Why October should matter to Indianapolis Students:
October mobilizes two powerful school movements at once: National Bullying Prevention Month and Red Ribbon Week (Oct 23–31)—the nation’s largest drug-use prevention campaign. These observances give schools a timely, high-visibility platform to reinforce pro-social choices, digital citizenship, and substance-free lifestyles.
The stakes for students (what the latest data say)
- Bullying is rising again: In 2023, 15–19% of U.S. high schoolers reported being bullied at school—an uptick from 2021. Cyberbullying remains a persistent risk.
- Bullying harms learning & mental health: It’s linked to depression/anxiety, lower grades, and absenteeism.
- Indiana snapshot: Schools reported 7,700 bullying incidents in 2023–24 (verbal was the largest category), showing prevention remains a real, local need.
- Prevention works: School anti-bullying programs reduce perpetration ~18–19% and victimization ~15–16%(meta-analysis).
- Connected schools protect kids: When students feel connected to school, they’re less likely to use substances, experience violence, or report poor mental health—and more likely to attend and achieve.
- Substance trends are low but vigilance matters: Teen use of most drugs remained low in 2024, underscoring that consistent, evidence-based prevention helps keep rates down.
Why choose The Magic Motivator – Jamahl Keyes
Jamahl blends mind-boggling magic, clean comedy, and story-driven teaching to create Indianapolis School assemblies students actually remember—and use. His programs are built on WSCC/SEL principles (Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child) and best-practice prevention (interactive learning, relevance, rehearsal of refusal skills, and positive norms). CDC+1
Curriculum-connected, age-right design:
Elementary (K–5):
- Core themes: Kindness, inclusion, how to ask for help, saying “no” with confidence
- Skills: naming feelings, safe adult triangle, “STOP—WALK—TALK” steps, bystander to Upstander
- Format: big visuals & “wow” moments to anchor rules; class-ready reflection prompts
- Teacher supports: quick-hit circles, coloring/reflection sheets, library tie-ins
Middle School (6–8):
- Core themes: Peer pressure & vaping refusal, social media civility, rumor control
- Skills: role-played refusal lines, DMs/Group-chat etiquette, reporting pathways, empathy drills
- Format: interactive illusions that model how to defuse drama; small-group challenge activities
- Teacher supports: 10-minute advisory modules, “pause the post” checklist
High School (9–12):
- Core themes: Substance-free choices, reputation & digital footprint, safe celebrations
- Skills: micro-scripts for party/refusal scenarios, identifying protective peers, help-seeking
- Format: fast-paced demos, real stories, audience Q&A, student-led pledge moments
- Teacher supports: SEL bell-ringers, senior-class “legacy of kindness” pledge wall
20+ Years of Red Ribbon Week Impact — The Magic Motivator, Jamahl Keyes
For more than two decades, Jamahl Keyes—The Magic Motivator has been the go-to Red Ribbon Week presenter for schools across Indiana and the Midwest. With 20+ years on stage (and over 25 years of professional performing experience), Jamahl blends mind-blowing magic, clean comedy, and research-backed prevention messaging that students actually remember—and use the same day.
Every October (Red Ribbon Week runs Oct. 23–31 each year), Jamahl’s assemblies energize campuses with age-right lessons on refusal skills, healthy decision-making, and positive peer culture—perfectly timed to amplify schoolwide prevention initiatives.
Recognized in South Bend—Award-Winning Red Ribbon Assemblies
Raised in South Bend and deeply connected to local schools, Jamahl’s Red Ribbon programs have earned multiple district recognitions from the South Bend Community School Corporation (SBCSC) for their measurable impact on student engagement and climate. [Insert specific award titles and years here—e.g., “SBCSC Red Ribbon Excellence Award, 2019 & 2021; Superintendent’s Commendation, 2023.”]
Why schools keep bringing him back:
Proven experience: 20+ years presenting Red Ribbon & prevention assemblies to K–12. wishtv.com+1
Curriculum-connected: Grade-level versions for elementary, middle, and high school that align with October prevention goals.
High engagement, real skills: Visual illusions hook attention; students rehearse practical refusal lines and upstander moves they can use immediately.
Instructional fit: Sessions dovetail with school climate initiatives, SEL competencies, and Red Ribbon/Anti-Bullying goals; they can be scheduled grade-by-grade or as a themed week with classroom extensions. (Framework alignment WSCC/SEL; evidence that school-based anti-bullying/prevention approaches are effective.)
What your staff will notice:
- High engagement, low lift: Fully self-contained program; plug-and-play teacher follow-ups.
- Clear behavior language: Memorable hand signals & slogans that staff can reinforce.
- Measurable follow-through: Pre/POST reflection prompts and a simple “connectedness” check to track climate improvements aligned to CDC guidance.
Ready to bring this to your campus?
For an award-winning Indianapolis school assembly during Red Ribbon Week or Anti-Bullying Month, reserve your desired date The Magic Motivator – Jamahl Keyes:
