Red Ribbon Week Encourages Kids to be Drug Free
Today began Red Ribbon Week at our elementary school. This special week is meant to bolster school pride while also teaching the kids to Just Say NO To Drugs. It’s a fun week with a different team-building theme each day.
Because kids learn best when it’s fun, right?
Today was “Wear Red and Pledge to be Drug Free Day.” Students wore red clothing and pledged to be DRUG FREE. They also signed their names on a whole-school banner proclaiming their intentions to stay away from drugs.
Tomorrow is “Team Up Against Drugs Day.” Students can wear their favorite team shirt, jersey, or sweatshirt while spreading the message, “Join Our Team – Our School Rocks Drug Free!”
Monday is “Drugs Give You the Blues Day and Drugs Don’t Make Cents.” All students are asked to wear blue because drugs give us the “blues.” Students and staff are also asked to donate pennies or small change to purchase turkeys for our holiday food drive.
Tuesday is “Walk Against Drugs Day.” Students are asked to join the school’s walking club before school to Walk Against Drugs. Exercise and good judgement go hand in hand to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Wednesday is “I’m a JEAN-ius” and everyone will wear jeans to show how smart they are to be drug free. Students are also asked to donate a can of food because success comes in CANS – I can, you can, we can!
The last day of Red Ribbon Week is next Thursday, which is “Crazy Hair Rock Start Day.” Dress like a rock star and make your hair style crazy, cool and unique, just like YOU!
Every year my kids look forward to this week. The themes add a little bit of school spirit while reinforcing a very important lesson. I also love this week because the message is positive and proactive, encouraging kids to not get started with drugs in the first place.
Studies show an amazing number of middle schoolers have tried drugs and alcohol by the time they start 6th grade so hopefully programs like this will help lesson those numbers and teach kids it’s OK to be unique and live a drug free life.
I also love how the school’s student council organizes the week, puts up posters around the school, and makes the announcements to get the kids excited. Teachers have enough to do without organizing these different themes and let’s face it, sometimes kids listen to other kids more so than to their adult teachers.
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