As a way of saying NO to drugs, the Panther Valley Middle School held a series of programs for Red Ribbon Week on October 23 through Oct. 31.

Student Council members played a large role in planning the activities. Beginning Monday, each student was given a lollipop and bookmark.A fundraiser consisted of selling paper red chains for a quarter during lunches. The seventh graders were the winners, selling 1,648 chains and earning $800.75 to be donated to a local food bank and animal shelter. The seventh graders are entitled to a dance during a school day as a reward.Sixth grade sold 1,157 chains, and eighth grade sold 1,283 chains.Dodge Drugs was a dodge ball tournament. All faculty and students were in the gym for the last two hours to participate in the tournament, and draw names for prizes.Theme days were Monday - "Get out of Bed,, Wear Red" (wear a red shirt); Tuesday - "Stay in the Game, Be Drug Free" (wear your favorite team shirt); Wednesday - "Say Peace out Drugs" (wear clothes from the 50's-80's); Thursday - "Kick Drugs Out of Your Game" (wear different colored shoes and/or laces); and Friday - "Show your School Spirit: Drug Free" (wear black, gold and white with jeans).A Drug Free movie was shown to all grades and posters/signs were made by computer students.Prizes were awarded to students from generous sponsors in the area.