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Each year, the final week of October is recognized as Red Ribbon Week, a time to recognize the problems associated with drug, alcohol and tobacco dependency. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention program and is administered by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The Knoxville school district has designated special theme days throughout the week to stress the importance of remaining substance free. Monday students and staff are encouraged to dress in red for “United We Stand” day, Tuesday is “Double Up Against Drugs” day where students are encouraged to dress like a friend, Wednesday is “We’ve Hat it with Drugs” where everyone is welcome to wear a hat to school and Thursday the district will “Say Boo to Drugs” and wear their Halloween costumes to school and visit West Ridge Nursing Home and Park Lane Village to show off their outfits. Parents are encouraged to send the same drug free message to their children and talk about these issues at home to reinforce the message.