“What can I do to make my teachers want to happily return to school next year?” “Is there anything that will motivate our students to show up for class—either virtually or face-to-face?” These questions are only two of the multitude of concerns that have been voiced at the campus and district level during this year of uncertainty. Furthermore, the additional challenges that have always been present for leaders, educators, parents, and students remain. So, in a season when the profession seems to be facing an uphill climb, how does a district maintain a connected culture, foster learning, and keep teachers and staff engaged and excited to come to work? For a select group of districts, the solution was found in Capturing Kids' Hearts® (CKH).

Capturing Kids’ Hearts is an organization that equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.

How would someone know they were in a Capturing Kids’ Hearts school? "Before they even get in the building, they'll feel it. It's different. The atmosphere is magical. There are greeters opening car doors and helping kids in, music blaring in the entryway, there is another set of greeters in the lobby, and teachers are waiting at their doors to greet. Parents say this is different from my last district. We feel at home. And it doesn't stop at the schoolhouse door. When your mayor and city council can talk about Capturing Kids' Hearts and understand the processes, I think you have arrived…The impact is far-reaching" (Brittany Lancaster, Elementary Principal, Royse City ISD).  

“It gave us all a common language and validated the importance of why we got in the profession”

Educators today face new and unique challenges. In this season, it is imperative to remain engaged, motivated, and inspired. Dr. Michael Clagg, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources at Haysville USD and a 42-year educator states that " Capturing Kids’ Hearts training got me back in touch with why I got in the profession in the first place. It was not to implement a state mandate. It wasn't to fill out a report. It was to build relationships with colleagues, kids, and families so that I could make a difference. Capturing Kids' Hearts not only showed me how to do it, but it gave us all a common language and validated the importance of why we got in the profession." 

In addition to building up each educator individually, Capturing Kids’ Hearts processes create a culture where relational capacity is built among the staff and with students. "Faculty is family" (Mike Still, Superintendent Wayne Community School District). As a result of the family atmosphere, teachers are more inclined to stay with the district. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the annual turnover rate for teachers is 16%. But both Burton School District and Haysville USD report that their rate is 5%. "There are districts around us with a higher pay rate, but we always have people who are knocking on our doors to come here because they know we'll take care of them intellectually and academically. But, first and foremost, we will make sure their heart is ok, and I think that is what sets us apart and why people want to come here" (Treasure Weisenberger, Human Resources Director, Burton School District).

"Even on zoom, we have been averaging 90-95% for the district. Kids are showing up because they have a relationship with their teachers"

It is easy to see the impact Capturing Kids’ Hearts has on staff, but what impact does it have on students? "There was a fear with the pandemic that many students might fall off the radar, but with CKH, we have found that they take care of each other” (Elizabeth Evans, Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Valle Lindo School District). “The change in the student body has been noticeable. Before CKH, when I greeted kids, sometimes they would barely say hello. Now they are the ones to hold the door open and engage first” (Mike Still, Superintendent Wayne Community School District). In Burton School District, attendance is up; "even on zoom, we have been averaging 90-95% for the district. Kids are showing up because they have a relationship with their teachers" (Sergio Mendoza, Superintendent Burton School District). What we have found is that the more a child feels connected and appreciated, the more they internally and emotionally have the ability to succeed and want to be a part of it” (Linda Gibson, Superintendent Payson USD). "We are reaching kids that were falling through the cracks. We weren't engaging them. With this system, we're saving kids" (Kevin Lynch CFO, Splendora ISD).

When asked about the secret ingredients to their success, all eight Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School Districts indicated that there had to be intentionality. “You can't expect it will autopilot--nothing worthwhile autopilots. You have to recognize it, celebrate it, integrate it, find ways to keep it fresh and support it" (Dr. Cindy Petersen, Superintendent Gateway Community Charters). All participants from the top down must model the processes "It is part of their tapestry. You can't pull the threads apart because the threads weave through everything" (Dr. Cindy Petersen, Superintendent Gateway Community Charters).

Author: Laura Wagner