Students throughout Natomas Unified will stand up and speak out against drugs, alcohol, tobacco and bullying this week in recognition of Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-27, and National Bullying Prevention Month.
This year’s theme for Red Ribbon Week, an annual campaign to encourage healthy lifestyles, is “Your future is key, so stay drug free.” Substance abuse is a contributing factor in three leading causes of death for teenagers – accidents, homicides and suicides.
Each NUSD school received a vinyl, anti-bullying banner, reading: “We Pledge to Keep Our School A Bully-Free Zone! Stand Up, Stand Strong, Stand Together Against Bullying.” Students are encouraged to sign the banner for display at their school. Ed Center staff have signed a banner, too, and posted it in their foyer.
All schools also received Red Ribbon Week and bullying prevention bracelets, stickers, lollipops, and “Stop the Bullying” brochures in English and Spanish for distribution to students. Elementary schools received coloring books as well.
Red Ribbon Week is a national campaign to discourage students from using drugs, alcohol and tobacco by making them aware of harmful effects. Traditionally, red ribbons are worn during the week to demonstrate a commitment to drug-free, bully-free, and healthy lifestyles.
Numerous NUSD schools plan student assemblies, poster contests, skits, or other events honoring Red Ribbon Week and National Bullying Prevention Month. A handful of examples are listed below to illustrate the scope of such activities.
As one of several commemorative events, Natomas Park Elementary School will host a Sacramento-area state senator, Dr. Richard Pan, who will present an anti-drug message to 4th- and 5th-graders on Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Discovery High School’s leadership group will present an anti-bullying skit to students at Jefferson and Natomas Park elementary schools.
Heron School’s activities include a poster contest and the broadcast of student-created Public Service Announcements (PSAs) every week in October.
Paso Verde School plans to incorporate a weeklong Kindness Campaign into its activities encouraging safety and health.
Inderkum High School’s Friday Night Live club will spearhead a weeklong series of events, including a banner pledge, ”Tobacco Jeopardy,” “Trivia Prize Punch,” and an obstacle course activity teaching students about the dangers of drunken driving through use of “impaired vision goggles.”
Joining with other school districts to promote healthy lifestyles, NUSD School Leadership and Support staff accompanied students from Natomas Gateways Middle School’s leadership class and Natomas High School’s Friday Night Live club to the fifth annual “Stand Up, Speak Out!” youth rally against bullying on Oct. 18 at the California Museum’s Unity Center.
