CAAT

Red Ribbon Week 2012 Proclamation Statement Given to the Adams County School District 50 Board of Directors Tuesday, October 9, 2012 Dr. Swanson, Dr. Flachman and members of the board, We thank you for your continued support in issuing the Red Ribbon Week Proclamation, something the School Board has done for almost all 27 years (since 1985) that the Red Ribbon Week campaign has existed. These framed proclamations line the walls of our office and help remind us where we have been as we are planning for our future. As part of this years celebration Red Ribbon materials have been distributed to area schools along with a planning guide containing many ideas for school staff to promote a No to drugs message to their students and to celebrate their choice to be drug free. During the last week of October you should see visual displays of red ribbons at some schools. National Guard helicopter fly-ins has already taken place at Ranum Middle School and Fairview Elementary School, with the possibility of others being scheduled for this month. The messages of Red Ribbon Week are especially important this year. We as adults need to give clear messages to our youth about the importance of being drug free and to celebrate their choice to be Drug Free. We are fighting for the future of our children and are concerned about constitutional Amendment 64, which will be on the ballot this fall asking voters to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes in Colorado. Legalizing marijuana in Colorado contributes to a dangerous and mixed message to our youth and, if passed, could increase the availability of marijuana, leading to increased use among youth in our community. We encourage the members of the Board and those in the audience to save their Red Ribbons and wear them during Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31. Thank you for your time. Mike Pascoe, PhD Chairman Westminster Area C.A.A.T.