The D.A.R.E. program is conducted in all 6 public and parochial schools in Cheektowaga. The 5th grade core curriculum runs 10 weeks and is the major focus of the unit. There are approximately 700 students contacted at this level. There is a roller-skating event that runs monthly for the students with the cooperation of the Depew Skating Center. The culmination of the program is celebrated with a graduation and accompanying pizza party. Graduations are held at their respective schools with parents and family members in attendance. The larger graduations have had as many as 650 people attend. The graduating students are invited to march in the Town's Annual 4 th of July Parade.
At the officer’s discretion, four and five week visitation programs are conducted. The targeted audiences are between 1st and 4th grade. Approximately 700 students receive Drug Awareness Education. This brings the total number of students exposed to D.A.R.E. to over 2100. This final tally is not reflective of additional students that encounter D.A.R.E. officers outside of the classroom.
The D.A.R.E. program is enthusiastically received by school personnel, parents, and the children. It is also strongly supported by the business community which contributes heavily to its success.
In order to be a D.A.R.E. instructor, each officer must complete a New York State certified 2 week course with the final test being an actual presentation. The course covers such topics as consequences, peer pressure, ways to say no, self-esteem, assertiveness, stress, violence, media effects, decision-making, risk taking and alternatives.
D.A.R.E. officers are also active in the community outside of class instruction. They address various parent-teacher groups, scout groups, and appear at class days, block parties and special functions.
For more information contact the Crime Resistance Unit at 897-7293.