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." - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D