Rallying for Health During Red Ribbon Week at Newbridge

Red Ribbon Week may have lasted only five days, but the lessons learned will last a lifetime for students at Newbridge Road Elementary School. From Oct. 26-30, there was a daily focus on decisions that foster healthy bodies and minds.
Each class signed a Red Ribbon Week pledge, with students adding their names as a promise to make healthy choices. Jumping Jack, a player from the Harlem Wizards basketball team, visited for an assembly on the importance of physical fitness and had student volunteers help him demonstrate ways to exercise using a basketball.
Morning announcements from the Students Against Destructive Decisions club provided students with healthy lifestyle tips. Children in grades K-3 drew images on paper shields showcasing ways they can protect their bodies, like exercising or eating fruits and vegetables. In grades 4-6, students watched a video about a soccer player who focused on healthy choices to achieve his goal of becoming a successful athlete, including overcoming peer pressure. The video was then followed by class discussions.
During the annual Rally in Red Run, students wore the symbolic color of the Red Ribbon Week campaign and went outside to exercise. There was also a homework-free night during which students were encouraged to do a healthy activity with their families.
Principal Amanda Licci said the focus of the week was giving students the tools they need to maintain healthy bodies and minds. She thanked school counselors Alexis Fassenfeld and Holly Sugarman for their support as well as the PTA which sponsored the basketball assembly.



