Red Ribbon Week at
Maple Leaf Designed to Fight Drugs
A seasonal autumn day in the District provided a great
opportunity for students and a handful of community stakeholders to “cut the
ribbon,” as a kick off to Red Ribbon week at Maple Leaf Elementary School to
raise awareness and fight drugs. Members from the Southeast Chapter of the
Chamber of Commerce visited Principal Jean Rizi, Assistant Principal Kali
Strickland and the week’s organizer in the building Toya Owens-Hodge and about
100 students who gathered in the front lawn to officially kick-off the week
with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Specifically, Red Ribbon Week is a national
campaign for raising awareness and mobilizing communities in the fight against
drugs. Activities will be taking place all week long, including on Monday: A
pledge to not let friends bully or do drugs. Everyone was encouraged to dress
in the color red. On Tuesday, students were asked to “dare to be different,” by
wearing mismatched clothing. On Wednesday, students are asked to “be crazy
about their future” and wear crazy socks, hats or hair! Thursday will combine
Halloween and feature student selfies. On Friday, November 1st, when
the week culminates, students are being encouraged to wear their favorite
sports team attire. In all, Red Ribbon week at Maple Leaf will feature daily
themes in the effort to curb the harmful effects of drug use.