
D.A.R.E.'s
primary mission is to provide children with the
information and skills they need to live
drug-and-violence-free lives. The mission is to equip
kids with the tools that will enable them to avoid
negative influences and instead, allow them to focus on
their strengths and potential. And, that's exactly what
D.A.R.E. is designed to do.
Additionally, it establishes positive relationships
between students and law enforcement, teachers, parents,
and other community leaders. Every youngster should have
the opportunity to grow-up healthy, safe, secure, and
equipped with the skills needed to succeed in life.
Contemporary America, however, is rampant with
challenges that could keep children from a positive life
path.
The D.A.R.E. curriculum is taught by police
officers whose training and experience give them the
background needed to answer the sophisticated questions
often posed by young students about drugs and crime.
Prior to entering the D.A.R.E. program, officers undergo
80 hours of special training in areas such as child
development, classroom management, teaching techniques,
and communication skills.
Currently, Ewing has specially trained officers who
teach the curriculum in all three of our elementary
schools. Some officers are members of the School
Resource Officer Program, Traffic and Patrol Bureaus.