By Sarah Moskowitz
O'Moore's visit was just one of many events collaborated by Herber's health education teacher David Sklar and social worker Eileen Duffy for Red Ribbon Week. The week is dedicated to fighting substance abuse and teaching children about the harmful effects of using drugs.
"The message I'm hoping that [students] get is how dangerous substance abuse is and how destructive it can be in your life, and they can make more positive choices," said Duffy.
Students in middle school are at an age where they may be faced with drug offers and making decisions, said Duffy. With the intensive programming all last week, Sklar said he hopes students got a reality check of the consequences of drug use and just say no.
"I hope they will be a little shocked that...if they have drugs on them...and if they get caught, they're going to pay the price, and that at anytime this could happen to them," said Sklar.
The K-9 unit in Nassau County consists of six officers and two dogs. The dogs are trained to seek out marijuana, hash, heroin, cocaine and crack using the real drug and not a "pseudo" substance because of the genuine smell, said O'Moore. Dogs are trained to search items and packages, not people, and they also learn criminal apprehension, otherwise known as bite work.
"I hope that kids get the message: stay off drugs," said O'Moore.
Duffy said the purpose of the assembly was to let the students know how serious officers are about enforcing drug laws and to address the legal implications of drug use. For several students, the message stuck.
"You shouldn't do drugs because it's not right for you," said sixth-grader Ryan Rowe. "There's better things to do, like hang out with your friends."
"Drugs are not healthy for you," said sixth-grader Javon Boykin. "You could die."
In addition to the assembly, students and faculty were encouraged to participate in thematic costume contests during the week, in which prizes were given to the most creative attire.
"It's been a really fun way to get the message out," said Duffy. "We're hoping next year to get even more of the community involved."
