Harlingen Collegiate High School

Written by: Alma Rock

Launched in the 2022/2023 academic year thanks to an extraordinarily generous, three-year $880,000 grant funded by the Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation, the Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) program at HCISD has made remarkable strides in its mission to enhance student connectedness and create a positive learning environment. In its inaugural year, the program was implemented in 17 elementary schools. Last year, for 2023/2024, Year 2 of the grant, the program expanded its reach, fostering positive interactions and personal responsibility among students across the district and was implemented at Harlingen High School.

The program is overseen by HCISD Director of Guidance and Counseling, Sylvia Gamboa, and is implemented at the campuses by dedicated school counselors. Reflecting on the progress, Gamboa states, "The success we've seen so far with Capturing Kids’ Hearts is truly inspiring. Our counselors and teachers have embraced the process wholeheartedly, and the positive impact on our students is evident every day."

As part of Year 2, HCISD is proud to announce that seven elementary campuses were selected as Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools (NSS). These schools include:

• Dishman Elementary
• Jefferson Elementary
• Lamar Elementary
• Long Elementary
• Sam Houston Elementary IB World School
• Travis Elementary STEM Academy
• Wilson Elementary Dual Language Academy

This prestigious recognition celebrates campuses that have achieved exemplary outcomes using the CKH process. National Showcase Schools are chosen annually through a rigorous selection process that involves measuring key performance indicators, gathering campus data, and surveying staff and students. Award-winning campuses demonstrate exceptional performance and foster a positive culture and climate for learning.

"We are incredibly proud of our campuses for the amazing work they have done this year," Gamboa added. "This recognition is both a high aspiration and a testament to their dedication to creating an environment where students feel valued and empowered."

The CKH process involves fostering positive interactions between teachers and students, as well as among the students themselves. This includes teachers greeting each student by name at the door and encouraging students to take ownership of their behavior and have opportunities to redirect themselves.

As HCISD prepares to enter the third year of the grant, the district recently hosted a new teacher event to introduce incoming educators to the CKH process. The event was attended by 25 educators and entailed interactive sessions where educators learned techniques to build positive relationships with students to create a supportive classroom environment. Participants engaged in hands-on activities, role-playing, and discussions to develop skills in communication, trust-building, and effective classroom management. Aileen Valdez, a new teacher from Jefferson Elementary, shared her enthusiasm, stating, "The CKH training was a life changing experience. As a first-year teacher, I was so blessed to have been given this opportunity to receive and apply such helpful resources. What I learned will truly transform my classroom."

HCISD looks forward to building on the successes of the past two years. The district is committed to nurturing a positive school culture where every student feels connected and empowered to succeed. As the program continues to grow, HCISD aims to expand the CKH process to even more campuses, ensuring that the benefits of a supportive and engaging educational environment are accessible to all students. By maintaining a focus on relationship-driven practices and positive interactions, the district is poised to create lasting change and inspire a brighter future for its students and community.

Pictures from new teacher CKH training:

About The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation:

The Valley Baptist Legacy Foundation invests in and serves as a catalyst for ideas, partnerships, medical education, research and programs that improve the health and quality of life in the Rio Grande Valley. The Legacy Foundation supports programs that promote healthy lifestyles and increase access to healthcare in Cameron, Hidalgo, Starr or Willacy county. To learn more, visit Valley Baptist Lecgacy Foundation

About Capturing Kids' Hearts:

Capturing Kids' Hearts is the premier source of professional development for educators nationwide. Through experiential training, expert coaching, a character-based curriculum for students, and personalized support Capturing Kids' Hearts equips professionals in K-12 education to implement a transformational process focused on fostering student connectedness and growing a relationship-driven culture. To learn more, visit: Capturing Kid's Hearts Website