Students hear cautions during Red Ribbon Week
MADISON – Students in Madison City Schools are hearing encouragement with the theme “Send a Message. Stay Drug Free” during 2019 National Red Ribbon Week on Oct. 23-31.
The 2019 theme is a call to action to speak out in support of healthy choices and stay free of drugs. The National Family Partnership started the Red Ribbon Week campaign in 1988.
In Madison, students will participate in uplifting and fun themes that promote Red Ribbon Week’s theme.
At Mill Creek Elementary School, students will dress in symbolic colors to remember positive actions that they can take. On Oct. 28, they will wear red clothing for “Proud to Be Drug Free” Day. For “Our Future Is Bright” day, the Mavericks will dress in as many bright, outlandish colors as possible.
Mill Creek students then will endorse the idea “Friends don’t let friends make bad choices” with Twin Day when students pair up and dress alike. On Oct. 31, heroes and literary legends will be out in force for “Book Character Day” to emphasize that “smart students stay away from drugs.” For “Team Up Against Drugs” Day, youngsters and teachers will wear colors of their favorite collegiate or pro team.
Like other youth in Madison City Schools, students at Madison Elementary School will learn about keeping their bodies safe, not only from drugs and alcohol but also from medicines and poisons found in their homes. On Oct. 28, ‘shocking’ neon colors in their clothing symbolized their bright futures.
In addition, Madison elementary will observe “Be All That You Can Be” Day on Oct. 29 and wear camouflage gear. Students will wear bizarre hairstyles or silly hats for “It’s Crazy to Do Drugs” Day. They can wear pajamas for “Put Drugs to Sleep” Day. To close Red Ribbon Week, students can dress in school colors and bring a snack donation for the school pantry.
The idea for Red Ribbon Week originated after the murder of Enrique Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Agency agent. Camarena was tortured and killed in Mexico in 1985. In honor of Camarena’s memory and his battle against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began to wear red badges of satin.
For more information, visit redribbon.org.
