{DARE Graduation}

I know that most states are struggling with education cuts. It always saddens me to read about programs that are being cut, teachers that are losing their jobs, and children that are losing out on curriculum and activities that they would greatly benefit from.

One program that has been cut from many states is the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. I am sure that most of you are familiar with it but if not, D.A.R.E. is a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches students how to resist peer pressure and provides them with the skills they need to avoid involvement in drugs, gangs, and violence.

I know that this program might not seem as important as others. When I was in school, we talked about the affects of drugs and violence. We wore the red ribbons and colored the red ribbon posters but it’s so much more than that now.

Today the school hosted a special graduation for the 5th grade students. For the past several weeks the 5th grade class has been working hard with the Bossier City Sheriff’s Department. They have worked on lessons, they have held discussions, and they have worked together in order to learn the importance of living a life free from drugs and violence. The students had to complete workbooks about topics like drugs, gangs, violence, and bullying. They also had to prepare a full essay in regards to the importance of DARE. They had several steps they had to complete before they could earn their certificate of completion.

This is a pretty big event here. The students were given a proper graduation ceremony which included a procession and full recognition for their efforts. When the students were called up for their certificates, they were able to shake hands with several deputies, the principal, and the school superintendent.

I was quite amazed at all of the effort that went into this event. I think programs like these are very important and extremely beneficial. There are so many sad stories about bullying and how young kids get involved with the wrong activities or the wrong crowd. As a parent, I know the precautions we take and the energy we put into teaching our kids right from wrong. At the end of each day, I hope that I have said the right things and that I have led by the best possible example. I feel that programs like these help me as a parent reinforce what I want my child to hear. I truly believe that children learn best through involvement and also through peer interaction. I think that’s one of the reasons why I love this program. The students worked together to learn how to overcome situations that could potentially harm them.

Did you notice the last picture????

WE ADDED ANOTHER T-SHIRT TO OUR COLLECTION

(I didn’t have to purchase this one =])