Pubdate: Mon, 31 Oct 2005 Source: Hot Springs Star (SD) Copyright: 2005 Hot Springs Star Contact: http://www.southernblackhillsweeklygroup.com/hot_springs Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3987 Author: Kelly Northrup, Safe and Drug Free Schools coordinator Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) RED RIBBON WEEK ACTIVITIES HOT SPRINGS - The Hot Springs School District showcased its anti-drug awareness and educational activities throughout the district last week. Each year, the district sponsors a series of Red Ribbon Week activities to focus attention on the destructive effects that drugs have on our students and community. The theme of this year's observation was "The Red Badge of Courage." The elementary and middle school kicked off the celebration with an anti-drug, alcohol message presentation by Duane Reichert on Monday morning entitled, "Backstage with a Rodeo Clown." The elementary students made posters to display in downtown businesses. Classroom doors were decorated and each day of the week students were encouraged to dress up to show that they support being drug free and each student received a drug free awareness bracelet. Kari Daron, from SHAD, did prevention presentations in almost every classroom. The middle school PE teachers invited parents to attend PE/Health class with their child on Monday to hear a presentation by Kari Daron, SHAD prevention specialist. The 6th grade were invited to an activity night on Monday evening to promote a healthy lifestyle and an alternative to drugs and alcohol. Two highway patrolmen, Rich Miller and Ted Garstenshlager spoke to Mr. Thies' social studies classes on Wednesday. On Thursday night the 7th and 8th graders participated in a dance/activities night. Homerooms participated in a door decorating contest, and they went for a walk during homeroom on Wednesday to promote the theme of "Walking out on Drugs." Lessons and activities were integrated into the curriculum, by classroom teachers, which teach students about the dangers of drug use. In the high school, students also participated in theme dress-up days. A red ribbon was tied on every locker to remind students to just say no to drugs. Each morning the entire student body watched a 10-15 minute video on drugs and/or alcohol. Teachers incorporated ATOD topics into their daily lessons. On Thursday, Kari Daron came in and did prevention presentations to all the sophomores. In an effort to involve the community in Red Ribbon Week, the elementary and middle school students walked around town the week before inviting businesses to participate in Red Ribbon Week activities. KZMX gave each building a morning time slot for a student to make a public request to help in the fight against drugs and alcohol in our community. We appreciate your help and would like to thank you for participating. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D