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Scott Elementary students demonstrate 'Capturing Kids' Hearts' program to DeWitt board
Summary
Scott Elementary staff and students demonstrated the Capturing Kids' Hearts program and how it works with PBIS to teach expected behaviors, use data for decisions and acknowledge positive student actions.
Diane Schwartz, a gen‑ed social worker and counselor at Scott Elementary, told the DeWitt Public Schools board that the school uses Capturing Kids' Hearts alongside PBIS to teach and reinforce expected behaviors. "If you have a child's heart, you have a child's mind," she quoted from the program founder to frame the presentation.
Nut graph: Schwartz described five core elements: define and teach expected behaviors (Scott’s expectations are "respectful, responsible, and safe"); monitor behaviors; acknowledge and encourage positive actions (for example, the school's "Panther Prize"); reteach and use tools such as a 'think sheet' as a teaching—not punishment—strategy; and use behavioral data to guide where adults intervene.
Students from a third‑grade class, introduced by teacher Ellie Puskarouche, spoke about program practices and led the board in an affirmation exercise. Student presenters demonstrated door greetings, the "four questions" used to reflect on choices, social contracts and affirmations; when asked what they liked best, students named making friends and affirmations.
Quotation: "We like to launch a positive affirmation," a student said during the presentation.
What wasn’t proposed: The presentation was informational and celebratory; it did not seek board action or funding changes. The superintendent later thanked Scott Elementary for showing an example of integrating Capturing Kids' Hearts with PBIS.
Next step: No formal action was requested; the school will continue implementation and report progress through routine channels.
