Since its inception in 1985, following the death of a beloved Drug Enforcement Administration Agent Enrique (Kiki) Camarena, Red Ribbon Week has become an important time for schools and organizations to raise awareness and educate students about the dangers and harmful effects of drugs. This year’s theme is Respect Yourself. Be Drug Free.  In honor of Red Ribbon Week, here are five activities that can help you celebrate with your students.

1. Celebrate Red Ribbon week with Discovery Education

On Thursday October 29 at 1:00 PM, Discovery Education will take students on a virtual field trip to the Santa Ana Police Department. There, they will learn about how police canines are selected and trained. These dogs will also perform a series of exercises to showcase their agility, obedience, and intelligence. Discovery has also created a teacher’s guide to coincide with this field trip. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to gain insight on what it takes to keep our communities safe. You can register for this event by clicking here.

2. Enter the Red Ribbon Photo Contest

Redribbon.org is hosting a 2015 Red Ribbon Photo Contest from now through November 3. Schools and families with school-aged children are encouraged to enter and winners will take home significant prizes. Check out the video below and click here for more information on how to enter.  Good luck! 

3. Pledge to be Drug Free

After explaining the importance of remaining drug free to your students, create a classroom pledge and have students sign. Then, hang it up in the classroom to remind students of their promise to protect themselves and remain drug free. You can download a pledge from redribbon.org here.

4. Public Service Announcements

Have students creatively disseminate information about the harmful effects of drugs and the benefits of remaining drug free by letting them create public service announcements. Then, watch the PSA’s together and discuss the information that students presented.

5. Make Each Day Count

Make Red Ribbon Week a fun event by creating a theme for each day in your classroom. Here are a few suggestions.  

  • Shade Out Drugs Day- Let students wears shades to “shade out” drugs.
  • Wear Red Day- Encourage students to wear red in honor of Red Ribbon Week.
  • Put a Cap on Drugs Day- Allow students to wear their favorite hat to school.
  • Twins Day- Have students dress as twins to demonstrate the importance of supporting one another in remaining drug free.
  • Sock it to Drugs Day- Have students wear silly socks so that they can “sock it” to drugs.

Visit redribbon.org for additional information, downloads and activities to celebrate Red Ribbon Week.

Let us know what you are doing to celebrate and raise awareness in your school by leaving a comment below.