Since 1988, Red Ribbon Week has been celebrated nationally, and NISD schools have many activities planned throughout this week to do their part to encourage children of all ages to be "drug free."

The Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities sponsored a district-wide Red Ribbon Rally at Jay HS Oct. 29. The keynote speaker was Sandra Camarena, the sister of slain DEA Agent Kiki Camarena, for whom Red Ribbon Week was named.

Other activities happening or having already happened at campuses include:

• A poster contest at Leon Valley and Blattman ES
• Chains made by students and a bulletin board decoration at Scobee ES

Brandeis students stay drug free and glamorous

The theme to Brandies' second Red Ribbon Week was "You Can Still Be Hollywood Glamorous and Stay Drug Free." As part of the week's events, the Brandeis counseling office hosted a Red Carpet Walk of Fame honoring fallen hero and DEA Agent, Enrique "Kiki" Camerena, in whose memory Red Ribbon Week was established. Students, teachers, staff, and administration dressed up in their best red carpet event outfits and walked down the red carpet pledging to be drug free while still staying glamorous.

Students received red ribbons when they walked the red carpet, and students and staff took their pictures with the Walk of Fame "Stars" made by teachers Daniel Perez and Mila Castro. In addition to the spot lights and glitz of the red carpet events, counselors also hosted a signing event in the cafeteria during lunches. Students signed their own personal walk of fame star pledging to be drug free.

Esparza students dress up to fight drugs

Students, teachers, and administrators culminated Red Ribbon week with a Book Character Dress Up Parade at Esparza ES.

Hats off to Leon Valley

Leon Valley staff celebrated "Hats Off to being Drug Free" by wearing crazy hats or any hat to show that they pledge to live a drug free life.

Special guest serves as grand marshal for Mary Hull Red Ribbon parade

Sandra Camarena, sister of slain DEA Enrique "Kiki" Camarena - in whose memory Red Ribbon Week was established - served as grand marshal for Mary Hull's annual Red Ribbon parade.

In addition to staff and students, participants in the parades included Ronald McDonald & Hamburglar, State Farm Mr. Bear, Mission Ballapino, HEB Buddy, Papa John Mr. Slice, Wienerschnitzel Delicious One, Peter Piper Rocky, Chuck E Cheese, NEF Apple Eddie, DEA Armando Talamantez and McGruff.

Also participating were the Jay HS Band, AFJROTC, Dance Team, Cheerleaders and mascot; Jones MS Band; OLLU Cheerleaders, Dance Team and mascot; UTSA mascot and cheerleader, Shriner's Alzafar Red Roadsters and clowns; and NISD Safe and Drug Free counselors.

McDermott says "Boo!" to drugs

Like many schools in NISD, McDermott ES celebrated both Halloween and Red Ribbon Week at the same time. McDermott classes decorated doors to help spread the message to students about the importance of staying drug free.

Ronald McDonald helps Michael ES celebrate Red Ribbon Week

In honor of Red Ribbon Week, Michael ES Counselor Julia Gonzalez invited Ronald McDonald to make a presentation to students in pre-kindergarten through second grade. Ronald McDonald talked about the importance of being safe and making good choices.

Timberwilde takes a bite out of crime

McGruff the Crime Dog and his crew of San Antonio Police Department officers were special guests at Timberwilde ES's "Just Say No" Red Ribbon Week Rally led by Vice Principal Brenda Turnbow.

Students learned about the dangers of drugs, Halloween safety tips, and participated in an anti-drug pledge. The choir, led by Music Teacher Sandy Musk, entertained the students with song about drug awareness and safety.