Why Celebrate Red Ribbon Week? Red Ribbon in October illustrates a commitment to and support of the fight against illegal drug use. Our school participates in this national campaign to honor the memory of Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent murdered by drug dealers, and our local law enforcement professionals killed on duty-related incidents. We are committed to doing our part in teaching our students to refuse alcohol and other illegal substances, not just during Red Ribbon week (October) but all during the year. I CARE will be providing red ribbons, posters and red pencils with a drug free message (elementary and middle school students) to our school in observance of Red Ribbon week. However, ribbons and pencils don’t change behavior. It will take a real partnership between the school, the community and the family to increase the probability that our students will make wise choices regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs. We hope the ribbons and pencils serve to remind the students to make safe choices, and to remind adults of our role in prevention. Have you heard or seen the recent public-service announcements saying “Parents: The Anti-Drug”, or “Parents: You make the difference”? Parents: You do make the difference! School intervention alone will not change behavior outside of school. Are you doing your part? Are you: Modeling safe and healthy choices? Providing opportunities for your children to see you having fun without the use of alcohol? Communicating clear, consistent messages regarding no drug use and no underage use of alcohol? Supervising, supervising, supervising? You supervised when they were toddlers, and during the early elementary years. Supervision in the later elementary years, middle school years, and on into the high school years is vital! The average age of first experimentation with substances is 11 years old and is usually done in a child’s home after school hours, or in other hangouts where they get “dropped off”. If a child is vigilantly supervised early experimentation is less likely. (Stop in at a party, check with the hosting parent to confirm that they will be providing supervision.) Let’s join together as prevention partners: Talk to your children this month. Re-emphasize your rules and expectations. Plan alcohol-free family activities! Ask questions of your children and listen to what they say (and what they don’t say.) Wear a red ribbon during October. Copy and use the logo wherever possible…in church bulletins, in your business newsletters, or posted in businesses that you frequent. Tie a red ribbon on your car or place of business to indicate your efforts in helping to build a drug-free community for our children. Together we can make a difference! For use in Parent Newsletter
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Why Celebrate Red Ribbon Week? - East Baton Rouge ... Celebrate Red Ribbon Week? Red Ribbon in October illustrates a commitment to and support of the fight against illegal drug use.
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Transcript
Why Celebrate Red Ribbon Week?
Red Ribbon in October illustrates a commitment to and support of the fight
against illegal drug use. Our school participates in this national campaign to
honor the memory of Kiki Camarena, a DEA agent murdered by drug dealers,
and our local law enforcement professionals killed on duty-related incidents.
We are committed to doing our part in teaching our students to refuse alcohol and other illegal substances,
not just during Red Ribbon week (October) but all during the year. I CARE will be providing red
ribbons, posters and red pencils with a drug free message (elementary and middle school students) to our
school in observance of Red Ribbon week. However, ribbons and pencils don’t change behavior. It will
take a real partnership between the school, the community and the family to increase the probability that
our students will make wise choices regarding the use of alcohol and other drugs. We hope the ribbons
and pencils serve to remind the students to make safe choices, and to remind adults of our role in
prevention.
Have you heard or seen the recent public-service announcements saying “Parents: The Anti-Drug”, or
“Parents: You make the difference”? Parents: You do make the difference! School intervention alone
will not change behavior outside of school. Are you doing your part? Are you:
Modeling safe and healthy choices?
Providing opportunities for your children to see you having fun without the use of alcohol?
Communicating clear, consistent messages regarding no drug use and no underage use of
alcohol?
Supervising, supervising, supervising? You supervised when they were toddlers, and during
the early elementary years. Supervision in the later elementary years, middle school years, and
on into the high school years is vital! The average age of first experimentation with substances is
11 years old and is usually done in a child’s home after school hours, or in other hangouts where
they get “dropped off”. If a child is vigilantly supervised early experimentation is less likely.
(Stop in at a party, check with the hosting parent to confirm that they will be providing
supervision.)
Let’s join together as prevention partners:
Talk to your children this month.
Re-emphasize your rules and expectations.
Plan alcohol-free family activities!
Ask questions of your children and listen to what they say (and what they don’t say.)
