visit to Keene ISD, where WSE campus leaders learned about the district’s “Keene 22” values. Walnut Springs brought that concept back to campus and expanded it with student voices. Each group of students generated a list of values, which were compiled and voted on by the student body. The result was the Dragon’s Code — 20 guiding principles that students strive to live out each day.

Those 20 codes were then divided into four sections, with themes such as “Blaze with Honor.” Students who memorize all of the codes earn a special shirt and the title of Dragon Master. So far, about 50 students and 10 staff members have reached that milestone, with a goal of eventually including the entire campus.

“The impact is already visible in daily interactions,” Bailey said. “Students now reference the codes in real time, reminding one another by saying things like, “That’s not Code 2,” or “That’s a Code 10.”

Teachers at WSE say students are fully invested in the shared language and expectations.

“What I enjoy about the Dragon’s Dominion is the morning because we do porch duty,” said Leo Hester, a fourth-grade student who is part of the House of Joren. “Welcoming people early in the morning is like welcoming a guest into a party and they are happy you welcomed them!”

Recognition is also built into the system through collectible “relics.” Each student carries a velvet bag, and when teachers observe behaviors such as integrity or wisdom, students receive a small relic associated with the value to add to their collection. The relics represent each house, and students who earn a certain number are rewarded.

Adding to the excitement is the Flamekeeper, a volunteer who wears a maroon robe and knight’s helmet while awarding the students and making announcements in person and on video messages. The mystery has captured students’ imaginations as many believe the Flamekeeper is always watching for acts of character.

The initiative complements leadership lessons already displayed on campus walls, including the Seven Habits and the Leader in Me framework. Leader in Me is a comprehensive, school-wide transformation framework based on principles of personal leadership, social-emotional learning, and education based on The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

It empowers students to lead their own lives, fosters a high-trust school culture, and drives academic growth by teaching leadership skills to all students rather than just a few.

At the end of the year, the house with the most points will earn a surprise field trip, Bailey said.

Dragon’s Dominion also builds connections across grade levels. Each kindergarten through second grade class is associated with a house, and older students regularly visit to mentor and collaborate with younger Dragons.

Throughout the year, each house takes turns on the porch welcoming students in the morning as well.

“This is my 12th year as a principal, and this is the best thing I’ve seen to shape a school,” Bailey said. “The culture, the leadership, and the excitement from students have been incredible.”

With teamwork, leadership, and a little Dragon magic, Walnut Springs Elementary’s Dragon’s Dominion is igniting school pride and empowering students to lead!