Quick Wins, Lasting Impact: A Roundtable Experience

Room: 316, Session 4

Join these dynamic roundtable presentations—open for all roles and levels—featuring quick presentations and rich discussions. Gain practical ideas, share insights, and leave with high-impact strategies you can use right away. Small bites of learning, big results for your school.

Roundtable Presentations:

Empowering Student Voices: A Collaborative Approach to Tier 1 CharacterStrong Implementation

Dr. Debbie Beagle, Director of Student Activities, D128, IL
6-12, Tier 1, All Educators, CharacterStrong Solution

Unlock the power of student leadership in your Tier 1 CharacterStrong implementation! In this session, you'll learn a step-by-step approach to training student leaders to co-facilitate CharacterStrong advisory sessions alongside teachers. By integrating student voice, participation, and leadership into the process, you'll boost student buy-in, strengthen teacher-student partnerships, and create a sustainable, engaging model for character development in your school.

It Started with a Friendship Bracelet: Tying Connections Together for a Better Tomorrow

Marlo Davis, District Culture and Climate Coach, Madera Unified School District, CA
K-12, Tier 1, Classroom Educators/Building Leaders, Student Relationships and Behavior

What began as a simple gesture—a friendship bracelet—became a powerful way to spark joy, connection, and trust across 30 school campuses in the Madera Unified School District. In this engaging roundtable, learn how intentional acts of kindness can build meaningful relationships and create a ripple effect of belonging. Participants will explore relationship-centered strategies, share their own practices, and engage in authentic conversation about what it takes to foster safe, connected school communities. Walk away with tools, ideas, and a renewed sense of purpose in strengthening the threads that tie us together—one connection at a time.

5 Research-Based Tools for Adults to Reach Hearts and Empower Youth

Dr. Laura Rizo, Speaker/Author/Counselor, TX
K-12, Tier 1, Classroom Educators/Counselors, Mental Health and Well-Being

"Caring” is not a competency taught in most education programs and is not something that happens by accident; it is something you have to do on purpose. In this interactive session, you will delve into the vital intersection of character education and effective teaching practices to gain practical strategies for fostering authentic connections with students and your community. We will explore the research behind this work through engaging and reflective activities, and you will gain proven strategies to integrate character education principles into daily routines and a call to action with your students. Love on purpose, with a purpose.

From Silos to Systems: Building a District-Wide MTSS Framework

Fayroze Mostafa, Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, Charter Oak Unified School District, CA
K-12, All Tiers, Building Leaders/District Leaders, Professional Development and Implementation

Are you ready to move from fragmented efforts to a cohesive system of support? In this interactive session, you'll explore practical strategies and proven tools for designing and implementing a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across an entire district. Participants will walk away with actionable insights on building leadership buy-in, aligning resources, and sustaining momentum. Through real-world examples, collaborative activities, and guided planning time, you’ll leave equipped to lead your district from silos to systems—ensuring every student receives the support they need to thrive.

Resources: Slide Deck

The Art of Connection: Creative Strategies for Meaningful Relationships

Dr. Lyndsey Brown, Assistant Professor, Wichita State University, KS
Allison Ebert, Principal, Clark Davidson Elementary School, KS
K-12, All Tiers, All Educators, Student Relationships and Behavior

Explore the power of authentic connection and its vital role in student success. Together, we’ll dive into creative, research-backed strategies for fostering student engagement, building meaningful relationships, and cultivating a more inclusive school culture. Attendees will gain practical, low-burden tools they can implement immediately in classrooms and schools. With opportunities for collaboration and idea-sharing, this session invites educators to both learn and contribute—leaving inspired and equipped to help create a brighter tomorrow for all students.

Resources: Handout

Cultivating Emotional Growth Through Nature and Outdoor Learning with CharacterStrong

Julie Gerber, Speaker and CharacterStrong Trainer, Canada
PK-5, Tier 1, Classroom Educators, CharacterStrong Solution

Let’s take character education outside! In this playful, hands-on session, we’ll explore how nature and outdoor learning can grow empathy, responsibility, mindfulness, and emotional wellness—one leaf, breeze, and muddy boot at a time. Using CharacterStrong’s PurposeFull People traits and tools, you’ll discover creative, ready-to-use strategies like “Kindness Gardens,” reflective nature walks, and seasonal projects that turn the outdoors into a living classroom. Designed for early years through junior students, this session blends story-based insights with practical applications. Whether you’re a nature lover or curious, you’ll leave with tools, inspiration, and a renewed passion for growing character—outside and in.

Resources: Handout