Pubdate: Tue, 28 Aug 2007
Source: Greensboro News & Record (NC)
Copyright: 2007 Greensboro News & Record, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.news-record.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/173
Author: Ellen E. Hinshaw

DARE OFFICERS MADE IMPRESSION ON STUDENTS

I strongly disagree with Max Holder's letter (Aug. 15) regarding the 
effectiveness of DARE.

In 12 years, I have seen what a difference the program has made to my 
students. I know DARE works. I watched my students use techniques 
they learned when faced with difficult situations.

I have heard them say, "Remember what our DARE officer said?" Hearing 
about drugs, alcohol and getting along does not mean the same coming 
from a teacher as from an officer who has seen what happens when a 
person makes poor choices. DARE officers taught lessons, greeted 
children in the mornings, spoke with children between classes, ate 
lunch with them, talked with children having a difficult time, and 
helped load buses. I never heard our officer scare or "brainwash" 
children. DARE is a well-planned set of lessons designed to give 
students ways to deal with drugs and peer pressure.

Does Sheriff Barnes realize the mistake he has made? We should be 
proactive about our children and drugs. DARE is a fantastic program 
that has stopped many children from taking drugs. Why not do 
something before they start taking drugs instead of trying to fix the 
problem after the fact?

Ellen E. Hinshaw
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman