YOUNG STUDENTS DARE-ED TO LEARN SOMETHING NEW

Children at both Sparwood elementary schools received an introduction to
'just saying no to drugs and violence' over the last few weeks.

And Sparwood RCMP Constable Wally Bursey, who is instructing the 17 week
prevention program, says the children are curious about him and receptive
to this new component of the curriculum.

While Frank J. Mitchell students are well into their third lesson which
included getting acquainted with Bursey, his style of teaching and a code
of conduct, were introduced to children at Mountain View Jan. 24

"(Children at) both are very receptive," Bursey says of his first
encounters. "Contrary to what some people believe, we are parents first.
We are not always policemen.

"They're learning something new. They're getting an opportunity to meet
with police one on one. They're learning the law firsthand from his (a
police officer's) perspective."

Bursey says introduction of the DARE program is an extremely important
component for success with students as it deals with comfort levels.

To assist with this, he is utilizing tools such as the DARE box, which
allows children an opportunity to ask questions they may have but are, for
whatever reason, unable to ask in front of their peers.

"If there's a question they feel uncomfortable with, they can put it in the
DARE box," Bursey says.

So far, questions coming in have been more to do with curiosity about
Bursey and the various components that make up his RCMP uniform.

He also says the introduction is important as it covers rules, which are
designed to not only keep order, but also teaches respect for others. These
include raising hands so one person speaks at a time, being positive and
respectful of others by refraining from put-downs that can hurt another's
feelings, observing and using a "quiet signal", using words "someone I
know" instead of a person's name when sharing a story and answering only
questions they feel comfortable with.

Other aspects of the introduction for Frank J. Mitchell students included
the purpose of the DARE program, understanding effects of mind-altering
drugs and what is meant by drug abuse, including those found in tobacco
products, and considering consequences of using or not using tobacco,
alcohol and marijuana.

The program, Bursey adds, does not stop at the classroom door.

"It's not just the kids soaking up this information, it's the whole family
working together to make their homes drug free and violence free."

Children are therefore given handouts and letters to take home so parents
are kept well informed of what is being taught in the program.

MINER DETAILS - DARE to listen to kids

Children at both Sparwood elementary schools have embarked on a course of
study called the DARE program which teaches them to say no to drugs and
violence.

But as part of the curriculum, children are also being exposed to issues
surrounding rights and responsibilities for themselves and others. They are
therefore encouraged to use the following guidelines both in and out of the
classroom:

"I have a right to be happy and to be treated with care and understanding.
This means I am able to express my ideas and no one should laugh at me or
hurt my feelings.

"I have a right to be respected as a person. I am special. I am unique.
This means I should be treated fairly.

"I have a right to be safe. This means no person should hurt me physically
or with words or try to touch me in ways that make me uncomfortable.

"I have a right to say no. This means I am able to say no to another young
person or an adult when asked to do something wrong or dangerous or that
does not seem right to me.

"I have a right to state what I feel and to hear what others have to say.
This means I should be able to talk when it is my turn and to hear when
another person is talking.

"I have a right to learn. This means I should be proud of the things I
learn and work hard to improve myself."