D.A.R.E. ProgramPrint

The Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program (DARE) was founded in 1983 to provide children with the information and skills they need to live drug-and-violence-free lives. DARE is a collaborative program in which local law enforcement and schools work together to educate students about the personal and social consequences of substance abuse and violence. As times have changed, DARE has too and now focuses on teaching students how to make good healthy choices to help get them through the diverse challenges they are exposed to today. The program establishes positive relationships between students and law enforcement.

Officer April Bisignani became our DARE instructor in 2009 after successfully completing the 80 hour required certification course. Officer Biz (as she is known by her students) coordinates the DARE program with Ideal School and teaches approximately 35 5th graders each year. The 10 week program challenges students to make good healthy choices using the DARE Decision Making Model and covers topics such as alcohol and drug abuse, types of peer pressure, choosing good friends and having confidence in themselves – skills that encourage them to grow up safe, secure and with the ability to succeed.

At the end of the program, students are required to compose an essay that includes a commitment to stay drug-free. The winning essays are read at a graduation ceremony where achievement awards are presented in front of an audience of friends, family and community members. As a reward for their commitment and hard work, students are taken on a field trip. This year’s trip was to see a Chicago Wolves game that was created specifically for students and provided educational exercises as well as a fun reward for making good healthy choices.