For use in Parent Newsletter
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!
October is Red Ribbon Month Red Ribbon Week October 23-31, 2016
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
“Have RESPECT Be #DrugFree!” “Love Yourself Be Drug Free!” “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 cameraready 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 antidrug 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)
50+ WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN RED RIBBON CELEBRATIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.
Red Ribbon Game Red Ribbon Hunt Drug and Alcohol Education Drug and Alcohol Quiz Red Ribbons for Kids Red Ribbon Decoration in Home or Office Red Ribbon Decorations on Buildings Red Ribbon Gala “Wear Red” Day Red Ribbon Walk-A-Thon Red Ribbon “Hello Walk” Red Ribbon Pledge Campaign in Office Red Ribbon Campaign for Kids/Parents Red Ribbon Pot Luck Red Dessert Swap The Biggest Red Ribbon Red Ribbon “Best Decorated” Contest for Home or Office Red Ribbon Distribution in Local Stores/Malls Red Ribbon in the Media Red Ribbon on the Radio Red Ribbon Contest Red Ribbon Gift Exchange Red Ribbon Signs Red Ribbon Sing-off Red Ribbon in Sports Kids Participate in Red Ribbon Celebration Senior Citizens Join in Red Ribbon Celebrations
28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41. 42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 50. 51. 52. 53. 54. 55.
Red Ribbon on Highways Dining with Red Ribbons Senior Citizens Join in Red Ribbon Celebrations Red Ribbon on Highways Red Ribbon Tie-on The Longest Red Ribbon Red Ribbon Leads the Way 38.Dining with Red Ribbons Decorating with Red Ribbons Red Ribbon Hair Style Competition Red Ribbon Party in Home/Office Red Ribbons Get Sophisticated Red Ribbon Goes Country Red Ribbon Car Decoration Red Ribbons Go Door-to-Door Red Ribbon Mystery Guest Video Drug and Alcohol Education Hour/Day Seeing Red by decorating with Red Red Ribbon Competition Red Ribbons for Parents Attend Drug/Alcohol Program Open House Put Red Ribbons on Cars in Parking Lots Invite a police officer to lunch Lunch-time Alcohol and Drug Education Hour Red Ribbon Golf Tournament a police officer to lunch Lunch-time Alcohol and Drug Education Hour Red Ribbon Golf Tournament
Prevention Activities For Every Subject for Every Age Theme this year is YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce Mathematics: Using the facts and statistics provided in this idea guide, create equations for students to solve that will also make them aware of the alarming figures associated with drug use. For example, provide students with the population of your school. Then have them calculate how many kids in their school say “NO” to marijuana (62% of student population).
English: Have students write an essay or poem describing why they can live healthier and happier without drugs. Or have them write about someone they know who was directly of indirectly hurt by drug use.
Reading: There are many books available for all reading levels regarding self-esteem, peer pressure, and the danger of drug use. Older students can also read the local newspaper and cut out articles related to the illegal use of drugs and consequences.
Foreign Language: Teach students how to say “no” in several languages. Teach them phrases to say in different languages when offered illegal drugs, such as “I have better things to do than drugs,” or “You must be kidding!”
Science: Take a week to study the effects of illegal drugs on the human body. Be sure to emphasize the devastating, long-term effects. Discuss how and why people’s reaction time slows with alcohol use.
Social Studies: Prepare a unit about peer pressure and self-esteem. Discuss some of the reasons people turn to drugs. Consider different ways students can avoid feeling they need to turn to drugs. Discuss the ways the media tempts people. Talk about Joe Camel and the Bud Lizards, and the message they send to viewers. Discuss the age group to which students feel these ads appeal.
Art: Have students create collages or posters depicting things they enjoy doing instead of drugs. Or, hold a logo design contest asking students to create a graphic design and slogan for Red Ribbon Week. Have students create a drug free character that is even cooler than Joe Camel or the Bud Lizards.
Physical Education: Prepare a unit on exercise and its healthy effects. Discuss the physical problems encountered by people who smoke cigarettes. Reminder to Teachers: Prevention lessons/activities such as these will count toward the state mandated 16 hours of drug education for K-9th graders and 8 hours for 10-12th graders. For more ideas and lessons, see www.theantidrug.com/teachers guide.
www.sarasquest.org (National Institute on Drug Abuse) www.freevibe.com (An interactive prevention site for middle and high school students) www.samhsa.gov www.drugfree.org (Partnership for Drug-Free America) http:ncadi.samhsa.gov
Provided by
225-226-2273
This packet can be downloaded at http://icare.ebrschools.org
School: ________________________________________
Sponsor Survey 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
October is Red Ribbon Month
Red Ribbon Week October 23-31, 2016
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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
Mathematics: 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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
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
YOLO Be Drug-Free #YouOnlyLiveOnce
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
State a consequence.
How do you say NO?
Be polite and don’t make a big deal about it.
Give a reason.
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.
No thanks.
Give a reason.
I don’t want to be expelled. I’m going to see Shrek III
How do you say NO?
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 _______ Answers:
I feel _______
Unhappy Scared Angry Sick Weird Sleepy
D
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.
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 ATHLETE LAWYER
DANCER FIREMAN MUSICIAN
CHEF POLICEMAN SCIENTIST
DOCTOR MOTHER ASTRONAUT
PRESIDENT VETERINARIAN 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 X L A W Y E R B V M
P M A T H L E T E C E O
O U S E F Y K O N H T T
L S T A C T O R G E E H
I I R C P V Z B I F R E
C C O H X F E U N I I R
E I N E D A N C E R N F
M A A R T I S T E E A A
A N U R S E X X R M R T
N O T R O T C O D A I H
P R E S I D E N T N A E
P S C I E N T I S T N 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. Repeat after me: o I want to be_____________________________. o I can see me being a ______________________. o Who can help me be a ____________________. o Say, “I CAN!” o Shout out loud to yourself, “Good Job Anthony!”
This is to certify that Have RESPECT Be #DrugFree!
Is a Drug-Free Kid and is working to help the community stay Drug-Free
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