Written by Amanda Alaniz, Principal
Portage Township Schools actively participates in the National Red Ribbon Campaign each October. This year’s theme is “A Healthy Me is Drug Free.”
Throughout the campaign, students are involved in activities and conversation starters that are planned by home/school advisers, counselors and teachers.
PTS students show their commitment to leading a drug-free lifestyle as they participate in the various celebrations. Many schools plan a spirit week in an effort to unite students in the campaign. For example, students wear their favorite team apparel to “Team Up Against Drugs” or “Shade Out Drugs” by wearing their sunglasses, etc. The intent is to allow students an opportunity to proudly declare that they choose to be drug-free.
The students of Portage Township Schools will join millions across the nation to pledge their commitment to a drug-free lifestyle as we participate in this year’s National Red Ribbon Campaign. They will each wear a red ribbon and sign the Drug-Free Pledge; however, it is important that the conversations about staying committed to a healthy lifestyle continue long after this year’s campaign concludes.
The National Red Ribbon Campaign provides yet another opportunity to educate our future generations about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse. It is imperative that we use this campaign as a springboard into the endless possibilities to engage our youth. Various community stakeholders including law enforcement, parents, educators, medical professionals, business leaders, faith-based leaders, and coaches must be accountable. We must commit to teaching our youth resistance skills that focus on the ability to "just say no" in order to prevent self-destructive behavior. Ultimately, it takes the whole community to teach prevention.
Parents:
Continue talking to your children about drugs. Be absolutely clear that alcohol and drugs will not be tolerated.
Secure your medicine cabinet in order to prevent prescription drug abuse.
Get to know your children’s friends.
Partner with the parents of your children’s friends to set boundaries and monitor behavior.
Community stakeholders:
Distribute Red Ribbons at your facilities and share the Red Ribbon message.
Share prevention tips with parents and other care givers.
Role play "just say no" scenarios with children.
Partner with the school community to engage youth in prevention.
Educators:
Lead by example. Participate in your school’s events.
Initiate conversations with students that focus on the dangers of drug/alcohol abuse and the ability to resist peer pressure.
Partner with parents and community stakeholders to ensure that our youth are well prepared to "just say no."
Join in the efforts of Portage Township Schools during the National Red Ribbon Campaign. Pledge and uphold a healthy drug-free lifestyle, engage the youth of our community in conversation and activities, and be active in their lives. It is our responsibility to educate and groom our youth to be productive, responsible, and caring citizens.