NewsUpper SchoolStudent LifeFaculty/StaffPre-K to 8Service
School observes Red Ribbon Week
Oct 26, 2005 1:29 PM
By Tannika King - Faculty
According to statistics published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the first use of alcohol typically begins around the age of 13, and marijuana around age 14. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control report that use of alcohol and other drugs is associated with the leading causes of death and injury among teenagers and young adults. In order to educate Darlington students about the dangers of drug, alcohol and tobacco usage, the Lower, Middle and Upper Schools planned several activities during National Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31.
“This is an opportunity for teachers and parents to work together to spread the message,” said Theresa Dulaney, Lower School P.E. teacher. “Each class participated in discussions and activities based on drug-free living and making healthy choices.”
Pre-k through second grades learned about health and safety, participating in activities such as walking around the outdoor track to not only be healthy, but to symbolize walking away from bad choices. Third through fifth grades discussed good decision-making, healthy minds and bodies, peer pressure, and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Activities included a basketball shoot out within each grade, three though five, which will represent shooting for high goals in life. Students then received buttons that said “Reach for the stars, not drugs.”
At the Middle School, students planted 180 red tulips (one for each student) on Friday as a reminder of Red Ribbon Week and the importance of being drug and alcohol free. Several of the student members of the Student Support Team (SST) also visited the Middle School Oct. 26, to distribute red ‘drug free’ bracelets and to talk about drug and alcohol awareness.
At the Upper School, SST members distributed the red bracelets during fifth and sixth periods in the dining hall, and also spoke at the Freshman Forum on Oct. 26. The topic was “Take Time to Think,” a drug and alcohol awareness program. On Friday, Oct. 28, students who wear red in honor of Red Ribbon Week will receive points for their Houses that will go toward the Centennial Cup competition. “Drug free” footballs and Frisbees will also be distributed at Friday night’s football game.
“This is an opportunity for teachers and parents to work together to spread the message,” said Theresa Dulaney, Lower School P.E. teacher. “Each class participated in discussions and activities based on drug-free living and making healthy choices.”
Pre-k through second grades learned about health and safety, participating in activities such as walking around the outdoor track to not only be healthy, but to symbolize walking away from bad choices. Third through fifth grades discussed good decision-making, healthy minds and bodies, peer pressure, and the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Activities included a basketball shoot out within each grade, three though five, which will represent shooting for high goals in life. Students then received buttons that said “Reach for the stars, not drugs.”
At the Middle School, students planted 180 red tulips (one for each student) on Friday as a reminder of Red Ribbon Week and the importance of being drug and alcohol free. Several of the student members of the Student Support Team (SST) also visited the Middle School Oct. 26, to distribute red ‘drug free’ bracelets and to talk about drug and alcohol awareness.
At the Upper School, SST members distributed the red bracelets during fifth and sixth periods in the dining hall, and also spoke at the Freshman Forum on Oct. 26. The topic was “Take Time to Think,” a drug and alcohol awareness program. On Friday, Oct. 28, students who wear red in honor of Red Ribbon Week will receive points for their Houses that will go toward the Centennial Cup competition. “Drug free” footballs and Frisbees will also be distributed at Friday night’s football game.
