This week of remembrance began with an assembly where we had the honor to meet Enrique S. Camarena's son as he shared the story of this true American hero. There wasn't a dry eye in the auditorium as Mr. Camarena shared memories of his father and the story of what eventually led to his death. He also challenged each of us sitting there to do as his father did... make an impact in our world. His father believed as a child, that he could make a difference, and that he did! Red Ribbon Week is celebrated by millions in America and around the world to help children make a commitment to remain drug-free throughout their lives.
For me, this conversation was all too familiar. On October 27 of last year, I got a phone call from one of my brothers informing me that my mother had passed away. Although I had only known her for 5 years, nobody could ever be quite ready for this type of news. The truth of the matter is that I didn't lose my mom to cancer, or an accident of some kind, rather, I lost her to a very potent weapon in this world today. A weapon that is sold on our streets, sold to teens, and is often the theme of popular songs. This weapon is drugs. My mother died of complications due to the hard use of drugs her entire life. She was only 52. I miss her every day and wish I could have one more moment with her. I shared about my mom with my students. I allowed them to see the pain, the sadness, the grief of a person, a real person, right before their eyes who has been directly impacted by the abuse of drugs by a family member. I urged them to make a promise to themselves that no matter how difficult life may get, that drugs will never be an option. This conversation, along with the assembly this morning were enough, I believe, to make an impact in the lives of these 10 year-olds. Josa's Jaguars pledge to be drug-free! "Minions tienen ojos grandes para ver... que las drogas no deben querer... ni ser parte de nuestro ser!"
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AuthorI am a new Assistant Principal 17+ years under my belt as a classroom teacher. Archives
June 2020
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