HISTORY OF D.A.R.E.
D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a highly acclaimed program that gives kids the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence and general safety tips. D.A.R.E. was founded in 1983 in Los Angeles and has proven to be so successful that it is now being implemented in 75 percent of our nation's school districts and in more than 43 countries around the world. D.A.R.E. is a Student Resource Officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives.
D.A.R.E. IN SOUTH BURLINGTON
The D.A.R.E. program has been implemented in South Burlington for the past 20 years. The curriculum of the D.A.R.E. program is taught in the Elementary and the Middle School levels. The middle school curriculum reinforces the dangers of drugs and alcohol. This curriculum also has a focus on decision making skills, and allows students to practice their skills through real life scenarios. For elementary students in grades K-4, D.A.R.E. officers visit classrooms and talk with kids about safety issues such as seat belts, calling 911, and home safety.
Fifth graders in the elementary schools are taught a 10 week program by their D.A.R.E. officer. The program is wrapped up at the end of the ten weeks with a graduation celebration, at which they are awarded certificates and D.A.R.E t-shirts. Parents, teachers, and D.A.R.E. sponsors are invited to attend the ceremony. During the graduation a small number students are picked to read essays, which they have written about the D.A.R.E. program and the things they have learned about prevention and peer pressure. The ceremony is wrapped up with students, teachers, parents, and police officers enjoying delicious cake, courtesy of Hannaford’s Food and Drug.