Students throughout the Bethpage Union Free School District celebrated Red Ribbon Week from Oct. 23-27. Red Ribbon Week is the country’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign and Bethpage students embraced it by participating in themed days, important discussions, and hands-on activities. One of the biggest ways in which the schools celebrated the week was through a partnership between Bethpage middle and high school students and elementary school students.
Members of John F. Kennedy Middle School’s National Junior Honor Society visited Charles Campagne Elementary School and members of Bethpage High School’s SADD Club visited Central Boulevard Elementary School and Kramer Lane Elementary School. The middle and high school students stopped by fourth and fifth grade classes to present on the importance of mental and physical health. The older students educated the younger students on the difference between the two and together, they brainstormed various forms of self-care and coping mechanisms. The classes also spoke about the importance of having a support system and not being afraid to go to someone when you need help.
“The presentation was really amazing,” said Charles Campagne fifth grader Juliette Joseph. “I knew some things but they taught me a lot and I really enjoyed that.”
Towards the end of each visit, the fourth and fifth graders received a Be Kind to Your Mind Toolkit which was a self-reflection packet. The older students walked each class through the toolkit and answered questions.
“It was great to see all these kids and teach them about mental health and physical health and the importance of it,” said Bethpage High School junior Chris Gomez. “I wish we had this when I was in the fifth grade because it’s a great experience.”
