Red Ribbon Week Teaches Students to Resist Drugs, Violence

Students and faculty members of the Robert R. Lazar Middle School are observing Red Ribbon Week this week, pledging together to take a stand against alcohol, drugs and violence.

According to Kelly McCorkle, Lazar's student support counselor, the Lazar students kicked off the week's events by beginning to decorate classroom doors Monday and wearing red bracelets to remind them of the week's purpose. The students will continue to decorate the doors through Thursday and on Friday, members of the community will come in and judge them, voting for their favorites. The judges will consist of school administrators, board of education members, Parent Teacher Committee (PTC) members, representatives of the Montville Drug Awareness Council and more.

One homeroom per grade level with the door that receives the most votes will be rewarded with a pizza party Friday afternoon sponsored by the PTC.

The students will also experience multiple assemblies to learn about the effects of drugs, tobacco, alcohol and violence. On Wednesday, eighth grade students will attend a fatal vision goggles assembly while sixth and seventh graders will watch an assmbly with the Improbable Players called "I'll Never Do That" on Thursday.

In addition to the conclusion of the door decorating contest, students and faculty members will "Rally in Red" Friday, as the school community will be encouraged to wear red clothing.

The theme of this year's Red Ribbon Week is "The Best Me is Drug Free."