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.

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.

Clowns Aren’t Scary, Drugs Are!

Drug use is not something to be taken lightly. But this doesn’t mean you can’t have fun with drug-prevention programs. At Cowpens Elementary School in Cowpens, South Carolina, teachers and students dressed as friendly clowns. They wanted to communicate “Don’t clown around with drugs.” The students and staff paraded around outside with anti-drug banners. Then the best clowns were chosen. If you have a clown day and parade, have a few students carry a “Proud Of Our Safe & Drug Free School” Vinyl Banner. Have the rest of the student clowns hold Red Ribbon Week Celebration Balloons .

Electing To Be Greener

This fall, you have the opportunity to help choose the President by casting a ballot. You also have the opportunity to help the environment by holding onto your Red Ribbon Week Celebration Balloons. Balloon releases create litter that spreads over miles. Wildlife can get caught in the strings or swallow the pieces. Try these Earth-friendlier activities:

• Write numbers on the balloons before distributing, then draw numbers to determine prize winners

• Have students run races while keeping a balloon between their knees

• Organize a balloon volleyball tournament.

Door Decorating

Here are some door decorating ideas our customers have used.

• Keep Our World Drug Free: have students sign cutouts of globes.

• Argh You Against Drugs?: feature pictures of pirates from movies.

• Drugs Give You The Blues: ask children to write things that make them happy on paper smiley faces.

• Make No Bones About it...Drugs Are Bad: hang up a large plastic skeleton.

• Aren’t These Faces Worth Saying No To Drugs?: form the word NO with photos of students.

• Heroes Take A Stand Against Drugs: let students draw their favorite superheroes.