Charleston, SC – Five years ago, R.B. Stall High School began an initiative to transform the campus into an emotionally safe and relationally connected place for students, staff, and parents to come alive with a love for learning.

After researching programs used by some of the nation’s most successful schools, Stall leaders chose to partner with the Flippen Group to bring Capturing Kids’ Hearts to its campus. Through the program, teachers and staff learned processes to increase students’ connectedness with both peers and adults on campus. They also learned how to create a classroom environment where students are more excited to enter and learn every day.

In recognition of their success, Stall High School was chosen as a recipient of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase Schools Award for the 2015-2016 school year from the Flippen Group.

“Being selected as one of only eleven schools nationwide to receive the very first Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools Award is a tremendous honor,” said Kim Wilson, Stall High School principal. “Our faculty, staff, and students have implemented Capturing Kids’ Hearts strategies with fidelity and it is because of their efforts we have been recognized for this prestigious honor. This award demonstrates to the community that we are serious about developing positive and appropriate relationships with students which serves as the basis for our academic growth. We truly believe that in order to capture a student’s mind you have to capture their heart first.”

As a result of implementing Capturing Kids’ Hearts, Stall High School has reduced the number of student referrals for classroom disruption by half, established a positive student culture, increased the graduation and EOC passage rates from 45 percent to 65 percent, and increased student enrollment to an all time high of 1,383 students.

Capturing Kids’ Hearts campuses across the country were considered for this award based on the following criteria: 1) nomination based on observation, 2) level of implementation of Capturing Kids’ Hearts processes by all staff as measured by online surveys, and 3) data demonstrating that Capturing Kids’ Hearts has made a significant improvement in attendance, discipline, climate/culture, or academics.

A site visit to each nominated campus was conducted to gather additional quantitative and qualitative data, and to interview students, teachers, administrators and parents. A matrix of key measurements was used to gather information during the campus walk-through. Finally, an additional survey was conducted to collect feedback regarding the perceived climate and culture of the campus and its conduciveness to learning. Following the site visit, the selection team reviewed all accumulated data and selected the campuses to receive the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Showcase Schools Award.

For more information about the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools Award, visit: www.flippengroup.com.