Drug Free is The Way to Be

The community came together in support of Red Ribbon Week that took place at Terrace View Elementary School from Monday October 5 to Friday, Oct. 9. Monday was wear red and ribbon tying day. Mayor McNaboe was present. Tuesday consisted of 60 athletic students from Grand Terrace High School arriving in uniform to read and talk to the youngsters about healthy activities and the importance of being drug free. Wednesday was western wear for “Give Drugs a Boot” and the poster bag contest took place. Thursday was the mix match clothing for “Don’t Get Mixed Up in Drugs” theme day. The events concluded on Friday when the mayor, fire department, and Vice Principal Grier awarded 14 student poster winners. The poster consisted of students creating a drug free message on a Stater Bros brown bag. All the bags were then filled with nonperishable food donations and given to the Women’s Club for families in need. Assistant Principal JoAnn Grier stated it’s a great week, and the variety of activities put together by the PTA will help the students to remember that drug free is the way to be. Ms. Grier said, “the great thing for me about this event is that the kids will be getting the idea that it’s a community effort coming together that is supporting this event. Thus, they can see that the adults around them are all here at once to give them the same message: Drug Free is the way to Be!” Christy Athey, PTA committee mom commented on the event, “I think its great we are bringing lots of awareness to the students and the community as it is very important to teach good habits to the students early on, because it's never too young to send a good message and all the events from this week have gotten the students excited to come to school, and ultimately it will help them remember that drugs are bad. Finally, if you don’t start you don’t have to stop.” Julia Firnkoess, Program Coordinator said, “We're healthy so lets help other families be healthy as well, so that when it’s time for peer pressure our children can stand up for what is right and make the right choices. Further, if I only educate my children and not my neighbors then what happens when my neighbor's children influence my children? Thus, this way by educating everyone we can influence each other in positive ways and thus all come out as winners. Everyone is so grateful for the contribution and support of Mayor Darcy McNaboe. When asked to reflect on the events of this week, the mayor responded, "This week has been inspired by the efforts from the community and Terrace View Elementary has done a great job hosting this event. Early education and staying away from drugs is very important as it promotes and increases opportunities for children to reach their full potential." Finally, the mayor concluded with expressing that she looks forward to seeing the expansion of these types of programs spreading throughout the district. Everyone came together with the goal of raising awareness in the community and educating children about the importance of staying drug-free. All of the support and donations of time and resources were appreciated.