A Framework for Success: The HOMies at Sokolowski Elementary
Before becoming the assistant principal of Sokolowski Elementary School, Demetrius Fuller worked for two decades as an art teacher. It was during this time that he developed the HOMies framework (“Habits of Mind”) to help his students become better risk-takers, creative thinkers, and engaged learners. This innovative approach, rooted in building relationships and fostering student reflection, laid the groundwork for a culture shift within the school, empowered students, and fostered collective efficacy among teachers.
When he began attending a leadership development program, Demetrius expanded the HOMies into a schoolwide initiative, with the support of his principal, Nate Meyers and a little community FOMO (fear of missing out).
“When a few teachers started using the HOMies framework and saw how it worked, the others noticed. It wasn’t long before teachers were saying, ‘Hey, I want in on that!’ It created this organic momentum, and everyone wanted to be part of it because they didn’t want to miss out on something that was clearly making a difference.”
At Sokolowski Elementary School in Chelsea, MA, where 70% of students are multilingual learners and 90% qualify for free or reduced lunch, the HOMies provide a universal language of empowerment and possibility. By embodying these characters, students gain tools to navigate academic and personal challenges with confidence and creativity.
Who Are the HOMies?
The HOMies are eight dynamic characters, each embodying a critical Habit of Mind that supports student growth:
The Brave One: Encouraging resilience and overcoming mistakes.
Stellar Storyteller: Building communication skills through storytelling.
Eagle-Eye Detective: Developing keen observation and critical thinking.
Captain of the Clouds: Nurturing imagination and visualization.
Triple Practicer: Embracing the growth mindset and persistent effort.
Maven: Sparking curiosity and a love for teaching others.
Inventor & Innovator: Celebrating creativity and novel problem-solving.
Inspector Reflector: Cultivating self-reflection and adaptability.
Each HOMie was drawn by Demetrius and given a chant to embody their characteristic Habit of Mind. You can visit the HOMies on Demetrius’ website, www.meetthehomies.com.
The Power of Collective Creativity
Demetrius initially developed the HOMies in his art classroom as a way to inspire students to embrace their inner artist and thinker. Over time, the HOMies expanded beyond the art room, becoming a schoolwide framework thanks to the collaborative efforts of teachers, leadership, and students. With ambassadors at every grade level, HOMies now serve as a cultural touchstone—appearing in lesson plans, MCAS (the Massachusetts state test) pep rallies, and even monthly writing contests.
“When we work together collectively, we can tackle any challenge. HOMies has given our team a shared purpose and a way to unify our efforts.” – Demetrius Fuller (timestamp: 18:22)
Steps to Implement the HOMies at Sokolowski
The success of the HOMies at Sokolowski didn’t happen overnight. It required strategic planning and collaboration between Demetrius, his principal Nate Meyers, and the HOMies ambassadors:
Building Leadership Buy-In: Demetrius worked closely with Principal Nate Meyers to advocate for integrating the HOMies into schoolwide practices. Their weekly meetings provided a space to align the HOMies with the school’s academic and cultural goals.
Establishing HOMies Ambassadors: A team of ten ambassadors, representing each grade level and key staff roles, was formed. These ambassadors served as liaisons, bringing HOMie practices into grade-level planning and sharing best practices with their teams.
Scaffolding Teacher Adoption: Recognizing the need for differentiated support, new teachers were introduced to starter HOMies like the Brave One, while veteran staff explored deeper integrations. Professional development sessions further supported teacher implementation.
Creating Shared Experiences: HOMies assemblies, badges, and themed pep rallies fostered enthusiasm among students and staff. During assemblies, teachers dressed as HOMies to demonstrate how habits of mind could be activated during key moments in students' academic work. Students earned HOMie badges for demonstrating the Habits of Mind in class with the ability to earn all eight over the course of a school year.
Embedding HOMies in Curriculum: Ambassadors collaborated with teachers to weave HOMies language into lesson objectives, slides, and classroom discussions. This ensured the HOMies became a natural part of everyday learning for all students.
With the HOMies firmly woven into Sokolowski’s identity, the team is setting its sights on sustainability. Plans for a comprehensive HOMie Handbook and deeper integration with curricula like Fish Tank Learning and Illustrative Math are already underway. Demetrius and his colleagues are committed to ensuring that this joyful, empowering framework continues to thrive.
The Conditions for Success
What made HOMies such a success at Sokolowski Elementary? Demetrius highlights three essential conditions:
Collaborative Development: The HOMies framework wasn’t imposed from above. Instead, it was co-created with input from teachers, ensuring that it met their needs and aligned with the school’s unique culture. The framework isn’t just about student growth; it’s a catalyst for teacher collaboration and innovation. “You can’t just hand someone a framework and expect it to work. It’s the relationships, the collaboration, and the ongoing support that make the real difference.”
Commitment to Reflection: Regular opportunities for reflection were built into the implementation, allowing staff to assess what was working, adjust as needed, and celebrate successes.
Administrative Support: Demetrius and his leadership team prioritized providing the resources, time, and encouragement needed to implement HOMies effectively. This support was critical in helping staff feel empowered and invested in the initiative.
“HOMies has shown us what’s possible when we truly believe in each other and collaborate. The potential for growth is incredible, and we’re just scratching the surface.” – Demetrius Fuller (timestamp: 32:14)
Reflections: What Can We Learn?
The HOMies remind us that the best solutions often emerge from creativity, collaboration, and a deep understanding of our students’ needs. As Demetrius puts it, “The purpose of education is to help students become the “Whole Me”—to activate their inherent potential and give them the tools to thrive in any situation.”
Let’s take a page from Sokolowski’s playbook and reflect on how we can foster creativity and connection in our own schools. Who knows? Maybe your school’s next big idea is waiting to be discovered in your classroom.
As you reflect on this story, consider these questions for your own context:
How can you co-create frameworks that address your unique challenges?
What structures can you build to encourage reflection and adaptation?
How can you leverage collective efforts to strengthen relationships and improve outcomes?
If you want to hear more, I invite you to listen to the full podcast episode with Demetrius Fuller. Cheers to embracing the “Whole Me”, and as always, thank you for being an efficacious educator!
Warmly,
Sarah
