Let’s be real—putting our phones down is hard. Notifications buzz, emails pile up, and the scroll is endless. But while we’re glued to screens, our kids are watching. They notice when our attention is split between them and a device. They also notice when we choose them over the phone.
Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school
The start of a new school year brings excitement for some children—but for others, it sparks worry and fear. Back-to-school anxiety is more common than many parents realize, especially after long breaks filled with flexible routines and comfort at home. Recognizing the signs and providing calm, consistent support can make all the difference in helping kids feel confident and ready to learn.
Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school
The back-to-school season brings more than just new schedules, supplies, and routines—it also carries a big emotional shift for children. Transitioning from the carefree days of summer to the structured demands of school can spark excitement, stress, and even anxiety. As parents and caregivers, your support during this time is key to helping children feel confident and prepared for the year ahead.
Topics: positive parenting, peer pressure, red ribbon certified schools, parent peer group, family dinner, back to school
Topics: President's Message, high school, elementary school, middle school, Informed Families, red ribbon certified schools, preschool, back to school
Congratulations to our 2020 Red Ribbon Certified Schools: Eccleston Elementary, Lake Como School and Rock Lake Elementary in Orange County and Redland Middle School in Miami-Dade County.
Becoming a Red Ribbon Certified School is a distinguished achievement for schools focused on prevention and healthy student outcomes. The UCF Institute for Social and Behavioral Sciences at University of Central Florida assessed their performance in four areas: school environment, best practices in education, parent engagement and substance abuse prevention activities.
“Studies show that in the wake of the pandemic, youth are experiencing an increase in mental health issues like loneliness, depression, anxiety and grief. We expect to see an increase in alcohol and drug misuse to cope with the secondary effects of Covid-19,” said Peggy Sapp, Informed Families President and CEO. “The pandemic is highlighting the need for healthy environments and prevention practices as part of school culture. Schools offer more than just academics. They provide support and services to help kids grow up safe, healthy and drug free. We are so proud of all the schools that recognize the importance of prevention and have gone the extra mile to become Red Ribbon Certified.”
Topics: elementary school, middle school, red ribbon certified schools, drug free, miami, orange county
Informed Families newly-designated 2019 Red Ribbon Certified Schools include: Brownsville, Citrus Grove and Homestead Middle Schools in Miami-Dade County, FL; West Orange and Cypress Creek High Schools in Orange County, FL; and North Atlanta High School in Fulton County, GA.
The Red Ribbon Certified Schools in both Miami-Dade and Orange Counties received special recognition during the October School Board meetings in their respective counties.
Topics: red ribbon, high school, orlando, middle school, red ribbon certified schools, drug prevention, christine stilwell, recognition, miami, orange county
Red Ribbon Certified Schools, an Informed Families program, recognizes schools that improve academic performance by keeping kids drug and alcohol free, while engaging parents and the community. When families are looking for a safe school with a healthy environment, Red Ribbon Certified Schools are a good place to start. It's like the Good Housekeeping seal of approval for prevention.
Topics: red ribbon week, prevention, red ribbon certified schools
