By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
All Great Bend public school teachers received “Capturing Kids’ Hearts” in-service training in August, and each principal has included the program in their buildings since school began.
The Capturing Kids’ Hearts program builds better relationships between teachers and students. Stronger relationships help teachers assist students who have experienced or are experiencing trauma.
USD
428 Director of Teaching and Learning Tricia Reiser said the district will
continue to its partnership with the program.
"Each of the buildings have been asked to find superstar teachers who can lead us in our next steps," said Reiser. "They will help facilitate progress, get more information and be the cheerleaders. A strategist will visit our buildings in November and next spring."
In nearly 40 years of working in education, Great Bend High School Principal
Tim Friess said Capturing Kids’ Hearts is one of the best in-service trainings
he has seen.
The program addresses the social-emotional needs of students and supports growth in pro-social behaviors such as relationship skills, self-awareness, responsible decision making, social awareness and self-management.
USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton said there is even
discussion to offer an elective course for students to take that teaches
children soft skills like carrying conversations, being in an interview and
leadership skills needed in life.
"We've had teachers tell us they want to teach this class," said Thexton. "It would be very beneficial and a strong addition at the secondary level. You can start it in middle school and work it into high school as well."
Founder and Chairman of Capturing Kids’ Hearts Flip Flippen said, “If you have
a child’s heart…you have a child’s mind.”