'TEAMING UP AGAINST DRUGS' IS THEME FOR OCT. ACTIVITIES

W-WPS And W-WES Are "Teaming Up Against Drugs."

Preventing drug experimentation is the only way to effectively stop
drug use and abuse before it starts, so efforts that focus on young
children are proven most effective. During the entire month of
October, as well as Red Ribbon Week, October 23-26, W-WPS and W-WES
counselors, Fiona Calhoun and Debra Harper, will focus their
attention on Drug Education.

"We will have guest speakers and special activities that educate our
young students on the importance of being drug free," stated Harper.
"Washington-Wilkes Primary and Washington-Wilkes Elementary are
'Teaming Up Against Drugs!'"

Both schools will have the same theme days and guest speakers. "Our
intention is to show the students and community that protecting our
children is a team effort," Calhoun said.

Although drugs have been more a problem at the secondary education
level, both counselors agree that they need to become a main concern
of the primary and elementary schools as well. Drug Awareness efforts
should begin before drug use becomes a realistic possibility - before
a child faces the decision of whether or not to use drugs.

Students are encouraged to participate in the dress-up days and
classes with the most spirit could win prizes. Monday, October 23,
will be "Wear Red Day." Tuesday the schools will "Stay Sharp, Don't
Use Drugs" as students dress sharply.

Wednesday,October 25, the schools will "Give Drugs the Slip" and
students can wear slippers and pajamas to school. And on Thursday,
the overall message and "Teaming Up Against Drugs" will be
emphasized. Students can wear their blue and gold or favorite team
jersey. Friday is a student holiday.