BARTON COUNTY — Elementary schools in Ellinwood and Hoisington are celebrating Red Ribbon Week which is observed across the nation to highlight the issues of substance abuse and its negative impact on schools, communities and the nation.
Ellinwood
Ellinwood Grade School had daily themes for the students and staff members as well as presentations over the last month from Counselor Cindy Vink on drug prevention. There were signs and displays culminating with Red Ribbon week. They offered daily prizes and each student received a prize.
Chocolate bars with the phrase, "Be cool, be drug free" were given out.
The theme for Monday was "Wear Red." For Tuesday, the theme was "Don’t Get Mixed Up in Drugs Day — wear mismatched clothes." The theme for Wednesday was "Our School Rocks drug free day— dress like a rock star or your favorite musician. The theme for Thursday was "We Are Too Cool for Drugs Day— wear your coolest hat or cap to school."
"We make is special for the kids," said EGS Counselor Cindy Vink.
Each student received a red wristband to wear for the week. The wristband was to remind them to choose a drug free lifestyle. Daily drug/alcohol educational announcements were made and prevention lessons continued for all grade levels.
"Our goal is to make this a fun learning experience for our students and instill in them an intolerance toward the use of drugs," said Vink.
Hoisington
At Roosevelt Elementary School, the students celebrated each day with a special event. On Monday, it was "Put Drugs to Bed—wear a pair of pajamas to school followed by a balloon launch. On Tuesday, it was "Give Hugs, Not Drugs—bring your favorite stuffed animal to school." Wednesday was "Sock it to Drugs—wear a pair of "crazy" socks to school." Thursday was "Red Day—wear something red for Red Ribbon week, and to support the Cardinals."
Each student received a "Red Ribbon" to wear for the week. To be eligible for prizes, the students had to wear their ribbon. In addition, it provided an opportunity for the students to learn responsibility. They were eligible for gift certificates.
