Pubdate: Wed, 21 Jun 2000 Source: Chicago Tribune (IL) Copyright: 2000 Chicago Tribune Company Contact: 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-4066 Website: http://www.chicagotribune.com/ Forum: http://www.chicagotribune.com/interact/boards/ Author: Matt Baron OFFICERS GRADUATE FROM DARE POSTS LONGTIME INSTRUCTORS, PRAISED FOR THEIR DEDICATION TO THE DRUG-RESISTANCE PROGRAM AND TO HINSDALE YOUTHS, SAY CONTINUED MENTORING IS THE KEY TO MAKING IT EFFECTIVE. If only skeptics of DARE programs could have been in Pete Jirasek's shoes when a mother pulled him aside during a recent "graduation" ceremony for her daughter. "Her son was one of my students the first year I taught, and he's now in college," Jirasek said. "And she said, `You have made a big difference in my son's life.'" A Hinsdale police sergeant with two children of his own, Jirasek said he frequently has been moved by positive feedback. At a recent Hinsdale Village Board meeting, Jirasek and Mark Mandarino again were on the receiving end of heartfelt thanks from Elementary School District 181 leaders. Both just concluded extensive tours of DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) duty, Jirasek after 10 years and Mandarino after seven. "These two fine gentlemen have gone way beyond the classroom," said Ann Mueller, the District 181 school board president. In an interview later, District 181 Supt. Mary Curley called Jirasek and Mandarino "natural teachers" who will be difficult to replace. Officers Mike Coughlin and Erik Bernholdt will take over the DARE duties in the coming school year. "Jirasek and Mandarino really made it come to life for our kids. They were great teachers, great role models," Curley said. "I feel they've touched the lives of our students in ways you can't measure." Indeed, the officers befriended pupils in the cafeteria, on the playground and as chaperons on school trips, such as one to Washington, D.C. They have become recognizable faces throughout the community, developing a solid rapport with pupils and parents alike, said school officials. Their impact has gone beyond retooling the image of police being around only when there is a crisis or confrontation. Mueller cited a recent study conducted by the district, which found that more than half of graduating high school seniors in Hinsdale said they used, and saw peers using, techniques taught during DARE classes years ago. While many studies across the nation have questioned the value of DARE programs, Jirasek, a 17-year veteran of the force, said those typically are programs that do not have adequate follow-up instruction and mentoring. In Hinsdale, he and Mandarino have formed a "tag team," as they call it. Mandarino has taught 5th graders and Jirasek followed up with pupils in 8th grade. "It's much more than a one-shot deal," said Jirasek, 40. Joe Gurak, a longtime Hinsdale police officer who encouraged Jirasek to join him, was instrumental in the program's formation. In the early 1990s, Gurak died, and Mandarino was tapped to join Jirasek. The transition into the classroom was a shock at first for Mandarino. "I never thought I would be in a position like that," he said. "What keeps you going is seeing those kids from the beginning of the program to the end." The sessions last 17 weeks, though pupils have kept in touch, especially to let the officers know what skills they are using. Mandarino, 37, has been on the force since 1985. He said he sometimes has wondered if he could have done more to reach kids who later get into trouble. More often, though, he has received positive reports. Mandarino and his family live outside Hinsdale. In the past few years, the two eldest of his three daughters, Dana, 12, and Gianna, 11, began talking about the DARE principles they were learning in their classes. Only then did Mandarino realize the effect he has had on other parents' children, though he had frequently heard parents relate similar stories about his teachings. "I couldn't really comprehend that until my daughters were coming home and doing the same thing," Mandarino said. "You just think, `Yeah, sure, the kids are talking about you.' I'm seeing it through my kids as well." In Hinsdale, unlike most school districts, a three-tiered program has been in place for six years. In addition to the two DARE classes, spaced three years apart, there is VEGA (Violence Education and Gang Awareness), which focuses on conflict resolution and awareness of pressures to become involved in violence. VEGA is taught to 6th graders, a year after the first DARE class. DARE also focuses on self-esteem and avoiding unhealthy situations. Jirasek was gratified when one pupil told him in an evaluation that she knew someone who, because of the DARE teachings, ended a relationship in which she was being abused. - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck