SG R-II Celebrates Red Ribbon Week

Nov. 12, 2020 – Ste. Genevieve R-II Schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 26 - 30. This year’s theme was “Be happy. Be brave. Be drug-free.” Even though some of the annual events were put on hold this year due to health and safety concerns, students and staff throughout the county were still able to participate in activities that promote healthy decisions. 

Third grade students throughout the county were able to experience an outdoor presentation by the local K-9 units. They had a chance to meet Corporal Ochs and his K-9 partner, Ares. Corporal Ochs talked about their work as a team and how Ares is specially trained for police work, including being certified in narcotic searches and apprehension.

Estrella Carmona, Nutrition and Health Specialist from the MU Extension, created a virtual presentation on the dangers of vaping and use of e-cigarettes. This presentation was shown to middle school-aged students, and the students submitted responses regarding how they would respond when offered a vape pen or e-cigarette. 

High school students participated in a live Zoom with Carey Portell from Think First Missouri, a program of the University of Missouri School of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, with a mission of preventing traumatic injuries through education, research and policy. The SGHS SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) officers attended the annual Red Ribbon Week proclamation signing at City Hall.

The schools also celebrated the theme through dress-up days, such as dressing up in camo, wearing pajamas to school or wearing a Halloween costume.

The Ste. Genevieve R-II School District would like to thank Mrs. Kristen Huffman for coordinating the events this year, along with Students Against Destructive Decisions for helping to plan the activities for this year, and the Ste. Genevieve County Sheriff’s Office, the Ste. Genevieve Police Department and the Ste. Genevieve County Memorial Hospital for their work in helping to reiterate and share the message to stay drug free. We would also like to thank local businesses and community members for supporting this program and spreading the message to make healthy decisions.