Red Ribbon Week promotes drug abstinence
BY GREGG L. PARKER
Campuses across Madison used Oct. 24- 28 to pledge to live free of drug abuse.
“Red Ribbon Week provides a wonderful opportunity for students, teachers and parents to join together to raise awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco, alcohol and other drugs,” Melanie J. Barkley said. Barkley is principal at Mill Creek Elementary School.
Like other Madison schools, Mill Creek participated in age-appropriate activities throughout the week. “Our counselor shared different scenarios, and students discussed appropriate responses when faced with these challenges,” Barkley said.
At elementary schools in Madison, students and most teachers wore clothing that reflected each day’s theme. On Oct. 25, the children at West Madison and Heritage elementary schools wore crazy socks for “Sock it to Drugs Day.”
West Madison’s student population chose goofy hats on Oct. 27 to signify ‘putting a cap’ on drugs. Sunglasses were their accessories for “Don’t Be Blinded by Drugs.”
On Oct. 28, Rainbow Elementary School followed the theme, “Be a Superhero … Have the Power to Say No to Drugs!” by wearing T-shirts or capes for their favorite hero.
Students at Discovery Middle School wore western gear on Oct. 24 to “wrangle up respect. Drugs need to get the heave-ho, just the way a cowboy uses his lasso.” At Liberty Middle School, the teenagers selected T-shirts and colors of their favorite sports team on Oct. 28.
Columbia Elementary School dressed to indicate a hobby or interest on Oct. 28. Fishing vests and Scout uniforms were a couple of choices.
On Oct. 26, students at all campuses for Madison City Schools wore red apparel to show their support of Red Ribbon Week.
Mill Creek also used the week for a service project by collecting disinfectant, wet wipes, trash bags, hand soap and sanitizer, air freshener and disposable gloves to help Hackleburg residents who suffered damage by April tornadoes.
“Red Ribbon Week is a unified campaign that we promote each year at Mill Creek,” Barkley said.
