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Smithfield Elementary is Nominated for a Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts National Showcase Schools<\/strong><\/span>TM<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0Award<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Smithfield Elementary has been nominated for a Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts National Showcase SchoolsTM<\/span><\/strong><\/em> award for the 2017\u2012<\/span>2018 school year by the Flippen Group. Two years ago, Smithfield\u2019s administrators began an initiative to transform the campus into an emotionally safe and relationally connected place for students, staff, and parents to come together with a love for learning.<\/span><\/p>\n After researching programs used by many of the nation\u2019s most successful schools, Smithfield chose to join hands with the Flippen Group to bring Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts<\/em><\/span>\u00ae\u00a0<\/span><\/em>to its campus. Teachers and staff have continued to learn the processes needed to connect students with their peers and adults on campus and to create classrooms where students are excited to learn every day. As a result of implementing Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts<\/em>, the school has experienced incredible results.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Over the next several months, a Flippen Group site team will visit Smithfield Elementary to observe the progress taking place and decide whether the campus qualifies to become a recipient of this year\u2019s Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts National Showcase Schools\u00a0<\/em>awards.<\/span><\/p>\n Since 1990, campuses across the country have experienced amazing outcomes with Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts\u00ae<\/span><\/em><\/em> tools and processes, creating the socio-emotional safety conducive to learning. Flippen Group provides educators the skills they need to change the trajectory of students\u2019 lives. Openness replaces defensiveness. Judging and feelings of being judged are replaced with acceptance and real connectedness to the school. \u201cDiscipline problems nearly non-existent,\u201d<\/em> and \u201cAcademic achievement constantly improving,\u201d<\/em> are common feedback following Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts<\/em> implementation.<\/span><\/p>\n Through the National Showcase Schools\u00a0<\/em>awards, 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. Flippen Group believes the unsung heroes who produce exemplary outcomes in schools and pave the way for other schools to follow need and deserve recognition for a job well done.<\/span><\/p>\n Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts<\/span><\/em>\u00a0campuses across the country are considered for this award based on the following criteria: 1) nomination based on observation, 2) level of implementation of Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts<\/em> processes by all staff as measured by online surveys, and 3) data demonstrating that Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts<\/em> has made a significant improvement in attendance, discipline, climate\/culture, or academics.<\/span><\/p>\n Since the nomination period is now closed, Flippen Group teams will begin conducting site visits to nominated campuses to gather additional quantitative and qualitative data and interview students, teachers, administrators, and parents. They will compile a matrix of key measurements from the campus observation. Finally, they will conduct an additional survey 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 be this year\u2019s recipients of the Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts National Showcase Schools<\/em> awards.<\/span><\/p>\n The Flippen Group is proud to recognize the outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of our children. As they identify these outstanding schools, campus leaders, and teachers each year, please join in celebrating some of the most skilled and effective educators in the country!<\/span><\/p>\n For more information about the Capturing Kids\u2019 Hearts National Showcase Schools<\/em> awards, contact:<\/span><\/p>\n Tanya Peterson<\/span><\/p>\n Flippen Group<\/span><\/p>\n Office Phone: 1-800-316-4311<\/span><\/p>\n Office Fax: 1-877-941-4700<\/span><\/p>\n