How Loudon Elementary Built Character and Reduced Behavior Referrals

This article was written by Jared Coppolo, who served as principal of Loudon Elementary in the Panama-Buena Vista Union School District in Bakersfield, California. Jared brought more than a decade of experience in education to the role and led the implementation of The Positivity Project at Loudon beginning in the 2021–2022 school year. Loudon serves roughly 800 students in grades K–6 and is one of 25 schools in a district of about 19,400 students.In the heart of Bakersfield, CA, lies Loudon Elementary. What sets Loudon Elementary apart is not just our commitment to academic excellence but our unwavering dedication to nurturing the social and emotional well-being of our students. At the core of this transformative journey is The Positivity Project (P2).

The Positivity Project is more than just a curriculum; it’s a philosophy that celebrates the inherent goodness in every individual and fosters positive character strengths essential for success in school and beyond. At Loudon Elementary, P2 has become the cornerstone of our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) journey, weaving a tapestry of empathy, resilience, gratitude, and kindness throughout the school community.

Relationships First: Morning Meetings and Greetings at the Door

One of the fundamental principles of P2 is the belief in the power of relationships. Teachers at Loudon Elementary recognize that cultivating strong connections with students is key to unlocking their full potential. Through morning meetings, circle time, collaborative activities, and daily greetings at the door, teachers have created a sense of belonging where every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

The P2 Exhibition: Every Class Takes On a Community Service Project

But the impact of P2 extends far beyond Loudon students’ individual transformations. It has permeated the entire school culture, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie among students and staff alike. Acts of kindness became commonplace, from simple gestures like holding the door for a classmate to organizing school-wide initiatives for community service. One of these community service projects is the P2 Exhibition, where each class decides on a community service project, works on it together, and then presents it to the school community.

Loudon Elementary – Positivity Project Exhibition

Bringing Families Into the Work

The Positivity Project at Loudon has also empowered parents to be active participants in their children’s SEL journey. Through newsletters and family activities, parents have gained valuable insights into fostering character strengths at home. This collaborative approach has helped bridge the gap between school and home, creating a seamless continuum of support for students’ social and emotional growth.

What Changed Over Three Years

As the years go by, the impact of Loudon Elementary’s SEL journey with The Positivity Project has become increasingly evident. Loudon has been utilizing the P2 curriculum from the 2021/2022 school year to the present 2023/2024 school year.

Within that time, behavioral referrals declined by 35%, and academic achievement and attendance also rose. Attendance from 89% to 93%.

Students of our school emerge as resilient, empathetic individuals who embody the values of kindness, gratitude, and perseverance. They carry these lessons throughout their daily interactions while becoming change-makers and compassionate leaders in their communities.

Loudon Elementary’s SEL journey with The Positivity Project is a testament to the transformative power of education when guided by principles of positivity, empathy, and character development. By instilling these values in the hearts and minds of our students, Loudon Elementary not only prepares them for academic success but also equips them with the tools to thrive as compassionate, resilient individuals in a complex world.