Cold Spring Harbor National Red Ribbon Week Raises Awareness

COLD SPRING HARBOR, NY — Cold Spring Harbor students and staff participated in the Cold Spring Harbor Unites initiative as part of National Red Ribbon Week, the school district announced. The school community enjoyed various grade-level activities.

National Red Ribbon Week is recognized each year in October as the nation’s largest and longest-running health and drug prevention awareness program. Schools across the country teach the importance of living a drug free life, healthy living and being kind to your mind and body.

On Oct. 25, staff and students districtwide wore red as a sign of unity. They attended assemblies, read books and participated in health classes focused on nutrition, anti-bullying, peer pressure and decision making.

Lloyd Harbor Elementary School hosted a red nutritious snack day offering apples, red peppers and watermelon to students during lunch periods to encourage healthy eating habits.

At West Side Elementary School, spirit days were held to encourage enthusiasm and raise awareness for Red Ribbon Week with a jersey day, superhero day and national wear red day.

At the Cold Spring Harbor Jr./Sr. High School, an assembly was held to discuss the opioid epidemic and Narcan interventions along with a Resource Fair where local support agencies set up booths for students to get additional information.

Interactive art therapy activities including guest panelists were also conducted in classrooms with discussions about the treatment aspect of substance abuse and addiction and how art can be used as a coping mechanism.