- Seaford Union Free School District
- Overview
Seaford Students Commit to Healthy Choices
Students in the Seaford School District are serious about making healthy choices, and that commitment was celebrated during Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 26-30.
Schools took part in the national drug-abuse prevention campaign and this year’s theme was “Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free!” Students participated in activities and discussions focused on healthy living.
At Seaford Middle School, lessons took place during physical education classes. Social worker Amanda Smith talked about the history and purpose of Red Ribbon Week, while physical education teachers addressed the consequences of drug use. Students signed a virtual pledge that they would live drug-free lives.
There were also themed dress-up days, and students and staff kicked off the week by wearing red. They teamed up against drugs on Tuesday with sports jerseys, followed their dreams on Wednesday with pajama day, showed their Seaford Pride with green and white on Thursday and didn’t let drugs scare away their futures while wearing Halloween costumes to conclude the week.
Seaford Harbor Elementary School social worker Sharon Klein and psychologist Amanda Rinehart created Flipgrid videos with her Red Ribbon Week lessons that teachers could play each day for their students. Topics included bravery, gratitude and making healthy choices. There were themed dress-up days throughout the week from wearing bright colors to symbolize their bright futures, to being “crazy about being drug free” by wearing crazy socks.
Second grade teacher Katharine Black commissioned a friend who is a music teacher to write a song called “The Harbor Way” which reminds students of the practices they need to follow to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and also includes messages about kindness and leadership.
Seaford Manor Elementary School celebrated Unity Day on Oct. 21 which focused on acceptance, kindness and inclusion. Students and staff came together by wearing orange. They also enjoyed crazy hair day and pajama day. The focus throughout the week was building a school community where students support and encourage each other to make good choices.
“We had a great Red Ribbon Week this year at Manor,” social worker Jennifer DeMieri said. “We wanted students to understand why we dress up and the connection to making healthy choices. Our goal was to empower students to become positive role models for each other.”