Three Powerful School Assembly Presentations at Cedar Drive Middle School Made Possible by the Tigger Stavola Foundation
Cedar Drive Middle School recently welcomed nationally recognized school speaker and “edutainer” Robert Hackenson Jr. for a full day of highly engaging, age-appropriate presentations for students in grades 6 through 8. These impactful school assembly presentations were made possible through the generous support of the Tigger Stavola Foundation. Each presentation was thoughtfully tailored to meet students where they are developmentally. Robert was able to address the real issues they face both in and out of school.
6th Grade: Let's Talk Respect
Robert began the day with sixth graders school assembly where he delivered his Let’s Talk Respect presentation. This presentation focused on kindness, empathy, and emotional awareness. Students explored how strong emotions can sometimes lead to hurtful behavior. Robert then discussed how recognizing and regulating those emotions is essential.
Students learned to practice active listening to learn from each other. Robert emphasized that growth happens when we come together rather than push each other apart. He also clearly explained what bullying is and is not. Then he empowered students with concrete steps on what to do if they are targeted by bullying. Lastly, he let students know how to safely step in or seek help if they witness bullying happening to someone else.
7th Grade: Digital & Social Media Safety
For seventh graders, the focus shifted to digital life and social media safety. Robert discussed how excessive screen time can negatively affect mental health. He discussed technology addiction and emotional well-being. Robert also discussed how online miscommunication can escalate quickly without tone, context, or facial cues.
Students learned about the dangers of cyberbullying, what to do if they are targeted. Another powerful takeaway centered on digital footprints. Students were taught that what students post online reflects more than just themselves. It represents their families, schools, teams, and communities. Even content believed to be private or temporary can live on indefinitely through screenshots and sharing. Robert reinforced that messages and online decisions deserve the same thoughtfulness as face-to-face interactions.
8th Grade: Vaping Awareness & Heathy Decision-Making
The day concluded with an eye-opening school assembly presentation on Vaping Awareness for eighth graders. Robert broke down who is behind the vaping industry. Students learned how and why products are marketed toward teens. Robert also showed the real health consequences often hidden behind flashy branding. Students were guided through strategies for making healthy choices. Especially when faced with challenging situations they can face when growing up. This information prepares students for the transition to high school.
Extending the Impact Beyond the Assembly
In addition to the live school assembly presentations, Cedar Drive Middle School received access to curriculum. This curriculum complements the 7th and 8th grade topics. Educators can continue these important conversations in the classroom. The Tigger Stavola Foundation also provided additional resources for both students and parents. Helping to reinforce prevention, awareness, and healthy decision-making at home.
For parents who would like to view the presentations, video recordings are available below. Parents will have access to these videos for the next 60 days. Simply use the access code provided by the school to watch and continue the conversation at home. Together, these presentations created a meaningful, lasting impact. Let’s equip students with knowledge, empathy, and practical tools to navigate middle school and beyond with confidence and care.
6th Grade Let's Talk Respect Presentation
7th Grade Digital & Social Media Safety Presentation
8th Grade Vaping Awareness Presentation
Bullying Resources for Parents
Digital Wellness Resources for Parents
Vaping Resources for Parents
- American Lung Association: Helping Teens Quit Smoking & Vaping: Practical roadmap, including prevention, intervention, and quitting support.
- CDC: E-Cigarette Use Among Youth: A foundational source. Covers prevalence, health risks, and factors driving youth vaping.
- American Lung Association: Vaping Conversation Guide: Specific guidance (developed with psychologists) on how to talk with teens about vaping.
- A Parent’s Guide to Teens and Vaping: A practical article with warning signs, slang/brand tips, and how to respond if you catch them vaping.
- Truth Initiative: Vaping Prevention & Quitting Resources for Parents: A deep resource hub including curricula, quit programs, and fact sheets.
- Respiratory Health Parents’ Guide to Vaping (PDF): A parent-friendly guide that includes signs, risks, and quitting tips.
- SAMHSA: Talk. They Hear You. – Parent Brochure (on vaping): A concise, printable guide to support conversations about vaping.
- NIDA – Parents & Educators (on drugs and addiction): Science-based information, conversation starters, brain development as it relates to substance use.
- CDC: Resources to Help Youth Reject or Quit Vaping: A clearinghouse for quitting tools (text, online, hotlines) plus guides for parents and youth.
- SAMHSA / U.S. Department of Health: Reducing Vaping Among Youth & Young Adults: Policy, prevention strategies, and evidence-based approaches for communities (helpful background).
Helpful Resources
