The Red Badge of Courage - Red Ribbon Week
See the Connections…Choices = Consequences
I AM DRUG FREE
The red ribbon campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during red ribbon week each year.
The end of October brings more than just fall colors and trick-or-treating. October 23-31 is National Red Ribbon Week! It's a time when people like you pledge to stay drug free and join the fight against drug use. Get your family, friends, and neighbors involved in the fight against drugs.
What Is National Red Ribbon Week?
A time to protect our community from the dangers of alcohol and other drugs by taking a stand against drugs and for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention & education.
It is an ideal way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. Show your personal commitment to a drug-free lifestyle through the symbol of the Red Ribbon, October 23 - 31st.
It's a week when people across the country promise to stay drug free and fight drug use by wearing red ribbons, doing activities and projects that get the message out to others!
How did National Red Ribbon Week begin?
The Red Ribbon Campaign was started when drug traffickers in Mexico City murdered DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) agent Kiki Camarena in 1985. Kiki's friends and family wore badges of red satin to remember him and as a symbol of their promise to keep up the fight against drugs. Within weeks of his death in March of 1985, Camarena’s Congressman, Duncan Hunter, and high school friend Henry Lozano, launched Camarena Clubs in Imperial Valley, California, Camarena’s home. From these clubs emerged the Red Ribbon Week Campaign, which began the continuing tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as a symbol of intolerance towards the use of drugs.
The mission of the Red Ribbon Campaign is to present a unified and visible commitment towards the creation of a DRUG-FREE AMERICA. Today, more than 80 million people across the county wear red during National Red Ribbon Week to show their support for a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week, October 23-October 31 each year. 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of Red Ribbon Week.
Today, Red Ribbon Week is nationally recognized and celebrated, helping to preserve Special Agent Camarena’s memory and further the cause for which he gave his life. The Red Ribbon Campaign also became a symbol of support for the DEA’s efforts to reduce demand for drugs through prevention and education programs. By wearing a red ribbon during the last week in October, Americans demonstrate their opposition to drugs. They pay homage not only to Special Agent Camarena, but to all men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in support of our nation’s struggle against drug trafficking and abuse.
Currently, 3 million young people between the ages of 14 and 17 have an alcohol problem, and more than half of America's school-age children have tried illegal drugs by the time they have finished high school. Research indicates that youth who avoid the early use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are less likely to engage in other harmful behaviors such as crime, delinquency, and other illegal drug use. That is why we must clearly communicate to America's youth that drug and alcohol abuse is dangerous and harmful to both their health and their future.
As a local effort, Watertown is joining other communities across the nation in saying that we will no longer tolerate the destructive impact that drug and alcohol abuse have had on our homes, schools, workplaces, and highways. We are using this week to encourage students and community members to support activities that raise awareness and encourage prevention of substance abuse.
WHY? Haven’t You Heard? Most Kids DON’T Use! 555 Watertown middle school students reported not using drugs in October 2008…
Definition
/ 7th grade / 8th gradeHave not used alcohol 1 or more times in last 30 days / 85% / 87%
Have not used marijuana 1x or more in last year / 95% / 96%
Have not smoked cigarettes once or more in last 30 days / 92% / 92%
Have not sniffed or inhaled substances to get high once or more in the last 30 days / 90% / 91%
Have not used other illicit drugs once or more in the last year / 98% / 98%
Kiki Camarena was one person who chose to make a difference by fighting drug use. Today, over 80 million people have joined his battle. What kind of difference are YOU going to make?
Did you know, that 80% of WMS students (that’s 444) reported that their closest friends’ model responsible behavior – that means they don’t drink alcohol, don’t use drugs like marijuana, and they do well in school and they don’t get into trouble at school. So be that friend!
The Red Ribbon Campaign is now the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the nation reaching millions of young people during Red Ribbon Week. The Watertown Middle School Student Government, Peer Helpers and Dairy Council are organizing theme days for Red Ribbon Week to increase our awareness and support of living a drug-free lifestyle.
Friday, Oct. 22nd— Wear Red in recognition of Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday, Oct. 26th— Wear BLACK in remembrance of those who lost their lives to drugs.
Wednesday, Oct. 27th—“Put a cap on drugs, shade them out!”
Wear hats and/or sunglasses.
Thursday, Oct. 28th— “Band together and give drugs the boot.”
“Don’t let life slip away, sock it to drug use.”
Wear head bands, crazy socks, slippers, and/or boots
Friday, Oct. 29th—“Use your intelligence, turn your back on drugs.”
Wear your clothes backwards or dress in a way that makes you look smart.
* Remember to dress appropriately. Any apparel that disrupts the learning of others will result in the loss of your privilege to participate in these dress-up days.
WMS Red Ribbon Week
Poster Contest
As part of Red Ribbon Week, the WMS Peer Helpers are sponsoring a poster contest. The purpose is to design a poster that can be signed as a pledge to live a drug free life. Posters will be judged on originality, neatness, use of color, and how well they pertain to Red Ribbon Week. Students may do this as an individual project or with friends. Names need to be signed on the back of the poster. One poster board can be picked up from either Mrs. Kjetland or Miss Howardson.
Entries should be turned in to the office by Tuesday, October 26. Mr. Brist and Mrs. Weber will judge the entries and winners will choose a prize from options that Mr. Brist has available.