Photo submitted to Times Observer The Beaty-Warren Middle School Red Ribbon Week Committee and Northwest Bank are teaming up on this year’s Red Ribbon Week. Picture (from left) are Rylee Arlington, Loralei Johnson, Madison McDunn, Jenny Phillips of Northwest, teacher Kellie Blasco, Addison Schott, Lettie Christie, and Aaron Williams. Not pictured is Elianna Valencia.

Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.

Students in the Warren area will celebrate Red Ribbon Week Oct. 26 through 30.

Throughout the week, students will engage in activities that promote a drug-free and healthy lifestyle.

Each day students are encouraged to show their participation by dressing to match the daily themes.

At Beaty-Warren Middle School, Gary Lester will share on Monday what it means to ‘Be Happy,’ according to teacher Kellie Blasco. “All students will be given red beads to wear during the week to show they pledge to be drug free.”

Tuesday is Superhero Day — be brave and say ‘no’ to drugs.

Wednesday is a Red Out.

Thursday is ‘Favorite College Day’ — say ‘no’ to drugs and the future is in your control.

Friday is ‘Halloween Costume Day’ — don’t be afraid to say ‘no’ to drugs, Blasco said.

Northwest Bank is supporting the effort and students who participate can earn candy and prizes.

At St. Joseph Catholic School, the theme of the week is the same, but the days vary.

“Each day’s theme will remind the students how very important it is to keep drugs out of their lives,” Principal Nancy Warner said.

¯ Monday is ‘Put a Cap on Drugs’ — students may wear hats to school.

¯ Tuesday is ‘Sock it to Drugs’ — mismatched or crazy socks.

¯ Wednesday is ‘Wear Red’ — students may wear a red shirt with their uniform “to show you’re drug-free.”

¯ Thursday is ‘PJ Day’ — Dream to stay Drug-Free.

¯ Friday is ‘Scare Drugs Away’ — Halloween costume day. The school’s Halloween Parade will take place at 8:45 a.m. in the parking lot and will be canceled in case of inclement weather.

“Throughout the week students will be encouraged to make posters, write a paragraph or story, draw a picture, write a PSA relating to this year’s Red Ribbon Week Theme, ‘Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free,'” Warner said. “Please partner with us and discuss this message at home, at the dinner table, at family outings, and with friends and extended family. Ask your child about the activities that are happening at school to promote this important message.”

“Children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42 percent less likely to use drugs than those who don’t, yet only a quarter of teens report having these conversations,” she said. “Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the nation, is your opportunity to get the ongoing conversation started. Visit www.redribbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week.”