Pubdate: Mon, 13 Apr 2015
Source: Shoreline Beacon (CN ON)
Copyright: 2015 Shoreline Beacon
Contact: http://www.shorelinebeacon.com/letters
Website: http://www.shorelinebeacon.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3650
Author: Frances Learment
Page: 3

D.A.R.E. - DRUG EDUCATION FOR SAVVY STUDENTS

The drug culture savvy of local grade five students gave Saugeen
Shores Police Constable Ian Clark unfortunate "goose bumps", but also
underscored the need for programs like D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance
Education).

Offered in 44 countries world-wide, D.A.R.E. is the leading program to
teach the effects of substance abuse and violence, Clark said in an
April 6 presentation to the Chantry Island Cham-bette's monthly
meeting in Port Elgin.

Clark said D.A.R.E. has evolved to include good citizenship, bullying,
and making smart choices to live healthy and safe lives.

"When I asked about drugs in grade five, and they start throwing out,
you know, marijuana, coke, rock, crocodile and bath salts... it kind
of gave me goose bumps in an unfortunate manner to know they've
learned about drugs in grade five..." Clark said.

With younger students aware of drugs much earlier than in past
generations, the program teaches about consequences, and that
knowledge is a "good thing" Constable Clark said.

Currently, three specially-trained Saugeen Shores officers deliver the
10-lesson D.A.R.E. program to local schools. The budget of
approximately $3,000 annually is supported by donations from local
groups and organizations like the Cham-bettes, that has made several
$500 donations in the past.

Stressing D.A.R.E. 's decision-making model of Define, Assess, Respond
and Evaluate, Constable Clark said the students work through a
D.A.R.E. workbook, backed with his specialized training, a lot of
humour, role-playing, an essay and graduation.

Constable Clark said the value of the program was readily evident in
the essays - he read a portion of one submitted by a grade five girl
at Southampton's G.C. Huston School.

"Based on what my D.A.R.E. officer taught me, I will know not to lie,
drink alcohol, take drugs and all other bad things..." the student
wrote, adding she will use D.A.R.E. to teach her children when she
grows up.

Constable Clark said truthfully answering the students' questions
about the mistakes he made as a youth allows him to encourage students
to learn from his mistakes.

"I did a lot of stealing...I've done marijuana...and it was a big
mistake that still affects me," Constable Clark said, adding he tells
students the truth, "at a grade five level."
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MAP posted-by: Matt