This article was written by Jessica Smatko. Jessica is the Elementary School Principal at Fort Edward Union Free School District in Fort Edward, New York, where she leads a Pre-K-12 school community committed to building student character through The Positivity Project (P2).
A Tradition of Creative Spirit
For the third consecutive year, students at Fort Edward Union Free School District have embraced The Positivity Project (P2), but this year, they are wearing their lessons on their sleeves, literally.
To bridge the gap between classroom learning and school spirit, the district hosted a school-wide art contest challenging PK-12 students to capture the essence of P2. The goal? To design the official shirts for the 2025-26 school year.
From Sketchpads to Spirit Wear
The competition tapped into the character strength of Creativity, tasking students in grades 3-5 and 6-12 with developing unique concepts for the back of the shirts. After a rigorous selection process by the P2 Core Committee, the winners were celebrated at the year-end P2 Showcase, with the final designs officially unveiled during the September Kickoff event.
- Elementary Excellence: Fifth grader Davion Mallory took the top prize for the PK-5 category. His theme, “P2 can lead you to many treasures,” serves as a visual reminder of the lifelong value of positive character strengths.
- Secondary Collaboration: In the Middle High School division, 10th graders Patrick Boucher and Myckenzie Burch combined their artistic talents to create a winning collaborative design.
The design process itself became a lesson in multiple character strengths. Students practiced perseverance as they revised their sketches, showed bravery in sharing their ideas publicly, and demonstrated teamwork when collaborating with classmates. Teachers reported that students spent time in class and at home refining their concepts, often talking with family members about what P2 means to them and how to represent it visually.
A Culture of Pride
The impact of the contest is visible every month. During school assemblies, the halls are filled with students and staff sporting the new gear. The project has done more than just produce a shirt; it has given students ownership over the district’s mission.
“Knowing that students had a hand in creating our shirts has been a success,” the district noted. By turning character strengths like teamwork and perspective into tangible art, Fort Edward continues to find innovative ways to make P2 a core part of the student experience.
The shirt tradition has become something students look forward to each year. These shirts serve as conversation starters with families during school events, spreading the P2 message beyond the classroom. When students wear their shirts on assembly days, it creates a visible reminder that character is something the whole community values and celebrates together.
Jessica Smatko
This marks my 23rd year with the Fort Edward Union Free School District. Throughout my career, I have taught first and third grades and worked in special education classrooms. I have also served as the After School Enrichment Coordinator and the Summer Academy Coordinator for several years. Additionally, I take pride in being an active member of the Fort Edward Teachers Association, where I have held the position of New Member Coordinator and enjoy volunteering in the community. For the past two years, I have worked as a Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA) and School Improvement Coordinator, collaborating across the district. Before entering the education field, I gained valuable experience in Human Resources and Accounting. I hold a Bachelor's Degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and Master's Degrees from the College of St. Joseph and SUNY Plattsburgh. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, traveling, reading, and spending quality time with my family. As a dedicated FORTS fan, I am excited to lead this remarkable team of faculty and staff.
