RED RIBBON WEEK: SCHOOLS PROMOTING DRUG-FREE LIFESTYLE THROUGH VARIOUS EVENTS

Beginning today, Howard County schools are celebrating Red Ribbon Week, a
statewide campaign to promote a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle.

"Red Ribbon Week is about encouraging kids to be drug-free and marking the
progress we've made," Dr. Dave Wanser, Texas Commission on Alcohol and Drug
Abuse (TCADA) executive director, said in a press release. "This campaign
provides communities with a forum to bring together parents, school and
businesses as we look for new and innovative ways to keep kids drug free."

According to a 2002 survey by the TCADA, alcohol continues to be the most
widely used substance among Texas students in grades seven-12.

Seventy-one percent of students reported they had used alcohol at some
point in their lives. This percentage has remained relatively steady in
recent years.

"This study demonstrates the importance of incorporating a balanced
approach, education and enforcement, in trying to curtail this epidemic,"
said Greg Hamilton, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission chief of enforcement.

A list of activities for each school includes:

Bauer Magnet Elementary School

Today, "Just Say No" shirt day. Students will receive red ribbons.
Activities through the week include watching a drug prevention related
video, saying the Just Say No pledge, trivia questions and coloring
drug-free color sheets.

Tuesday, Put a Cap on and Turn Your Back on Drugs day. Students can wear
caps to school. Other activities are shooting hoops, not drugs and tying
red ribbons around trees.

Wednesday, Hugs Not Drugs day. Students can bring stuffed animals to school
and will create a list of activities to do instead of drugs.

Thursday, Shade Out Drugs day. Students may wear sun shades to school.

Friday, Give Drugs the Slip day. Students are encouraged to wear slippers
to school. Other activities include planting a red ribbon promise garden.

Kentwood Elementary

Today, Band Against Drug day. Student will receive red Just Say No wrist
bands. Each class will receive a "Drugs are Dumb" poster. Tuesday, Tie Up
Drugs Day. Students will tie red ribbons around school trees. Kindergarten
through second grade students will receive coloring sheets. Third and
fourth grade students will receive red ribbon pledge cards to sign.

Wednesday, Hugs Not Drugs day. Students may bring stuffed animals to
school. Activities for the day include hand and foot tracings. Thursday,
Red day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear red clothing.

Friday, Put a Cap on Drugs day. Students and staff may wear caps.

Moss Elementary

Today, Leaf Drugs Alone day. Students will write pledges to leave drugs
alone on leaves. The pledges will be displayed in the hallway. Students
will also tie red ribbons around school trees and receive write bands.

Tuesday, Be a Good Sport and Stay Away From Drugs day. Students are
encouraged to wear their favorite team shirt.

Wednesday, Color Me Drug Free day. Students are encouraged to wear many
different colorful clothes and also bring a stuffed animals to school.

Thursday, Wear Red Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear red
clothing. A puppet show will be held where students will recite the pledge.

Friday, Say Boo to Drugs day. Students can wear costumes. A costume parade
will be held in the cafeteria.

Marcy Elementary

Today, Band Against Drug day. Student will receive red Just Say No wrist
bands. Each class will receive a "Drugs are Dumb" poster. Tuesday, Tie Up
Drugs Day. Students will tie red ribbons around school trees. Kindergarten
through second grade students will receive coloring sheets. Third and
fourth grade students will receive red ribbon pledge cards to sign.

Wednesday, Hugs Not Drugs day. Students may bring stuffed animals to
school. Activities for the day include hand and foot tracings. Thursday,
Red day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear red clothing.

Friday, Put a Cap on Drugs day. Students and staff may wear caps.

Washington Elementary

Today, Just Say No Bracelets. Students in each class will sign and display
a poster pledging to remain drug-free. During the week, McGruff the Crime
Dog will deliver a message on the morning announcements.

Tuesday, Tie Red Ribbons Around Trees.

Wednesday, Spell It Out Day. Students will use Styrofoam cups to spell out
a drug-free message on the front fence. Thursday, Wear Red day. Students
are encouraged wear an item of red clothing.

Friday, Sock it to Drugs. Students are encouraged to wear colorful socks to
school.

Goliad Intermediate School

Today, Drug Awareness Wrist Band.

Tuesday, Red Door Decorating Contest. A red balloon launch will be held at
2:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Red Day. Students and staff are encouraged to wear red.

Thursday, Double Up Against Drugs day. Students will team up with a friend
and dress as twins.

Friday, Say Boo to Drugs essay contest. Winners will receive free ice cream
or Fruitopia coupons.

Big Spring Junior High School

Today, Sock Out Drugs, Spirit Day: Crazy Sock Day.

Tuesday, Change Your Hair Style, not Your Life Style day.

Wednesday, Don't Get in Trouble, Dress Like a Double Spirit Day.

Thursday, Put a Cap on Drugs. Students are encouraged to wear caps to school.

Friday, It's been a Great Week, so Dress Like a Geek, Spirit Day.

Big Spring High School

Today, student council officers will tie red ribbons around campus and pass
out wristbands. Tuesday, Wear Red day. Faculty and students are encouraged
to wear red.

Wednesday, student council officers will tie red ribbons on car antennas.

Thursday, a special tribute will be given over the school's PA system.

Forsan ISD

Today, hand out red ribbons and pledge cards to students.

Tuesday, anti-illegal drug coloring sheets.

Wednesday, wear red day.

Thursday, decorate grocery bags from H-E-B with preventative messages.

Friday, each student will write their own reasons for being drug-free.