October 23-31, 2019
"Send a Message. Stay Drug Free"
Red Ribbon Week begins Wednesday, October 23rd and this year's theme is "Send a Message. 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.

Don't forget to have your students participate in this year's What's Your Anti-Drug contest (Deadline is October 18th). The artwork your students create could be utilized to decorate the school and the poetry or stories can be shared on the morning announcements.
Wednesday, October 23rd- Wear Red, Stop Drugs
Have students and staff wear red to bring awareness to substance abuse
As an activity to kick the celebration off, have students plant red flower bulbs which will bloom in the Spring, and serve as a reminder of the importance and the beauty of living a drug free life. Additionally, it provides a chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, take a break from daily stress and see the rewards of something beautiful you've nurtured.

The Center for Prevention and Counseling is excited to announce that we will be funding two Sussex County Schools to participate in this project. If interested please fill out this application and send it back to Ashley Brown.
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Don't believe the hype: Most young people don't drink alcohol! Research shows that almost 80 percent of 12- to 20-year-olds haven't had a drink in the past month (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2016).
Thursday, 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 NIDA: National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens. For more interactive activities or lesson ideas, give us a call, you can ask for Jenn.

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Friday, 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 participate in the annual What's Your Anti-Drug Campaign.
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Monday, October 28th- 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.

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Tuesday, October 29th- 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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Wednesday, 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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Thursday, October 31st- Your Future is Key
Have students and staff dress up as someone/something they aspire to be.
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. Check out this great site for lesson plans and resources surrounding coping skills, if you are in need of more assistance, give us a call, just ask for Jenn.
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