Pubdate: Fri, 03 May 2002
Source: Parkersburg News, The (WV)
Copyright: 2002, The Parkersburg News
Contact:  http://www.newsandsentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1648
Author: ROGER ADKINS

D.A.R.E. OFFICER VISITS NEALE SIXTH GRADERS

Sixth graders at Neale School in Vienna were walking around Friday as if 
their blood alcohol concentrations exceeded 0.20.

However, one should not worry as they had not been drinking. Vienna police 
Lt. Steve Stephens, D.A.R.E. officer, visited the school's sixth-grade 
classes Friday for the D.A.R.E. curriculum's last class. As part of the 
final class, Stephens let the students try on "fatal vision" goggles, which 
simulate drunkenness. The students were elated as they tried to toss a 
small rubber ball back and forth.

Surprisingly, many of them were able to walk a straight line, while some 
weren't able to stay on their feet without help from their classmates.

The exercise demonstrated how alcohol affects motor skills, Stephens said.

In addition, stephens brought three friends with him to explain the 
importance of good decision making. Parkersburg High School students and 
D.A.R.E. role models Marc Kimes, Crystal Stephens and Tara Black helped 
explain to the sixth graders what they would face next year in junior high.

"They relate to these students because they traveled the path these kids 
are just now beginning," said principal Karen Brunicardi.

Kimes, Stephens and Black all are former Neale students, and Stephens said 
they are the perfect examples for the sixth graders to follow.

They all make good grades, stay away from drugs, and are preparing for a 
bright future by making smart decisions and keeping a high self-esteem, Lt. 
Stephens said. The role models also are active in sports and other 
extracurricular activities.

Kimes, a Parkersburg Big Red football hero to the sixth graders, said he 
remembers what his last year of elementary school was like. Students face 
many fears and uncertainties when they leave the familiar surroundings of 
their elementary schools to embark on a junior high or high school journey, 
he said.

"It wasn't too long ago I was in these students' chairs," Kimes said. "I 
know what it felt like when I was in their shoes. I just want to give them 
positive reassurance and let them know everything's going to be all right."

Stephens and the three role models explained to the students how they can 
develop good academic behavior during their final year of elementary 
school. The kids also learned to keep good behavior consistent by saying no 
to tobacco, alcohol and drugs and maintaining a positive self-image.

One student asked how the role models avoid drugs and alcohol.

"It's easy for them because they don't hang out with the people that do 
(drugs, alcohol and tobacco)," Stephens said.

"Everyone knows who they are. You can tell they do the drugs," Black said.

The role models explained the differences between elementary and junior 
high school.

Friends often go their separate ways and make friends with other students 
from various other schools, they said.

The classes are harder, but high school can be as fun and rewarding as 
elementary school, the role models said.

Sixth-grade teacher Michelle Shields said her students had been 
anticipating Stephens' visit for days.

"They couldn't wait," she said. "They were deciding who was going to ask 
what question three days before the class."

Shields said the kids take the D.A.R.E. program seriously. Ninety-four 
percent of students in a survey agreed the D.A.R.E. program had a positive 
influence on their lives, Stephens said.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens