Monday: Start the Conversation
Introduce the week and explain that Red Ribbon Week is a starting point for year-round prevention.
Tuesday: Talk, Listen, Connect
Have a 5–10 minute classroom conversation focusing on connection rather than a lecture about substances.
Students can discuss:
- Who are the adults you trust?
- What helps you when you're stressed?
- What makes it easier to make healthy choices?
- What would you do if a friend was struggling?
Family connection: Send home 2–3 of the conversation starters and encourage families to continue the conversation at dinner, in the car or before bed.
Wednesday: Build a Skill Together
Teach one prevention skill by choosing something students can use every day: handling stress, making decisions, coping with disappointment, managing peer pressure or asking for help.
Family connection: Give families a simple “Try This at Home” activity:
Ask your child: “What’s one thing that helps you feel better when you’ve had a hard day?”
Then share your own answer.
This helps parents model healthy coping, too.
Thursday: Know Who’s in Their Corner
Have students identify 3–5 adults they could talk to if they have a problem, feel pressured or need help.
Family connection: Ask parents to create their own list with their child. They can talk about:
- Who could you call if you needed help?
- Who could you talk to if you were worried about a friend?
- Who makes you feel safe and supported?
Big message: Kids need more than one person in their corner.
Friday: Prevention Is Every Day
Give students a small “Prevention Starts With Us” challenge to complete with their family.
For example: This weekend, choose one:
☐ Have a 10-minute conversation
☐ Do something together without screens
☐ Check in about stress
☐ Talk about making healthy choices
☐ Identify a trusted adult
☐ Ask, “How can I support you right now?”
Then end with:
Red Ribbon Week may be one week, but prevention happens every day — at school, at home and in our communities.