District News

Bernardsville Middle School has been named a Capturing Kids’ Hearts Rising Star School! The implementation of the CKH motivational program kicked off in February 2024 with the Somerset Hills School District administrative team and select staff members participating in a flagship training. Following that, in September 2024 the entire staff on the Bernardsville Middle School campus participated in a two-day professional development workshop. Subsequently, during the 2024-2025 school year the CKH program expanded to involve all BMS students. The program fosters a relationship-driven culture. It does so via a framework for building a rapport with students based upon research showing that students need to feel safe and connected to their teachers to maximize learning.

One hallmark of the CKH program is a shared language. There are hand signals that are used to communicate between teachers and students, as well as between peers. Another tenet is intentional focus on reframing towards the positive. One example of this is that teachers will begin classes with a “good things” session where students can share positives in their lives. Additionally, rather than rules per se, there is collaboration amongst students and teachers where each class creates their own social contract to abide by.

The CKH program addresses healthy communication through the EXCEL Model which incorporates the following five components: engage, explore, communicate, empower and launch. Through this outline, students can connect and communicate in meaningful ways. Communication is also key when it comes to a discipline component which focuses on addressing behavior and redirecting it. The four key questions are: What are you doing? What should you be doing? Are you doing it? What are you going to do about it? Based on data from BMS, their code of conduct referrals have dropped significantly this 2024-2025 school year.

The middle school staff have been receptive to the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program. “One of the pieces I really appreciate is the leadership mindset. Students and staff need to intentionally choose to be in an EXCEL mindset rather than a minimum or an average mindset,” shared  Jaclyn M. Pasquarelli, K-8 Mental Health Counselor. There are a host of CKH activities for teachers and staff to utilize throughout the year. The Power of One was a recent hit across the middle school, demonstrating that one person can have a major positive or negative impact on school culture. There is power with attitude and energy, and it can be for good. While it is a foundational program at BMS, there are high hopes for the future!  

“This recognition as a Rising Star School is a true testament to Principal Garofalo’s dedication, leadership, and guidance. Her heart-centered approach inspires those around her, both students and staff,” shared Angelo DelliSanti of Capturing Kids’ Hearts. “Congratulations to the entire Bernardsville Middle School community on this incredible achievement!”