California Middle School preps for Red Ribbon Week

California Middle School has given out bracelets, lanyards and dog tags to students for Red Ribbon Week. This year will be no different with the theme "Hocus Pocus Drugs Aren't My Focus." Students will be observing Red Ribbon Week the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 2, 2018.
California Middle School has given out bracelets, lanyards and dog tags to students for Red Ribbon Week. This year will be no different with the theme "Hocus Pocus Drugs Aren't My Focus." Students will be observing Red Ribbon Week the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 2, 2018.

Students at California Middle School will carry on the tradition of observing Red Ribbon Week, a time to recognize the awareness for drug prevention.

Each day through the week of Oct. 29-Nov. 2, students will have the opportunity to participate in a food drive as part of the Giving Tree program and other activities to earn incentive tickets. CMS counselor Marcia Bibb said the activities will be accompanied with pieces of flair.

"This year, we're doing the 'Hocus Pocus, Drugs Aren't My Focus' theme," Bibb said. "In the past, the theme has been on dog tags, bracelets, sweat bands and lanyards."

Speaking of dog tags, Bibb said at the end of each school day through Red Ribbon Week, a drawing will take place. If the student that is drawn is wearing red, and has this year's dog tags on their person, they will receive a door prize.

The first Red Ribbon Week was officially proclaimed by Congress Oct. 31, 1988, in response to a tragic event that took place three years prior. In 1985, drug traffickers in Mexico killed federal drug enforcement agent, Enrique Camarena. Angered parents across the nation responded by wearing red ribbons to symbolize their commitment to creating a drug free America.

Every year since, more than 100,000 schools and organizations across the country have celebrated Red Ribbon Week. This continuous effort has made it the most successful drug prevention event in the United States.

CMS will be doing their part each day by participating in a drug prevention related activity in various classes throughout the week.

Bibb is currently accepting donations of items, coupons or gift certificates from local businesses that can be sued as prizes for Red Ribbon Week activities.

On top of wearing red and this year's dog tags, students will also earn tickets for donating canned food to the drive during Red Ribbon Week. Each canned good will be used to help families in need for the Christmas holiday season.

Those interested in making a donation to CMS for Red Ribbon Week may call 796-2146 or drop off items at the middle school between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Bibb will pick up items as needed.