Red Ribbon is a national anti-drug program that continues to be recognized and celebrated by GUSD. The practice of wearing red wristlets is a symbol by staff and students pledging their support for a drug-free lifestyle.

Background

Beginning in 1985, the annual National Red Ribbon campaign has served as a catalyst to mobilize communities to educate youth and encourage participation in drug prevention activities. The Red Ribbon Campaign was initiated as a result of an incident in 1985 when Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a dedicated undercover officer in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), was slain. Before joining the DEA, Camarena told his mother, “I’m only one person, but I want to make a difference.” In the true spirit of Camarena’s belief that one person can make a difference in the fight against drugs, GUSD supports this voluntary activity in our schools.

SDFS/TUPE Advisory Committee

GUSD campuses are safe and drug-free environments where students focus on attaining their educational goals and building positive and life-long healthy habits. The Safe and Drug Free Schools (SDFS) and Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Advisory Committees recommend both prevention activities and intervention strategies appropriate to each age level.

The Glendale Parent Teacher Association (PTA), as a member of the SDFS/TUPE Advisory Committee and in partnership with GUSD school sites, assists with Red Ribbon Week activities and the purchase of Red Ribbon Week-themed pencils and stickers for students and staff. Schools without a PTA are supported by the SDFS program and receive pencils and stickers as well. 

Other member agencies of the SDFS/TUPE Committee that support this and similar activities include the Glendale Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the American Cancer Society, Crescenta Valley Alliance, and the City of Glendale Neighborhood Services.

There are eight SDFS/TUPE Advisory Committee Meetings scheduled during the school year at which information and resources are identified by the respective agencies in a collaborative effort to support schools.

Red Ribbon Theme for 2021

The national Red Ribbon Campaign theme for 2021 is “Drug Free Looks Like Me. ™” In this spirit, the Glendale Unified School District is joining with the Glendale Parent Teacher Association (PTA) in promoting Red Ribbon Week activities during the week of October 25-29, 2021.  This theme will be reinforced by school site and classroom activities and lessons asking students to engage in the 4C’s (Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity) of 21st Century Teaching and Learning. Our campuses are safe and drug-free environments where students focus on their educational goals and build positive and life-long healthy habits.  The Safe and Drug Free Schools (SDFS) and Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE) Advisory Committee, recommends both prevention activities and intervention strategies appropriate to each age level. 

The PTA, as a member of the SDFS/TUPE Advisory Committee and in partnership with the school sites, assists with Red Ribbon Week activities and the purchase of Red Ribbon Week-themed materials such as pencils and bracelets for students and staff.  Schools without a PTA are supported by the SDFS program under the Student Support Services Department and receive the pencils and bracelets as well.  

Various PTA-sponsored activities at the schools may include assemblies, essay contests, and daily themes for students to show school spirit.