Implementing The Positivity Project at Gouverneur Middle School: Thriving Together
By Michael HammondAt the Gouverneur Middle School (GMS), positivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of how we connect, inspire, and grow as a community. Over the past few years, we’ve embraced The Positivity Project (P2) to transform our school culture. From training sessions in Savannah to drone photos capturing school pride, our story is one of commitment, collaboration, and creativity.
Starting the Journey
When I first joined GMS, I already had experience with P2 in other schools. I’d seen its impact firsthand and knew how user-friendly and practical the program was for both teachers and students. So, when the district committed to sending staff to the P2 National Conference in Savannah, GA, two years in a row, I saw it as a pivotal step. These trips weren’t just training sessions; they were opportunities to immerse ourselves in the vision of P2. We returned not only inspired but equipped to bring this powerful initiative back to Gouverneur.
As part of our reflections after Savannah, participants created a Thank You Message for the Board of Education (BOE) to express gratitude for their commitment to this initiative. This video was a powerful way to show how much the experience meant to us and how we intended to carry the lessons forward into our work at GMS.
One of the first steps we took was forming a P2 Building Committee. We intentionally brought together a diverse group—Savannah participants, grade-level teachers, special education staff, a teaching assistant, our school resource officer (SRO), guidance counselors, and administrators. This team became the backbone of our efforts, ensuring every corner of the school was touched by P2.
Feedback from families also shaped our approach. At a stakeholder meeting, parents pointed out that last year, the elementary and middle schools weren’t aligned in their P2 calendars, making it hard for families to have consistent dinner table conversations. Taking this to heart, we customized our P2 Calendar to better align with the St. Lawrence Lewis BOCES calendar, ensuring seamless discussions about character strengths across grades. I also designed a Canva Document at the request of Superintendent Kelly as part of our District Shared Decision-Making Committee to visually communicate these updates and maintain alignment with district-wide goals.
Building a Framework for Positivity
We knew that to succeed, P2 couldn’t just live in a binder or a slide deck—it had to become part of our school’s daily rhythm. Technology plays a key role in this integration. Google Classroom became our hub for P2 communication, making resources, videos, and lesson plans easily accessible for teachers. During team times, we shared strategies and success stories, ensuring that no one felt like they were navigating P2 alone.
We also brought P2 into spaces like the Opportunity Room, which some might call ISS. By embedding P2 principles—such as reflection sheets and restorative conversations—into these settings, we are turning moments of discipline into opportunities for growth. This shift wasn’t just about correcting behavior; it was about helping students see their strengths and build better habits.
Connecting with Broader Initiatives
What’s unique about our implementation is how we’ve tied P2 to other powerful programs. For example, Sweethearts & Heroes has become a sister initiative, particularly through The HOPE Classroom. Next year we plan to fully integrate both into our advisory periods, which currently run from 1:35-1:55 PM but will change to 7:15-7:30 AM and 1:35-1:55 PM next year. The overlapping goals of these programs—building resilience, fostering connection, and promoting empathy—have created a cohesive framework that empowers our students and staff.
Another standout event is our annual Veterans Day celebration with Team RWB’s participation. This isn’t just an assembly; it’s an experience. Each grade participates in a walk/run around the school, culminating in a whole-school lap captured by a drone photo. Adding yard games and music to the mix this year has made this event a true celebration of unity and community pride. These moments don’t just reinforce the P2 message—they bring it to life.
We’re also beginning to weave the Sandy Hook Promise’s Start with Hello initiative into our P2 framework. Next year, we’ll launch it with a Spirit Week and a designated award during assemblies to highlight students who embody the spirit of connection by Starting with Hello. It’s another layer to our commitment to making every student feel seen and valued.
Overcoming Challenges
Of course, no initiative is without its hurdles. One of the most common concerns from teachers was, “I don’t have time.” But what makes P2 unique is its flexibility. The P2 Resources are so well-designed that 85% of the planning is already done. Teachers quickly realized that P2 wasn’t something extra—it was something they could integrate into their existing routines. And for those initial struggles with access to materials, we designated our tech coordinator to streamline the process, ensuring everyone could log in and get started without delays.
Of course, no initiative is without its hurdles. One of the most common concerns from teachers was, “I don’t have time.” But what makes P2 unique is its flexibility. The P2 Resources are so well-designed that 85% of the planning is already done.
Celebrating Success
Success with P2 isn’t always about the big moments—though we’ve had plenty of those. It’s in the little things: the student who holds the door for a classmate without being asked, the teacher who steps in to guide a substitute through the P2 platform, the parent who says, “The calendar alignment this year has made such a difference for our family.” These are the quiet victories that remind us we’re on the right path.
But we’ve also had some unforgettable milestones. Our first-ever P2 Kickoff Pep Rally was a high-energy celebration where we unveiled our school motto: “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow. Together We Thrive.” A school-wide drone photo and cupcakes from Price Chopper added a special touch, making the day memorable for everyone involved.
Quarterly assemblies have become another cornerstone of our P2 journey. From live music performances by our very own Chamber Singers and Jazz Ensemble to interactive games like the Masked Singer, these events celebrate both students and staff while reinforcing the values of P2. As we look ahead, we’re planning an End-of-Year Send-Off in collaboration with the Student Council and National Junior Honor Society to cap off the year with the same energy and enthusiasm we started with.
Minute to Win it Challenge Video
The North Country Connection
As a North Country native, I’ve always valued the sense of community, resilience, and connection that defines our region. These values have shaped my leadership, not just as a principal but also as a father and mayor. Schools like Canton Central, led by Joe McDonough, and teachers like Todd Kaiser at Potsdam Central School work with P2 to highlight how deeply these values are woven into the fabric of North Country schools.
At GMS, we strive to celebrate individual strengths while fostering a collective identity. Whether it’s through assemblies, weekly character spotlights, or Positive Referrals, our work mirrors the close-knit values of our community. It’s about more than just teaching lessons—it’s about building a culture where everyone feels they belong.
Looking Ahead
The future of P2 at the Gouverneur Middle School is bright. We’re excited to expand our efforts by integrating Sweethearts & Heroes and the Sandy Hook Promise more fully into our advisory periods. We’re also exploring opportunities for regional collaboration, including a North Country P2 Summit to share ideas and successes with other schools.
For those considering P2, my advice is simple: lean on the P2 team, surround yourself with enthusiastic colleagues, and stay the course. Change takes time, but the rewards are worth it. And if you’re looking for inspiration, I highly recommend reading The Anxious Generation and following the journeys of Mike Erwin and Jeff Bryan. Their stories remind us why this work matters.
At the Gouverneur Middle School, we’re not just implementing a program—we’re building a stronger community. Together, we thrive and H.O.P.E. for a brighter future.
