Pubdate: Mon, 01 Nov 2004 Source: Kentucky New Era (KY) Copyright: 2004 Kentucky New Era Contact: http://www.kentuckynewera.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1628 Author: Karen Bigham Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Red+Ribbon (Red Ribbon Week) LOCAL SCHOOLS PROMOTE DRUG-FREE MESSAGE HOPKINSVILLE -- To help younger students realize the importance of drug education, Highland and Crofton elementary schools sponsored theme days as part of Red Ribbon Week Oct. 25-29. On Monday, they wore red. Tuesday, they wore their craziest socks or socks that didn't match, as they "socked it to drugs." Wednesday, they wore their favorite hats and "put a cap on drugs." Thursday, they "put drugs to sleep" by wearing their favorite pajamas. Friday was "say boo to drugs day." Throughout the week, students and staff wore red "friendship bracelets." Older students signed drug-free pledge cards. Those who signed pledges and wore their bracelets were awarded a prize at the end of the week. "With elementary-age children, we want to get drug awareness to them in a fun way," said Lynne Prince, family resource coordinator at Highland and Crofton. "It's not smart to do drugs is the message we want to get across. We do different things for older kids who know about drugs. We encourage them to say no, to never get involved with drugs. We encourage awareness." Throughout the Christian County public school system, activities focused on the level of students to be reached as the message to stay drug-free was spread. In the elementary schools, there were art contests with a district competition also held. Candy and pencils featuring drug-free messages were distributed at all levels and prizes awarded to those who participated in special events or wore their red ribbons. Banners and posters throughout the district reminded students why they were wearing red and dressing in theme apparel. Tulip bulbs planted now will bloom into red tulips as a drug-free reminder in April, during National Alcohol Awareness Month. Christian County Middle School had a red ribbon day, a "team up against drugs" day, a red shirt day, and a "living drug free is no sweat day." Students included facts and figures on drug and alcohol abuse during morning announcements. "We want to do whatever we can to make them more aware every day," said Nat Adams, of CCMS' youth service center. "We're continually trying to update the kids." Red Ribbon Week was started in 1985, after drug traffickers in Mexico murdered Kiki Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration agent. The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment toward the creation of a drug-free America, according to the National Family Partnership Web site. Wearing and displaying red ribbons serves as a symbol of intolerance toward the use of drugs. The National Family Partnership uses Red Ribbon Week as a way for people and communities to take a visible stand against drugs and show their personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek