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Nether Providence Elementary showcases Nurtured Heart program, coaches report midyear gains
Summary
Principal Al Heinle presented the Nurtured Heart approach at Nether Providence Elementary, students demonstrated 'swag tags,' and a midyear coach report showed increases in classroom environment (+16%), recognition (+27%), interpersonal relationships (+14%) and self-regulation (+19%).
Nether Providence Elementary Principal Al Heinle presented the school's Nurtured Heart implementation at the Feb. 24 Wallingford-Swarthmore School Board meeting, accompanied by student speakers who described classroom practices such as “swag tags” and student council activities.
Heinle said staff completed five hours of initial training in August 2024, followed by monthly one-hour cohort coaching. He described coaching visits and a midyear coaches' report that reflected teacher self-reflection improvements: a 16% increase in classroom environment, 14% in interpersonal relationships, 27% in recognition and feedback, and 19% in self-regulation and empowerment. Heinle said the coaching visits are non-evaluative and focus on intentional praise and classroom culture.
Students described program elements. Vivian Conron, a second grader, explained the swag-tag system: students earn tags such as “hard worker” that hang on a wall necklace to recognize positive behaviors. Student council president Anna Fleming and vice president Max Tucker described student council responsibilities, elections and monthly meetings with staff advisors.
Heinle connected Nurtured Heart to the district's existing PBIS framework and said teachers report calmer learning environments and increased student engagement. Board members in attendance praised the student presenters and the principal for the school’s initiative.
The presentation was informational; no board action was taken on the program at the meeting.
