The power of positivity: How P2 is building resilience at Patriots STEM Elementary

At Patriots STEM Elementary School, the Positivity Project (P2) is doing more than teaching students about weekly character traits. It’s transforming the school’s culture and fostering emotional and social growth across Cabarrus County Schools.

By emphasizing kindness, empathy, and resilience, P2 helps students and staff recognize the best in themselves and others, building a foundation for lifelong success.

“The Positivity Project is a character education program that focuses on positive psychology,” says Melissa Cahall, the school’s counselor and a key leader in implementing P2 district-wide. “It introduces 24 character strengths to help students understand, value, and use these traits in their own lives and relationships.”

Each week, students learn about a new character strength—such as kindness, honesty, or perseverance—through daily activities designed to build confidence and self-awareness. Melissa notes that P2 is easy to use and offers tools and lessons that align with the district’s commitment to supporting the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Patriots Elementary, P2 has made a big difference in how students and staff work together. “It helps everyone see that we are all unique,” explains Melissa. “This creates a positive school environment and encourages teamwork, understanding, and support.”

One example of P2’s impact involves a student with behavior challenges who now leads P2 lessons as a reward for positive actions. This leadership opportunity has turned the student into a role model, inspired classmates, and strengthened their classroom community.

Teachers also say P2 helps them form stronger connections with their students. “Many teachers say it’s the best part of their day,” shares Melissa. “It’s a chance to focus on more than just academics and connect as people.”

The success of P2 comes from teamwork and consistent support. Patriots’ staff members participate in annual training to ensure the program is implemented effectively. Counselors model lessons, and weekly updates keep staff informed and engaged. Special initiatives like “Student of the Month” and “Classroom with Character” celebrate students who demonstrate strong character traits, encouraging positive behavior school-wide.

Schools across the district collaborate quarterly to share ideas, highlight successes, and refine their approaches. “This teamwork between schools and the district has been a big part of P2’s success,” says Melissa.

The results of P2 are evident. Patriots Elementary has seen fewer office referrals, higher scores on surveys measuring belonging and relationships, and an overall boost in morale among students and staff.

Community involvement also plays a vital role. Patriots shares weekly P2 updates through newsletters and service projects, such as creating a sensory pathway for students to self-regulate and refocus. These activities bring families and students together, making kindness and empathy a daily priority.

For Melissa, the goal of P2 is simple: “At the end of the day, we want to create kind humans, and the P2 curriculum gives us the tools to do that.”

The school’s behavior team integrates P2 principles into their overall strategy to promote positive behavior. Melissa notes this approach has not only strengthened relationships but also reduced discipline issues, helping create a more supportive school environment.

Patriots STEM Elementary isn’t the only school seeing success with P2. Cabarrus County Schools uses the program district-wide, with a shared calendar to ensure consistency. Families with children at different schools can discuss the same character strengths at home, reinforcing the lessons across settings.

Patriots STEM Elementary and two other district schools, R. Brown McAllister STEM Elementary and C.E. Boger Elementary, have been recognized as P2 Shield Schools, an honor for their commitment to fostering positive relationships and strong character. As the program grows, its vision remains unchanged: to prepare students to become confident, caring, and kind leaders ready to make a difference in their communities.