Monday kicks off Red Ribbon Week at Denair Elementary Charter Academy – five days full of
events that encourage students to be drug free. This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme is “Be
Brave. Be Kind. Be Drug Free.” Each individual day of the week also has its own unique theme.
Monday: “Red-y to be Drug Free.” Students are encouraged to wear red – the official
color of commitment to living a healthy, drug-free lifestyle.
Tuesday: “Hide from Drugs.” A day for students to wear camouflage clothing.
Wednesday: “Piece Together Your Dreams.” Students can wear their comfy pajamas to
school.
Thursday: “Life is a Movie.” Students can dress as their favorite movie or cartoon
character.
Friday: “Costumes are Cool, Drugs are Not.” Students get to don their school-approved
Halloween costumes (no masks and no inappropriate attire).
DECA’s annual Halloween parade will be held Friday. Gates open for parents at 8:35 a.m. and
the parade begins at 9. Students are encouraged to wear school-approved costumes.
Also on Friday, students will have the opportunity to take part in a Día de los Muertos (Day of
the Dead) celebration. This joyful Latin American tradition honors and remembers loved ones
who have passed away.
As part of the celebration, families often create beautiful ofrendas (altars) decorated with
photos, sugar skulls, favorite foods, drinks, flowers, battery-operated candles, books, and other
special items that represent their loved ones.
DECA students will have the chance to view these altars and learn about the history and
cultural significance of Día de los Muertos. While school is in session, this will be a DUSD
student-only event. However, the district invites families and community members to join the
celebration after school in the old cafeteria, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. to view the altars and take part
in this beautiful tradition.
Friday is also a big day for Denair Middle School, which will hold its Boo Bash dance – wear your
costumes! – in the DMS gymnasium. Tickets are $5 with an ASB sticker, $7 without, and $10 at
the door.
On Thursday, the Denair High School FFA program will hold its Trunk or Treat celebration from
6 to 8:30 p.m. in the DHS parking lot (decorated vehicles should plan to arrive by 5 p.m.).
Admission is free. The event will feature trunk-or-treating, a costume contest, a car-decorating
contest, pumpkin painting, music, games, and a raffle for attendees dressed in a costume.
Early release schedule will be in effect all this week for DECA students for parent-teacher
conferences.