By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Blandford participates in Red Ribbon Week activities
Martis 101 Things
List of “101 Things to Do Instead of Drugs” from Mrs. Morris’ second grade class - photo by Photo provided

Blandford Elementary promoted Red Ribbon Week Oct. 20-24 with the theme for the week, “Keep Your Head in the Game!”

The week started off Monday morning with a theme song from “High School Musical" entitled “Keep Your Head in the Game.”  

Tuesday was “Elect to be Drug Free!”  Each homeroom brainstormed a list of “101 Things To Do Instead of Drugs.”  

On Wednesday each class worked to “Build A Wall Against Drugs” as students signed their names to their class brick and placed it on the wall.  

“Shade Out Drugs” was the theme for Thursday.   Students enjoyed wearing their sun shades.  

Friday, students were seen spending time reading during the “Hooked on Books: Not Drugs” observance.  

Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug awareness campaign.  It began in California in 1985.  In 1988, Congress proclaimed the first National Red Ribbon Week with President and Mrs. Reagan as honorary chairpersons. 

Observed the last week of October each year, schools, businesses and communities celebrate Red Ribbon Week in a variety of ways publicizing the value of a drug-free, healthy lifestyle. 

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
Would you like to keep reading?
You have 1 free view remaining. Use your last view to read more.