CLEARLAKE – Konocti Unified School District Safe Schools Coordinator Harriet Rogers accepted a proclamation Thursday accompanied by members of Friday Night Live from the Clearlake City Council designating Oct. 23 through 31 as Red Ribbon Week. The proclamation commends the school district”s effort in promoting drug prevention among its students and the community.
“Substance abuse is particularly damaging to one of our most valuable resources, our children and a contributing factor in the three leading causes of death for teenagers ? accidents, homicides and suicides,” the proclamation states in part. “It is the goal of the Red Ribbon Campaign and the City of Clearlake to involve families, schools, businesses, churches, law enforcement agencies and service organizations in all aspects of this campaign and establish an atmosphere that supports awareness, education and on-going initiatives to prevent illegal drug use.”
Red Ribbon Week activities began on Oct. 23 and will conclude on Oct. 31 with students and parents invited to Clearlake City Hall for a Halloween celebration in partnership with the city and the school district. Children visiting City Hall from 2 to 5:30 p.m. will receive reflective orange treat bags boasting the message: “Don”t Be Tricked Drugs Are No Treat.”
Students at Lower Lake High School and Oak Hill Middle School were privileged to hear a message from a special guest speaker on Thursday. Richard Santana made appearances in two personas of his life in presentations aimed at gang and violence prevention.
Santana entered the presentation as Se?or Chocolate, a tough-talking Latino gangster dressed in baggy pants, shades, trench coat and a red bandana. Using a thick Spanish accent to emphasis his point, he shared with the students his life experiences as a gang member.
After sharing his gang-life experiences Santana presented “The Change.” He shed his gang clothes and emerged, dressed in a shirt and tie, as a college graduate, educator, counselor, colleague and friend. He stressed to the students that change is possible.
Red Ribbon Week activities continue today with Highlands High School planting 90 flower bulbs in promotion of National Plant the Promise Week, which coincides with Red Ribbon Week. The bulbs are expected to bloom in April during National Alcohol Awareness Month.
On Monday, students will receive a copy of the book “Gang Violence Prevention and Intervention Strategies for School.” Gang awareness brochures will also be sent home with the students. Additionally, each elementary school will receive 25 jumbo paper clips stating “Too Smart to Start Be Drug, Alcohol and Tobacco FREE!”
On Tuesday, a drug-free message will be displayed on school marquees with students asked to read and support the message.
Wednesday is “Have a ball to show ?life is a kick without drugs.” Teachers will be asked to organize soccer games with each goal scored standing for a pledge to remain drug free and healthy.
On Thursday, students will be encouraged to jump rope to illustrate the negative effects smoking has on the lungs. The Halloween celebration at City Hall will mark the conclusion of Red Ribbon Week activities.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
