Students at Humboldt Middle School are paying closer attention to the problems caused by drugs and alcohol, in part because of a national campaign and also because of the coronavirus, HMS counselor Darcie Croisant said.
The school celebrated Red Ribbon Week and Spirit Week last week. All classes, 6th through 8th, participated in a campaign to decorate doors. Students enjoyed the program and worked together as teams to come up with creative ways to promote drug awareness.
Students seemed to take the program more seriously this year, Croisant said. She attributed part of that to the coronavirus pandemic, because students appreciate being in school. Last spring’s closing of school buildings taught them to not take school for granted, she said, and they are more engaged in all facets of education.
“I think they take more pride in being in the school setting. It opened their eyes to what could be, and they realize this is a great environment,” she said.
The students also seem to have a better understanding of the dangers of drugs, including vaping. Many students know peers who use vaping products, and educational campaigns in recent years have helped them understand the dangers.
“The choices you make now can affect your future,” Croisant said. “If you start vaping, it can affect brain function and start addiction processes that lead to other drugs.”
STUDENTS also collected canned goods and non-perishable items to stock Humboldt’s food pantry. They called the program “Community Heros.”
“You can do something to promote good within your school and community,” Croisant said.
Eighth graders created videos to promote drug awareness. The videos were shown on a daily student-operated news channel.
“All the students watched them. They’re more likely to listen to their peers,” she said. “Overall we’ve been generally pleased with how much pride and how seriously they’ve taken the topics.”
