MISD named National Showcase School District for Capturing Kids’ Hearts®

10 MISD schools also earned National Showcase Schools status for CKH

Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Founder (CKH) Flip Flippen announced Midlothian ISD as a National Showcase District. This is the third school year of CKH implementation for MISD. Only 40 U.S. school districts earned this national distinction. In addition to our district award, the following campuses have been named Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools:

• Dolores W. McClatchey Elementary School
• J.A. Vitovsky Elementary School
• J.R. Irvin Elementary School
• Jean Coleman Elementary School
• Larue Miller Elementary School
• Longbranch Elementary School
• Mt. Peak Elementary School
• T.E. Baxter Elementary School
• Midlothian High School
• Walnut Grove Middle School

The Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools® and National Showcase Districts® Awards recognize and celebrate schools producing exemplary outcomes using the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Process. Award winners demonstrate a high level of performance and a positive culture and climate for learning. The program was established in 1990 and is used in schools nationwide. 

“We are really proud to be named a National Showcase District® and to have 70 percent of our schools named National Showcase School® awardees is special,” said Superintendent Dr. David Belding. “Our staff is so purposeful in building relationships with students and families to bridge school and home. They are champions who are inspiring excellence each and every day, and CKH is a tool that helps us accomplish great things.” 

MISD implemented CKH during the 2021-22 school year and funded the districtwide program lauch through the use of federal ESSER funding. Since then, district and campus leaders, including teachers, have committed to investing in growing a culture focused on relationship building. 

“Our MISD cultural tenets are embedded in relationships and that aligns beautifully with the philosophy of Capturing Kids’ Hearts,” said Chief Academic Officer Shelle Blaylock. “Our culture is all about being a family, honoring relationships, celebrating diversity, and unlocking one's unlimited potential. CKH cultivates relationships between teachers and students to support the enhancement of school culture where students thrive.”

Becoming a CKH National Showcase Schools® (NSS) Awardee is a high aspiration and a recognition of excellence. Campuses selected for this status have demonstrated an ability to implement CKH with fidelity. This includes ensuring that 70 percent of instructional staff have completed the proper CKH training and receiving a nomination from the school's assigned CKH Strategist. The designation also considers key performance indicators, various campus data points, and staff and student survey participation.

Through experiential training, expert coaching, learning curriculum for students, and personalized support, Capturing Kids' Hearts® equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional well-being, relationship-driven campus culture, and student connectedness.