Sixth grade students at the Allen County Intermediate Center (ACIC) are not only learning about the dangers of drugs and alcohol but also about topics such as bullying, peer pressure, stressful situations, and communication through the DARE (Drug, Abuse, Resistance Education) program---a nationally recognized program presented at ACIC this year.
“The big thing with the DARE program is to help kids make safe and responsible choices,” explained DARE instructor and School Resource Officer Bobby Jackson. “We cover a broad range of things. We are not just talking about drugs and alcohol. We are actually talking about a lot more in the program. We talk about everything from communication to listening to peer pressure, to bullying. Like I said, our overall goal is to help the kids make smart and responsible choices and that’s what it all about.”
Each Friday during a 10-week period this fall, Jackson taught the Blue Team of sixth-grade students, addressing a variety of topics.
“We used the DARE elementary curriculum called Keepin’ It Real,” Jackson explained. “Our 10 lessons in the DARE program includes an introduction to Keepin’ It Real in lesson one and in lesson two we talk about drug information for responsible decision making. In that, we talk about alcohol and tobacco. In lesson three, we talk about risks and consequences.”
The remaining lessons dealt with additional issues that younger students face now and will continue to deal with as they grow.
“In lesson four, we talk about peer pressure and in lesson five we talk about dealing with stressful situations,” Jackson noted. “In lesson six, we talk about the basics of communication. In lesson seven, we talk about non-verbal communications and listening. Lesson eight, we talk about bullying. In lesson nine, we talk about helping others and in lesson 10, we talk about getting help from others and we review.”
The return of the DARE program this year has been well-received at the school.
“The kids seemed to enjoy it and got quite a bit out of it,” Jackson added. “I’m tickled to death to have the DARE program back in the school system. I think it’s a good thing. If it helps one kid, it has been worth it.”
The students completing the fall DARE classes were recognized at a special graduation ceremony Friday morning at ACIC. Each student received a certificate with four students earning special recognition for their DARE essay---a writing component of the program that Jackson required. DARE essay winners for the fall were Alexis Corbett, Cole Meador, Embry Pierce, and Jodi Taylor.
The other half of the sixth graders will participate in the DARE program during the spring semester.