EAST WHITTIER – East Whittier students took a pledge to be drug-free during an eventful Red Ribbon Week that included theme days and visits from Whittier High School students, Whittier Police Department and the local fire department.

Throughout the week, students wore shirts, shoes, sunglasses and the color red to correspond with the theme of each day to show support for their pledge. Every school in the District participated in action-packed events throughout the week to strengthen the concept of drug-free living.

Students at Ceres Elementary began their pledge on Monday, Oct. 24 with a Crazy Sock Day where students wore their wacky socks to show how they were “Socking it to Drugs” and received a visit from the local fire department. Students practiced “Shading Drugs Out” by wearing sunglasses, learned to “Stomp on Drugs” by wearing sneakers and wore their favorite team shirts to “Team Up on Drugs.” On the final day, Ceres students wore red to show they were “REDy to Say NO to Drugs” and head on the right path to success.

“Our Parent Teacher Association worked very hard in decorating our campus for the week,” Ceres Elementary Principal Julie Gonzalez said. “We take great pride in recognizing the importance of this week and sharing its significance with our students.”

At Leffingwell Elementary, Red Ribbon Week kicked off with performances from Whittier High School cheerleaders and pepsters before students wrote their names on a pledge banner. In addition, Associated Student Body representatives and athletes from Whittier High School spoke to students about how their success stemmed from being drug-free.

“Red Ribbon Week is an opportunity to remind our students about the importance of making good choices and listening to the adults in their lives,” Leffingwell Elementary Principal Dr. Scott Blackwell said.

Students also received a special visit from Whittier Police Department and McGruff the Crime Dog while they wore college/school shirts to promote the theme “Too Smart to Start.” Another day, students showed their patriotism by wearing red, white or blue during “United WE Stand” and got to high five a firefighter during the day. The remaining days allowed students to sport their favorite team shirts in “Teaming Up Against Drugs,” and participate in “The Force is Strong at Leffingwell” by wearing Star Wars attire.

“This week is extremely vital in informing our students of the dangers that come with drug-use and teaching our students ways to say no,” Superintendent Mary Branca said.

Photo Captions:

EWCSD_RedRibbonWeek1: Students from Ceres Elementary practiced “Shading Drugs Out” by wearing sunglasses to school during one of the activities for Red Ribbon Week.

EWCSD_RedRibbonWeek2: Associated Student Body representatives, athletes, band members and cheerleaders from Whittier High School spoke to students at Leffingwell Elementary about how their success stemmed from being drug-free.