Palm Springs Unified Schools Prepare for Red Ribbon Week

Schools across Palm Springs Unified School District are preparing to observe Red Ribbon Week, the nation’s longest-running drug awareness and prevention campaign.

While activities will vary from elementary through high school, the message remains the same: encouraging students to make healthy choices and stay substance-free.

“It’s very easy to get influenced into taking substances, especially by peers who you might think are cool and stuff, and so I want them to remember that they have a choice,” said Wellness Ambassador at Palm Springs High School Giselle “Jules” Arias Parra. “A lot of students in our district may also feel afraid to speak up about it.”

PSUSD Student Services Director Lisa Todd said the district is focusing on more than just telling students to say no to drugs.

“We’ve got mental health therapists available. We have wellness centers, and we’re really explicitly trying to teach students how to handle life’s challenges without utilizing substances,” Todd said. “Just encouraging that communication, monitoring what they’re doing on social media, but also allowing students to talk about stress or other experiences that they’re having. Parents can also always reach out to school site staff.”

At the elementary and middle school level, counselors and prevention specialists will lead campaigns to raise awareness. High schools will emphasize student well-being and healthy coping strategies through wellness centers and peer support programs.

Palm Springs High School wellness ambassador Gemma Santacruz said she hopes students remember the impact their decisions can have.

“Don’t try them, and know that it won’t just be affecting you, but others too,” Santacruz said. “I believe that Red Ribbon Week is important because it can help us create a better community.”

Red Ribbon Week runs from Oct. 23–31. The district encourages families to follow their schools’ social media pages for details about spirit week events and ways to get involved.