Consistency Creates Culture: Swift Creek's Decade-Long Commitment to P2
By Monica Coles, Kaitlyn Brennan, Ryann Mulderrig, and Hannah JonesThis article was written by Monica Coles, Kaitlyn Brennan, Ryann Mulderrig, and Hannah Jones, teachers and student teachers at Swift Creek Elementary School in Raleigh, NC. Swift Creek has been a partner of The Positivity Project for a decade, weaving character education into the daily rhythm of school life. In that time, the school cut office referrals in half by teaching positive behaviors proactively rather than reacting to problems after they occurred. Through multiple building transitions, Swift Creek’s commitment to character has remained constant—earning it the first Green Shield Recognition in Wake County Public School System.
Moving With Purpose: Keeping Positivity at the Center of Change
For more than a decade, the Swift Creek community has been grounded in a shared belief: who we are matters just as much as what we achieve. Character, relationships, and a commitment to positivity have shaped our school culture in ways that extend far beyond academics. As we transitioned from our original building to a temporary site and now into our new home, one thing has remained constant—our dedication to The Positivity Project.
While our walls, hallways, and classrooms have changed, our people and our values have not. In many ways, The Positivity Project did more than support our transitions—it strengthened them.
A Shift We Could See and Feel
When The Positivity Project was implemented a decade ago, the impact was both immediate and unmistakable. Mrs. Fallon, now in her sixteenth year at Swift Creek, recalls the transformation clearly. Swift Creek had already embraced a growth mindset, but P2 created a shared language across the entire school.
Within a short period of time, office referrals were cut in half.
That kind of shift doesn’t just appear in data—it shows up in hallways, classrooms, and conversations.
Students began interacting differently. Expectations became clearer and more consistent schoolwide. Instead of reacting to negative behaviors after they occurred, staff focused on explicitly teaching positive behaviors before issues arose. Students weren’t simply told what not to do; they were shown what kindness, self-control, perseverance, and teamwork look like in action.
Over time, students began recognizing strengths in one another. They could name perseverance when a classmate pushed through a challenging assignment or bravery when someone tried something new. Conflicts did not disappear overnight, but students became better equipped to navigate them. A deeper sense of belonging emerged—students felt seen, supported, and valued for who they were.
Consistency Creates Culture
The true strength of The Positivity Project lies in its consistency. For ten years, P2 has not been treated as an “extra” or an add-on. It has been woven into the rhythm of our school day.
Mrs. D’Amellio, an eighteen-year member of our Swift Creek family, shared how intentionally P2 was built into the master schedule. Our school made a clear statement: character matters enough to dedicate time to it every single day.
When character strengths are taught and reinforced daily, they begin to shape mindsets. Students learn to reflect on their choices. Conversations shift from simple consequences to meaningful growth. A moment of frustration becomes a lesson in perseverance or self-control. A challenging group project becomes an opportunity to strengthen teamwork and fairness.
This approach transforms discipline from reactive to restorative. Students begin to understand that mistakes are opportunities for growth—and that character strengths, like muscles, become stronger with practice.
Most importantly, P2 has provided a steady foundation. No matter the grade level, classroom, or situation, students know our shared values. That consistency has created a sense of safety and belonging—especially during times of transition.
Steady Through Change
Transitions are rarely easy. Moving from one building to another can disrupt routines and unsettle even the strongest communities. Yet throughout our moves—from our original building to a temporary site and now into our permanent home—one thing never changed: our expectations and our commitment to character.
Mrs. D’Amellio reflected that while the physical move happened quickly, cultivating school culture is a long-term investment. Years of intentional work ensured that our culture was firmly rooted before we ever packed a single box. Earning the first Green Shield Recognition in Wake County stands as testament to that dedication.
The building may have changed. Who we are did not.
During our transitions, specific character strengths carried us forward. Perspective allowed us to honor our past while embracing the future. Gratitude helped us celebrate new opportunities while cherishing old memories. Leadership emerged as both staff and students modeled expectations in unfamiliar spaces. Above all, teamwork reminded us that change is easier when we move forward together.
Living Our Values
What truly sets Swift Creek apart is that our values are visible—and lived.
In our original building, ceiling tiles were painted to represent each character strength. Stair steps displayed reminders of the behaviors we strive to model each day. Character was not confined to a lesson block; it surrounded us.
As we prepare to fully settle into our new building, we look forward to once again making our walls reflect who we are. With the continued support of The Positivity Project, we will decorate our new spaces with the same character strengths that have defined us for over a decade—ensuring that this new building feels like home.
What began as an additional program has become the foundation of our culture. Our students and staff recognize strengths in themselves and in one another. They lead with positivity. They value relationships. They understand that character matters.
And no matter where Swift Creek stands physically, that foundation will remain.
