EATON — An anti-drug education program, widely taught in schools during the 80′s and 90′s, is making a comeback with a new twist.
Eaton Community Schools has brought back the “Drug Abuse Resistance Education” program, better known as D.A.R.E.
>>Richmond man accused of stealing cruiser, leading officers on pursuit facing new charges
According to the program’s history, it phased out of the classroom around 2007 after research showed the curriculum was simply ineffective on students.
Since then, the program has been revamped. The new ‘dare decision making model’ stands define, assess, respond, and evaluate.
“Define is—you need to find out the challenge, problem or opportunity. Assess is—what choices do I have? Respond is—to make that choice and evaluate is was the choice the right choice and a safe choice?” said Officer Pete Wray, Eaton School Resource Officer.
>> First flakes of the season possible this weekend
In Ohio, the curriculum is taught by police officers who are DARE certified, such as Officer Pete.
Officer Pete starts teaching the principles early on.
“He’s always so funny and always teaches us about safety and he helps us learn so when we’re older we know what to do when we’re in a big problem, like maybe a fire,” said Raelynn Norris, and East Elementary Student.
“My favorite prat about of the DARE program is where he comes and talks to us about an emergency and where you have to go and where you can get help,” said Ridge Petelle, another student at East Elementary School.
Officer Pete said it amazes him how much children at such a young age, being in first grade, comprehend things.
School leaders say having school resource officers teach the curriculum helps build trust between children and law enforcement.
“You know, many of our students already have a positive outlook, but sometimes in police doing there job have to go into certain situations and little kids don’t understand and so this gives an opportunity - they are good people,” said Jeff Parker, Eaton Community Schools Superintendent.
©2021 Cox Media Group