Wear a red ribbon during October.
Copy and use the logo wherever possible…in church bulletins, in your business newsletters, or posted in
businesses that you frequent. Tie a red ribbon on your car or place of business to indicate your efforts in
helping to build a drug-free community for our children. Together we can make a difference!
For use in Parent Newsletter
October is Red Ribbon Month
Red Ribbon Week October 23-31, 2013
The Story Behind the Symbol
Enrique “Kiki” Camarena grew up in a dirt-floored house with
hopes and dreams of making a difference.
Camarena worked his way through college, served in the Marines
and became a police officer. When he decided to join the U.S.
Drug Enforcement Administration, his mother tried to talk him out
of it. “I can’t not do this,” he told her. “I’m only one person, but I
want to make a difference.”
The DEA sent Camarena to work undercover in Mexico
investigating a major drug cartel believed to include officers in the
Mexican army, police and government. On Feb. 7, 1985, the 37
year-old Camarena left his office to meet his wife for lunch. Five
men appeared at the agent’s side and shoved him into a car. One
month later, Camarena’s body was found in a shallow grave. He
had been tortured to death.
In honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began
to wear red badges of satin. Parents, sick of the destruction of alcohol and other drugs, had begun
forming coalitions. Some of these new coalitions took Camarena as their model and embraced
his belief that one person can make a difference. These coalitions also adopted the symbol of
Camarena’s memory, the red ribbon.
The National Family Partnership organized the first Nationwide Red Ribbon Campaign in 1988.
Since that time, the campaign has reached millions of U.S. children. Red Ribbon activities
promote protective factors for our young people of bonding, healthy beliefs and standards. We
invite you to be a part of a network of hundreds of organizations and thousands of volunteers
who are committed to nurturing the full potential of all children by:
Opposing the illegal use of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs, and by promoting a healthy
lifestyle.
Demonstrating your personal commitment to a Drug Free community by wearing and/or
displaying Red Ribbons during October – I CARE Red Ribbon Month.
Participating in your community to build a bridge from awareness and education to
action.
“Prevention Works”
Red Ribbon
THEME Suggestions
“Red Day or Red Rally Day” wear red shirts to school
“Give Drugs the Slip Day” wear slippers to school
“Sock it to Drugs Day” wear crazy socks to school
“Boot out Drugs Day” wear boots of any kind to school
“Band Against Drugs” wear headbands or bandanas
“Tie One on Against Drugs” wear crazy ties or headbands
“Living Drug Free is No Sweat for Me” wear sweats to school
“I Can’t Bear Drugs” collect teddy bears to be given to a local shelter
“Run From Drugs” have students participate in drug free relay races
“We Can Say No to Drugs” everyone brings canned goods to donate to a local shelter
or food bank
“Don’t Horse Around with Drugs” everyone dresses up like cowboys and cowgirls
“Rock Around the Clock Drug Free” everyone dresses up 50’s style
“Drug Free Makes Cents” collect coins for a local shelter
“Lick the Drug and Alcohol Problem” hand out red suckers with a drug free message
“Drugs are Garbage” place signs on trash cans or paint with drug-free messages
“My Life is in Mint Condition-I’m Drug Free” guess the number of mints in the jar
“Mixing Drugs and Life Don’t Match” wear mixed matched clothing
“War on Drugs” wear camouflage
“Reach for the Stars! Don’t do Drugs!” pass out gold stars
“Prevention Works”
IDEAS for Red Ribbon
SCHOOL-WIDE
Allow school personnel and students to wear red shirts on specified day
Offer a discount on certain recess or lunch snacks to anyone wearing red on a specified
day
Incorporate drug free messages in announcements
Encourage participation in the state Red Ribbon Rally on Capitol steps (information
included in this packet)
Encourage teachers to use sample lessons included in this packet
Hold a door decorating contest
Decorate the outside of the school
o Hang red ribbons around trees, post, etc.
