Red Ribbon Week

October 23rd - 31st
"Respect Yourself, Be Drug Free"

Red Ribbon Week Spirit Days 
Red Ribbon Week begins Monday, October 23rd and this year's theme is "Your Future is Key, So Stay Drug Free." As we prepare for Red Ribbon Week, we are sharing ideas for daily activities, as well as social media posts to utilize within your school community. Don't forget to send us pictures of what your students are doing for Red Ribbon Week, we will be sending out emails to highlight your activities.  

Should you find that you need further assistance in planning events contact us at The Center at 973-383-4787. Consider checking out our Health Curriculum Training being held on October 20th for more ideas to integrate drug education into the classroom. 

Don't forget to have your students participate in this year's What's Your Anti-Drug contest (Deadline is October 20th). The artwork your students create could be utilized to decorate the school and the poetry or stories can be shared on the morning announcements. 
Monday, October 23rd - Wear Red, Stop Drugs
Have students and staff wear red to bring awareness to drug abuse.


As an activity to kick the celebration off, complete the "I Pledge to Keep My Hands Off Drugs!" banner.

This is one possible way to create a pledge. Check out our Pinterest page for more cool ideas.





Social Media Post:
DID YOU KNOW: 66% of children who abuse prescription drugs get them from family or friends? Source: redribbon.org
Tuesday, October 24th - Put the Cap on Drugs
Have students and staff wear caps or have crazy hair day.

Knowledge is power! We need to continually be teaching children about the effects of alcohol and other drugs. Check out these great interactive activities from SAMHSA:  Too Smart to Start . For more interactive activities or lesson ideas give us a call, you can ask for Jenn. 


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Share with families in your school district a handout that we have created entitled 

Wednesday, October 25th - Team Up Against Drugs
Have students and staff wear their favorite team jersey or apparel.

We all play a vital role in ending substance use disorders. It is important to remember that we are all part of a larger team that is working towards the same goal, to keep children healthy, safe and drug-free. Have students brainstorm ideas to bring awareness regarding substance use in their community or have students create their own Public Service Announcements. Share your PSA's with The Center and we will post them on our website. The Above the Influence Campaign has some great ads that can be used for inspiration. Examples can be found on YouTube

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Thursday, October 26th - I'm TOO Bright to Do Drugs
Have students and staff wear neon colors.

Saying no to drugs is not an easy task for all children. One way to keep them away from drugs is to educate them and assist them in practicing refusal skills. Check out this easy lesson plan: Practice Saying No. For more refusal skills activities, give us a call, you can ask for Jenn.

Social Media Post:
Parent Advice NJ is a great resource for parents to learn more about the dangers of underage drinking. This website has the most up to date research articles as well as links to other beneficial websites. 


Friday, October 27th - Sock it to Drugs!
Have students and staff show off their craziest socks.

Many times we are tricked by advertisements that give us the wrong message. Assist students in developing an awareness of how advertisers, including alcohol, tobacco and e-cigarette companies, manipulate ads to try and entice people to buy their products. For example advertisements check out our Pinterest page.  

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Monday, October 30th - Follow Your Dreams
Have students and staff wear their pajamas to school.

Whether we are dreaming at night or thinking about what we want to accomplish, we all have dreams. Unfortunately, drugs can keep us from accomplishing our goals. Have students create a poster that shows a dream that they want to accomplish, something that motivates them to stay drug free.

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Talk it Out. Start the Conversation. Stop Underage Drinking is a wonderful resource for parents to not only learn more about the dangers of underage drinking but also hear true stories, learn more how to start the conversation and understand the teenage brain better.  


Tuesday, October 31st - Shade Out Drugs
Have students and staff wear sunglasses.

Research shows that students begin to self-medicate at around the age of 11 (American Association of Poison Control Centers' National Poison Data System, 2012). It is important for adolescents to learn coping skills that will help them stay away from substances. Help students shade out drugs by teaching them about their harmful effects. 

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