IASP Leadership Podcast Season 7: Episode 253
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This episode of the IASP Leadership Podcast highlights the transformative work of the BAMFAM (Bomber Athletic Medical Family) at Rensselaer Central High School, a student-led initiative that has revolutionized school safety and well-being. Host Dr. Tiffany Barrett is joined by Assistant Principal Tom Stoner and IASP Assistant Principal Liaison Kristen Peterson to discuss how students have taken ownership of critical safety protocols, including creating a comprehensive cardiac emergency response plan, training staff and freshmen in hands-only CPR, and even running a teddy bear clinic for elementary students to reduce medical anxiety. The program has expanded beyond the school, influencing local parks, sports leagues, and community organizations. The conversation emphasizes the power of student agency, the importance of empowering youth with real responsibility, and the ripple effect of such initiatives on school culture and community safety. The episode underscores key leadership principles: starting small, trusting students, and fostering a culture of ownership. Tom Stoner shares practical advice for other schools—beginning with one step and allowing the initiative to evolve organically. Kristen Peterson reinforces the value of student involvement in shaping programs that impact both safety and well-being. The episode concludes with a strong call to action for school leaders to create spaces where students can lead, learn, and make a lasting difference. The story of BAMFAM stands as a powerful example of how youth-driven innovation can elevate school culture and prepare students for lifelong civic responsibility.
Empower students with real ownership—when given responsibility, they rise to the occasion.
Start small: even a single initiative can evolve into a transformative school-wide culture.
Student-led safety programs like BAMFAM improve both immediate preparedness and long-term community impact.
Training staff and students in CPR and emergency response builds a resilient, proactive school culture.
Involving elementary students through creative programs like the teddy bear clinic reduces fear and builds health literacy early.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
2026 IASP Aspiring Leaders Conference Announcement
Promotion for the upcoming IASP Aspiring Leaders Conference, highlighting its focus on practical leadership development, networking, and real-world scenarios for Indiana school leaders.
Introduction to the BAMFAM Initiative
“This isn't just another conference, it's your launch pad.”
Origins and Evolution of BAMFAM
“You've got to start somewhere. Just get started with it and let it evolve.”
Student-Led Cardiac Emergency Response Plan
“They created a cardiac emergency response plan. So our cardiac care plan...”
Expanding Impact: Elementary and Community Outreach
“They want to see everybody in Jasper and Newton County... have the same type of organization within their buildings.”
“They want to see everybody in Jasper and Newton County... have the same type of organization within their buildings.”
“You've got to start somewhere. Just get started with it and let it evolve.”
“You can't take the big step till you take the small step.”
Host
Guests
BAMFAM
organization
Tom Stoner
person
Rensselaer Central High School
other
Dr. Tiffany Barrett
person
Kristen Peterson
person
IASP
organization
Indianagram
other
Hands-Only CPR
other
AEDs
other
Teddy Bear Clinic
other
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