GREAT NEWS!
Laker Schools has been named a Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase District! This is the second year the district has received this honor. Another very important development – ALL 3 SCHOOLS (elementary, middle, and high school) have been named CKH National Showcase Schools! This is the first year our high school has joined the elementary and middle schools in receiving this wonderful honor.
“We are truly honored by this recognition because it speaks to our heart,” said Laker Superintendent Jill VerBurg. “At Lakers, we work hard to ensure every student, family member, and staff member feels seen, supported, and valued. Being named a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase District is a celebration of the daily efforts of our staff and the culture we’ve built together. It’s a proud moment for our whole school family.”
Lakers is one of only 40 U.S. school districts to receive this honor for the 2024-25 school year. That puts Lakers in a very elite group!
“We are very appreciative of the recognition of National Showcase School,” said Laker High School Principal Jon Good. “The staff at Laker High School works tirelessly to ensure that every student feels welcomed and affirmed. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and passion of our entire school community. It’s a great day to be a Laker! Go Green!”
Laker Middle School Principal Scott Miklovic and Laker Elementary Principal Jill Reithel are very proud that their schools have received this honor multiple years in a row (four years for the elementary, three years for the middle school).
“We are deeply honored to be recognized as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School again this year,” Mr. Miklovic said. “This recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and supported. We remain dedicated to nurturing the social and emotional well-being of our students, empowering them to reach their full potential both inside and outside the classroom.”
“Being named a National Showcase School for Capturing Kids’ Hearts means the world to us,” Mrs. Reithel said. “It shows that the work we do every day to build strong relationships and create a caring school culture for students, families, and staff really matters. We’re proud of the heart behind everything we do – and grateful for it being recognized.”
Being a National Showcase School and District means consistently exhibiting an outstanding commitment to fostering a positive and supportive environment for students and staff. The National Showcase Awards acknowledge exceptional implementation of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Process, demonstrating a dedication to ensuring students and educators feel safe, connected, and valued within the district.
GO LAKERS!
Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a program that focuses on building relationships, creating positive school cultures, and fostering student connectedness. It provides schools and districts with tools and resources to implement practices that lead to improved student outcomes and a more positive learning environment.
