Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary in Cape named Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Rising Star School
Hector A. Cafferata Jr. Elementary School was recently named the 2025-2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Rising Star School.
“This recognition means a tremendous amount because it reflects the heart of who we are as a school. While awards and accolades are always appreciated, what makes this one special is that it recognizes something our staff works incredibly hard to achieve every day – building meaningful relationships with students,” Hector A. Cafferata, Jr. K-8 School Principal Dr. Jason Kurtz said. “I couldn’t be more proud of our teachers and staff who contribute to making Cafferata such a special place. They show up each day committed to helping students feel valued, supported and loved. This recognition belongs to them.”
He said while being named a Rising Star School is certainly something to celebrate, it is also a reminder of the responsibility they have to continue growing and improving.
“We are proud of what we have accomplished together, and we are excited for the next chapter as we continue building something special for the students and families we serve,” Kurtz said.
He said over the last several years, his team has been faced with challenges that many other schools have never experienced.
“Through hurricanes, temporary campuses and constant change, our staff never lost sight that our students matter most,” Kurtz said. “They have showed resiliency and worked tirelessly to create a school where students know they belong, and I believe this recognition is a direct result of that commitment.”
The program is a relationship-centered approach to education with a focus on creating a positive school culture where students feel safe, connected and engaged. He said the program is built on a simple, but powerful belief – students are more likely to succeed when they know the adults around them genuinely care about them.
“The framework provides schools with strategies for building trust, fostering meaningful relationships, creating positive classroom environments, and helping students develop both academically and socially,” Kurtz said. “At its core, it is about ensuring every child feels seen, heard and valued.”
The school embodied Capturing Kids’ Hearts not as a program, but as a way of doing business. He said they focused on creating a culture where relationships come first.
“Our teachers greet students each morning, build classroom social contracts, celebrate successes and intentionally create opportunities for students to connect with one another and with caring adults. We also aligned this work with our school’s values, the ‘5 C’s and 3 R’s,’ which help guide how we treat one another and how we approach learning,” he said.
The five C’s include care, creativity, commitment, collaboration and critical thinking, and the three R’s include respectful, responsible and ready to learn.
“What I am most proud of is that these practices have become part of who we are. Walk through our campus and you will see teachers taking time to check on students, staff members encouraging students by name and classrooms built on trust and respect. Those daily interactions are what make the difference,” Kurtz said.
He said as they move into their brand-new K-8 school and welcome new students, families and staff members, their commitment to Capturing Kids’ Hearts will only grow stronger.
“A new building is exciting, but what truly makes a school special is the people inside it. We will continue investing in relationship-building, supporting our staff through professional learning, and ensuring that every student who enters our doors feels like they are part of the Cafferata family. All new staff will receive training at the end of July so that they can help us to maintain our strong culture of connection, belonging and support for all students,” Kurtz said.
He said he is always sharing with people that the greatest strength of their schools it the people.
“This recognition is a reflection of a staff that genuinely cares about our students and is willing to go above and beyond every single day. I am so proud of their dedication and want to personally thank every member of our team for the countless hours, the extra effort, the encouragement, the patience and the love they pour into our students,” Kurtz said. “They are the reason this recognition was possible. I would also like to thank our families for trusting us with their children. Education is most successful when schools and families work together, and we are fortunate to have a community that supports our mission.”
Allen Park Elementary was named the 2025-2026 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase School for its intentional focus on relationships, student engagement and a positive learning environment.
“Earning the CKH National Showcase School distinction reflects the incredible dedication of our faculty and staff who put relationships first every single day,” said Allen Park Elementary Principal Melissa Booth in a prepared statement. “Being the first school in Lee County to achieve this honor proves that when you build a foundation of love, trust, and connection, our students thrive both emotionally and academically. We are immensely proud of our Allen Park community for living these values and setting a standard of excellence for our district.”
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