By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a school-wide program implemented at USD 428 in 2021, has proven techniques to help educators model positive behaviors in the classroom to impact the school community. Each public school in Great Bend uses the program differently, but actions include greeting kids as they arrive to school or positive office referrals when the student does something good.
USD 428 Director of Teaching and Learning JoAnn Blevins said the program is easily one of the favorite trainings that new licensed teachers receive.
"On the professional development surveys that I send out in January, one of the questions is describe the professional development session that made the most impact on you," said Blevins. "Far and away, this is one that comes through as the most talked about, not only for its content but for the quality of trainers that come in."
The agreement with Capturing Kids Hearts renewal includes a two-day training for new teachers, an on-site visit in the spring for each school from a consultant and the digital platform access for staff.
The service agreement costs $78,200. Randy Wetzel, current USD 428 school board member and former assistant principal, said the $13,200 increase from last year is still worth it.
"I've seen the difference in it," said Wetzel. "To be honest, I was skeptical when I was a principal when we brought this up. What I saw in my last year or so was on the positive side. It's a very small amount to pay considering what it does and accomplishes with the kids."
The school board approved the renewal with a 7-0 vote.