D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) is a special program which combines the efforts of law enforcement officers and schools to teach children how to say 'NO' to drugs. Sgt. John Kralik leads 5th graders through exercises which build their self-esteem, increase their awareness of the danger of drugs and teach them different strategies to use in resisting peer pressure.

Instruction provides each student with accurate information. Sgt. Kralik teaches coping and decision making skills and demonstrates positive alternatives to substance abuse. Scare tactics, which teach only the harms of drugs, are avoided. The program is aimed at reducing the problem of drug abuse by trying to stem the demand for drugs.

The D.A.R.E. Program started in Los Angeles in 1983. It has now grown to include over 500 programs in over 30 states. More than 5.5 million children have been involved in the program.

The program starts with an introduction into the DARE Program. Rules for behavior in class are discussed and agreed upon. Each student is asked to sign and take home a participation page which helps the parents understand the focus of the program.

Each week concentrates on a single lesson which the students work through with the help of the DARE Officer.

The Focus of the Program

• Practices for personal safety
• Drug use and misuse
• Consequences of drug use
• Resisting peer pressure
• Ways to say "NO"
• Decision making and risk taking
• Alternatives to drug abuse
• Ways to deal with pressure from gangs
• Talking a stand
• Student achievement