CAPTURING KIDS’ HEARTS PAYING TANGIBLE DIVIDENDS AT PAA

From the moment scholars arrived at the classroom door, the aura of positivity and encouragement was dynamic.

There, Russ Avina greeted every member of his Digital Media class with an uplifting word or two.

A simple expression to remind the Phoenix of Pueblo Academy of Arts that their presence, and their very being, is appreciated.

This wave of affirmation continued once the scholars took their seats. At Mr. Avina’s encouragement, the Phoenix were encouraged to share with the class the “good things” taking place in their lives.

On this day, the shared news included a pair of new sneakers, an upcoming family trip to Georgia for the holidays, and a sports victory.

One of the walls of Mr. Avina’s classroom is filled with lists of the type of behaviors and traits -- respect, empathy, maturity, “no put downs,” understanding -- the Phoenix have pledged to exhibit.

These “social contracts” remain on display throughout the year, and may be added to.

Just as the class is ushered in on a positive note, so too is it closed, with an approving “launch:” a personalized sendoff designed to keep the scholars in a constructive and productive mindset as they venture into the next classroom to begin the process anew.

All these of these facets that complement the academic instruction reflect Principal Albert Farias and PAA’s employment of the Capturing Kids’ Heart process.

Based on the assertion that educators cannot have a child’s mind until they have the heart, Capturing Kids’ Hearts is designed to strengthen students’ connectedness to others through enhancing healthy bonds and establishing collaborative agreements of acceptable behavior.  

Research reveals that when students feel more connected to their school and staff, they achieve higher academic success and are less likely to have attendance, tardy, or behavioral issues.

At PAA, Capturing Kids’ Hearts has played a significant role in the ongoing transformation of school culture and the continued academic and personal improvement on the part of the Phoenix.

“The process is a ‘value add’ to the amazing things taking place in schools,” noted Carrie Yantzer, Leadership Development Strategist for Capturing Kids’ Heart. “We know that if kids feel safe, secure, loved and cared about, we can then undertake the process of learning.”

Mrs. Yantzer explained that in the Summer of 2021, PAA staff underwent a two-day training in the Capturing Kids’ Heart process. In December, she paid a visit to the school to engage with students and gather their input on the social contracts and other elements of the process.

“The kids understand they have to hold each other accountable to those contracts,” Mrs. Yantzer said.

Based on her observations and discussions with students and staff, PAA is doing an exemplary job of implementing the foundational tools of the process.

“PAA is really doing the right things get their young people to be proud of who they are and what they do, and to take care of other people,” Mrs. Yantzer said, adding that the “rebars” that define the essence of a quality scholar and citizen -- compassion, confidence, love, purposeful direction – are best implemented at the middle school level.

“One of the strengths of PAA is the staff,” she continued. “They are so committed to doing what is best for every kid in this building. They genuinely know the kids, they connect with them, and they are about working with the kids because they know what’s best for them. They have that ‘continuous give.’”

In order to reaffirm those qualities and attributes declared on social contracts, PAA employs the Leadworthy curriculum.

Leadworthy is designed to develop in children critical, life-changing skills, including taking personal responsibility, expressing themselves well, and making good decisions when problems arise.

Carlos Arriaga is PAA’s Leadership instructor. 

“In addition to leadership skills, students also are learning personal and interpersonal skills: looking for strengths and weaknesses within themselves in areas such as self confidence, attitude, and short- and long-term goal setting,” Mr. Arriaga explained. 

“It’s about teaching the whole student and making them more well rounded by giving them the skills that they will need outside of the classroom to be successful with their peers, the people in the community and later, as productive members of our community.”

The impact from the Leadership instruction has been notable.

“A lot of the students who graduated have come back and told me, ‘At the time, we really didn’t think it mattered. But what you taught us really has made a difference,’” Mr. Arriaga said.

A key component is Leadworthy is developing a student’s ability to speak in front of a group. 

“Most are really afraid to do that,” Mr. Arriaga admitted.

To alleviate fears and provide a level of comfort, Leadworthy employs an activity called “Support Chairs.”

“When a student prepares to speak before the class, there are two students on either side, seated in chairs, as a show of support,” noted Mrs. Yantzer. “With that support, they feel like they have confidence to begin. And when the speaker is done, one of kids in the ‘support chair’ is next to speak. And since the speaker can’t begin until that chair is filled, someone from the audience has to come up to continue the process.”

Phoenix currently enrolled in the Leadership class point out its many benefits

De’Ray Flakes, an eighth grader, said, “What I get out of it is an understanding of my emotions, and how to control them. In general, it helps me out by teaching me how to be myself. And I think it will be important once I’m in high school because I know I will be feeling different emotions, and I know that it’s important to learn how to control them.”

“I learn to socialize with people, as well as control my emotions,” added Liam Filpi, also an eighth grader. “It’s important to be sociable so that I can better represent the school to people.”

Classmate Desiree Colby said the class has helped her confront her moods.

“When I’m in a bad mood, I know that I can talk to someone about it,” she said. “That way, I don’t take it out on someone who doesn’t deserve it.”

In Mr. Avina’s classroom, Phoenix take the lead in producing, from scratch, everything from short films to a weekly newscast called Phoenix Vision News. 

Students also are tasked with providing live morning announcements to the Phoenix student body.

In the case of the Phoenix Vision News, scholars serve in various roles: reporters and writers, video camera and sound operators, directors, on-air talent and more. 

From start to finish, they are the leaders in this anticipated and well received part of the school’s culture.

Adrienne Aguirre, a seventh grader, is one of the Phoenix who reads the newscast script compiled from information provided by correspondents. 

“The best thing is that I can be more expressive and creative in how I deliver the news,” Adrienne said, adding that she is considering pursuing a career in the field.

For eighth grader Jaiden Garcia, also a presenter of the news, PAA’s successful sports program is her forte. 

“I like to report the scores,” she said, adding that she doubles as a sports photographer for the school yearbook. “I like to be the one to send information to everybody so that they know what’s going on during the week and what happened last week.”

Spoken, of course, like a true leader.