Warren Elementary counts down the top 10 reasons not to do drugs

Red Ribbon Week winners at Warren Elementary carry the book bags they received as prizes.

At Warren Elementary School – and other schools across Baltimore County, faculty and administrators go far beyond just telling students to say no to drugs; substance abuse awareness campaigns are seen as opportunities for students to use their critical thinking skills and creativity to understand the impact of drug use and encourage their peers to remain drug free.

Every year from October 23-31, Warren Elementary participates in National Red Ribbon Week, which, according to its sponsor, the National Family Partnership, is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program.
“Every year we celebrate Red Ribbon Week at Warren,” says school nurse Debbie Eberling, “but each year, we do something different. This year, we had students talk about substance abuse in their classes and then color in globes imagining a drug-free world. We hung the globes – more than 360 – in our lobby.”

In addition, during Red Ribbon Week, students were asked to submit reasons they would not do drugs. Twelve third graders, three fourth graders, and 61 fifth graders submitted entries. The top 10 winners, selected by the school’s principal, vice principal, and library media specialist, received book bags and water bottles.

Starting with number 10, Warren Elementary School’s Top 10 Reasons Not To Do Drugs are:

10.  I will not do drugs because you can become addicted and then it is very hard to stop taking drugs. Riley M., fifth grade

9.  I will not do drugs because you could get very ill, you could die, and you could go to jail. Deanna S., third grade

8.  I will not do drugs because second hand smoke is hazardous to all the people around you. Abigail C., fifth grade

7.  I will not do drugs because drugs will take over me and lower my self-esteem and confidence. Madison M., fifth grade

6.  I will not do drugs because they poison your body and your self-esteem. Chloe M., fifth grade

5.  I will not do drugs because it will make people think you are untrustworthy and they might never trust you again. Emma P., fifth grade

4.  I will not do drugs because it is not healthy, it is not the right choice, and it lowers your self-esteem. Alexandra G., fifth grade

3.  I will not do drugs because I want to live a good and happy life and be around for it so I can teach other students and children why they should not do drugs. Da’Nae B., fifth grade

2.  I will not do drugs because if you do kindergartners and first graders will be looking up to someone who is not making good choices. Then they won’t make good decisions either. Henry H., fifth grade

1.  I will not do drugs because I know they’re dangerous and bad for my health. Just because my friends do it doesn’t mean I have to. Lorenzo R., fifth grade

Substance abuse prevention activities at Warren Elementary are enhanced by the school’s membership in the HELPS (Health Educators Linking Parents and Students) Coalition. The HELPS Coalition include school nurses, parents, teachers, and administrators of several schools in the central area of Baltimore County as well as a number of community and government institutions such as First Step, the Baltimore County Police Department, Baltimore County Health Department, Greetings & Readings, and WMAR-TV. Participating schools include Dulaney High, Padonia Elementary, Cockeysville Middle, Pinewood Elementary, Ridgely Middle, Pot Spring Elementary, Carroll Manor Elementary, Sparks Elementary, Jacksonville Elementary, Warren Elementary, and Lutherville Elementary.

Established in 1999, the coalition seeks – through its classes, conferences, and guest speakers – to educate parents and youth about drug and alcohol abuse and support them in making responsible healthy decisions.

The HELPS Coalition provided the black bookbags Warren Elementary presented to its “top 10” winners.

Story by Sue Webb, Good News Ambassador and secretary, Warren Elementary School, and Diana Spencer, communications officer. Photos courtesy of Warren Elementary School.