Four WPS schools receive national recognition

Chester Lewis Academic Learning Center, Gordon Parks Academy, Wells Alternative Middle School and Education Imagine Academy have been named 2024-2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools®.

This is the fifth time Gordon Parks Academy received the honor. This is the second time Chester Lewis received the distinction, and the first time for Wells and Education Imagine Academy.

Each year, National Showcase Schools undergo a meticulous selection process, evaluating essential performance indicators, collecting campus data, and seeking feedback from both staff and students. The outcomes reflect the successful integration of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Process, showcasing the unique culture and climate of each school.

Building relationships is key at Chester Lewis

Leroy Parks, principal of Chester Lewis Academic Learning Center, which includes Wichita Alternative High School and the Towne East Learning Center, has been a proponent of the program since 2005 when he was the principal at Southeast High School.

“Several years ago, I had the opportunity to go to a national training for the program and it really impressed me,” said Parks. “As educators and leaders, we’re taught that to teach students, relationships are essential. Relationship building is now embedded into the culture of our school and the results we are seeing is phenomenal.”

Chester Lewis was one of the WPS schools that participated in the Kansans Can School Redesign Project in 2018, and as part of that work, Parks had his staff become trained in the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program. 

The school has implemented several initiatives to ensure students feel embraced and supported by the school. Their work has also decreased student behaviors and chronic absenteeism numbers and raised graduation rates.

“Changing from 8-week classes to 9-week classes has made a huge difference for our kids to be successful,” said Parks. “Kids work at their own pace and the accountability of having to have their classes completed in 9 weeks, has helped them focus academically without being overwhelmed. Through this change in the master schedule process, we’ve raised the number of earned credits for students, increased their average daily attendance and our schoolwide behaviors are down by 50% from last year. we have continually increased the number of graduates from year to year because students feel safe and have input in our culture. They want to be here, and our data shows it!”

Social contracts set the tone at Gordon Parks

Gordon Parks has used several of the program’s non-negotiables to help transform the school. LaTonia Kennedy, principal of Gordon Parks Academy says having a social contract is a must and it sets the tone for respect and teamwork. Each morning, teachers bring the energy by greeting students at the door, and every day includes a moment for students to share the good stuff happening in their lives—it’s all about starting the day with connection and positivity.

“With ‘Level Up’ as our theme this year, being named a CKH National Showcase School for the fourth time is an epic win—not just for our school, but for the whole district!" said LaTonia Kennedy, principal of Gordon Parks Academy. "This recognition shows that we didn’t just rise to the challenge—we leveled up in every way, transforming our culture and making a powerful impact on our students’ lives.” 

Mentoring and family engagement a focus at Education Imagine Academy

At Education Imagine Academy, staff has incorporated the Capturing Kids’ Hearts philosophy by implementing a bi-weekly mentoring program offering students personalized guidance and support from staff members, as well as created opportunities for family engagement through field trips, community service activities and clubs. 

EIA is collectively working towards meeting the mission and vision of the school with the implementation of CKH processes and family and staff survey results show an above national average by family, student, and staff engagement, inclusivity, and human-centered education.

“By implementing Capturing Kids' Hearts processes at EIA, we empower our students to be self-managing and foster a sense of belonging among students, staff, and families, said Amanda Young, principal of Education Imagine Academy. “We are excited to continue embedding these human-centered skills across grade levels and content areas for many years to come.”

Wells Middle School sees big improvements in behavior and academics

Zach Lorenson, principal of Wells Middle School, had seen the program at another school district several years ago and was impressed with its success. He was excited to bring it to Wells.

Last year, all staff were trained in the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program and the school achieved Rising Star status. 

“We’ve taken as many steps as we can to incorporate the program in as many ways as we can at Wells,” said Lorenson. “It’s powerful when our students feel connected with school staff. We all need connection and to feel loved and cared for.”

Wells created a Process Champions team consisting of two teachers, a social worker and a counselor, to help implement the program at the school. All staff from custodians to teachers have found ways to incorporate the CKH philosophy.

“The beauty of Capturing Kids’ Hearts, is that it lines up with what we’re already doing and teaching,” said Wells teacher Becky Hamilton. “It’s really meant to be school-wide. Staff has social contracts with each other just like the students. 

Lorenson says the school has seen big improvements in behavior and academics.

“I would say that the program is a big part of both areas of success that we’ve had,” said Lorenson. “When kids feel a sense of safety and connectedness, they’re more likely to be successful both in behavior and academics.”