STUDENTS PLANT FOR DRUG-FREE FUTURE

Canyon County Schools Hope Tulip Bulbs Will Serve Of Reminder Of
Red Ribbon Week Goals

CANYON COUNTY -- Area schools are putting a new twist on Red Ribbon
Week this year.

In addition to tying red ribbons in honor of the annual anti-drug
campaign, Nampa, Caldwell and Vallivue students are planting hundreds
of red tulips on campuses this week. The tulip bulbs are symbolic of
their commitment to staying drug- and alcohol-free.

Mary Ensley, the Nampa School District's director of student advocacy
services, said flower bulbs hold the promise of life when cared for
properly.

"Rather than just emphasizing 'don't do drugs,'" Ensley said, "we're
trying to get the kids to think about doing positive things for
themselves."

The local planting efforts are part of a new statewide tradition
called "Plant the promise."

The tulips should bloom during National Alcohol Awareness Month in
April.

Vallivue School Resource Officer Jim Watson said that by planting
bulbs this fall, students are pledging to fight drug and alcohol
abuse. The spring blossoms will reaffirm that promise, he said.

Although it's difficult to measure the effectiveness of preventative
activities such as this, Watson said it's important to continue
reaching out to youth, especially older youth who face more pressure
to drink and take drugs.

"We want to educate them about the reasons why drugs and alcohol are
bad," he said. "Not just tell them, 'You can't do it.'"

Watson said one reason to steer clear of drugs and alcohol is that
brain development does not stop until 20 years of age and substance
abuse interferes with brain growth.

During other Red Ribbon Week events, school resource officers are
speaking to students, teachers and parents about violence and gang
activity.

Melinda Smyser, Caldwell Safe Schools coordinator, said the schools
are also sending information home to parents to complete the loop of
awareness about drugs, alcohol and gangs.