LTHS celebrates Red Ribbon Week

Lyons Township High School will be adorned in red October 23-31 in honor of Red Ribbon Week, the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country, which serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand and make a commitment to drug prevention and a personal commitment to live drug free lives.

LT is recognizing Red Ribbon Week in a variety of ways, including:

· Personal slogan contest –Students can create a sentence or phrase that tells everyone what keeps them above the influence of drugs and alcohol. Prizes will be awarded for the most creative and the most representative of LT spirit.

· Quick Quizzes –A daily contest testing student knowledge of substance use and abuse.

· Posters –Beginning and Intermediate Drawing and Painting classes designed posters that will be displayed throughout both building.

· Red Ribbons –Staff are encouraged to wear a red ribbon on Thursday, October 23, to show support.

· Wear Red Day –On Tuesday, October 28, students and staff are encouraged to wear red in remembrance of those who have lost their struggle with alcohol and other substances.

In addition, peer leaders will decorate every doorway with a single red streamer to remind students of the significance of the week, and they will greet students and thank them for making safe choices whether it be for wearing a seatbelt or choosing not to drink. All students will be exposed to drug/alcohol facts when they sign on to LT technology and on LTTV. LT will host the annual Red Ribbon Breakfast, bringing LT alumnae Linda Lewaniak, Director of the Center for Addiction Medicine at Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health, back to LT to discuss substance use and abuse. Finally to round out the week, Student Assistance Coordinator Jeanne Widing and assistant principals will facilitate a lunch and learn for staff on the topic of drugs and alcohol.

Teachers will incorporate Red Ribbon Week themes into their classrooms as well. For example, students in several English classes will explore the theme of destructive decision making in their study of Romeo and Juliet. After completing their unit on substance use and its physical, mental, emotional and social consequences, all health students will create their own anti-drug/alcohol message. In Biology and English, BECCI students will address the question, “Do I control systems or do systems control me?” The unit will culminate in guest speaker Dr. Jami Walloch of Christ Hospital answering questions from students on a variety of issues including tobacco/drug/alcohol use and its impact on the body. Students also will complete a unit project of a persuasive letter requiring each student to research a poor behavior choice and articulate concern about its effects. Finally, in Advanced Placement Statistics, students will utilize a newspaper article about drinks per week to illustrate a skewed distribution.