(NOVEMBER 2022)—Recently, Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen students learned essential lessons about healthy decision-making through their participation in Red Ribbon Week. A national nonprofit formed in 1980 by parents passionate about drug prevention, Red Ribbon Week provides a powerful message to students.
“Educating students about living drug-free is an essential component of our health and social-emotional curriculum,” said Dr. Judith LaRocca, Superintendent of Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen. “Red Ribbon Week enables us to reinforce the danger of drugs and empowers our students to make healthy life decisions.”
Throughout the week, each school had its own theme with activities for the students. James A. Dever Elementary School kicked off the week by wearing red ribbons and making a pledge to remain drug-free. The school gathered outside for a powerful display of unity by forming a large red ribbon. On Hats Off to Being Drug-Free Day, Wheeler Avenue Elementary School students and teachers wore hats and red t-shirts to show they were committed to being drug-free. Willow Road Elementary School students came to school wearing their favorite jerseys to team up against drugs. Howell Road Elementary School students wore colorful outfits, sunglasses, and glow sticks on My Future is Too Bright for Drugs Day.