How Cairo-Durham Elementary Reduced Disciplinary Referrals by 43% with The Positivity Project
By Christopher SteinThis article was written by Christopher Stein, Principal of Cairo-Durham Elementary School, who brings 20 years of experience in education and has led the school for the past eight years. Located in Cairo, New York, Cairo-Durham Elementary has been a partner school of The Positivity Project since the winter of 2019—more than six years of firsthand experience embedding character education and the Other People Matter mindset into the daily fabric of school life.
Since implementing The Positivity Project during the winter of 2019, Cairo-Durham Elementary School has experienced a transformational shift in school culture and climate. At the time, the school was seeking a meaningful way to unify students, faculty, and staff around a common purpose and shared values. The Positivity Project provided exactly that foundation. It created an opportunity for students to develop a deeper understanding of character, relationships, and the impact their actions have on others. At the same time, it inspired faculty and staff to embrace a mindset centered on positivity, collaboration, and the belief that strong relationships are essential to student success.
Embedding Positivity Into the Daily School Routine
From the very beginning, Cairo-Durham Elementary made The Positivity Project a priority by embedding it into the daily fabric of school life. Dedicated instructional time was established each day for students to engage in lessons focused on character strengths and the principles of the Other People Mindset. These conversations encouraged students to reflect on empathy, kindness, perseverance, teamwork, and the many qualities that help individuals grow both academically and socially. Principal Stein further reinforced these lessons by discussing the weekly character strength or mindset pillar during daily morning announcements, helping to create a consistent message that was heard and valued throughout the building.
Celebrating Character Through Positive Referrals and Assemblies
In addition to classroom instruction, the school developed systems and traditions that celebrated positive behavior and character development. Students began receiving positive referrals when they demonstrated character strengths or exemplified the Other People Matter mindset in authentic ways. School-wide assemblies were created to recognize students for their growth in character, relationship-building, leadership, and citizenship. These celebrations became an important part of the school culture, reinforcing the idea that character is just as important as academic achievement.
A 43% Reduction in Disciplinary Referrals — and a Lasting Culture Shift
As these structures and supports became firmly established, the impact on student behavior and school climate became increasingly evident.
Since 2019, Cairo-Durham Elementary has seen a 43% reduction in disciplinary referrals, reflecting the positive changes taking place throughout the school community. More importantly, however, the daily interactions among students demonstrate a genuine shift in culture. Students consistently support, encourage, and care for one another in ways that have become a defining characteristic of the school.
Character in Action: One Second Grader’s Story
One particularly meaningful example involved a second-grade student who received a positive referral after noticing that a younger student was upset. Without being asked, she took the initiative to comfort him, offered him a hug, and invited him to play so he would feel included and supported. Moments like these represent the true impact of The Positivity Project at Cairo-Durham Elementary. Students are not simply learning about character traits in theory—they are living them through their actions each day.
A Continued Commitment to the Other People Mindset
At Cairo-Durham Elementary, the focus on character education and positive relationships remains at the heart of everything we do. Faculty and staff work intentionally to ensure that every student feels valued, supported, and connected. Through both words and actions, students know they are cared for by the adults in the building and by their peers. The school community continues to emphasize that character strengths exist within each and every person, and that those strengths can positively influence classrooms, relationships, and the broader community. Cairo-Durham Elementary is proud to be a partner school with The Positivity Project and remains deeply committed to living the Other People Mindset every single day.
