Lakers is excited to announce that two of its schools are National Showcase Schools for the Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH)program – Laker Elementary (for a second year in a row) and Laker Middle School! CKH is a highly acclaimed, research-based program that helps build relational capacity between students and the staff that works with them every day. CKH focuses on the core values of Empathy, Self-Direct, Teamwork, Responsibility, Respect, Kindness, Courage, Perseverance, and Integrity. The program works to foster positive classroom and school cultures.
The CKH National Showcase Schools® Award recognizes and celebrates schools producing exemplary outcomes using the CKH Process. Award winners demonstrate a high level of performance and a positive culture and climate for learning.
Thousands of schools apply to be a National Showcase School, and only 468 schools received the honor this school year.
Laker Elementary is a National Showcase School for the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school year. Laker Elementary Principal Jill VerBurg said the school wouldn’t have received this award two years in a row if the staff hadn’t fully and wholeheartedly embraced the program.
“Our staff is dedicated to implementing the CKH process and we work hard at building relationships, fostering a supportive culture, and empowering students,” VerBurg said. “Our team loves to celebrate student and staff success. We are intentional in our efforts to help students grow while feeling loved and supported. The Capturing Kids Hearts process is at the forefront of everything we do. It is who we are and how we treat others.”
VerBurg said being chosen as a National Showcase School shows the school has “demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering positive relationships, social-emotional growth, and a welcoming environment for our students, families, and community members.”
“It showcases the school’s successful implementation of the Capturing Kids Hearts philosophy and process, creating an environment where students feel safe, valued, and empowered to succeed both academically and personally,” she noted.
VerBurg said the school isn’t about to rest on its laurels in the Capturing Kids Hearts program, as there are always ways to do things better.
“I think that we have been very focused on improvement,” she said. “We are constantly reflecting and gathering data to help us improve our culture, share what is working, and problem solve how we can make improvements in areas that we feel are not as strong.”
Laker Middle School received its first National Showcase School recognition this school year, and Principal Scott Miklovic and the staff are ecstatic about the award.
“(The CKH values) encompass everything we do at Laker Middle School,” Miklovic stated. “It is an honor to be considered for such an honor and we are grateful for the recognition. We are committed to providing a safe learning environment that focuses on the whole child and their wellbeing. A child that feels safe will take risks to achieve their wildest dreams.”
Miklovic added that Laker Middle School students, parents, and staff are invested in providing the best possible learning environment, and the CKH program aligns closely with this goal.
“How we treat each other and hold each other accountable to those shared norms and beliefs is something we value as a community,” he said. “It’s who we are and what we strive to be every day.”
CKH National Showcase Schools are selected based on CKH trainers’ visits to schools, their interviews with staff and students, and a final analysis of results by the CKH leadership team.
Laker Superintendent Brian Keim said he’s impressed with the effort that Laker Elementary and Laker Middle School have put into making the CKH program a vital piece of the school culture. He said he knows it’s not always easy, but it’s all worth the time and effort invested because of the positive outcomes.
“I suspect there are very few districts in Michigan, or anywhere, that have multiple Showcase Schools so this is a great (achievement) for Laker Country,” Keim said.
