Point of Break School Assemblies

1. Engaging, High-Energy Assembly
Expect an action-packed, highly engaging assembly that captivates students with feats of strength, humor, and full audience participation. Students will be on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating what will happen next.

2. Core Messages
Throughout the assembly, students will be inspired by key messages, including:
• The power of making the right choices
• Building self-worth and recognizing value
• The importance of kindness and respect
• Overcoming bullying and coping with strong emotions such as anger
• Leading with integrity

3. A Personal Journey
Each assembly takes students on a personal journey where they reflect on the challenges, successes, and choices they face in everyday life. Through powerful stories and real-life examples, Joe highlights key moments when decisions can shape the future, motivating students to consider how their choices impact others and themselves.

4. The Challenge to Lead
Students will be challenged to live boldly and make choices that stand out. Leadership isn’t about blending in but it's about making an impact by stepping up when it matters most. Whether it’s offering a kind word to someone in need or sitting with someone who’s alone, small actions can make a world of difference. In those moments, students become heroes by lifting others up and showing that true leadership is about encouraging and supporting others.

5. Continued Impact Beyond the Assembly
• For Elementary Schools: We offer a free post-assembly packet to reinforce the key messages shared
during the assembly. This packet, which can be distributed to teachers and staff, includes:
- A review of the assembly to help reinforce the lessons
- Activities to encourage kindness and promote positive behavior
- Tips on recognizing and managing anger, as well as ways to cope with strong emotions

• Bullying-Free Zone Banner: Available for purchase, this 4’ x 6’ high-quality vinyl banner with grommets
serves as a lasting symbol of your school’s commitment to creating a bully-free environment. Students
are encouraged to sign the banner as a pledge to foster kindness and respect in their school
community.

Hi, I’m Joe Olinger, founder of Point of Break, a program I’ve been delivering to schools nationwide since 1999. Growing up, I faced many challenges, including a learning disorder, poverty, and constant bullying. I often felt isolated, uncertain of my future, and unsure of my value. But a simple moment of encouragement from a family friend—“Joe, you’re special. I can’t wait to see how you’ll impact the world for good”—changed my life. This encouragement helped me overcome self-doubt, set goals, and believe in myself.

This moment became the foundation of Point of Break, a program designed to encourage students to see their own value, treat others with kindness, and understand that emotional strength is just as important as physical strength. In my assemblies, I use feats of strength like breaking bricks and bending steel bars to demonstrate how inner strength helps us overcome challenges. But the heart of Point of Break is my personal story of resilience, showing students that their value is not determined by their circumstances, the words of others, or the challenges they face.

Through storytelling and interactive demonstrations, I teach students that their words and actions can either build others up or tear them down. I also emphasize the importance of emotional support, letting students know that it’s okay to seek help when feeling overwhelmed. The goal is to create a supportive school culture where students are encouraged to act with kindness, respect, and leadership, uplifting others along the way.

At the core of Point of Break are four key values:
1. Self-Worth – Every student deserves to feel valuable.
2. Respect & Kindness – Words and actions have the power to impact others.
3. Emotional Support – No student is alone—talking to someone can make all the difference.
4. Leadership – Every student has the potential to lead with integrity.

I’ve had the privilege of working with thousands of students from elementary to high school, helping them see that no matter what they face, they have the strength to succeed. Point of Break has reached schools across the nation, and I’ve seen firsthand how a single word of encouragement can change the course of a student’s life. Whether in small classrooms or large gymnasiums, my goal is always the same: to inspire students to rise above the challenges they face and to equip them with the tools they need to be leaders of integrity, kindness, and emotional strength.

Point of Break isn’t just an anti-bullying program—it’s a movement that empowers students to recognize their value, build positive relationships, and create a supportive environment. I believe that when students are encouraged to see the best in themselves and others, they can achieve incredible things. Together, we can create a school culture based on kindness, respect, and leadership, and give students the confidence to pursue their dreams.

Setup Time: Please allow 1 hour for initial setup before the assembly begins.
• Space Requirements: A minimum of 8'-12’ of open space is recommended for optimal engagement.
• Audio: A microphone and sound system are required. A handheld mic will work for
smaller spaces. (Note: if necessary I can provide the speakers and audio equipment if needed).
• Lighting: Ensure the space is well-lit for visibility, avoiding direct light into the audience’s eyes.
• Seating Arrangement: Students should be seated so they can easily see the presenter. Semi-circle or
straight rows are preferred.
• Audience Size: The program can accommodate groups up to 1,000 at a time. If necessary or
preferred, the assembly can be split into two or three sessions to ensure full engagement.