Very Red Proclamation

Involve others outside of your school in Red Ribbon Week. Mt. Vernon Elementary School in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky, submitted a “Wear Red Day” proclamation to the county judge executive. He approved it and declared October 26 as “Wear Red Day” for the entire county. In celebration, RRW organizers hung 60’ Red & White Stringed Pennants in the front foyer of the school. They sent letters to area businesses, asking them to participate. And they supplied “Wear Red Day” Theme Day Stickers for the business owners and employees to put on.

Doggone Clever

Wildflower Elementary School in Palmdale, California, took a collection with a different slant. Because “it’s doggone bad to do drugs,” students brought in pet supplies to aid the furry members of the community. The items went to local animal rescue groups and/or shelters. Students then signed “I Pledge To Be Drug Free” Cards. An appropriate addition to this activity would be “I Pledge To Be Drug Free” Dog Tags.

There’s No Place Like Salem

At South Salem Elementary in Salem, Virginia, students, teachers, and staff followed the yellow brick road to a drug free life. The school was decorated with posters and characters from the Wizard Of Oz, and the soundtrack played during every lunchtime. Students put their names on paper ruby red slippers. Each day had a title with matching handouts: Dorothy Day, Twister Day, Scarecrow Day, Tin Man Day, and Lion Day. Develop your own Oz-related activities. Perhaps “Don’t Let Drugs Twist Your Mind!” Twizzlers would fit right in. Another nice choice would be the “My Character Matters” 5-Pencil Set, which includes a pencil on courage.

Dreaming Of A Bright Future

You can live the dream…if you don’t use drugs” was the message at Skyview Elementary in Yukon, Oklahoma. To express this, students dressed in outfits from their dream jobs. The school was filled with future doctors, rock stars, insurance agents, and much more. For your own dream job dress-up day, distribute “Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It Drug Free” Theme Day Stickers ahead of time as a reminder. On the actual day, give “My Future Is Bright Drug Free” Glow Bracelets to students who dress up.

No Good Deals With Drugs

Pawnee Heights Elementary in Burdett, Kansas, capitalized on the popularity of a current game show to reach students. The school acted out “Deal Or No Deal” using paper briefcases. The “contestant” chose a case, then was shown the contents of other cases opened by students playing the “models,” such as an X-Box or laptop computer. The “banker” tempted her with things like looking cool by smoking and freedom from stress with beer. The contestant stayed strong and kept her own case until the very end, a case which held “a long, healthy, happy life.” Your students could reenact this game, too. Reward them for participating and for making good decisions with “My Life, My Choice” Red Satin Ribbons or “My Life, My Choice” Bookmarks.

Clueing In Parents

Combating the drug epidemic will take a united effort, especially from parents. Organize a presentation for them. Martin Walker Elementary School in Copperas Cove, Texas, had a police detective speak. He talked about several drugs and their effects on the body. He gave clues to identify drugs in the home and told parents the signs that might indicate their children are using drugs. If you hold a similar presentation, give each parent a “Join The Fight Against Drugs” Button to wear before you start. At the end, distribute the items in the “Join The Fight Against Drugs” Theme Kit for parents to take home and share with family members.

Green Wins Hands Down

At Merrill Road Elementary School in Jacksonville, Florida, students traced and cut out hand shapes on black paper and green paper. On the black hands, they wrote unhealthy activities, such as doing drugs or smoking. On the green hands, they wrote healthy activities, such as exercising or eating vegetables. The school’s PTA made a stunted black tree trunk and a strong brown trunk. They added the hand “leaves” and labeled the trees unhealthy and healthy. The trees created a great visual statement. “Drug Free, The Healthy Way To Be” Educational Activities Books would be useful for giving students ideas for the leaves. “Drug Free, The Healthy Way To Be” Temporary Tattoos could be good reinforcement of the lesson.