Drug-Free Youth
Drug-Free Youth (D-FY) is an organization through which students can make a commitment to be drug-free and join with others who have the same values concerning drug use. Students join through signing a contract and taking a drug test. DFY’s motto is “We are our best when we help others to be their best.”
D-FY members have the opportunity to assist with the organizational part of D-FY by going to elementary schools, assisting with assemblies and other peer influencing programs where they serve as positive role models; and there are additional activities that are available for members.
D-FY has organizations at all of the secondary school sites grades 7 – 12.
The Student Assistance Program coordinates D-FYactivities with the assistance of sponsors at each of the secondary schools (grades 7-12.)
To join, students agree to a contract to refrain from using illegal drugs. The contract/application has a student side and parent side. Both reads and signs the appropriate side. The student gets their information into our computer system, and they take a urine analysis drug test. They can also buy a DFY shirt. The cost is $10 for the shirt and $11 fior the drug test. There is a part to the application where parents can sign if they want to get involved with the program.
Annual Projects
Annual Student Invasion
Each fall, members from D-FY wear their red shirts and 'invade" the Union 6th/7th Grade Center, 10100 E. 61st, turning the school into a sea of red for an entire school day. D-FY members visit classrooms and talk to students in both grades about making healthy choices and steering clear of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
During the Student Invasion, seventh graders are encouraged to join the program, pledge to be drug-free and sign a contract. With parent permission, seventh graders also agree to submit to a drug test conducted at the school - usually around mid-November.
Red Ribbon Week - http://www.imdrugfree.com/
Union Public Schools is pleased to participate in Red Ribbon Week - the oldest and largest drug prevention campaign in the country. Although the start end dates may vary slightly depending on the school site, Red Ribbon Week generally takes place the last full week in October, with the weekends before and following the last full week included as appropriate celebration dates.
Red Ribbon Week serves as a vehicle for communities and individuals to take a stand for the hopes and dreams of our children through a commitment to drug prevention and education and a personal commitment to live drug free lives with the ultimate goal being the creation of drug-free America.
And, perhaps more importantly, Red Ribbon Week commemorates the ultimate sacrifice made by DEA Special Agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, who died at the hands of drug traffikers in Mexico while fighting the battle against illegal drugs to keep our country and children safe.
5th Grade Concert
Each spring, Union hosts a concert at the Union Multipurpose Activity Center, 6836 S. Mingo, for fifth graders for all Union schools as well as area schools. Members of D-FY come out in droves to help coordinate, but also to hang out with the fifth graders, including singing and dancing.
The high-energy concert is filled with medleys of popular songs, motivational speeches asking students to steer clear of drugs, alcohol and tobacco, and lots of dancing, singing, yelling and fun.
Union Public Schools hosted its 14th annual Drug-Free Youth and Character Counts 5th Grade Assembly and Concert Thursday, in March 2012. Approximately 2,200 students from Union, Bixby, Berryhill, Sand Springs and Glenpool attended.
Singer Ron Cole sang and inspired students to be drug-free while other students may give testimonials about the importance of good character.