What: Red Ribbon Week Wristband Distribution
Who: Local school district representatives
When: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. October 20
Where: ESC Region 12, 2101 West Loop 340 in Waco
WACO, Texas - Education Service Center (ESC) Region 12, in partnership with Drug Demand Reduction Civil Operations Office, will provide Red Ribbon wristbands to schools across the region in recognition of Red Ribbon week, October 23-31.
This year, 80,000 bands will be picked up by representatives from over 120 schools in a COVID-19 mitigated "drive-through" system (for less contact) on October 20 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. "This is my eight year coordinating this event at ESC Region 12, and I was privileged to get the bands as a counselor for years before coming to work at the service center, " said Jenipher Janek, ESC Region 12 counseling specialist and regional crisis response team leader.
Red Ribbon Week is an annual drug awareness campaign organized by the National Family Partnership (NFP). The initiative aims to educate all students grade K through 12 on the dangers of drugs and the benefits of living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. The students wear the wristbands each day during Red Ribbon Week to serve as a reminder for kids to "Band Together Against Drugs."
Janek, says "The Red Ribbon wristband distribution to our schools has taken place for many years and is a staple in the drug-free campaigns that our schools conduct annually. It's perhaps one of the most important lessons we can teach our kids to help them grow up to be safe and healthy".
About ESC Region 12
Education Service Center Region 12 focuses on helping schools save money and leverage resources into the classroom. One of 20 regional education service centers statewide, ESC Region 12 offers training and expert assistance to educators and school personnel in order to increase student achievement. ESC Region 12 offers effective, economical programs and services through professional development, expert assistance, direct services and alternative educator certification.
Based in Waco, ESC Region 12 serves 76 school districts, 10 charters and private/parochial schools in Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Limestone, McLennan, Mills and Navarro counties. Everything the center offers focuses on helping educators be successful and helping schools save money and leverage resources—driving more money to students in the classroom—where it matters most.