On January 21st, the morning air at Tri-Valley was crisp as teachers, staff, and students began to arrive for another day of learning. However, this day felt different. As the bell rang, signaling the start of the school day, something new and special was unfolding.
In the hallways, clusters of staff members, including teachers, administrators, custodians, and lunch aides, were all wearing the same dark navy and red sweatshirts. Each one had a simple yet powerful message printed on the back: “Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it, with love, the person in front of you.”
At first, students and staff alike were curious. What was the meaning behind this uniformity? Was it a special event or a new initiative? As the day went on, the message began to spread through the entire school like a wave of positivity. The message was carefully chosen, a gentle reminder that we all have the power to make someone else’s day better simply by showing kindness and unity. It was a reminder to everyone in the building—whether student or staff—that they mattered, that they were part of something bigger. In this chaotic world, filled with stress and uncertainty, the district had chosen to pause, if only for a day, to focus on what truly mattered: each other.
It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together and that kindness makes the world a little brighter. The person behind you might be struggling, but you have the power to remind them that they matter.
“We wear these sweatshirts not just for the message, but because we believe it in our hearts. We believe in kindness. We believe in each other.” said Superintendent, Erin Long.
As the school day came to a close, many students and staff left the building with a little more lightness in their hearts. The message didn’t end with the school day—it had taken root in everyone’s thoughts, sparking conversations, spreading smiles, and reminding them all of the power of unity and kindness.
The simple message on the sweatshirts may have seemed like a small gesture, but for the staff and students at Tri-Valley Central School District, it was a profound reminder that sometimes, the most important thing we can do is show up for each other—and remind each other that we are all part of something greater than ourselves.
