On the evening of the first frost, we craft paper lanterns with our hopes for the upcoming year. These lanterns are then set along the path to the home. Each lantern marks a goal and a promise to see it through.

During the first snow day, the House of Garcia-Dwyer pauses studies to enjoy a day of simple fare and shared readings. This is an intentional reset against excess and hurry.

In spring, a garden bed is planted with herbs and flowers from students’ home countries. A picnic follows where each dish uses those herbs and flowers.

On August 13, the House keeps an hour of gratitude where teachers, mentors, and ancestors who made their journeys possible are named.

Once a week, the House gathers for open inquiry. Someone is chosen to pose a deep question where all offer perspectives before any advice is given.

Each Thursday, a guest is invited to dinner. The House presents the guest with baked goods and dinner, affirming the House’s dedication to hospitality.

At the month’s end, the House reviews a shared log of commitments such as classes, chores, and promises while creating commitments for the next month.

Within their first week, new students to the House will place their hands on the mantle and vow to protect one another’s dignity, keep confidences, and ask for help when needed.

Upon mastering a personal milestone, a small brass key is awarded with a tag that recognizes their accomplishment. This is recorded in the Tome of the Oak Creek.

Before the end of each quarter, a brief rite is held at the dining table where each student reads a passage about something they learned. The book is the left open as a sign that knowledge is communal.

A monthly challenge where a short story is told in a native tongue and the rest of the House tries to figure out what it was about.

A world map in the house bears threaded line to each student’s hometown. When someone departs, a bead is added to where the line ends as a way to honor roots and future paths.

Students bring seeds to trade with each other. Each exchange comes with a promise to tend and report on their growth.

A small bell is rung nightly to begin shared silence for the evening. At this time electronics are turned off so that all can rest or study quietly.

Each week, every household member makes a point to repair something. It could be mending an article of clothing, writing an apology note, etc. The practice is meant to encourage restoration as a normal act.