Capturing Kids' Hearts is a philosophy and program focused on building strong, positive relationships between school staff and the community they serve to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment.

Our school uses Capturing Kids’ Hearts to help create a safe, positive, and connected learning environment. This program focuses on building strong relationships between students, teachers, and peers through kindness, respect, and accountability.

Students learn to use tools like affirmations, social contracts, and meaningful greetings to build trust and responsibility.

The goal is to support both academic success and character development—because when kids feel connected, they thrive.  Payne’s Student Council determines our spirit days and community projects to bring our school community together!

We have established a Dual Language Spanish Immersion Program from grades Kindergarten through 6th grade. Our community strongly believes in the importance of having a multilingual student body as future contributors to society who can view the world through multiple lenses.

Payne Elementary hosts one of the Mountain View School District's Newcomers' classes. The class includes students who have newly arrived in the United States from countries that include, but are not limited to, Mexico, Guatemala, China, Vietnam, and other countries.

PBIS stands for Positive Behavior Intervention Supports. It is a means to intentionally teach students school-wide and classroom expectations so that all students can learn how to:

• Identify and reflect on their own behaviors and emotions 
• Communicate their needs effectively and respectfully with adults and each other 
• Problem solve effectively 

At PAYNE, we are a proud PBIS school (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports).  We believe that positive behavior should be expected and rewarded.  Students receive a PAWS ticket when demonstrating PBIS expectations. Each month, Payne School holds a special raffle for prizes and/or a special store for our students to use their PAWS ticket to pick their prizes. 

In all areas, there are clearly defined behavioral expectations for all individuals.  We promote and encourage our community to make positive choices that will enhance the educational community at PAYNE.