In observance of National Red Ribbon Week, the Office of Student Life demonstrated a steadfast commitment to mobilizing and fostering student engagement in drug prevention endeavors. To inaugurate the annual campaign, all school counselors and Social Worker lls were provided with comprehensive Drug Prevention and Awareness Kits, consisting of charts, posters, prizes, and giveaways, to bolster Social Emotional Learning. Additionally, they were furnished with a packet of lessons and activities aimed at reinforcing school culture and climate, while facilitating access to education.
On October 25, 2023, the inaugural Red Ribbon Week Health and Wellness Fair took place at Newark Vocational High School, with over twenty community partners collaborating to educate and support our students. Notable participants included Sharon Suarez, representing Councilman Luis Quintana, the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, and Newark Community Health Centers, who provided services to more than one hundred students and parents. Concurrently, two contests were conducted to broaden student involvement, with winners being announced for the middle school poster contest and the high school Public Service Announcement (PSA) contest.