Pubdate: Sun, 06 Nov 2005
Source: Republican, The (Springfield, MA)
Copyright: 2005 The Republican
Contact:  http://www.masslive.com/republican/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3075
Author: Ted LaBorde
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?225 (Students - United States)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/red+ribbon+week

ANTI-DRUG EFFORT ROPES IN TEACHERS

WESTFIELD - It was not retaliation, but an experiment to show
restrictions of body movement when under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.

Students at the South Middle School were given the opportunity last
week to tape up some teachers with red ribbon, a symbol of a national
drug awareness program in memory of the 1985 murder of a U.S. Drug
Enforcement Administration undercover agent in Mexico.

Jeffrey W. Collier was one teacher who volunteered for the demonstration,
and said he did so because, "I thought it would generate excitement and
enthusiasm among students." He was right. 

"It's fun to tie up my teacher," said Olivia T. Gamble, 12, a
seventh-grade student.

She tied the first piece of red ribbon around Collier's head and neck
in the shape of a bonnet.

"I think it is good that he volunteered for this," she said. "It shows
he is good-natured. Everyone is excited about tying him up."

Said Collier, "It didn't hurt at all."

School nurse Kathleen Roos said the demonstration "shows how the
body's movement can be impaired by substance abuse."

Nicholas J. Wisniowski, 13, said, "It is fun - it is only
fun."

But, Olivia and Nick also agreed that Red Ribbon Week sends a message
to all students.

"We had fun this week," said Olivia, "and, at the same time, I think
most, if not all, of us got the intended message, and that is that
drugs are bad and people shouldn't ruin their lives by using drugs."

Nick added, "We got the message. This was a good way to show kids that
drugs are bad."

Red Ribbon Week was sponsored by the school's Students Against
Destructive Decisions chapter, and included a variety of activities
ranging from decorating classroom doors to individual student pledges
to be drug-free.

SADD president Jasmin M. Solla, 14, said, "The purpose of the week is
to show students how having fun doesn't need to include substance
abuse. We want to explain to our fellow students that drugs and
alcohol are bad.

"I think we were successful in demonstrating how the good life can be
without these things. I think students relate better to programs that
are put on by people their own age."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin