Oakdale Elementary participates in Red Ribbon Week

Observed in the U.S. annually in October, Red Ribbon Week is an alcohol, tobacco and other drug and violence prevention awareness campaign. Oakdale Elementary welcomed and embraced this opportunity as a week-long celebration Oct. 3-7 to teach students to stay healthy, alcohol and drug-free.

On Monday, students wore red to symbolize that Oakdale is drug-free. That morning, students went out to the field for a one-mile walk to promote a healthy lifestyle. They also tied red ribbons on the fence to spell out “Oakdale.”

Tuesday was ‘inside-out day’ where students wore clothing inside out to say, “Don't let drugs turn your life inside out.” They also attended an assembly put on by the Unified Police Department, where officers spoke to the students in two groups about the dangers of drugs and how to make good choices.

Wednesday was ‘crazy sock day.’ Students came to school in crazy socks to “sock it to drugs and alcohol.” Thursday students wore yellow. Parents dressed up as gorillas and handed out bananas at lunch. The theme was, “Don't monkey around with the bad stuff.” Friday was ‘Lei off drugs day.’ Leis were handed out at lunch to wear with students’ Hawaiian clothing.

Drawings took place each day for students who dressed up the best, and students received little hand-outs to go along with the theme of the week. Pencils, wrist-bands and stickers were given to help the children remember the long-term goals they set throughout the week.

 “When we talk about setting and attaining goals, the lifestyle choices that we make really have an impact on reaching goal potential,” Oakdale Principal Alice Peck said. “The sooner they learn about the importance of taking care of themselves, and the devastating effects that making poor choices can have on their long-term goals, the better.”

Amy Rasmussen was the PTA board member who headed up Red Ribbon Week. “Red Ribbon Week is really a lot of fun at Oakdale. We try to promote it, not just with drugs, but also healthy living and lifestyle. The kids really get into it,” she said.