Welcome to D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education).

DARE is a collaborative effort by DARE certified law enforcement officers, educators, students, parents, and community to offer an educational program in the classroom to prevent or reduce drug abuse, violence, and "bullying" among children and youth in our schools. The emphasis of the K-5 DARE curriculum is to assist in educating children to help them keep safe, drug-free, and violence-free and to teach them to recognize, avoid, and report situations which may endanger their personal health and safety.

The emphasis of the Grade 6 DARE curriculum is to help students recognize and resist the many direct and subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, inhalants, or other drugs or to engage in violence.

The D.A.R.E. program offers preventive strategies to enhance those protective factors -especially bonding to the family, school, and community - which appear to foster the development of resiliency in young people who may be at risk for substance abuse or other problem behaviors. These strategies focus on the development of social competence, communication skills, self-esteem, empathy, decision-making, conflict resolution, sense of purpose and independence, and positive alternative activities to drug abuse and other destructive conduct.

The Middle School curriculum continues that theme, but with a more personal approach, "Take Charge of Your Own Life." These lessons are designed to encourage the student to make informed, responsible decisions when dealing with situations that are harmful &/or dangerous! Along with faculty members we address Respect of self and others. It provides the continued awareness that the misuse of any drug, medicine, or other substance is dangerous and can be fatal. In addition, there is the continued discussion that alcohol and tobacco are drugs. And, decisions concerning them should be as equally thoughtful.

I welcome your involvement in this program. Should you have questions or concerns please contact me or any officer in the DARE Unit at the number or email address listed below.

With your child's interest in mind,

Lt. Glenn A. Forsyth / #5219
D.A.R.E. Coordinator
Community Policing Unit
215-579-1000 x236

Sgt. Stephen J. Meyers / #5215
D.A.R.E. Instructor
215-579-1000 x261