Oak Mountain Elementary School to participate in Red Ribbon Week

Oak Mountain Elementary School's Bluebird Ambassadors worked hard to prepare for Red Ribbon Week, which is Oct. 24-28, and put together a week of activities promoting healthy and safe choices among their peers.

“This is the third year that we’ve had the Bluebird Ambassador program,” said counselor Hayden Belisle.

The Bluebird Ambassadors is a group of student leaders selected their second grade year based on leadership skills to aid in decision-making for events throughout the following academic year. They also set examples for and represent their peers for feedback on various school events.

This month, the “great, fun, awesome little group” of 16 third graders is helping to plan activities for Red Ribbon Week, which raises prevention awareness across the nation against violence and the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs.

“We really focus on making good choices and healthy choices,” Belisle said.

Plans for Red Ribbon Week at OMES include a dress-up theme for each day.

• Monday, Oct. 24: “I am too bright to make bad choices!" (Wear bright or neon colors)
• Tuesday, Oct. 25:  “Follow your dreams; make good choices.” (Wear pajamas)
• Wednesday, Oct. 26: “From head to toe, I make good choices!” (Wear crazy hair or a hat and/or crazy socks)
• Thursday, Oct. 27: “Be someone’s hero; stand up to bullying.” (Dress like your hero)
• Friday, Oct. 28: “Team up to make good choices.” (Wear your team)

Throughout the month of October, the Bluebird Ambassadors also led their peers in discussions about making healthy choices. Each morning of Red Ribbon Week, they will read several messages relating each day’s central topic during morning announcements.

Belisle said topics range from “stranger danger” to the importance of only accepting medication from a legal guardian or nurse.

“These messages,” Belisle said, “will encourage students to consider a variety of situations in which they may have to make difficult choices for their safety or well being.”