Seaford schools tackle drugs and bullying

Students in the Seaford School District showed their support for the national prevention awareness campaign Red Ribbon Week and pledged to lead healthy lifestyles void of tobacco, alcohol and drugs during the last week of October. This year’s national theme was “Love Yourself. Be Drug Free.”

Throughout the week, students reinforced the drug prevention message with a series of theme days ranging from “Team Up Against Drugs Day” to “Drugs Are Scary Day,” which fell on Halloween. In addition to drug prevention, lessons also focused on anti-bullying.

At the middle school, Red Ribbon activities began with an assembly featuring guest speaker Rohan Murphy, who was born with legs that were deformed and amputated at age 4. Despite his disability, he went on to become a famous wrestler and spoke to students about determination, motivation, bullying, setting goals and overcoming obstacles. Discussions centered on the consequences of drug, alcohol and tobacco use, and their commitment to their school, community, and most importantly, to themselves to be drug and bully free. During lunch, students signed pledges to be drug-free and placed them on giant red ribbons in the cafeteria.

Activities at both the Harbor and Manor elementary schools centered on safety and how to make positive choices. Age-appropriate lessons, reinforced with puppets and songs, were delivered by the Child Abuse Prevention Services and the Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Topics such as, “CyberSmartz,” how to “Steer Clear of Bullies” and “What Tadoo-Safety Rules” were presented.

Social worker Sharon Klein spearheaded many of the elementary programs. She noted a new cyberbullying workshop this year, because it is a growing problem in the information age. “It’s definitely becoming more of an issue,” she said. “Younger and younger, kids are dealing with social media and that has contributed to a lot of bullying.”

At Manor Elementary School, teachers performed a puppet show for third and fourth graders called “Nic and Friends,” to illustrate the dangers of cigarettes and alcohol. Kindergartners and first graders also planted red tulip bulbs as a symbol of making good choices and leading healthy lifestyles. The week culminated in a “Pay it Forward” assembly where students learned the importance of spreading kindness and helping others.

At Harbor Elementary School, each grade created a bulletin board with a different message related to the week. Students and parents also decorated the outside of the school in red as part of a contest through RedRibbon.org. The school closed the week with an assembly called “Stop Bullying: Safe School Zone” presented by Master Oh of Ultimate Champions Taekwondo Academy.