New Positivity Project at JEHS focuses on building positive relationships

Other people matter.

That is the theme echoing throughout Jordan-Elbridge High School as the students and staff focus on building positive relationships by studying the values of the nationally recognized Positivity Project, or “P2.”

The Positivity Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping America’s youth build strong relationships. It is based on various character traits and the mindset that “other people matter.”

Each Monday, students at the high school stay in their Eagle Mod class and participate in Positivity Project inspired lessons that include videos, essays and discussion questions. Each lesson has an activity that highlights the character trait of the week. The 12 character traits teachers are focusing on this year include: open mindedness, integrity, bravery, gratitude, humility, self-control, optimism, love, forgiveness, perseverance, purpose and love of learning.

The P2 also coincides with the school’s attendance initiative called “grades go down when you’re not around.” Principal Mark Schermerhorn said district leaders hope that students building positive relationships will contribute to a positive school climate and naturally increase school attendance. The initiative included letters home to parents, refrigerator magnets and an attendance tracking board at the school.

“So far, students really like the message P2 contributes to the school,” he said.

“According to (professor and education researcher) John Hattie, his research supports that teacher-student relationships have a positive effect on learning outcomes. If students have good relationships with their peers and teachers, they will want to come to school every day and feel a part of the school community.”

Some students in English teacher Karen Hourigan’s class said they like the concept of the P2. The class recently read Howard White’s essay on the Power of Hello. Hourigan called it “powerful,” while other students said they appreciated the message.

“I think the whole P2 concept is a good idea and could work out very well,” said junior Cameron Newhook.

Classmate Trent Thomas agreed, and said he’s excited about how the P2 will unfold throughout the year.

“If everyone takes this seriously, I think it could bring the students closer together,” he said. “It’s good to form bonds and relationships with other people.
Because of cell phones, our generation isn’t great at that.”

Bringing the Positivity Project to JE

The health and wellness committee leads the project at the school.

During its meetings, the members decided that students could use more quality social emotional education. Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics, Dan Stadtmiller, helped bring the P2 to JE (the previous school district where he worked implemented it) and teaching assistant Barbara Ely introduced it to the staff on opening day.  

Stadtmiller said the committee looked at examples from other districts while also attending trainings on the P2.

“I thought the P2 would have a positive impact on our school culture. The research behind the P2 shows that schools who have successfully implemented it experienced growth in attendance, grades and behavior,” he said.

“As we monitor our student attendance and set higher goals for graduation, this program can only help reinforce those goals by addressing the social-emotional piece of schools.  

“In the world we live in today, the Other People Matter Movement is more important than ever.”