o Spell “Drug Free” with red cups in the fence
Form a people chain on the football field or playground to form the words “Drug Free”
and have it photographed from the air. Invite the local press
Have students form a chain around the school or a school building, holding hands to
signify that they are banded together to keep the school drug free. Invite the local press
Ask food service personnel to serve as many red foods as possible during the week—
apples, Jell-O, spaghetti, pizza, etc. They may also wear red aprons or ribbons
Make large banners for commons areas or cafeterias and have students outline their own
handprints and sign them. “Hand in Hand, Let’s Take a Stand Against Drugs”
Hold a Family Fun Night at your school, complete with games, activities, etc. Family
bonding is a protective factor in the fight against drug use
Select a clothing theme day (examples listed on previous page)
Ask school’s PTO’s, PTA’s, neighborhood faith communities, local businesses, civic
associations or civic organizations to put messages in bulletins/newsletters (see camera-
ready attachments) and to provide prizes for contests during the month
Set up a special display in the library dedicated to drug free messages. Include books and
magazines about healthy choice
Partner with your school’s feeder schools (elementary to middle, middle to high)
For STUDENTS
Wear a Red Ribbon
Participate in school Red Ribbon activities
Pledge to be drug-free
Encourage your friends to stay drug-free
Role model healthy choices for younger kids
For TEACHERS
Decorate your school and classroom with Red Ribbons
Integrate prevention messages in every subject area
Ask students to identify “anti-drug” activities they enjoy
Use cross-age peer leaders in prevention activities
Organize, support and assist with school-wide Red Ribbon activities
For SPORTING EVENTS
Set up contest between grade levels for best anti-drug cheer during pep rallies
Offer half-price admission to a home ball game or other school events to anyone wearing
red during the specified week
Ask school administrators to incorporate Red Ribbon messages into announcements
before kickoff at football games and other athletic and cultural events
Ask school mascots to wear a large red ribbon to pep rallies and games
Help organize a special Red Ribbon ceremony during half-time
o Example: have band members use flashlights to introduce a moment of silence to
remember the young people who have lost their lives to drugs or alcohol or
because of the substance abuse of others (drunk drivers)
Consider offering a safe, drug-free activity after a football game one Friday night during
October, perhaps in conjunction with a local faith community or other community
sponsor
Print Red Ribbon history and school activities in the football program.
Put red dots or stickers on football helmets and/or design a special “patch” with an anti-
drug message for uniforms
Invite the band to wear red ribbons
Invite the cheerleaders to wear red ribbons and to lead drug-free cheers
Send information on steroids and other drug-related problems to all coaches
Encourage athletes to participate as role models in drug-free community activities
Distribute red ribbons to fans at sporting events
For PARENTS
Wear a Red Ribbon
Visit websites
Talk with your kids about alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and your house rules
Participate in city & school prevention events
Educate yourself about alcohol & other drug abuse among youth and adults
Role model adult fun without the use of alcohol
For more information contact I CARE at 226-2273.
(Resource: http://www.ctprevention.com/casac/redribbon.html) *Source: Merrill, Trish. Resource Building a Team Ministry; c. 1999 (p 8-11)
The purpose of this survey is to provide an opportunity to assist in the evaluation of
prevention efforts in our schools. Completion of this survey will allow us to gauge what
elements work and what aspects need improvement so that we may assure a more effective
prevention experience for everyone.
Did you use any of the suggested activities in the Red Ribbon packet at your school site?
Yes No
Do you feel the Red Ribbon packet was well organized?
Yes No
If your answer is no, please provide suggestions for improvement.
Do you have any suggestions for books/pamphlets/brochures for use next year in the Red
Ribbon packet?
Please list the Red Ribbon activities used at your school site? It is okay to list activities that
were not suggested in the packet. Rank the effectiveness of these activities at raising
awareness among students on a scale of 1 to 5 (with 5 being most effective).
Activity Ranking
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
1 2 3 4 5
Please list any other suggested prevention activities that we may include in future Red
Ribbon Month packets.
Thank you for taking time to fill out this survey.
