CHOICES

October will be a busy month in lower school guidance class. Our character trait for the month is Responsibilty. Our classroom lessons and activities will center around continuing to develop and teach students the importance of responsible behavior, and accepting responsibilty for themselves and their actions.
This coincides nicely with Red Ribbon Week which is generally celebrated the last week in October.
Red Ribbon Week is a prevention awareness campaign. The purpose of the campaign is to educate children about the harmful effects of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Being responsible and making the right choice will be the focus during throughout our lessons.
Red Ribbon Week began as a commemoration for the ultimate sacrifice made by Drug Enforcement Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. He grow up very poor in Mexico and his hope for the future was to someday make a difference. He worked his way through college, served in the Marines, and then became a police officer. His family was concerned for his safety when he told them he wanted to join the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. Kiki knew he was only one man, but that he could make a difference. At the age of 37, he was kidnapped and murdered by members of a Mexican drug cartel he was investigating while working undercover.
What started as a symbol of support for the memory of Kiki, soon became nationally recognized campaign. Today, Red Ribbon Week is celebrated by millions to raise awareness for the continuing need for drug and violence prevention.
We will have a fun-filled month of learning with special activities planned for Red Ribbon Week. As the time gets closer I will let you know the specifics!
It is very important our children learn the effects and dangers of widely used and abused substances such as tobacco and alcohol. They need to have the techniques to say "NO!" to any drug use other than that prescribed by a doctor.
I hope what we learn in class will bring questions home to parents and open the door for family discussions.

Attention parents of 6th graders: Please be sure you have turned in verification of your child receiving the TDAP Booster to Ms. Best or me. The new state law requires each child entering the 6th grade must have the vaccination within 30 days of the start of this school year.

Remember, you can contact me (Jill Williams) at any time at 736-1045 ext. 227

"THE GREATEST POWER A PERSON POSSESSES IS THE POWER TO CHOOSE"
J.M.KOHE