WUS Celebrates All Four Elementary Buildings as Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools
Wayland Union Schools is proud to announce that all four elementary buildings, Dorr, Baker, Steeby, and Pine Street, have been named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools for the second year in a row. This distinction recognizes excellence in creating safe, supportive, and relationship-driven learning environments.
The district began implementing Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) in the 2022-2023 school year by adopting a framework focused on strengthening student-teacher relationships while supporting students’ behavioral and social-emotional needs. Since then, the positive impact has been evident across classrooms and throughout each school community.
Each year, CKH honors National Showcase Schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to fostering environments where students feel connected, valued, and motivated to learn. Schools receiving this recognition show measurable growth in areas such as discipline, attendance, enrollment, and staff retention, while building a culture grounded in trust and respect.
“This recognition is a direct reflection of the relationships our staff build with students every day,” said Teresa Fulk, Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Services. “In our schools, students feel known, valued, and empowered. You can feel the positive culture the moment you walk through the door. We are incredibly proud of the work of our teams.”
At Baker Elementary, staff highlight the transformative power of connection. The building’s CKH Process Champions Team shared, “By capturing our students’ hearts first, we unlock the true power of learning which is empowerment. When our youngest learners lead by rating their social contracts, greeting others with pride, delivering morning announcements, and sharing their ‘good things,’ they begin to see themselves as capable, valued members of our school community. These practices not only support positive behavior, but also help develop confident, compassionate learners.”
Pine Street Elementary has also experienced meaningful growth through CKH practices. By embedding leadership opportunities throughout the school day, students take ownership of their roles within the classroom community. From leading “Good Things” to serving as classroom ambassadors, students actively contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment. Daily reflection on classroom social contracts reinforces responsibility, communication, and personal growth.
At Dorr Elementary, the recognition reflects a continued commitment to a relationship-first culture. “Being named a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School for the third consecutive year is an honor we are incredibly proud of,” said Jamie Berens, a representative of Dorr’s Process Champion Team. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our staff, students, and families. At Dorr, ‘all means all.’ We’ve built a culture where feeling seen, valued, and supported is the norm. By prioritizing relationships, we’re not only capturing students’ hearts, but also their minds, helping them grow as leaders, problem-solvers, and compassionate individuals.”
At Steeby Elementary, the impact of CKH is felt throughout the building. Brittney VanLuyn, a teacher at Steeby, shared, “Implementing Capturing Kids’ Hearts has transformed our school into a place where emotional growth is truly nurtured and celebrated. Our students find comfort in the consistency and predictability CKH provides, allowing them to feel safe, seen, and understood each day. Because of the genuine care shown by every staff member, our students know they are deeply valued, fully supported, and incredibly important. This shared commitment has created a sense of belonging you can feel the moment you walk through our doors. Steeby’s dedication to CKH doesn’t just show, it shines.”
This collective achievement across all four elementary buildings underscores Wayland Union Schools’ commitment to educating the whole child. Through intentional relationship-building and a shared focus on social-emotional well-being, the district continues to cultivate environments where both students and staff can thrive.
Wayland Union Schools celebrates this milestone and extends its appreciation to the educators, students, families, and staff who make this culture possible every day.
