VA STUDENTS 'SOCK IT TO DRUGS' FOR RED RIBBON WEEK

VAN ALSTYNE -- Elementary students at Van Alstyne wore crazy socks Tuesday
as a way to "sock it to drugs."

The motto is one of the ways Kara Wilson, Elementary School Counselor, is
helping students remember and be aware of drugs and red ribbon week. Mottos
for other days include:

v "Living drug-free is no sweat day;"

v "Put a cap on drugs day;"

v "50s day."

"This is a fun week, but also a serious one," she said. "I hope they
remember the fun things we do, but always be aware of the seriousness of
drugs."

Wilson is integrating different fun activities this week in her lessons to
the students. She's personalizing the lessons to fit the grades.

Fourth-graders got to role-play different strategies. One of the partners
would be a drug dealer, while the other one would have to tell it no using
the different methods Wilson taught.

For third and second-graders, Wilson read them the book "Red Ribbon, a
Story of Hope." She said it's a picture book all about Red Ribbon Week.

Kindergartners are getting the basics of the week and a coloring book.

Wilson said she explained to all of the grades the purpose of the week,
which is to celebrate Enrique Camerena, who was kidnapped and killed while
undercover in Mexico trying to bust drug dealers. His family and neighbors
started a campaign to keep the hope alive that he would be returned to his
home in California by tying red ribbons on trees. He didn't returned, but
people still celebrate Red Ribbon Week in his memory.

"The kids listen to the story and are like 'wow,'" Wilson said.

Van Alstyne will finish the week with a play put on by the Student Council
promoting drug free habits and then a red-balloon release.