Each year the California Middle School designates a Red Ribbon Week as a way to educate and encourage youth to avoid substance abuse.
This week, students have had dress up days, activities and informative videos.
"I hope that this week convinces students to avoid substances," said coordinator Marcia Bibb. "I believe that all students need to make an informed decision about drugs, alcohol and tobacco use.
"I believe that by providing them with information we are assisting them in gaining knowledge to make an informed decision."
The Red Ribbon Week national campaign is in its 28th year. The program was initiated after the death of federal drug enforcement agent Enrique Camarena, who was killed by drug traffickers in Mexico in 1985.
More than 100,000 schools participate in this drug-free emphasis.
Each day at the middle school, students are required to wear their "dog tags" for a chance to win prizes and Red Ribbon Week announcements are shared.
They also are sponsoring a food drive: "I can, you can, we can: Being drug-free comes in cans." Students receive tickets toward prizes for donated food items. The donations will be used to serve middle school families through the giving tree and pinto packs.
To begin the week, the food drive received a $1,500 donation from Worthey Bail Bonds.
Monday's theme was "Don't doze off with drugs" to wear pajamas. They also signed their names to flip flops, which were hung on the wall as a reminder "don't flip flop on your decision to be drug-free."
"Be a hero - don't do drugs" was the Tuesday theme encouraging students to dress as superheroes.
Students were allowed to wear sunglasses today for "Shade out drugs."
Thursday students will "put a cap on drugs" and Friday they may wear athletic team attire for "Team up against drugs."
Video topics will include "Totally disgusting tobacco gross out video," "Top 10 myth's about drugs and alcohol," and "All you need to know about prescription and over-the-counter drugs."
