Relationships First: The Importance of Fostering Meaningful Connections

West Middle School and The Positivity Project

West Middle School in Traverse City serves approximately eleven hundred students in beautiful Northern Michigan. We have a teaching staff of over sixty, and our teachers are the most dedicated professionals I have ever had the pleasure of working with. To put it simply, they care about our students. Watching the teachers embrace The Positivity Project (P2) has allowed students to recognize and embrace their role as part of the larger educational community.

The Crucial Role of Middle School

Middle school is a crucial time in our lives, where we not only gain knowledge from textbooks but also learn valuable life skills that shape our character. P2 focuses on creating a positive and inclusive environment, encouraging good citizenship skills and fostering an environment of support and care. The Positivity Project creates an atmosphere where every student feels valued and appreciated for their unique contributions to the school community. By fostering a sense of belonging and positivity, we build a foundation for a healthy and supportive learning environment.

The Positivity Project equips them with tools to understand and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence. By promoting self-awareness and empathy, this initiative lays the groundwork for healthy emotional expression and conflict resolution.

Promoting Emotional Intelligence

The Positivity Project actively promotes inclusivity by encouraging students to appreciate and celebrate diversity. In a middle school setting, where cliques and social dynamics can be prominent, this emphasis on inclusivity breaks down barriers and creates a sense of belonging for every student, irrespective of background or interests.

Middle school is a time when emotions run high, and students grapple with a myriad of feelings. The Positivity Project equips them with tools to understand and manage their emotions, fostering emotional intelligence. By promoting self-awareness and empathy, this initiative lays the groundwork for healthy emotional expression and conflict resolution.

Enhancing Teacher-Student Relationships

The Positivity Project extends beyond the student body, influencing the teacher-student dynamic. Educators who embrace the principles of positivity become mentors, guiding students not only academically but also in their personal growth. This positive teacher-student relationship is instrumental in creating a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

One of the unique strengths of The Positivity Project is its peer-to-peer impact. Middle school students learn not just from teachers but also from each other. Through collaborative activities and discussions, they reinforce positive behaviors, creating a culture where kindness and empathy become the norm rather than the exception.

Daily Practices and Advisory Periods

During our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Advisory periods, we engage students in lessons from The Positivity Project. This allows students to have a safe and supportive environment after a long day of social and academic interactions. Many of our students use these lessons as a jumping-off point for further discussion about the nuances of middle school life. The culture and climate within our building have changed as a result of P2, which supports intentional positive touchpoints with students throughout the day.

We start our day with a schoolwide P2 message in our morning announcements. This occurs at the same time as a drawing of two students in each grade level who have won what we affectionately call “titan tickets.” These are given on the spot by teachers and other staff who recognize students’ growth in a particular area. We have incorporated the character traits that students are educated on in the Titan Tickets because we feel that real-life applications of these lessons are imperative.

The Core Purpose of P2

P2 matters at our school because it allows us to not lose focus on what really matters with our students. We need to support students in becoming self-actualized and empathetic humans who understand that fundamentally we are more alike than different. If we are not sending students home with that message, then we have lost sight of our true purpose.

We have teachers who do an excellent job of making the P2 lessons their own in class, with many using this as a jumping-off point to have engaging conversations and, most importantly, build relationships with students. Many teachers have made journaling, debates, acting, and real-life applications in lessons a part of their practice with P2.

Peer-to-Peer Impact

One of the unique strengths of The Positivity Project is its peer-to-peer impact. Middle school students learn not just from teachers but also from each other. Through collaborative activities and discussions, they reinforce positive behaviors, creating a culture where kindness and empathy become the norm rather than the exception.

A Transformative Force

In the crucible of middle school, The Positivity Project emerges as a transformative force, shaping young minds and hearts. By focusing on character development, emotional intelligence, inclusivity, and positive relationships, this initiative not only enhances the middle school experience but lays the foundation for a future generation marked by resilience, compassion, and a deep understanding of the power of positivity. As we witness the ripple effects of P2 in the lives of middle school students, it becomes clear that investing in character and connection is an investment in a brighter, more harmonious future.