Pubdate: Wed, 02 Jun 2004
Source: Observer Tribune (NJ)
Copyright: 2004 Observer Tribune
Contact:  http://www.observer-tribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3367
Author: Lynn K. Barra
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

POLICE LEAD MIDDLE SCHOOLERS THROUGH DARING LESSONS

WASHINGTON TWP Since 1991, township students of all ages have taken part in 
a program that could one day save their lives.

Sgt. Mark Niemynski and Cpl. William McCarthy are the two police officers 
assigned to tackle a most formidable task: to teach students throughout the 
district to steer clear of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

They are the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officers of the 
township who tell students in no uncertain terms what the future may hold 
for them were they to fall prey to drug abuse.

"We talk about consequences," McCarthy said. "Going into a classroom once a 
week is not going to stop the drug problem but by teaching and giving 
students information (about the consequences of drug use), they can take 
that information and make a grown-up decision."

"If they make a wrong decision," McCarthy said, "I tell them I would arrest 
them."

DARE Graduation

As part of the DARE program at Long Valley Middle School, a May 28 
graduation ceremony was held to mark the culmination of the 16-week course 
given to the 375 fifth-grade students who attend the school. Awards were 
presented to 10 students who wrote the most compelling essays about DARE. 
The winners received a certificate of achievement from Assemblyman Guy 
Gregg, R-Morris, a gold medallion ribbon and a stuffed lion the DARE mascot.

Bullying and bias are among the topics each student learns during the 
six-month course which not only offers each child techniques on how to 
resist drugs, alcohol and tobacco, but why that is so important to do. As 
10-year-old Vincent Infinito put it, "To me, DARE means for the wellness of 
children. To stay drug-free and happy."

DARE programs begin as early as kindergarten and continue through 
eighth-grade according to McCarthy who said bullying, bias, underage 
drinking and domestic violence are among the topics students are taught to 
deal with over the years.

When first entering elementary school, students are taught about "stranger 
danger," a program to deter kids from meeting with adults they don't know. 
They also learn about unsafe practices such as riding a bicycle without a 
helmet, said McCarthy who admits that while his youngest students in 
kindergarten may not have the ability to remember everything they are 
taught, they do remember one thing.

"Their attention span is not that great," McCarthy said. "It's like show 
and tell to them. But they remember you."

By the time a student reaches fifth-grade, he or she is better equipped to 
handle the harsher realities of drug abuse taught by DARE officers.

"They're like sponges," McCarthy said. "They retain it."

"I tell them a story about two roads," McCarthy said regarding how he 
teaches students about the choices they can make in life. "I'm walking down 
one road where I'm congratulating them at their college graduation. On the 
other road, I'm walking towards them with handcuffs." 
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