Archive for October, 2013

Don’t Be Tricked…Drugs are No Treat!

Trick or Treating Reflective BagKeeping kids healthy and safe is our top priority.  That’s why we encourage you to combine the drug prevention messages stressed during Red Ribbon Week with Halloween fun and safety.  Here are lists of drug prevention and Halloween safety tips for kids to keep in mind when out Trick or Treating and every day to lives from becoming ‘frightful!’

Don’t Get Caught in the Web of Drugs!

  • If someone offers you drugs, tell them to “bug off!”
  • Help others be drug free by telling them how scary drugs are.
  • Be Yourself.  You’re great the way you are!
  • Choose Your Friends.  Real friends won’t ask you to do things that are bad for you.
  • Stay away from all drugs, including medicines.  Only your parents or doctor should give you medicine when you’re sick.
  • Ask for help.  When you have a problem, talk to someone you can trust.

Stay Safe on Halloween:

  • Don’t get stuck in dangerous places.  Visit only well-lit areas and homes of people you know.
  • Use a flashlight so you won’t be surprised by things that creep and crawl in the night.
  • Make sure your costume lets you see and hear perfectly.  You need to be able to watch and listen for cars.
  • Wear brightly-colored clothing.  Put glow-in-the-dark patches or strips on your costume so drivers can see you.
  • Have your parent or guardian check your candy before you bit into it.
  • Make this and every Halloween a safe and happy one!
Oct 10, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

On the Rise: Prescription Drug Use Among Kids

Prescription drug use kills more children than car accidents.  Take a minute to let that sink in.  It’s a really hard thought to swallow, isn’t it?  As educators, that is why it is so important that we celebrate Red Ribbon Week – to promote a clean, drug-free lifestyle among students. The ever growing, extremely alarming statistics of drug use in America’s youth can be brought to a halt with your help.  By highlighting the dangers of prescription drug abuse in the formative years, more students will have the knowledge base to make smart choices; to skip the “rite of passage” experimental phase as many youth see it that could eventually take hold as a full blown addiction.

Prescription Drug BotlesIn the past year, non-medical use of prescription drugs in youth between the ages of 12 and 17 years-old was at 7 percent.  A main reason it has become so prevalent is because prescriptions drugs can be easily attained even at a young age.  They are finding the very drugs that can kill them right in their own medicine cabinet.  Without understanding the dangers of taking prescription drugs when they are not prescribed to them, kids will misuse what they can get their hands on to give them the high they are seeking.  Drugs like amphetamines, sedatives, ADHD medication such as Ritalin, and even over-the-counter cough medications are some of the top drugs being abused by our youth.

Our youth need us to help open their eyes to the imminent danger they put themselves in when they participate in recreational prescription drug use.  Their future is bright if there are no drugs in sight.  This year as you celebrate Red Ribbon Week, remember you could be making all the difference in the future of your students.

*Save 10% on Red Ribbon Week incentives and educational resources with promo code PLEDGE10

Oct 04, 2013 | 0 comments | View Post

Guest Blog: Kathryn Everest of the Fort Worth Independent School District on Disrespect

“Disrespect: it’s not okay!” is about the most exciting thing on the planet for us right now.  This is an initiative that allows kids control and is thriving!  Kids thriving, excited about their world is the greatest reward for an educator.

When adults turn kids loose to choose activities that promote respect, civility and integrity – they will be amazed.  Last year our INOK projects included a high school campus creating a day of “Hunger Games” designed as a fun day of games and activities between classes that raised enough money to feed 200 orphans for one year.  They are planning on doing it again “Catching Fire”.  Why?  “Hunger: it’s not okay!” Another campus teamed with AT&T to support “It Can Wait” because “texting and driving: it’s not okay!”

Students are teaming up with Kelly Clarkson and State Farm Insurance and the Celebrate My Drive campaignKelly Clarkson Supports INOK because “reckless driving: it’s not okay!”

Kids learn so much when they are the beginning and the end.  They identify issues requiring them to listen to each other.  They have to evaluate the data of student needs assessments.   They are in control.  They choose what matters to them, design a project and then they can be the change they want to see in the world.

Disrespect: it’s not okay is the underpinning of everything.  The concept holds up a student code of conduct, classroom rules, every discipline interaction – it is genius because it is simple, easy to follow and consistent.  It is genius because it is the work of kids!!!

This year our students have been asked by the City of Fort Worth do to the Diversity Forum for all city employees.  The students plan to encourage adults to create workplace environments that foster collegiality, creativity and productivity by embracing each other – and saying “disrespect: it’s not okay!”  Different is not better or worse – it’s just different!”  We all matter!

Oct 01, 2013 | 1 comment | View Post