FINAL - Pages - CCSD Magazine FY25 - Flipbook - Page 26
24 // IMPACT
CAPTURE
CAPTURE
INSPIRE
INSPIRE
TEACH
TEACH
SERVE
SERVE
C.A. Gray Junior High School reported substantial
behavioral improvements during the academic year,
with discipline referrals decreasing by 33.2 percentage
points in 9th grade compared to the previous year.
Principal Dr. Frederick T. Smith emphasized that "by
building genuine connections and fostering a
supportive community, we've created an environment
where students feel valued, respected, and motivated to
excel."
CAPTURING KIDS’ HEARTS
CAPTURING KIDS’ HEARTS
This commitment to relational leadership is expanding,
Willie J. Williams Middle School and C.A. Gray Junior
as Colquitt County High School began implementing
High and were both named 2024-2025 Capturing
the Capturing Kids' Hearts training for all employees
Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools. This
in the 2025-2026 school year.
prestigious recognition is awarded to campuses that
demonstrate excellence in building a positive, safe, and
engaging culture centered on student relationships.
INSPIRING DIGITAL LITERACY
INSPIRING DIGITAL LITERACY
The halls of Hamilton Elementary School are buzzing
The award honors schools that effectively implement
with excitement as Mrs. Cox and Mrs. Lauritsen's
the Capturing Kids' Hearts® Process, a relational
kindergarten classes bring their learning to life through
approach to education that focuses on fostering
the "KinderKnowledge" podcast. These young scholars
student success and a supportive campus environment.
share their latest discoveries with the world each
month, demonstrating that even the youngest learners
Both schools, having implemented the program in the
can effectively engage with digital curation.
2023–2024 school year, showed significant
improvements in behavior: Willie J. Williams Middle
With the guidance of Colquitt County School District
School saw discipline referrals decrease by 21
Instructional Technology Specialist Daisy Beaver,
percentage points in year one, followed by an
students at Hamilton and other schools are learning to
additional 31% drop as of March of last school year.
navigate the digital world. At Hamilton, Beaver assists
the students and teachers in using the user-friendly
Vocaroo website and a professional Blue Yeti
Principal Dr. Josh Purvis noted:
"Before you can capture a
student's mind, you must first
capture their heart.We want our
students to know they are loved
and valued."
microphone to record their voices, ensuring crystalclear audio for their growing audience.
Each episode showcases the diverse range of topics
explored in the classroom. Students take turns sharing
what they've learned, whether it's about nouns, animals,
or being thankful. This monthly practice not only
reinforces their knowledge but also provides a unique
platform for them to express themselves.
