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THE ONTARIO CENTER SCHOOL
By Principal Narrie Gavares
As we settle into the rhythm of the new school year, our campus is buzzing with energy and focus. Currently, our teachers and staff are hard at work helping our students develop strong daily routines and clear behavioral expectations. However, we know that true academic and personal growth starts with genuine connection. That is why we are so excited to highlight our implementation of the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program. This initiative focuses intentionally on building meaningful relationships between staff and students, fostering tight-knit classroom communities, and guiding positive peer-to-peer interactions. By taking the time to greet every student and collaboratively build classroom social contracts, we are creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels valued, respected, and ready to learn.
To ensure our campus culture truly thrives, Capturing Kids’ Hearts works hand-in-hand with our existing Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework. While PBIS helps us clearly define and celebrate school-wide behavioral expectations, Capturing Kids’ Hearts provides the relational heartbeat, equipping our students with the specific social-emotional tools they need to meet those expectations. Through daily classroom practices like sharing "Good Things" and practicing peer affirmations, students are actively learning positive social interaction strategies. Together, these two powerful systems ensure that our students aren't just learning how to follow the rules, but are developing the empathy, communication skills, and character necessary to succeed as a united school family.
Building these strong relational foundations takes intentionality and time, but the investment in our children is well worth it. As we look ahead, I am incredibly hopeful and excited for the journey to come. With a shared commitment to kindness, respect, and positive connection, we are confident that together we will make this a profoundly successful, joy-filled school year for every student and family in our community.
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