Please send via pony to:
I CARE Program
Montgomery Center
Elementary
Announcements &
Activities That Teach
Red Ribbon Month
October 2013
Red Ribbon Week
October 23-31, 2013
Sample Morning Announcements for Red Ribbon Week
Elementary
The following is a list of suggested announcements Use all 10 or choose the ones that best fit
your school population. Schools may also want to include the Red Ribbon Week theme days
as part of the daily announcements
1. What is Red Ribbon Week? This week represents more than taking a stand against
alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. It also means that people all over the country are
dedicating themselves to healthy lifestyles. Exercise, eat right, get plenty of rest, and
try to help your friends stay free of drugs.
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
2. Why do we decorate with red ribbons? Red ribbons symbolize your commitment to a
healthy, drug-free lifestyle. It means that you care about yourself and others.
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
3. You don’t have to be part of the crowd;
Be who you are and stand up proud.
You don’t have to act like a great big star;
You can be a hero; be who YOU are.
Don’t listen; don’t listen to anyone else;
All you have to do is to be yourself.
You have everything inside of you:
Have faith in yourself – your dreams will come true!
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
4. One problem with drugs is that people can’t always stop using them when they want
to. Are you worried about someone who uses drugs? Talk to your I CARE Specialist,
guidance counselor or teacher.
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
5. Most children are introduced to drugs by their friends. Many of them turn to drugs
because they think it helps them avoid their problems. Drugs really make more
problems. Say “NO” and help your friends say “NO.” Did you know that your
teacher can help you find the right adult to speak to?
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
Sample Morning Announcements for Red Ribbon Week Elementary Continued
6. What happens when a person smokes cigarettes? It makes it hard to breathe and to
play. Their teeth and fingers turn yellow. Smoking makes the body sick. Don’t
smoke. Say “NO” and help your friends say “NO” to smoking!
Even though others may smoke,
It doesn’t mean it’s safe for you.
When you know something is wrong,
Don’t do it because others do.
So if a friend should tell you,
“Be cool and take a puff,”
Say, “No, thanks. It’s not for me
I’m smart. I don’t need that stuff.”
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
7. Cigarette smoke from others
Can make you cough and choke.
It’s always best to remember,
Stay away from secondhand smoke!
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
8. Drugs change the way your body works. Medicines are drugs that a doctor or parent
gives you when you are sick. Other drugs are bad and can hurt you. It is very
important to understand the difference between medicines and drugs. Use medicines
the way your parent and doctor tell you to, and say “NO” to street drugs.
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
9. Alcohol is a drug. It is illegal for everyone under the age of 21 years old to use
alcohol. It can cause people to do dangerous things and not think clearly. Say “NO”
to alcohol and help your friends say “NO” too!
Theme this year is “Prevention Works”
PK
GOAL:
To encourage students to accept themselves and others just the way they are.
Research shows that positive social orientation, healthy beliefs and clear standards
buffer or protect against the negative influence of risk, thus reducing the likelihood that
students will engage in problem behaviors
Cut out and stick your special
qualities and how you want to be on the
“I am” poster.
K-1
GOAL:
To encourage students to accept themselves and others just the way they are.
Research shows that positive social orientation, healthy beliefs and clear standards
buffer or protect against the negative influence of risk, thus reducing the likelihood
that students will engage in problem behaviors
Cut out and stick your special
qualities and how you want to be on the
“I am” poster.
Design your “I am” poster. Cut out, write, and draw your special qualities and the person you want to be by coloring and decorating your poster!
Goal: To encourage students to accept themselves and others as they are.
Research shows that positive social orientation, healthy beliefs and clear standards buffer or protect against
the negative influence of risk, thus reducing the likelihood that students will engage in problem behaviors
My Name is
___________________________________________
I am
Winning Ways to Say No to Drugs Even if you do your best to avoid drugs, somebody will probably offer you some.
You can say NO to drugs and be liked and even admired by friends and classmates.
Share facts about drugs.
Drugs are chemicals that can change the way the body and mind work.
Most drugs were invented or developed by scientists and doctors as medicines to
help people when they are sick.
Some drugs like caffeine in coffee or the nicotine in tobacco are found in nature.
All drugs (even medicines) can be harmful to your body and brain if they are not
used the right way.
Over 45,000 young people have to go to hospital emergency rooms every year in
the United States because of the ill effects of drug abuse.
Drug use and crime go hand in hand. Most people arrested in the United States
(no matter what the crime) are also found to be drug users.
