Hurley students learn about healthy choices

HURLEY - Elementary students at the Hurley K-12 School showed their support of healthy choices, presented what they believe responsibility is and even silly-stringed their principal.

Throughout this week students have participated in the nationwide campaign called "Red Ribbon Week," devoted to making healthy choices about drugs, alcohol and bullying.

Monday kicked off the event with a "Team Up Against Bullies" day. Students wore their favorite team jerseys, hats or sports gear to school to show their support against bullying. Students also had crazy hair and socks on Tuesday for "It's Crazy to do Drugs and Sock it to Alcohol" day.

Wednesday featured the color red for Red Ribbon day, using the motto "I can, you can, we can say no to drugs and alcohol."

Students wore red and brought in canned or non-perishable food items to be donated to the local pantry.

In addition, the students participated in the citizens of the month ceremony on the character trait of responsibility.

Fifth grade students spoke on what they thought responsibility was, including how to be responsible to themselves, at home, at school and to the Earth. Eighteen students were honored for their responsibility.

After, elementary Principal Kevin Genisot announced the winning class of the PTO's fundraiser. The class selling the most for the fundraiser, Belinda Carroll's fifth grade class, was able to silly string Genisot.

"Well, I'm excited for this, but I read the fine print and I get to pick two more people to get silly stringed with me," Genisot told the students.

Genisot selected Hurley Police Department Sgt. Chris Colassaco and Superintendent Chris Patritto.

For two minutes, students lined the front of the stage and sprayed until their canisters ran out.

"That was a lot of fun," Genisot said, covered in different colored silly string.

The week of activities continues today with "Follow Your Dreams, Not Drugs" day, with students wearing their favorite pajamas. Friday features "Don't Mask the Harm Drugs and Alcohol Can Do to Your Life" day, featuring the students dressing up in their Halloween costumes.

The fun frolic was originally scheduled for the afternoon, but the varsity football team traveling to Spring Valley for the second round of the WIAA Division 6 playoffs, the school day will be ending at 12:30 p.m.

To accommodate the change, the fun frolic will start at 8 a.m. Students will parade throughout the auditorium at 8:15, followed by activities until noon.

For more information, call the Hurley K-12 School District at 715-561-4900, or visit hurley.k12.wi.us.