Kelly Elementary Celebrates Red Ribbon Week

Students at Carmichael's brought Red Ribbon Week to a close on Friday with an assembly where they reaffirmed their commitment to say no to drugs.

About 350 students filed into the school's multipurpose room to hear from Sacramento County Sheriff's Dep. Wes Murrish about the national campaign against drugs. Most students and teachers wore red clothing.

"This sends a strong message that kids shouldn't do drugs," fourth grader Patrick Loken, 9, who was serving as "Principal for the Day" alongside regular principal Melissa Bassanelli, said before the assembly.

Kelly students had signed anti-drug pledges earlier in the week and wore red wristbands. Each day throughout the week, they wore certain clothes to symbolize an anti-drug message such as "don't be backwards with drugs" by wearing their clothes backwards, said Kelly parent and PTA member Sarah Hamner.

"It's important for kids in this environment that they know not to get involved with drugs," Hamner said. "We're an and we're focusing on kids being more responsible."

Kelly Elementary also held a banner contest among classes where the winning class will receive a popcorn party.

"The unfortunate thing is that drugs are happening an an early age for some kids," Murrish said. "They may not see it at school but thet see it at home."

The day concluded with a presentation by Sheriff's Sgt. Donna Cox and K-9 officer Asko, a German shepherd/Belgian malinois mix.

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See the story behind Red Ribbon Week here.