For the seventh consecutive year, Village Elementary School has been recognized as a standout amongst Capturing Kids Hearts Schools.
During a morning assembly Monday, it was announced the school had once again been named a Capturing Kids Hearts National Showcase School. The CKH program, overseen by the Flippen Group, recognizes schools for meeting a range of criteria each year including the implementation of CKH processes, the perceived climate and culture of the campus and a student survey that measures student attitude and connectedness to school.
With nearly a decade of success under their belts after joining the program, Village Principal Brandi Mitchell says being recognized as a showcase school has gone from a welcomed surprise to an expectation for students and staff each year.
Village teacher and CKH Process Champion Chelsea Vortherms believes the way their students and staff truly embody the CKH values is what sets their school apart from others.
Kindergarten Teacher and CKH Process Champion Jenn McCay says a desire to innovate and improve from year to year is another major key to their success.
Village adopted the CKH model back in 2013 and has been recognized as a national showcase school every year since 2018. This past fall, the CKH program went districtwide encompassing all USD 253 buildings.
This year, Village was not the only Emporia school to receive national recognition through CKH as the Jones Early Childhood Education Center was also recognized as a 2023-24 rising star school.