Creating strong relationships and a positive campus culture is at the heart of effective schools. This year, several Region 7 districts joined us for Capturing Kids’ Hearts, a nationally recognized training that gives educators practical strategies for making meaningful connections with students and strengthening classroom culture. The training is offered through Region 7 ESC’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Complete and Professional Development contracts at no additional cost for members.
We recently visited with Rebecca Bain, superintendent of Fruitvale ISD, who attended the training with members of her administrative team. She shared what the experience was like and how the learning is already making an impact in her district.
Highlights from Our Conversation with Rebecca Bain
What prompted your district to attend Capturing Kids’ Hearts?
“Capturing Kids’ Hearts is a program we have always been interested in providing at Fruitvale ISD, it is very cost-prohibitive, but through the ESSA Complete Contract and the Stronger Connections grant, we were able to fund all the needed training for our staff to participate. One of my principals had participated in a prior district and suggested it to us, and currently the principals and I are doing the training so we are able to help lead the implementation in our district.”
What was one key takeaway for you personally as a leader?
“I think many of the things in the program are pieces that all educators use at times, but organizing it into a system with common language, common disciplinary vocabulary across the district with kids will help everyone be on the same page and help create consistency for kids and educators. I don’t think it is anything new; it is just well organized and step by step for everyone to work together toward common practices.”
“When we improve ourselves and those closest to us, we make the biggest ripples in the water.”
Rebecca Bain, Superintendent, Fruitvale ISD
Have you seen any immediate shifts in campus culture or staff practices?
“We are very early, with just the administrators and I being trained, but as administrators, when we did the pieces that were connected to self-awareness on us specifically, it was very eye-opening and gave us clear eyes to see areas we need to improve individually. I always think looking inward for improvement creates outward improvements for all. I love Mother Teresa quotes, and one I cling to is ‘If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.’ Overall, I take that as when we improve ourselves and those closest to us, we make the biggest ripples in the water. So, the self-evaluation pieces for administrators are already affecting us for sure.”
How does this training align with your district’s long-term vision?
“Our district focuses on learners today, leaders tomorrow. I think all pieces of Capturing Kids’ Hearts help kids develop strong communication and listening skills that will translate into success in all aspects of life: family, work, and community. If we lean into the ideas of social contracts with those around us, we exhibit respect, listening, kindness, and other important skills that will support all aspects of success as leaders.”
What would you say to another superintendent considering this training?
“It is typically expensive, but if you need to help get everyone in your district on the same page with discipline, character building, customer service, etc., Capturing Kids’ Hearts helps to get a common purpose for everyone in your district. The more we can all use common strategies, vocabulary, and actions to help build strong relationships with and amongst our students, the stronger we will be as a school community.”
Interested in Attending?
Region 7 ESC will host the next Capturing Kids’ Hearts training on February 8–9, 2027. ESSA Complete Contract and Professional Development contract members can attend at no additional cost.
View Capturing Kids’ Hearts training details
Have questions? Contact Angela Clark.
