Posted: 11/19/03

FL schools mark Chemical Health Week with activities

Forest Lake Schools are marking Minnesota Chemical Health Week with a variety of activities.

From the elementary schools to the junior and senior high school level, the schools are working to bring safety and health issues to the forefront.

On Monday, red ribbons were distributed to students district-wide. The ribbons represent a commitment to living a chemical free lifestyle. Wearing a red ribbon is a pledge to not drink and drive, to not allow underage drinking and to work for prevention.

Wearing red ribbons has its rewards. Several Forest Lake restaurants, including many restaurants, are supporting the campaign by offering discounts and gifts to students showing their red ribbon on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

ìWhat great community support we get for this event, said Chuck Moses, Safe and Drug Free Schools Coordinator. ìThis is a major coordinated event between the schools and the community.î

That day also is wear red day, where everyone in the community is asked to wear red.

The week coincides with D-Day, also known as the Great American Smoke Out on Thursday, Nov. 20.

Thursday also is SADD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) Awareness for Life days.

Young people and their parents or other caring adults sign contracts for life, committing themselves to healthy lifestyles.

The youth pledges to strive to be chemical free and not to drive under the influence or accept a ride from someone who is under the influence. They promise to wear a seat belt, call for a ride if they need one and communicate with the adult about important issues.

The parent or adult in turn promises to communicate and provide sober transportation to the youth and not discuss it until later. The adult also pledges to not drive under the influence, seek sober transportation home and wear a seat belt.

As a reward to youth who sign the contract, the Safe and Drug Free Schools department will give out $25 gift cards to Target.

Moses and Kathy Bystrom, youth involvement coordinator also are advisors of SADD. They say parental support is vital in keeping kids healthy.

ìItís amazing to me how parents donít realize the power they have over their children,î Moses said.

Bystrom agreed.

ìThey need that stability,î she said. ìThey need somebody who will take charge for them. We should be doing everything we can as parents and teachers to keep our kids safe.î

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