Washington Street Elementary is among four OPS schools that have once again received the distinction of being chosen as National Showcase Schools for Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a national program that puts the focus on relationships first, an Otsego focus.

In a Zoom call with Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) founder Flip Flippen and his staff, Otsego Middle School, Dix Street Elementary, Washington Street Elementary and Alamo Elementary learned they were selected as Showcase Schools for 2023. This is the 3rd year in a row for Washington Street.

"It is an absolute honor to be recognized as a National Showcase School for the third consecutive year," says Washington Street Elementary Principal, Jen Knight. "Capturing Kids' Heart continues to be at the forefront of everything we do at Washington Street Elementary."

The National Showcase Schools awards announcement states that “Capturing Kids’ Hearts recognizes and celebrates schools that go the extra mile each day, creating the social-emotional safety on school campuses that is conducive to learning.” This year, 468 schools received this honor.

“By prioritizing relationships and meaningful connections with students and families, we have created a warm and welcoming environment. This family-like atmosphere fosters a sense of belonging and support, which is essential for student success and well-being,” says Knight. “Our goal is to continue to inspire and make a difference in the lives of our students!”

For more than a decade, Otsego Public Schools has partnered with Capturing Kids’ Hearts for professional development across the district with a goal of training all staff members in this relationships-first program. “Through experiential training, expert coaching, and personalized support, Capturing Kids' Hearts equips professionals in K-12 education to implement transformational processes focused on social-emotional wellbeing, relationship-driven culture, and student connectedness,” states the CKH National Showcase Schools announcement. CKH began in 1990 by Flip Flippen with one school and has grown to serve 50,000 educators.