Canyon Creek, Forest North, Union Hill and Voigt elementary schools have been named finalists by the Flippen Group to receive a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools award for the 2016-2017 school year.

The Flippen Group selected 46 finalists out of 10,000 schools nationwide that host the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program. As part of the selection process, Flippen Group site teams will visit the four schools to observe and experience the program’s implementation on a campus level.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a transformative initiative for campuses to become an emotionally safe and relationally connected place for students, staff and parents to come alive with a love for learning. As part of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program, teachers and staff learned processes to connect students with their peers and adults on campus and to create classrooms where students are excited to enter and learn every day.

“In Round Rock ISD, we are committed to serving the whole student, including social and emotional health as well as academics,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Steve Flores said. “The four schools recognized through the Flippen Group are a testament to their hard work to ensure all students are engaged and supported both in and out of school.”

Capturing Kids’ Hearts campuses across the country are considered for this award based on the following criteria:

  • Nomination based on observation,
  • Level of implementation of Capturing Kids’ Hearts processes by all staff as measured by online surveys and
  • Data demonstrating that Capturing Kids’ Hearts has made a significant improvement in attendance, discipline, climate/culture, or academics.

As part of the nomination process, a site visit to each nominated campus will be conducted to gather additional quantitative and qualitative data and to interview students, teachers, administrators, and parents. A matrix of key measurements will be used to gather information during a campus walk-through. Finally, an additional survey will be conducted to collect feedback regarding the perceived climate and culture of the campus and its conduciveness to learning. Following the site visit, the selection team will review all accumulated data and select the campuses to receive the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools award.

With this award, the Flippen Group seeks to recognize and celebrate schools that go the extra mile each day, building an environment where students and staff feel safe and connected.