Rockwood declares Red Ribbon Week; substance-abuse supervisor outlines prevention programs and referrals

The Rockwood Board of Education unanimously adopted a proclamation designating Oct. 21—25, 2024 as Red Ribbon Week in the district and heard a detailed update from Michelle Erwig, the district—s school substance abuse supervisor.

Erwig said the district provided monetary support for 21 schools to run Red Ribbon Week activities and highlighted prevention programming across schools. "I was once again able to offer monetary support I think to 21 schools ... there will be spirit days contests decorations games and giveaways," she said. Erwig described local school activities and guest speakers, including a parent who shared a personal loss and DEA "One Pill Kills" presentations aimed at adults.

Erwig provided specific program numbers: 52 students completed the educational program in the 2023—24 school year; staff received 55 referrals from Dr. Gary Janson's office for 10-day suspensions and an additional nine referrals from parents and administrators in 2023—24; as of the meeting she had received 25 referrals for the 2024—25 school year. She also described the peer-specialist program piloted at Pathways in March 2024 and restarted Oct. 9, and a new self-paced online nicotine course from Stanford Medicine used as part of suspension protocols for nicotine violations.

Erwig said she plans to pursue a Teen Summit similar to one she attended in St. Charles that drew about 450 students and included recovery speakers. "They are very interested so that will be my focus for the second semester," she said.

The board approved the proclamation after Erwig—s presentation; no votes in opposition were recorded in the transcript.

The board did not take further formal action on the programs but received the update for ongoing implementation and outreach.