Have you heard of Kaiserslautern Middle School (KMS)? KMS is a federally operated school managed by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA), which is responsible for planning, directing, coordinating, and managing pre-kindergarten through 12th grade educational programs on behalf of the United States Department of Defense (DoD). Over the last few years, KMS, which is located in Kaiserslautern, Germany, has planned and participated in various Red Ribbon Week activities.
This year, KMS counselors and PTSA members have joined forces to create a host of fun and educational activities for their students, including a poster art project featuring this year’s Red Ribbon Theme, Be Happy. Be Brave. Be Drug Free.™ Samples of their creative artwork are currently on display in the commissary, post office, café, and community bank, all of which are located on the Vogelweh Military Base in Germany.
“Having a serious conversation with this age group can make a difference,” said Susan Sondermann, current KMS PTSA President. “We want our students, teachers and parents talking to each other about the risks and the realities related to drugs and alcohol which is especially important in the military community,” she adds. “Military kids go through so much from family separations due to deployments, to multiple moves. It’s not easy.”
As part of their extended Red Ribbon Week celebrations, local school administrators will be featured on the Armed Forces Network (AFN) Radio to discuss the importance of drug and alcohol prevention this month. The KMS PTSA is also sponsoring a writing competition and hosting a Red Ribbon Spirit Week which will highlight the following: "Don't Get Tied Up in Drugs,” "Team Up Against Drugs and Violence" and "Dreaming of a Drug-Free World." KMS will also be participating in the National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest, which is open to legal residents of the United States.
“Past research has shown that the hardships military kids face can lead to an increased risk when it comes to drug and alcohol use, said Sondermann.” We are passionate about Red Ribbon Week because of the message it sends. We want the best for our kids. We want to see them be happy. We already know they are brave, and above all we want to see them be drug free!”
