Dear Mission Hills Families,

Next week is Red Ribbon Week (Oct 23–31) — a time to reflect on the choices our teens make and how those choices shape their futures. This year’s theme, “Life Is a Puzzle. Solve It Drug Free.”, reminds us that every decision contributes to the bigger picture of who our teens are becoming. Red Ribbon Week is the nation’s largest and longest-running drug-use prevention campaign.

At Mission Hills, we’re committed to supporting our students in making healthy, drug-free choices. To assist you in this important work, we recommend the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s guide, Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide to Prevention. This resource offers:

• Insights into the risks of substance use among teens.
  
  

• Strategies for effective communication with your teen about drugs.
  
  

• Tips for setting clear expectations and monitoring behaviors.
  
  

• Guidance on how to respond if you suspect your teen is using substances.
  
  

By engaging with this guide, you’ll be better equipped to have open, honest conversations with your teen.

Thank you for your partnership in fostering a community where our teens can thrive, make informed choices, and build a future they’re proud of.

Resources:

• https://up2sd.org/ 

• https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use

• www.justthinktwice.gov