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JBSA News
NEWS | Oct. 28, 2019

Fort Sam Houston Elementary students help spread Red Ribbon Week message

By Olivia Mendoza Sencalar 502nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

As you drive by schools in your neighborhood, you probably have seen white or red cups on the fences with a message saying “Stay Drug Free.”

Students at Fort Sam Houston Elementary prepared for Red Ribbon Week at their school Oct. 28 and the school message on their marquee outside reads “Taking a Stand Against Bullies & Drugs.” 

Red Ribbon Week is a nationwide drug and bully awareness campaign that runs Oct. 23-31 with a theme of “Send a Message. Stay Drug Free.”

Red Ribbon Week has been around 34 years and is the nation’s largest and oldest drug prevention campaign, reaching more than 80 million people each year throughout the U.S.

Many schools are taking part in sending the message out by talking about, staying safe, being healthy, and the dangers of drug use. It’s a reminder to others about how much they should value themselves in being overall healthy within their community and their future.

The halls of Fort Sam Houston Elementary were filled with the color red shirts Oct. 28, as students and faculty were dressed in red to pledge their day for being proud to be “Bully and Drug Free.”

"Students at Fort Sam Houston Elementary School recognize the importance of drug awareness and bullying prevention,” said Dr. Joseph Cerna, Principal, Fort Sam Houston Elementary School. “Cougar Cub faculty and staff reinforced the lessons taught through our health curriculum and character education programs throughout the school year during this nationally recognized campaign.

“To further promote the importance of Red Ribbon Week, students are encouraged to wear hats to acknowledge their positive mindset against bullying and their House (Class) color shirt to team up against drugs,” Cerna added. “There are other fun dress-up opportunities throughout the week for our students intended to make memorable connections to important life lessons."

Throughout the week, Fort Sam Houston Elementary students will participate by wearing their spirit day look and showing their support for Red Ribbon Week.

For Pajama Day Tuesday, students will be wearing their favorite pajamas in order to follow their dreams in being kind and living in a bully free world. Hat and Sunglasses Day Wednesday, recognizes their mindset, attitude and their outlook success by wearing their hat and/or sunglasses.

For Literary Character or Super Hero Day Thursday, students dress like a book character or super hero showing their superpower of kindness to help prevent bullying. On House (Class) Color Day Friday, all students and faculty are encouraged to wear their house class color in support in teaming up against drugs and bullies.