Student spin wheel, plant tulips to stay away from drugs

Washougal — Middle School students in Washougal spent the week of Oct. 23-31 focusing on drug prevention and making healthy choices during Red Ribbon Week. This year’s event theme was “Your Future Is Key, So Stay Drug Free.” The students worked with Wendy Butler, educational services district prevention intervention specialist at Jemtegaard and Canyon Creek middle schools. Butler played interactive games with the kids, including one where they spun a large wheel with a variety of activities listed that people use as their “natural high.” Students were asked to describe how that activity is fun, so they could see there are lots of different interests that can draw people away from drugs. They also took part in a new activity for the week called Planting the Promise, in which Jemtegaard sixth-graders and Columbia River Gorge Elementary School fifth-graders planted tulip bulbs that will grow into red flowers and serve as a reminder of their pledge to remain drug-free.