Red Ribbon Week began in 1985, the distraught community of Calexico, California began to wear red ribbons to honor the memory of slain DEA Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena.

After serving in the Marines and becoming a police officer, Camarena joined the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with the belief that he wanted to make a difference. Camarena lost his life while working undercover investigating a major drug cartel in Mexico. Just days before he was to identify key members of the cartel, he was kidnapped and killed.

To honor their local hero, the community of Calexico, California wore red ribbons of satin. Coalitions began to form against the destruction caused by drugs and alcohol. These coalitions wore the Red Ribbon to symbolize and promote the importance of a drug-free lifestyle. In 1988 Congress proclaimed the last full week in October as Red Ribbon Week.

· Red Ribbon Week is a celebration of positive choices and a healthy, drug-free lifestyle that touches the lives of 80 million young people and adults in the United States each year.

· The last week of October became formalized as Red Ribbon Week in 1988 by a proclamation of the U.S. Congress.

IN OBSERVATION OF RED RIBBON WEEK, THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL:

Everyone will receive a red ribbon on Monday, October 27th and should be worn all week. The students will receive Spirit points for wearing ribbons and for participating in the theme day dress. Points will be calculated at the end of the week. The grade level with the most points will be rewarded with a Drug Free Prize.

Activity #1

THEME DAYS

Monday- “Wear Red Day”- Students, Teachers and Staff members will wear red from head-to-toe.

Tuesday- “Join the Fight against Drugs”- On this day everyone will wear camouflage.

Wednesday- “Drugs turn you inside out”- On this day everyone will wear their clothes inside-out.

Thursday- “Drug Free America”- Show how patriotic you are by wearing red, white and blue.

Friday- “Stay in the Game”- Wear your favorite team jersey or t-shirt on this day.

Activity #2

“Born To Be Drug Free” Banner

§ The Teachers and staff will create a “Born To Be Drug Free” banner, fastening pictures of themselves as babies on the banner. On Thursday, October 30th students will be able to guess who’s who. The student or students that identify the most photos will receive a Drug Free prize.

Activity #3

Make your Life a Work of ART drug free Poster Contest

The poster contest is open to 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders. All students interested must sign up on the form next to the CHARACTER bulletin board located across from Mrs Cooley’s classroom on the main floor by Friday, October 24th.

The posters should follow the drug free theme. All Posters will be displayed and judged by teachers on Friday, October 31st. All posters must be turned in to Mrs. Pitts by Thursday, October 30th. A prize will be given to the best poster from each grade level.

Activity #4

“Natural High” video presentation- This will take place in the physical education classes (Mon/Wed for 5th & 6th grade and Tues/Thurs for 7th & 8th grade)

Activity #5

Mrs. Clary, Officer Gault or Patty Siler will give a drug awareness presentation. They will probably make sure that they visit with 5th and 6th grade classrooms and 7th and 8th grade classrooms only if time permits.

Activity #6

All students will sign a bear paw. This bear paw will be placed around the CHARACTER bulletin board that is located across from Mrs. Cooley’s classroom. The bear paw will include a photo of the student and a DRUG FREE pledge on the back.

Submitted by Coach Jackson