James Munro, Mara Strickland, Andrew Batson and Tori Evans from Mrs. Swigerts class are planting tulip bulbs in honor of Red Ribbon Week at Miami Trace Elementary.
School districts observe Red Ribbon Week
Bethany Hart Staff Writer
For a few days both local school districts put aside their school colors and donned red in honor of Red Ribbon Week.
National Red Ribbon Week took place Oct. 26-30 and each district held events in honor of the week.
Red Ribbon Week is a nationally celebrated event which has become a symbol of support for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's efforts to reduce demands for drugs through education and prevention. By wearing a red ribbon in the last week of October, individuals can demonstrate their opposition to drugs in America.
At Washington City Schools, students could sign a banner as a pledge to be drug free on Monday, wore red on Tuesday, crazy socks on Wednesday, and mismatched shoes on Thursday.
On Friday, the school had two different events. The first was 'Don't Let Drugs Turn You Inside Out' day which students honored by wearing their shirts inside out. The second event was 'Being Drug Free Comes in Cans-I Can and You Can' and students were asked to bring in canned food for a canned food drive in the school's rotunda.
Miami Trace Elementary held one larger event at the beginning of the week rather than having several smaller events.
The theme was 'Plant the Promise to be Drug Free' and the students planted tulip bulbs outside the school. The tulips are set to bloom in April, so it will be a reminder of the students' pledges during Alcohol Awareness Month.
"It's something to put money in that you can actually see the results of," said Miami Trace Elementary Guidance Counselor and Red Ribbon Week organizer Cherise Roberts.
The spirit week activities related to the Miami Trace versus Washington C.H. did not interfere with Red Ribbon week Roberts said.
"It was highly successful and a lot of fun," said Roberts. "We were lucky the weather was so nice."
Holes for the tulips were predug, but students planted their own bulbs.
"The teachers appreciated that because it took a little less time," said Roberts.
Several teachers incorporated the tulips into their lessons for the week and for the month the tulips finally bloom.
"The teachers did a great job prepping the kids, but I think some of the younger ones still thought the bulbs would grow overnight," said Roberts.
Roberts hopes the project will be one that is remembered for a long time.
"This will really leave a legacy. Most kids will remember where their tulip was planted for years to come," said Roberts.
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