By Abigail Jarusiewicz, MSW Intern for The Path at Carteret Junior High School
Carteret Junior High School Fosters Kindness and Awareness
October was an exciting and productive month at Carteret Junior High School (CJHS), where the Path team hosted two major awareness campaigns: the Week of Respect and Red Ribbon Week. Both initiatives successfully engaged our 7th and 8th graders in promoting important values for our school community, focusing on anti-bullying and drug prevention.
The Week of Respect: Promoting Anti-Bullying
The Anti-Bullying Bill of Rights Act of 2010 designated the Week of Respect (October 6–10, 2025) as an annual event to encourage the prevention of harassment, intimidation, and bullying (HIB) and to promote kindness in all New Jersey public schools. Social and emotional learning plays a pivotal role in teaching students to treat others with dignity and develop healthy relationships.
CJHS Activity: Reflecting on Respect, Sound, and Feel
During lunch periods on October 6th, the PATH staff held a cafeteria event for our seventh and eighth graders at the JHS. We invited the students to reflect on what respect means to them. With colorful markers on poster boards, we had them each write their answer to at least one of the following questions:
- How does respect look?
- How does respect sound?
- How does respect feel?
The activity sparked meaningful conversations about kindness and empathy, and the posters quickly filled up with positive messages.
Red Ribbon Week: Drug Prevention Awareness
Red Ribbon Week (October 23–31, 2025) is our nation’s oldest and largest drug prevention awareness program. It began in honor of Special Agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, who was killed in 1985 while investigating drug trafficking. Since 1988, schools across the country have come together to educate young people about the dangers of substance use and to pay tribute to Special Agent Camarena.
This year’s theme was “Life Is A Puzzle, Solve It Drug Free”, which continues to serve as a timely reminder that we can each build a healthier future by avoiding drugs.
On October 30th, the students pledged to grow up drug-free by:
- Understanding the dangers of drug use
- Respecting themselves
- Spreading awareness about the importance of being drug-free
Community Pledges and Moving Forward
All in all, we had a productive and engaging month at Carteret Junior High School. A big thank you to our students for their enthusiasm and participation! Both events gave students the opportunity to reflect on their values and strengthen their sense of community. We look forward to hosting more programs throughout the school year!
Sources
Drug Enforcement Administration. (2025). Red Ribbon Week Is Oct. 23-31. Get Smart about Drugs; United States Government. https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/rrw
Greenberg, M. T. (2023). Evidence for Social and Emotional Learning in Schools. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/evidence-social-emotional-learning-schools-report
National Family Partnership. (2025). National Family Partnership Announces 2025 Red Ribbon Week Theme: “Life is a Puzzle, Solve it Drug Free.TM.” Red Ribbon. https://www.redribbon.org/blog/national-family-partnership-announces-2025-red-ribbon-week-theme-life-is-a-puzzle-solve-it-drug-free
New Jersey School Boards Association. (2024). NJDOE Provides Guidance on Celebrating the Week of Respect. NJSBA. https://www.njsba.org/news-information/school-board-notes/njdoe-provides-guidance-on-celebrating-the-week-of-respect/