Klamath Falls City Schools staff came together for a day of learning, reflection and connection during a Capturing Kids’ Hearts training designed to help educators begin the 2026–27 school year with renewed energy and purpose.
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Leading the training were Dr. Shane Naterman, Leadership Development Strategist with Capturing Kids’ Hearts, and Amanda Barbour, also a Leadership Development Strategist with Capturing Kids’ Hearts. Together, they guided staff through activities and conversations focused on strengthening relationships, communication and the ways educators show up for students and one another.
The afternoon began with an outpouring of support from the Klamath Falls community. KFCS staff were welcomed and encouraged by Mayor Carol Westfall, Klamath Promise Director Jessie McClung, Judge Sarah Dougherty, Oregon Institute of Technology Vice President Dr. Ken Fincher, Kelsey Bitzer and Nicole Trejo of the KFCS Board of Education, KBBH staff, other community members and members of the Klamath Union football and cheer team.
That support served as an important reminder that KFCS educators are not working alone.
Naterman emphasized that the training was not about piling more responsibilities onto educators. Instead, it was an opportunity to revisit tools and strategies staff have already learned through Capturing Kids’ Hearts, sharpen those skills and think intentionally about how they are being used.
“It’s not about just more to do, ” Naterman said.
A major theme throughout the training was reflection, particularly around how educators spend their time and whether that time reflects what they say they value.
Naterman challenged staff to consider what their daily choices communicate about their priorities. Everyone in the room, he noted, likely shares the value of showing up for students and investing in their success. The question is whether the way they spend their time consistently reflects those values.
Throughout the day, staff were encouraged to celebrate one another, recognize positive moments and to notice when people are doing good.
Interactive activities, teamwork, music and even some karaoke brought energy and laughter into the training, reinforcing the importance of connection not only with students, but among the adults who serve them.
Staff were seated together according to the schools and programs they represent, including Klamath Union High School, Eagle Ridge New Tech High School, Klamath Learning Center, Klamath Home Learning Academy, Conger Elementary, Roosevelt Elementary, Mills Elementary and Pelican Elementary.
Working alongside their colleagues, staff took part in activities designed to build teamwork and encourage connection, including the fast-paced Cup Game, where participants raced to be the first to grab a cup, as well as a “Price Is Right” game that brought plenty of friendly competition and laughter to the room.
The message from Naterman and Barbour ultimately left KFCS staff feeling motivated, empowered and reminded of the incredible impact they are capable of making for their students and one another.
"Educators already have a great deal on their plates, and the goal is not to add more. Instead, it is to be more intentional about the time, energy and relationships they already have," Barbour said.
