During the week of Oct. 26-30, the students, faculty and staff at Andalusia Elementary School will observe Red Ribbon Week with several activities. This is a week when businesses, communities, and schools are asked to show support for making everyone aware of the dangers of drug use and promoting the choice of choosing to be drug free. This campaign began in 1985 when DEA agent, Enrique “Kiki” Camarena was killed during a drug raid. Our theme for this week is “Paws-i-tively DRUG FREE!!” In addition to the activities listed below, we will have a paper products drive this week for Crossover Ministries located in Opp. This is a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility that serves Covington County.

 

How to participate:

Monday: Wear Red Day!

All students are asked to wear red in support of Red Ribbon Week.

Tuesday: I Have The Power To Be Drug Free!

Students are encouraged to wear their favorite superhero T-shirt.

Wednesday: My Plan For Success Says “NO” to Drugs! All students are asked to dress up.

Thursday: Sock It To Drugs! Students should wear “crazy” socks to school on this day.

Friday: Team Up Against Drugs

Students will wear a shirt to support their favorite team. (Ex. Bulldogs, Roll Tide, War Eagle, etc.)

Prevention begins at home. Parents are the single greatest influence upon their children and have a major role in determining whether or not their kids will experience alcohol or drug problems. The first step in helping kids is learning what to do. Below you will find some helpful tips.

Start Talking to Kids Early. Attitudes about alcohol and drugs are formed early in life, so get your “two cents worth” in while you can. Look for triggers – times when an alcohol or drug related happening has caught your kids’ interest – and use the opportunity to give them your views and accurate information.

Remember, most kids have their first alcohol or drug experience between the ages of 12 and 14. The earlier you begin talking openly and naturally about alcohol and drugs to kids, the more likely they are to accept your views and information rather than relying on peers or the media.

Set Rules and Consequences. Kids are less likely to use drugs and alcohol if their parents disapprove of such use and have told them so – clearly and firmly. This means telling kids what you expect of them and imposing consequences if they don’t honor those expectations. Here is a simple four-step process:

1. Have in mind exactly what you expect. Come to an agreement with your child’s other parent.

2. Sit down with your kids and tell them exactly what you expect and why. Make sure they understand. Let them know you are serious.

3. Tell them what will happen if they don’t honor your expectations. Choose consequences that are immediate and important to your child.

4. Be prepared to follow through. Be realistic about consequences – if you make them too severe, you may be reluctant to impose them. Certainty and consistency is more important than severity.

Help Kids Learn How to Say “NO.” Help your kids practice ahead of time so they will know what to say when someone puts pressure on them to use alcohol or drugs. Tell them that saying “no” is hard for everybody, including adults. Let them know this isn’t a trust issue; it’s a matter of being prepared.

– This was submitted by Patty Taylor and the Andalusia City Schools counselors.