HOUSTON – Oct. 14, 2019 – Many schools across Spring Independent School District are preparing to celebrate Red Ribbon Week by encouraging their students to participate in fun and creative theme days. The theme of the campaign this year is “Send a Message. Stay Drug-Free.” and will be taking place from Oct. 23-31.

Red Ribbon Week not only serves as a motivation for student engagement but is also a continuation of a tradition that began in 1985 as a commemoration to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed while working undercover on an assignment.

According to the official Red Ribbon Campaign™ website, the purpose of this tradition, founded by the National Family Partnership, is “to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug-prevention activities.” Schools that will be participating in this week-long event have scheduled different activities to enforce positive, healthy messages designed to get students excited about being drug-free, and focused on their long-term goals and dreams.

Ponderosa Elementary is kicking off the celebration by prompting their students to make good choices, including “Make good choices and do something nice for a friend” and “Make good food choices and bring a healthy snack.”

Other schools, such as Link, Reynolds and Beneke elementary schools, will be sharing themes, including “Team Up against drugs and bullying” where the students are encouraged to wear a sports jersey; “I Am Too Bright for Bullying and Drugs” where students are asked to wear bright clothing; and “Kids with good Character say NO to drugs,” a day when students will dress up as their favorite story-book character.

“Red Ribbon Week provides a good opportunity for families to talk about drug prevention and healthy choices with their students,” said Leticia Gonzalez, executive director of Spring ISD’s Family and Community Engagement department. “One of the best ways to keep your child from getting involved in drugs or alcohol is to keep the lines of communication open and to encourage them to share what’s happening in their life.”

Parents can get more tips by attending a special workshop on adolescent substance abuse trends, hosted by Avenue 360 Health and Wellness, at 6 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28 at the Family and Community Engagement Center, 17125 Ella Blvd.