Big Feelings, Digital Worlds: Why a New Kind of Classroom is More Important Than Ever

SALISBURY, NC – For generations, we’ve understood that school is about more than reading and arithmetic; it’s where our children learn to be good citizens and good friends. But what does that mean in 2025, when the playground is as much digital as it is physical? When friendships are built through text messages and video games, and "big feelings" are expressed through emojis and memes?

Here at Emoti Labs, we believe it’s time to meet our kids where they are. That’s why we are thrilled to officially announce our groundbreaking new curriculum for the upcoming school year: "Big Feelings in a Digital World."

This isn't just another program. It’s a response to a global conversation about our children’s well-being. We’re seeing more than ever that skills like media literacy, stress management, and responsible digital citizenship are no longer optional—they are fundamental to a healthy childhood. "Big Feelings in a Digital World" is designed to give students, and the educators who guide them, a vibrant, fun, and memorable toolkit to navigate this new landscape with kindness and confidence.

And we believe this vital work begins right here at home.

We are incredibly proud to announce that we are partnering with Communities in Schools of Rowan County to pilot the Lurnsters curriculum right here in Salisbury at Koontz Elementary School.

"This is a pivotal moment for education," says James Catoe, Founder of Emoti Labs. "We've created a world of characters and stories with the Lurnsters, but our mission is to see those stories translate into real-world skills. Partnering with respected institutions like Communities in Schools and a forward-thinking school like Koontz Elementary allows us to bring this curriculum to life where it matters most: right in the classroom. We're not just making a show; we're building a support system for our community's children."

The team at Koontz Elementary is ready to lead the charge in this innovative approach to student well-being.

Dr. Michael Marsh, Principal of Koontz Elementary School, shares his excitement: "Here at Koontz, we see the whole child. We know their social and emotional health is the foundation for their academic success. The digital world presents new challenges, and we have a responsibility to prepare our students for them. The Lurnsters' 'Big Feelings in a Digital World' curriculum is exactly the kind of engaging, relevant, and proactive tool our teachers and students need. We are thrilled to be the first to implement this program and see the positive impact it will have on our school culture."

This partnership model, embedding support directly into the school community, is the hallmark of Communities in Schools.

"Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life," says Mr. James Davis, Executive Director of Communities in Schools of Rowan County. "The challenges our students face today extend into their digital lives. Emoti Labs has created something truly special with the Lurnsters—a way to talk about complex topics like cyberbullying, digital footprints, and mental wellness in a way that is accessible and engaging. We are proud to partner with them and Koontz Elementary to bring these essential resources to our students."

The "Big Feelings in a Digital World" curriculum will begin its rollout this fall. Stay tuned for updates, character introductions, and a look inside the new, exciting world of the Lurnsters!