CARLSBAD UNIFIED CONNECTIONS

Since 1985, October’s Red Ribbon Week celebrations have been a national symbol of hope. They remind families, schools, and communities about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse and the power of making safe, healthy choices.

Last week across Carlsbad Unified, schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week with creativity, school spirit, and powerful messages about making healthy choices. This year’s national theme, “Life Is a Puzzle, Solve It with Kindness,” reminded students that every good decision is a piece of a puzzle – a step towards a meaningful, successful life.

“Red Ribbon Week is my favorite time of the year,” reported a Magnolia student.

From chalked sidewalks and colorful ribbons to themed dress-up days, our campuses were festooned with positivity. Students and staff joined the fun — wearing Halloween costumes, pajamas, sports jerseys, red clothing, dressing as Adam Sandler, or even as one another!

At Poinsettia School, the popular spirit days included “Dress Like a Friend” (Friends don’t let friends make bad choices!) and, with Halloween costumes, “We Scare Bad Choices Away.” Calavera Hills Middle School teachers switched things up, dressing like students for the day.

Art, activities, and creativity were everywhere. Buena Vista Elementary embraced the message, “Where no one is like you,” with a giant puzzle-piece poster, and students made bookmarks to spread words of encouragement. At Aviara Oaks Elementary, Girl Scouts chalked the sidewalks with positive messages, and students joined a ribbon coloring contest. Students at Hope Elementary painted rocks with kind messages and pictures, and Magnolia Elementary students designed custom buttons and celebrated their schoolwide RRW theme of PRIDE — Preparation, Responsibility, Integrity, Determination, and Engagement.

“I love Red Ribbon Week,” said Magnolia principal Craig Leach. “This is a time when school spirit, creativity, and fun come together with powerful messages about living healthy lives and making good choices.”

The focus on wellness and healthy choices went beyond words — with Jimbo’s donating hundreds of apples to encourage students to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, and Carlsbad Police Department motorcycle officers leading students into school, cheering them on towards a healthy, safe future. And, through fun movement activities and games, students were reminded about the importance of getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and staying active.

There also were lots of special events and assemblies across the district. Each school sent students to a meeting of the Carlsbad City Council, where they were recognized with a proclamation supporting the goals of Red Ribbon Week.

In addition, schools put on a variety of special events highlighting character, health, and friendship:

• Aviara Oaks Elementary hosted the “Principles of Character” magic show.

• Hope Elementary celebrated with a DJ dance party and “Dancersize.”

• Jefferson Elementary held a jump rope competition, while Kelly Elementary and Calavera Hills Elementary had festive costume parades.

• Magnolia Elementary and Buena Vista Elementary welcomed exciting BMX assemblies.

• Pacific Rim Elementary featured a “Ride the Wave of Healthy Choices” beach day and self-defense lessons from Double 5 Jiu-Jitsu.

• Aviara Oaks Middle School enjoyed brunch activities each day, and Calavera Hills Middle School capped the week with a Halloween social event sponsored by the PTSA.

• At Carlsbad High School, CHSTV welcomed ASB students who promoted healthy choices and discussed the dangers of drugs, alcohol, and vaping. Student Chase Harris said, ”Red Ribbon Week brings us together to talk about living drug-free and making choices that lift us up. Our school chooses health and respect.”

While the celebrations were full of laughter and fun, Red Ribbon Week offered an important opportunity for families, staff, and students to talk about the dangers of substance abuse and positive ways to manage life’s stress and challenges.

“Carlsbad Unified’s Red Ribbon Week celebrations help students to envision their bright, positive futures. They are a reminder that every person, every choice, and every puzzle piece matters,” said Superintendent Andrea Norman. “Together, we’re helping to create a world where kindness, health, and good choices fit perfectly together.”