Hand in Hand... We Can Fight Drugs

This week was a busy week!  It was Halloween Week, it was Red Ribbon Week, and we completed a unit in reading (yes, I know, not as "colorful" as the other two events but still it made for a busy week! Thank you Scott Foresman!).  As the project is nearing and end and I collect data, observations, and reflections; the students began writing in their journals of the impact this project has had on them in everyday world.  I was overjoyed to see these reflections.... ( I will post photos of some reflections first part of next week). 

As this week was Red Ribbon Week Just Say No to Drugs.  The theme at my school was, "Hand in Hand We Can Fight Drugs" a perfect partner to my project!  I could not have planned it any better!  Each day this week had a theme and everyone dressed accordingly.  Monday: was "sock it to drugs" crazy socks were worn at school; Tuesday was "tie up drugs" neck ties were worn; Wednesday was "hats off to drugs"; red hats, wigs, headbands, bows, and ribbons were worn; Thursday was "shade out drugs" sunglasses/shades were worn; and Friday was "turn your back on drugs" all shirts were worn backwards.   We worked these themes into our "All Hands In Project" by relating the two facets together.  How helping a friend, schoolmate, classmate, neighbor etc could also help this person to stay away from drugs.  On Thursday the students in 4-6 grades had an assembly on drug/alcohol awareness and prevention.  The students returned to class needing to discuss what was learned and what was talked about.  I included the relationship between the two as the students talked to each other.  

Many of my students stated the best way you could help someone/anyone is by preventing them from doing something wrong/ harmful!  I was as proud as a mama lion is of her pride.  Unfortunately, my students are aware of the effects of drugs and many have known or know someone who has experimented or used drugs/alcohol.  One of their "what if" questions was, "what if __________________ had someone to help him/her make a better choice, what could have been prevented.   

Throughout the week, the students discussed ways they could help and also help keep the community "clean from drugs.  I was truly pleased to hear how the students responded on the importance of helping younger children learn to "just say NO!"  All in all it was a great week!  I love  observing my students growing together as a tighter unit.