MISD earns third consecutive CKH National Showcase District title

Midlothian ISD has been named a Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase District, with all 14 of its campuses earning the prestigious National Showcase School designation. This honor reflects our commitment to fostering a culture where every student feels connected to their school and is eager to learn. Through the consistent implementation of the CKH process, our dedicated educators have created environments that prioritize strong relationships, connectedness and positive school culture. 

To achieve this recognition, schools must demonstrate measurable improvements in key performance indicators, various campus data points, and staff and student survey participation. This is MISD's fifth school year of CKH implementation, and it is the district’s third year to earn this national title. The honor highlights MISD’s ongoing commitment to building relationships that drive academic and personal success for all students.

In addition to the national district award, all MISD campuses will be honored and celebrated as Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools. The MILE, Heritage High School and Frank Seale Middle School are first-time honorees. The Midlothian ISD 2025-26 CKH National Showcase Schools are:

• T.E. Baxter Elementary School (3 years)
• Jean Coleman Elementary School (3 years)
• Dolores W. McClatchey Elementary School (3 years)
• J.R. Irvin Elementary School (3 years)
• Longbranch Elementary School (3 years)
• LaRue Miller Elementary School (3 years)
• Mt. Peak Elementary School (3 years)
• J.A. Vitovsky Elementary School (3 years)
• Dieterich Middle School (2 years)
• Frank Seale Middle School (first year)
• Walnut Grove Middle School (3 years)
• Midlothian Heritage High School (first year)
• Midlothian High School (3 years)
• The MILE (first year)

Becoming a CKH National Showcase Schools® (NSS) Awardee is a high aspiration and a recognition of excellence. Campuses selected for this status have demonstrated an ability to implement CKH with fidelity. This includes ensuring that 70 percent of instructional staff have completed the proper CKH training and received a nomination from the school's assigned CKH Strategist. 

Through experiential training, expert coaching, a learning curriculum for students, and personalized support, Capturing Kids' Hearts® equips professionals. The Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools® and National Showcase Districts® Awards recognize and celebrate schools producing exemplary outcomes using the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Process. Award winners demonstrate a high level of performance and a positive culture and climate for learning. The program was established in 1990 and is used in schools nationwide.

“We are really proud to be named a National Showcase District® and to have 100 percent of our schools named National Showcase School® awardees is special,” said Superintendent Dr. David Belding. “Our staff is so purposeful in building relationships with students and families to bridge school and home. They are champions who are inspiring excellence each and every day, and CKH is a tool that helps us accomplish great things.” 

MISD implemented CKH during the 2021-22 school year and funded the districtwide program launch through the use of federal ESSER funding. The district continues to support the program using primarily Title funding and CKH Foundation grant funding. Since implementing the program, district and campus leaders, including teachers, have committed to investing in growing a culture focused on relationship building. 

“Our MISD cultural tenets are embedded in relationships and that aligns beautifully with the philosophy of Capturing Kids’ Hearts,” said Chief Academic Officer Shelle Blaylock. “Our culture is all about being a family, honoring relationships, celebrating diversity, and unlocking one's unlimited potential. CKH cultivates relationships between teachers and students to support the enhancement of school culture where students thrive.”