Capturing Kids' Hearts

“If you have a child’s HEART, you have a child’s MIND.”

Flip Flippen

Founder and CEO of the Flippen Group

We're proud to announce that Goddard Public Schools has been named a Capturing Kids' Hearts (CKH) National Showcase District Award Winner! USD 265 is one of only 61 school districts in Kansas to be named a CKH National Showcase District. This prestigious recognition celebrates districts that have created extraordinary school environments where students and staff feel connected, valued, and eager to learn. Through the dedication and compassion of staff across the district, Goddard Public Schools is creating a more safe and caring environment, forming trusting relationships that are the foundation for academic excellence! The CKH process, which is implemented at ALL twelve schools in the district, aims at strengthening students’ connectedness to others through enhancing healthy bonds with teachers and establishing consistent rules of conduct.

Every school in USD 265 has also been recognized with the National Showcase School honor for exemplary recognition of excellence. All seven K-6 schools in USD 265 are National Showcase Schools, out of only 48 in the state. Both middle schools in USD 265 are National Showcase Schools, out of only seven in the state. As if that weren't outstanding enough, all three entities for grades 9-12 in USD 265 were named National Showcase Schools. Which means that out of six high schools in the state to achieve this honor - USD 265 has half!

What makes these accomplishments truly special is that they reflect the HEART of what we work to accomplish in USD 265 – putting building positive relationships first, and creating environments where every student feels valued and capable of achieving greatness.

What is Capturing Kids’ Hearts?

The Capturing Kids’ Hearts process assists schools in building a culture that is founded on fostering positive relationships amongst students and educators. Research has proven that when students feel connected to teachers and school, there is a positive transformational correlation to the Five Key Indicators of School Performance:

Increased student achievement
Increased student attendance
Decreased discipline referrals
Increased graduation rates
Increased teacher satisfaction and retention

What does Capturing Kids’ Hearts look like in my child’s school?

A few of the key routines and processes implemented in Capturing Hearts’ Schools include social contracts, good things, affirmations, daily greetings, and the EXCEL teaching model.