Sussex County's Red Ribbon Week Toolkit

October 23-31, 2024

"Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free."

This year, Red Ribbon Week begins on Wednesday, October 23rd and this year's theme is "Life is a Movie, Film Drug Free ." As we prepare for Red Ribbon Week, we are sharing ideas for daily activities, as well as social media posts to utilize within your school community. Remember to send us pictures of what your students are doing for Red Ribbon Week, we will be sending out emails to highlight your activities. This year we will be adjusting our activities to have a Monday start date, leading into Red Ribbon Week.

We are excited for this year's What's Your Anti-Drug contest (Deadline is November 11th). The winning entries will be published in the NJ Herald on December 8th.

Are you looking for additional ways to showcase entries? Here are some suggestions. Artwork students create can possibly be shared on social media and be utilized to decorate classroom doors. Students can create poetry or stories to share on social media or during morning announcements.

We all play a vital role in ending substance use disorders. It is important to remember that we are all part of a larger team that is working towards the same goal, to keep children healthy, safe and drug-free. Have students brainstorm ideas to bring awareness regarding substance use in their community or have students participate in the annual

What's Your Anti-Drug Contest! (Grades 4-12)

What Makes You Happy Contest! (Grades K-3)

Monday, October 21st- Red Ribbon Week kick- off!

wear red & plant the promise!

Have students and staff wear red to show that they are "red-y" to make healthy choices.

To kick off Red Ribbon week, encourage your students and staff to wear red and include a day 1 Red Ribbon Week message in your school's morning announcements (for daily morning announcement ideas click here.)

Additionally, if possible, participate in “Plant The Promise” where students plant red flower bulbs which will bloom in the Spring, and serve as a reminder of the importance and the beauty of living a drug free life.

This activity also provides a chance to enjoy the outdoors, connect with nature, take a break from daily stress and see the rewards of something beautiful you've nurtured.

(P.S. don’t forget to take a picture of everyone sporting red for your socials and to send to us - we would love to see!)

The Center for Prevention and Counseling is excited to announce that we will be funding seven Sussex County Schools to participate in this project. If interested please fill out this application and send it back to Ashlyn Gec.

Social Media Post:

Tuesday, October 22nd - "Too bright for drugs" & door decorating!

Have students and staff wear neon & hold a door decorating contest!

Welcome to day 2, we know what you should do! "We're too bright for drugs!" Have your students and staff wear their brightest neon colors and sun glasses.

Announce a door decorating contest to be judged at the end of Red Ribbon Week and allow some time for each homeroom to come up with a substance- free slogan and theme, and think of supplies they will need to collect. Thursday will be decoration day!

Tip: You can even have each class decorate their door with a theme of their favorite movie!

Social Media Post:

#DoTheVapeTalk | Youth Vaping Prevention | Ad Council

Wednesday, October 23rd- Follow your dreams & word-search wellness breaks!

Have students and staff wear their PJ's!

It's day 3 and we are following our dreams! Have your students and staff wear their coziest pajamas today! Encourage everyone to be their most successful selves and leave substance use out of their way. Don't forget your morning announcements and snap some photos for your social media pages.

While enjoying a cozy school day, allow some time for students and staff to take a wellness break from the schoolwork and try out these fun Red Ribbon Week word searches!

Social Media Post:

Thursday, October 24th- Put a cap on drug use & door decoration day!

Have students and staff wear their favorite hat for the day

It's day four and we want more! Students and staff should wear their hats to "put a cap on drug use." Today would also be a great day to allow homerooms to take their plans from Tuesday and decorate their doors ahead of tomorrow's judging!

Social Media Post:

Friday, October 25th- Team up against drugs!

Have students and staff wear their favorite sports jersey or other apparel.

Day 5 is here, but have no fear! We have plenty of plans for your school today! As a community, we are teaming up against drug misuse. Make sure your students and staff are sporting their favorite team's jersey today.

Door decorations can be judged today, may the best homeroom win!

We would also love to introduce you to One Choice Prevention! They are spreading their message to encourage adolescents to make one choice not to use any substances. Just like how we wear bike helmets and buckle up in the car, we make these decisions to protect our body. Young people can make the one choice not to use substances to protect their health. Together with RyeACT, One Choice Prevention has created a fun mural activity for your students to team up and share why they want to make that one choice. Find an open wall in your school, and have your students contribute to the mural! We would LOVE to see photos of your school's teamwork! Please send any photos you would like to share to Kaitlyn Decker.

Social Media Post:

Additional Shout-Out Worthy Resources

All Schools:

Check out this year's Natural High Red Ribbon Week lesson plans and consider having your educators utilize them throughout the week. Each lesson includes a video, discussion, and activity making them very engaging. The lessons are available in two different age categories, 4th-5th grades and 6-12th grades.

Middle & High Schools:

The Center for Prevention and Counseling provides Don't Get Vaped In for 6th through 12th graders in Sussex County. This program highlights the health consequences of using vapes, and the sneaky marketing tactics that tobacco companies use. This program is one session (about 45 minutes) and uses an interactive Kahoot.

High Schools:

The Center for Prevention and Counseling's prevention educators also provide the Addiction 101 program to high school youth. This program provides essential education on the science and progression of addiction. The presentation engages youth in discussions regarding opioids, pain medication, and resources for local support and recovery services.

For more information or to schedule one of these programs for your students please contact Ashley Caine at ashley@centerforprevention.org.

Incorruptible.Us

Sussex County's Youth Tobacco Action Group, is a youth-led action group focused on educating and mobilizing peers to take action in creating tobacco-free communities. This is a great opportunity for teens (ages 13-18) to be part of statewide campaigns, policy creation and education opportunities while developing networking skills, building resumes and receiving community service. Contact- Tania Bansemer to learn more about how to get your students involved!