By Jennifer Parris

What started as a small, personal effort to spread kindness has grown into a full-blown movement at New Fairfield Elementary School. The “Happiness Project,” launched by Dr. Jennifer Hilderbrand, began as a “selfish” endeavor in the best sense of the word—an act of joy that turned into something much greater—and meaningful.

“It was just something I was doing to bring myself joy,” says Hilderbrand. “I bought a bunch of small trinkets and gifts—stickers, pins, little notes—and started giving them to staff members, from custodians to lunch ladies. I kept a list and tried to work through it, but I realized I couldn’t reach everyone on my own.”

That’s when she brought in second-grade teacher Becky Pendergast who was the perfect partner to elevate the initiative to the next level. “Becky is happiness,” Hilderbrand adds. “She brings positivity to everything she does, and I knew she’d help expand this into something more impactful.”

Together, they’ve transformed the project into a mission to infuse joy into the school’s physical spaces, starting with shared rooms like conference areas. Their first major focus: the main conference room near the front office—a space frequently visited by staff, parents, and students alike. Cheerful, bird-themed canvases with motivational quotes will adorn the walls and plans also include a birdhouse tower with student-painted birdhouses to add pops of color (and collaboration) into the space.

“We reached out to the community for donations,” says Pendergast, who adds that the canvases were donations from the New Fairfield community. “The response was incredible. People wanted to contribute not just items, but love—like one woman who donated a cherished plant, thrilled that it would brighten up a communal space.”

Interior design insight is coming from first-grade teacher Ellen Fecci, who recently joined the effort. With her expertise, the Happiness Project trio—Jen, Becky, and Ellen—are shaping each room with care and intentionality.

Their vision doesn’t stop at just one conference room, though. Long-term goals include revamping hallways, teacher workspaces, and more underused areas, especially after the recent merger of two school buildings. “This is a slow process,” says Hilderbrand. “If it were up to Becky and I, it’d be done by next week! But it takes time to realize each space’s potential.”

Adds Pendergast: “The conference rooms can be used for hard conversations. But when you hold those meetings in a cheerful, welcoming space, it changes the tone. Plus, these rooms are air-conditioned. When classrooms get hot, students can take a break in a joyful, cool space.” The spaces will be both functional and fun: upcoming themes include a patriotic corner, a travel-inspired space (there will be a separate Caribbean room, too!), as well as a New Fairfield room that will showcase some serious hometown pride.

The goal is to complete the first room within the next two weeks, just before the end of the school year. Summer break will offer time to plan and implement more rooms in preparation for fall. “We’re collecting and staging materials now so that one evening we can install everything,” Pendergast explains.

The heart of the Happiness Project, however, still prioritizes the personal touches, like the intentionality behind each sticker, pencil, or decoration. “When I left a little item on someone’s desk and it was their favorite color or had a quote they loved—it made them feel seen,” says Hilderbrand. “That’s what this is about.”

Pendergast echoed that sentiment: “This community supported me during a hard time. So being able to give back and be a face of happiness—it means everything.”

Note: The Happiness Project wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of the NF community. They’re currently in need of the following items: new or used canvases, baskets of varying sizes, artificial plants and flowers, small side tables and plant stands, and storage containers. For further information, email pendergast.rebecca@newfairfieldschools.org.