D.A.R.E. Program

Overview

Shelter Island D.A.R.E. was founded in 1995. Since then, the Police Department has instructed the curriculum and held graduation ceremonies every year for successful D.A.R.E. graduates. Below is a summary of what D.A.R.E. is about.

Drug Abuse Resistance EducationThe revised 5th grade core curriculum consists of the following 10 lessons:

  • Introduction: D.A.R.E Keepin' it REAL
  • Drug Information for Responsible Decision-Making
  • Risks and Consequences
  • Peer Pressure
  • Dealing with Stressful Situations
  • Basics of Communication
  • Non-Verbal Communication and Listening
  • Bullying
  • Helping Others
  • Getting Help from Others and Review

The new curriculum was designed with the flexibility to allow local agencies to deliver and enhance information that is specific to their respective locations. The goal of these lessons is to equip the student with the life skills to make informed decisions and use the tools they have learned to make good choices concerning, drugs, violence, and their friends. This is done through the use of workbook activities, group activities, videos, officer presentations, and field trips.

The revised D.A.R.E. "Keepin' it REAL" Middle/Junior High School Lessons are as follows:

  • Lesson One: Options and Choices
  • Lesson Two: Risks
  • Lesson Three: Communication and Conflict
  • Lesson Four: Refuse
  • Lesson Five: Explain
  • Lesson Six: Avoid
  • Lesson Seven: Leave
  • Lesson Eight: Norms
  • Lesson Nine: Feelings
  • Lesson Ten: Support Networks

In addition to the listed lessons, the following optional enhancement lessons are available:

  • Opioid/Prescription and Over-the-Counter Drug Abuse Prevention
  • Vaping Presentation
  • More Than Sad: Teen Mental Health
  • Online and Social Media Safety

With the implementation of the "Keepin' it REAL" middle school curriculum, D.A.R.E. continues to be recognized as one of the most effective school-based prevention networks worldwide. The current curriculum focuses on the same instruction and overall principles as the elementary curriculum but it is delivered in a more interactive setting in which students are in set groups and are allowed to interact to discover and express their beliefs about life's decisions.

Send us your D.A.R.E. questions or comments - email D.A.R.E. Officer Sean Clark.

Real Life Stories: About Drug Abuse

The best way to convey the truth about drugs is through the words of those who have "been there." By telling their stories, they can pass on what they have learned so others avoid going down the same path. Share this information with your friends. Drug Education saves lives. Visit the Drug-Free World website.