Invite students to suggest ways to say NO to Drugs.
Complete Winning Ways Worksheet and share responses.
Roll play Winning Ways to Say No to Drugs.
Winning Ways to Say No to Drugs Even if you do your best to avoid drugs, somebody will probably offer you
some.
You can say NO to drugs and be liked and even admired by friends and
classmates.
Make a joke about it Be polite and don’t
make a big deal about
it.
State a consequence. Give a reason.
How do you say NO?
Winning Ways to Say No to Drugs Even if you do your best to avoid drugs, somebody will probably offer you some.
You can say NO to drugs and be liked and even admired by friends and classmates.
Make a joke about it Be polite and don’t
make a big deal about
it.
Nope, I’m allergic to bubbles.
State a consequence. Give a reason.
I don’t want to be expelled. I’m going to see Shrek III
How do you say NO?
No thanks.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL CAN MAKE YOU
THINK AND ACT DIFFERENTLY.
Alcohol and other drugs can make normal feelings too strong.
Fill in the blanks to match the faces with the feelings.
I feel _______
I feel _______
I feel _______
I feel _______
I feel _______
I feel _______
Answers:
Unhappy
Scared
Angry
Sick
Weird
Sleepy
rugs are everywhere. You see them at the grocery store where beer and
cigarettes are sold. They are at the pharmacy, where people buy medicines like
Tylenol and get their prescriptions filled. Drugs are even in TV shows and
movies. Sometimes illegal drugs can be found in places where you and your friends go
to hang out.
At some time, you will be faced with tough decisions and choices about using drugs.
Here a few examples of winning ways to say NO drugs and alcohol.
D
Saying NO To Drugs
This lesson helps children practice refusal skills and envision goals, two developmental assets which can instill a sense of personal power –the belief that “I have control over things that
happen to me.”
Unscramble each of the clue words.
Take the letters that a
Unscramble each of the clue words.
Take the letters that appear in boxes and unscramble them for the final message.
What do you want to be when you get older? Here is a list of exciting
careers. Look for them up, down and across and overlapping.
ACTOR DANCER CHEF DOCTOR PRESIDENT ATHLETE FIREMAN POLICEMAN MOTHER VETERINARIAN LAWYER MUSICIAN SCIENTIST ASTRONAUT FATHER
What do you want to be when you get older? Look at the list below, up, down and across. Can you find
yours?
L P O L I C E M A N P P
P M U S I C I A N O R S
X A S T R O N A U T E C
L T E A C H E R R R S I
A H F C P X D T S O I E
W L Y T V F A I E T D N
Y E K O Z E N S X C E T
E T O R B U C T X O N I
R E N G I N E E R D T S
B C H E F I R E M A N T
V E T E R I N A R I A N
M O T H E R F A T H E R
1. Practice Refusal skills by allowing students an opportunity to role-play.
(Give each student the situation and tell them they will be acting out each story or situation. At the conclusion
of role-plays ask what they would have done.)
Rolanda was on the playground at school. Her friend, Cathy, showed her a little pink
pill. Carmen said ,“ Hey girlfriend look what I have. How about you try this it
makes you feel good. Don’t worry it came from the doctor.”
John was playing at the park with Joshua and saw his brother’s friend, Mark. Mark
was chewing tobacco and he walked over and asked John and Joshua to have some.
He said, “Come on don’t be scarred it won’t hurt you cause you’re not smoking just
chewing. Everybody your age is doing this don’t you want to cool.”
Jamarcus lives with his mom who works until 5:00 everyday. She leaves her pack of
cigarettes on the table occasionally. His friend Shamieka comes over after school and
sees the cigarettes sitting on the table. She says, “Hey man those cigarettes look good
why don’t we try them.” Jarmarcus replies, “Are you crazy those are for my mom, I
don’t want to get into trouble.” Shamieka says, “She will never know, come on boy it
will be fun”. Jarmarcus then looks at her looking scarred and tempted and …
2. Goal Boosters verses Goal Busters
Students share the careers or jobs they circled in the puzzle and share
what they want to be when they grow up and why.
If you stay healthy and say “NO” to drugs, you can be anything you want to be.