National Red Ribbon Week

Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug free America. (http://www.imdrugfree.com/)

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We ("we" being the PTA president and me, "the committee") chose to do three different themes this year, mostly because I am not a great decision maker and couldn't narrow it down to just one. We also included the Bully Free topic, since it is Bully Prevention Month, too. Keep in mind that in our community students don't see a lot of illegal drugs, but they are certainly affected by smoking, drinking, and prescription overdose. So here is what we did:

"Be a Buddy Not a bully" 

Classroom Lesson: Draw a large "Humpty Dumpty" on butcher paper. Ask the students to say mean things to him. As they say mean words, rip off pieces of the paper. Then ask them to say nice things. As they apologize, tape the pieces back together. "You can see, even when we say we are sorry, it helps put things back together, but there are still scars from the hurt feelings."  
Lunchtime Activity: Students signed a commitment poster and received a reminder dog tag ("Be a Buddy). Parent took pictures of kids with their buddies- the librarian will display them in the media center.

"I Elect to be Drug Free" 

Lunchtime Activity: Running game to teach the importance of healthy lungs (by abstaining from smoking). Explain that there are choices we make, and it is our choice (or vote) to keep bad things out of our bodies. "I Elect to be Drug Free" sticker for each participant. 

"These Paws Don't Touch Drugs"

Classroom Lesson: Take a bottle of prescription medicine, a bottle of over-the-counter medicine, and some Smarties candies. TUMS is also a good thing to show the kids, since they look like Smarties. 

"This week we are talking about drugs, and how they will hurt us if we put them inside our bodies. You should understand that there are different kinds of drugs, some are good and some are bad. Have you ever been to the PHARMACY with your mom? That is where we get a type of drug called a PRESCRIPTION. This is also called MEDICINE. If you talk to a doctor when you are sick, and the doctor tells you to take medicine, then it is ok to take that drug. BUT you have to follow the rules! Only take medicine that has your name on it, and follow the instructions for how much to take, and how long to keep taking it. Sometimes we get medicine for a tummy ache or head ache that we can buy without asking the doctor. Be sure to only use those kinds of medicine, or drug, when your mom or dad says it is OK, and follow the instructions on the bottle!"

We showed the TUMS and the SMARTIES to explain that some medicines look like candy, and even taste good, but we should never eat anything without asking a parent if it is safe for us. 

Each student received a button that said, "These Paws Don't Touch Drugs", and a roll of Smarties tied with a red ribbon, because "Legacy Lions are SMARTIES and don't touch drugs". The ribbon was sent home to be tied somewhere the whole family can see it. (At home is where most children learn how to use inappropriate drugs, such as cigarettes and alcohol.)

WHAT DID YOU DO FOR RED RIBBON WEEK?

~ E T

Tipped Semi causes trouble to foot traffic

...as I was saying, on September 20...

     Confused students waiting at the University bus stop had to walk up a hill and around many emergency vehicles that were figuring out how to up-right a mostly-fallen semi truck and trailer. I was asked to tell those waiting that the school shuttle and city buses were unable to come to the bus stop so the riders would need to walk up to the next corner for a lift. I did as I was asked. While I walked away from the area towards the building, I told everyone that I passed that if they needed the bus they would need to...blah blah blah.

     When I got to the parking area toll booth I knocked on the window. The employee opened the window and I explained the situation, suggesting she make a sign or call her boss to let people know of the dilemma that would cause busing problems for at least an hour. she shrugged her shoulders, said, "wow, that's weird," and did nothing about it. So, since I was now 50 minutes late to my 90 minute class, I walked back to the bus stop, got out a piece of paper and pen, wrote a note, used my wet gum to stick the note to a post, and proceeded extremely late to class. 
     This tidbit of "service" caused me to miss a quiz in my class. Because of my kindness, the professor was kind to me and let me take the quiz after class.

     I didn't go back to my car via shuttle so I didn't see how that all worked out. But I wonder if anyone ever took on the task of communicating the busing problem to the constant flow of students walking to and waiting at the bus stop.     

I'd love to hear from you!

Do most people think only about themselves?

Do you ever wonder what your day would be like if someone other than you considered your needs?

Do most people drop their trash on the floor and walk away?
Do you ever notice someone picking up something that is not theirs, to put it away or throw it away?

Do most people assume that the tasks that need doing, that they are asked to do but turn down, will get done by some magical task fairies?

Do you ever wish more people would put their name on the sign-up sheet so you didn't have to do the entire project alone? 

What blocked lanes have you come across that you felt the need to help clear? 

When have you been inconvenienced and were forgiven by a third party for the time it took you to give assistance?

~ E T