Pubdate: Sat, 20 Jan 2007 Source: Record Herald, The (Waynesboro, PA) Copyright: 2007 The Waynesboro Record Herald Contact: http://www.therecordherald.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3444 Author: Denise Bonura Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/dare.htm (D.A.R.E.) Note: 400 words or less. Must be signed including full name, address, and day-time phone. WAYNESBORO MAY REJOIN D.A.R.E. WAYNESBORO - Waynesboro police officers may begin participating in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program again. The last time a Waynesboro officer instructed the course was in May 1994. "We definitely could use the help," Washington Township Police Chief Barry Keller said. Waynesboro Police Chief Ray Shultz will meet with Keller and two Waynesboro officers - Travis Carbaugh and Michael Broas - Monday morning. Keller said Carbaugh and Broas will receive an overview of the program and their duties. Keller will also answer any questions the officers may have. Washington Township currently has five officers participating in the program. They include Keller, Cpl. Lloyd Perkins and officers Michael McGovern, James Prohaska and Christopher Krause. D.A.R.E. Drug Abuse Resistance Education has been offered in the Waynesboro Area School District's elementary schools since 1988. It began in 1983 in Los Angeles and is currently taught in 75 percent of the nation's school districts and in more than 43 countries worldwide, according to the organization's Web site. The program is designed to give kids the skills to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs and violence. Keller said 10 consecutive sessions teach children about different types of drugs, bullies and safety issues that have occurred since the school shooting in Columbine, Colo., and terrorist attacks. To graduate from the course, Keller said the students have to be present and participate. They also have to write a paper detailing what they have learned and how they can put it to use. A new middle school program for seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders is entitled "Take Charge of Your Life." It was implemented in 2003 and focuses on decision-making skills and emphasizes that drug use is socially inappropriate. With the new program - offered to eighth-graders at Waynesboro Area Middle School - students are able to see - via brain imagery - tangible proof of how substances diminish mental activity, emotions, coordination and movement. Each D.A.R.E. officer must undergo 80 hours of training to become familiar with the new curriculum and teaching children different aspects of safety in today's society such as the Internet. Funding Keller said the sessions are held every year at WAMS and Mowrey, Fairview and Summitview elementary schools. Hooverville Elementary and St. Andrew Catholic School are small enough to be held every other year. The program is funded by grant money from the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, community donations and municipality contributions. He said the grant varies from year to year depending on how many schools the officers teach in and how much the state is willing to release. Waynesboro received $11,805 this year in grant money. Local municipalities in the district including Waynesboro, Washington Township, Mont Alto and Quincy Township contribute money each year. "The amount is based on the number of students enrolled in the elementary schools," Keller said. Borough Manager Lloyd Hamberger said the borough contributed $1,650 last year and that number is "relatively consistent." The funds go toward the officers' salaries, course materials and gifts such as pencils and T-shirts for the students. Keller said if Waynesboro participates, it will help them save some manpower. "We're certainly looking forward to having them involved again," he added. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin