Laserfiche WebLink
D.A.R.E. ANNUAL REPORT <br /> The D.A.R.E. Program's philosophy is to educate 5th grade students in <br /> several topics. The topics include, but are not limited to, stress management, <br /> self-esteem, decision-making, consequences, media influences, and the <br /> dangers of drugs and gangs. I (Mosby #130) realize that we will not <br /> completely prevent drug use among our youth. I believe the best aspect of <br /> our program is the opportunity for 5th grade students to be able to get to <br /> know a police officer personally. All of my present and former student <br /> know my name and know that they can talk candidly with me about issues <br /> that are bothering them. Often, I run into present and former students. out in <br /> public. They immediately introduce me to their parents. I have parents tell <br /> me that their children constantly talk about the D.A.R.E. Program and <br /> "Officer Mosby." I have the opportunity to see several of my former <br /> D.A.R.E. students who are attending school at St. Anthony Middle School. <br /> They still remember several of the key points I taught them the previous <br /> year. Several of them even gave me Valentine's Day candy and cards this <br /> year. <br /> Lt. Cotroneo continued to teach-the middle school D.A.R.E. component to <br /> 8th grade students. The middle school component reinforces the core <br /> curriculum taught at the 5th grade level. <br /> There are some major changes for the D.A.R.E. Program, most notably, the <br /> shortened curriculum for the coming years. Up until this year, the program <br /> consisted of 16 weeks of in-class instruction followed by a <br /> graduation/culmination program. D.A.R.E. America has reduced the <br /> program to a total of nine weeks. This change will tentatively go into effect <br /> the fall of 2003. <br /> This year was very similar to last year's D.A.R.E. Program. I taught four <br /> classes at Wilshire Park Elementary and two at St. Charles Borromeo. There <br /> were approximately 150 students who completed the program. We have <br /> some interesting guest speakers again this year. Olympic gymnast John <br /> Roethlisberger will be speaking at Wilshire Park's graduation and we have 2 <br /> police K-9 units giving a demonstration at St. Charles. <br /> The Bike-A-Thon for healthy youth raised a sizable amount of money that <br /> was applied towards teaching material this year. <br /> 19 <br />