Red Ribbon Week (RRW) is celebrated annually in remembrance of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena. RRW is the Nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program, reaching
millions of Americans during the last week of October every year. By wearing red ribbons and participating in community
anti-drug events, young people pledge to live a drug-free lifestyle and pay tribute to DEA
Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.
In addition to the theme days last week, students participated in classroom discussions, guidance lessons, and myth v. fact quizzes each day centered around living a healthy lifestyle.
What was taught throughout the week?
Kindergarten and First Grade
Students read a fictional book called: What is Red Ribbon Week? The book taught students that RRW is when we talk about and pledge to live life the healthy way.
Second Grade
Second graders discussed healthy things they enjoy doing. They also had to opportunity to read What is Red Ribbon Week aloud. Finally, MVE second graders concluded that "Frankly, Drugs are Scary!"
Third Grade
Is it Safe or Dangerous?
Lesson Objective: Students will demonstrate understanding of the
dangers of tasting, swallowing, sniffing, or otherwise examining an unknown
substance.
As a class, students
created lists of consumables are that safe, unsafe, and unsure to consume.
Students were also challenged to research energy drinks. One third grade student researched and submitted the following information:
"Most energy drinks are worse than soda. They normally have extra sugar and caffeine. Some might use ingredients like taurine or guarana that is questionable too."
Elementary teachers also discussed the following topics with students throughout the week:
Students were also challenged to research energy drinks. One third grade student researched and submitted the following information:
"Most energy drinks are worse than soda. They normally have extra sugar and caffeine. Some might use ingredients like taurine or guarana that is questionable too."
Fourth and Fifth Grade
Fourth and fifth grade students completed the writing prompt: "Why is it important to say no to drugs?" They also worked on Agamographs to attach to their writing prompts.
Elementary teachers also discussed the following topics with students throughout the week:
Monday Topic:
Definition of Drugs
Tuesday Topic:
Smoking Stinks!
Wednesday Topic:
Peer Pressure
Thursday Topic:
Bodies and Brain
Friday Topic:
Consequences and Alternatives to Drugs
Middle and High School Activities
Facts regarding the history of RRW were included in the morning announcements and were read by members of Student Council. Student Council students created an "I Vote To Be Drug Free" banner that students signed on Monday and were able to sign throughout the week. The banner is hanging on the cafeteria window.
Students received a daily fact vs. myth quiz to fill out during first hour. Quiz topics included:
Students received a daily fact vs. myth quiz to fill out during first hour. Quiz topics included:
Monday: Addiction
Tuesday: Tobacco Use
Wednesday: Underage Drinking
Thursday: Marijuana Use
Friday: How to Help
A resource was also shared with all middle and high school parents in the letter below:
Parents/Guardians,
As we come to a close on Red Ribbon Week, I would like to take this opportunity to share a resource with you that is focused on how you can help your child make positive choices surrounding drugs and alcohol.
Please talk to your child about what he/she has learned this week from the educational activities that were conducted. It's our hope that they have learned at least one new fact about the effects of drugs and alcohol use!
If you have additional questions or would like additional resources, please feel free to contact me.
Jennifer Pontefract
School Interventionist
Finally, middle and high school students ended the week with an activity entitled: "Are You True To Yourself?" This activity addressed peer pressure and left students with this important message:
The people who follow their own path are the ones who more often get the most respect and go the farthest in life.
If you or someone you know is using drugs and/or alcohol or needs help in any other way please let an adult in your life know, whether it be at home or school.
IN ADDITION, text VOICE to 20121 to text with a counselor through Boystown. You can remain anonymous.
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| MVE Staff on Wacky Wednesday |
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| MS Students "Putting Drugs To Rest" |
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| Twin Day at MVE |
