DARE OFFICERS MADE IMPRESSION ON STUDENTS

I strongly disagree with Max Holder's letter (Aug. 15) regarding the
effectiveness of DARE.

In 12 years, I have seen what a difference the program has made to my
students. I know DARE works. I watched my students use techniques
they learned when faced with difficult situations.

I have heard them say, "Remember what our DARE officer said?" Hearing
about drugs, alcohol and getting along does not mean the same coming
from a teacher as from an officer who has seen what happens when a
person makes poor choices. DARE officers taught lessons, greeted
children in the mornings, spoke with children between classes, ate
lunch with them, talked with children having a difficult time, and
helped load buses. I never heard our officer scare or "brainwash"
children. DARE is a well-planned set of lessons designed to give
students ways to deal with drugs and peer pressure.

Does Sheriff Barnes realize the mistake he has made? We should be
proactive about our children and drugs. DARE is a fantastic program
that has stopped many children from taking drugs. Why not do
something before they start taking drugs instead of trying to fix the
problem after the fact?

Ellen E. Hinshaw