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." - --- MAP posted-by: Alex