Carrying Less, Caring More: The Power of Emptying the Backpack - Sam Demma

Today our guest is Author and Keynote Speaker Sam Demma. We talk to Sam about the powerful concept of “Emptying Your Backpack,” which began during a series of live Instagram chats with students. Sam shares why it’s essential to help young people release the negative thoughts, emotions, and labels they carry, and how doing so can create space for growth and connection. He also emphasizes the importance of empathy, reminding us that “students aren’t giving you a tough time, they’re having a tough time.” Sam also shares what he is learning directly from students and how we can better support each other, one conversation at a time. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Sam Demma is a best-selling author and one of the most in-demand keynote speakers today. He has shared the stage with icons like Kardinal Official and Sarah Blackwood, collaborated with brands like Taco Bell, delivered two TEDx talks, and has toured his messages across Canada, the United States, and Kenya. His work is often featured on national news shows like Marilyn Dennis, Breakfast Television, and, most notably, his mom’s Facebook. Sam delivers hundreds of performances annually, and his comical and entertaining performances address the topics of Empathy, Mental Health and Leadership. For more information, please visit: www.samdemma.com

On this episode we are sharing a conversation from the 2025 School Safety Summit. Dr. Dewey Cornell, a leading national expert in school safety, shares the science and practical strategies behind effective threat assessment. He explains why prevention must go beyond zero tolerance policies and how schools can use structured, research-backed approaches like CSTAG to keep students safe, supported, and thriving. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Joanna Frankel the Director of Elementary Culture and Climate at Portland Public Schools. We talk to Joanna about how her team led a deeply collaborative curriculum selection process—gathering input from over 300 staff members, conducting a community listening tour with families, and piloting options with 37 educators. She reflects on the power of stakeholder voice, and how this inclusive approach not only informed their final decision but also built trust and ownership across the district. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website   Joanna Frankel serves as the Director of Elementary Culture and Climate for Portland Public Schools in Portland, Maine (the "other" Portland!). Her role serves as a bridge between Portland's ten elementary schools and Central Office departments and staff, working in the areas of social, emotional, and behavioral systems of support for students, in addition to helping to ensure positive relationships and experiences for staff and families. Previously Joanna was an Elementary Assistant Principal in Portland, Coordinator of Teaching and Learning in Gray, Maine, and for nearly two decades taught all grades Pre-K through 5th in Maine, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. A native of Philadelphia, Joanna holds a BA from Sarah Lawrence College (NY) and an MEd from Smith College (MA), where she was a Graduate Teaching Fellow. Joanna is a PBIS trainer in the state of Maine and holds a Graduate Certificate in Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports from the University of Maine. She is a proud product of public schools and a proud parent of a public school high school junior. In her spare time Joanna goes on frequent "rides to nowhere" in spin class, is a certified yoga instructor and longtime yoga practitioner, loves sitting on Maine beaches with a good book, and is an obsessive fan of the band Wilco. At work she's known as "the feelings lady.”

On this episode we are sharing a conversation from the 2025 School Safety Summit. Frank DeAngelis, former longtime principal of Columbine High School, shares powerful lessons on prevention, resilience, and leadership. He highlights why real school safety is about relationships, readiness, and collective action—and reminds us why we must continue working together to protect and support every student. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guests are Sam Dusek & Jordan Seifert, School Counselors at Meyer Middle School and part of the team that was awarded the 2025 Wisconsin School Counseling Team of the Year. We talk to Sam & Jordan about how their school counseling program is leading the way in proactive, purpose-driven student support. They share how a clear mission focused on academic growth, character development, and student well-being—has helped them build a program where character education is intentionally taught and deeply integrated across campus. Their reminder for all of us: when in doubt, trust that every student can grow and that our intentional efforts matter. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website Sam Dusek and Jordan Seifert are school counselors at Meyer Middle School in River Falls, Wisconsin. This is Sam’s 13th year as a school counselor and Jordan’s 12th year as a school counselor. They received the Wisconsin School Counseling Team of the year award at the annual Wisconsin School counseling Conference in 2024. Meyer Middle school is a State and National School of Character. Jordan and Sam serve on the Meyer Middle School character education committee.

Today our guest is Cory McCarthy, the Chief of Student Support for Boston Public Schools. We talk with Cory about what it means to take a truly holistic approach to student support. He explains the critical difference between technicaland adaptive progress monitoring—and why getting to the “third why” in conversations with students and staff is a game-changer. Cory also shares how Boston Public Schools opens its doors seven days a week to meet student needs and why relational work is at the heart of their approach. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Dr. Clay Cook the Chief Development Officer at CharacterStrong. We talk to Clay about one the most important parts of implementation: sustainability. From onboarding and monitoring fidelity to embedding new practices into the fabric of school culture, Clay shares the essential systems that help schools avoid implementation drift. He also highlights how CharacterStrong supports schools through a unique consultative approach focused on sustainable implementation. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Learn more about CharacterStrong Implementation Support Visit the CharacterStrong Website  

Today our guest is John Hellwich, the Director of Secondary Teaching and Learning at the Peninsula School District in WA. We talk to John about the Gig Harbor/Key Peninsula community campaign inspired by the book The Anxious Generation. With anxiety rising and screen time out of control, this grassroots movement is bringing together schools, faith leaders, doctors, and local organizations to reimagine what healthy tech habits look like for students. From phone-free weekends and social media detoxes to reigniting the power of unstructured play, John shares how the community is taking bold, united action to protect youth mental health in the digital age. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website

Today our guest is Alex Kajitani the 2009 California Teacher of the Year and also The Rappin' Mathematician. We talk to Alex about the foundational role that relationships play in education. He unpacks the three essential components every relationship must have and highlights the different types of relationships students navigate daily—with themselves, their peers, the adults on campus, and the content they’re learning. Alex challenges the common belief that confidence leads to competence, offering a powerful reframe. He leaves us with a compelling reminder: the simple act of consistently showing up can make a profound difference in a student’s life. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website   Alex Kajitani is the 2009 California Teacher of the Year, and a Top-4 Finalist for National Teacher of the Year.  He is the author of several books, including Owning It, which **was named “Recommended Reading” by the U.S. Department of Education. He also has a new book out, for new teachers, titled “You’re a Teacher Now! What’s Next?” and it's getting rave reviews. Alex is known around the world as “The Rappin’ Mathematician, has a popular TED Talk, and was honored at The White House. He was also featured on The CBS Evening News, where Katie Couric exclaimed, “I LOVE that guy!” (and you will too!). For more info, visit www.AlexKajitani.com

Today our guest is Julia Kennedy the SEL Coach at Meduxnekeag Consolidated School in Woodstock, NB. We talk with Julia about her school’s CharacterStrong journey and the intentional steps they’ve taken to build a stronger culture. She shares how they’ve created meaningful opportunities for student engagement—like having 200 students sign up to greet their peers at school entrances—and how older students are taking on leadership roles to support younger ones. Julia highlights the power of starting small, staying consistent, and growing a movement that makes a lasting impact. Learn More About CharacterStrong:  Access FREE MTSS Curriculum Samples Request a Quote Today! Visit the CharacterStrong Website   Julia Kennedy is a French Immersion teacher with 20 years experience in different grade levels and she has taught in various provinces across Canada. She has been a CharacterStrong leader within her school for 4 years. Julia has held the supplementary role of responsibility as SEL coach for 2 years while being a middle school classroom teacher. Currently she lives with her family of 4 in Woodstock, New Brunswick and she loves hockey, yoga and the great outdoors!