South Fork Elementary named a 'Capturing Kids' Hearts' National Showcase School

South Fork Elementary School has been named a 2025–2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase School, in recognition of the school’s commitment to creating a relationship-driven culture where students feel safe, connected, and ready to learn. 

Capturing Kids' Hearts (CKH) is an educational program developed by the Flippen Group that focuses on building strong, positive relationships between teachers and students. The program aims to create a supportive and engaging school culture where students feel connected and valued. It has been implemented in thousands of schools across the United States and internationally, impacting millions of students over the years.

The South Fork Elementary campus celebrated the honor on May 13 with the students wearing blue shirts and teachers focusing on discussions around maintaining a positive classroom culture.

“I am proud of my students and staff for their continued work to focus on the good things happening and building positive relationship across the campus. The connections that our students make help them to feel that they are a part of our whole school community. It takes all of us to make good things happen each day at South Fork Elementary,” said South Fork Elementary Principal Misti Thomason.

The primary goals of Capturing Kids' Hearts include:

• Enhancing Student-Teacher Relationships: The program emphasizes the importance of meaningful connections between educators and students, which can lead to improved academic performance and social-emotional well-being.
• Creating a Safe Learning Environment: CKH teaches educators how to establish a classroom culture that promotes respect, collaboration, and effective communication.
• Implementing the EXCEL Model: This model includes five key components: Engage, X-plore, Communicate, Empower, and Launch, which guide teachers in creating dynamic and interactive learning experiences.

Educators participating in the CKH program undergo comprehensive training that equips them with the skills necessary to implement the program effectively. This includes strategies for managing classroom behavior, fostering teamwork, and addressing conflicts constructively. The training is designed to be immersive and participatory, ensuring that teachers can apply what they learn in real classroom settings.