Oakwood Elementary and Westwood Elementary Named Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools

Portland Public Schools is proud to announce that Oakwood Elementary and Westwood Elementary have both been named 2024–2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools, a prestigious honor awarded to campuses that demonstrate excellence in building a culture where students feel safe, connected, and engaged.

The Capturing Kids’ Hearts® National Showcase Schools® Award recognizes schools that go above and beyond in creating an environment where students thrive academically and emotionally. Through the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® process, educators at Oakwood and Westwood Elementary have been equipped with relationship-building tools and strategies that foster student success and a positive campus culture.

William Heath, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, shared:

“We are extremely proud of Oakwood and Westwood for earning this recognition. This award reflects the dedication of our teachers and staff to building strong relationships, supporting student growth, and creating learning environments where every child feels valued and connected.”

Emily McAlpine, Director of Elementary Education added:

“At Oakwood, our focus is on nurturing the whole child. Capturing Kids’ Hearts has given us tools to build trust and connection, and this recognition affirms the hard work of our staff and students in creating a welcoming school community.”

Chris Kenroy, Westwood Elementary School stated:

“Being named a National Showcase School is a true honor. The Capturing Kids’ Hearts process has empowered our staff to engage students in meaningful ways, and this recognition celebrates the positive culture that is thriving at Westwood.”

Brett Zuver, Capturing Kids’ Hearts District Representative, noted the significance of this achievement:

“We work with 50,000+ educators in over 20,000 schools, and for 2024–2025, only 867 are recognized as National Showcase Schools. To have two schools in the same district earn this recognition is amazing!”

Each year, Capturing Kids’ Hearts® recognizes schools across the country for their commitment to transforming their campus environments through a relational approach to education. Schools that receive this designation have shown measurable progress in student connectedness, academic achievement, and overall school culture.

For more information about Capturing Kids’ Hearts® and the National Showcase Schools® Award, contact:

Kelsie Acres Capturing Kids’ Hearts Office Phone: 1-800-316-4311 info@capturingkidshearts.org

Courtesy photo.