Because of the rigor of the evaluation process, the Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School award is both a high aspiration and an exemplary recognition of excellence.

Lee Elementary is proud to recognize the outstanding educators who have dedicated themselves to making a difference in the lives of our children.  We have been selected as a Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase school and educators, we celebrate the remarkable work we have accomplished!

At Lee Elementary, we follow a CKH model of interaction and relationship-building strategies; the EXCEL model. Every person in our building follows this example and leads our students to the same model. Below is a summary you will see and hear referenced frequently. 

The social contracts are a key piece of CKH and become the centerpiece of the classroom culture. It's built on four basic questions:

○ How do you want to be treated by me (leader)?

○ How do you want to be treated by each other?

○ How do you think I (leader) want to be treated by you?

○ How do you want to treat each other when there is conflict?

Every social contract includes three ideas: effort, listening, no put-downs with RESPECT being a key element.  Questioning helps process the specifics of what that looks like (playground, lunch, etc.).

Did you know that you can build a social contract at home? Check out these steps to create your own family social contract!

Steps to Building a Social Contract:

• Build it together as a family.

• Use the kids’ own words as much as possible.

• PK - Third grade: The parent is the scribe.

• Fourth grade - Twelfth Grade: A child is the scribe.

• Three words (or synonyms of these words) that must be on every Social Contract:

  • No 'put-downs'

  • Listening

  • Effort

• Post the Social Contract in the family room where members of the family can easily see it. 

Social Contract Questions:

• How do you want to be treated by me (parents)?

• How do you want to be treated by each other?

• How do you think I (parent) want to be treated by you?

• How are we going to treat each other when there is conflict?

Process the Children's Responses:

• (For example, 'What does “respect” mean?') Be sure they all agree on the definition of what they are saying.

• Affirm their responses and ask them follow-up questions.

• When you ask questions, throw out examples. (For example, 'What does “nice” look like?')

• Role-play the responses. (For example, 'So, if I do ___________, is that nice?')  

Contract Follow-Through:

When there is a violation of the contract, address the family by calling timeout and asking:

1. "What is happening here?"

2. "What did we say we would do to help each other?"

3. "Are you willing to do that?"

4. "GREAT!"