Originally published on 4/28/2020
Alvin Elementary, EC Mason Elementary, Passmore Elementary, Meridiana Elementary, and Wilder Elementary have received a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase SchoolsTM award for the 2019-2020 school year from the Flippen Group.
Several years ago, these schools began an initiative to transform their campuses into an emotionally safe and relationally connected place for students, staff, and parents to come alive with a love for learning.
"I'm so thrilled for our campus to be named a Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase School! This award affirms our commitment of building positive relationships with our staff, students, parents, and community,” shared Stacie VanLoenen, Principal of Wilder Elementary.
The vision of these campuses is to create a culture of respect, integrity, and commitment so that all of the students are empowered to become successful leaders and lifelong learners.
Since 1990, campuses across the country have experienced amazing outcomes with Capturing Kids’ Hearts tools and processes by creating socio-emotional safety conducive to learning. The Flippen Group provides educators the skills they need to change the trajectory of students’ lives. Openness replaces defensiveness. Judging and feelings of being judged are replaced with acceptance and real connectedness to the school. “Discipline problems nearly non-existent,” and “Academic achievement constantly improving,” are common feedback following Capturing Kids’ Hearts implementation.
Through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools awards, the Flippen Group recognizes and celebrates campuses that go the extra mile each day, building an environment where students and staff feel safe and connected. The Flippen Group believes unsung heroes who produce exemplary outcomes in schools and pave the way for other schools to follow, need and deserve recognition for a job well done.
Capturing Kids’ Hearts campuses across the country were considered for these awards based on the following criteria: 1) nomination based on observation, 2) level of implementation of Capturing Kids’ Hearts processes by all staff as measured by online surveys, and 3) data demonstrating that Capturing Kids’ Hearts has made a significant improvement in attendance, discipline, climate/culture, or academics.
A Flippen Group team visited each nominated campus to gather additional quantitative and qualitative data, and to interview students, teachers, administrators, and parents. They used a matrix of key measurements to gather information during the campus walk-through. Finally, an additional survey was conducted to collect feedback regarding the perceived climate and culture of the campus and its conduciveness to learning. Following this visit, the selection team reviewed all accumulated data and selected the campuses to receive the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools awards.
The Flippen Group is proud to recognize these outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of children.