A total of 1,714 students graduated from D.A.R.E. at 16 elementary schools in Bossier Parish this school year. In the fall semester, there were 1,055 graduates, and in the spring semester, there were 659 graduates.
The 5th graders from six elementary schools completed their D.A.R.E. training this spring semester, and students from Stockwell Place Elementary School were the final school to graduate this week.
Bossier Sheriff’s Office “Drug Abuse Resistance Education” (D.A.R.E.) officers know they have their hands full in teaching 5th graders how to make wise life decisions as they move into middle school and face increased peer pressure. The deputies don’t sugarcoat the facts and ensure the children are as best prepared to deal with such things as drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and bullying, and emphasize the importance of being responsible for their actions.
The D.A.R.E program is a semester-long curriculum taught by Sheriff’s deputies that emphasizes good decision skills for young people to avoid bullying, drugs, violence and other harmful behaviors. Students are also taught confidence-building and coping skills.
Deputies teach the D.A.R.E. Decision Making Model: D – Define: Describe the problem, challenge or opportunity. A – Assess: What are your choices? R – Respond: Make a choice. Use the facts and information you have gathered. E – Evaluate: Review your decision.
You can see a gallery of the graduations below:
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