Pubdate: Wed, 28 Aug 2002
Source: Sun Herald (MS)
Copyright: 2002, The Sun Herald
Contact:  http://www.sunherald.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/432
Author: Nancy Bosarge

STONE GETS DARE PROGRAM

Students to Learn How to Say No to Drugs

WIGGINS - For the first time in a decade, Stone County students are 
participating in the DARE program.

Fifth-graders at Perkinston Elementary and Stone County Elementary schools 
this week are beginning Drug Abuse Resistance Education, or DARE, a 17-week 
course that helps students recognize and resist pressures that might 
influence them to experiment with tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, inhalants or 
other drugs. The students will also be taught how violence hurts their 
community.

As he promised when he campaigned for office in 1999, Stone County Sheriff 
Mike Ballard has worked to bring DARE to Stone County schools.

"The DARE program is an excellent tool in teaching our students to be aware 
of the many dangerous and addictive substances in our community," said 
Perkinston Elementary Principal David Ladner.

Stone County Sheriff's Department officer Phyllis Olds is teaching the DARE 
classes, her first time with the program.

"I love teaching the kids," Olds said. "I wish I could do it every day. The 
DARE program will teach the bad effects of drugs and let them see the other 
side of drugs from the glamour they see on TV. If the program helps just 
one child to stay away from drugs, then I've done my job."

Stone County Elementary students have DARE training on Mondays, Perkinston 
students on Tuesdays.

Olds comes to each class with a lesson plan. Children receive a workbook, 
have homework and will earn a certificate after they meet all the 
requirements of the class. A DARE suggestion box has been placed in each 
classroom for students to submit any ideas or questions, or to report problems.

Science teacher Teresa Carlisle said she formerly taught in Harrison 
County, where the DARE program was used, and she is glad to see it come to 
Stone County schools.

"I think it is wonderful," Carlisle said. "I think it goes right along with 
science teaching, how these drugs affect your brain and body. They need to 
be aware of what is out there, and this teaches them to say no."
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