D.A.R.E. CULMINATION HONORS STUDENTS

On Thursday, March 4th, fifth grade classes in the Juneau School
District were honored for participating in the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse
Resistance Education) program, during a culmination ceremony at
Centennial Hall. The nine-week program taught students how to overcome
pressure to use drugs and alcohol, as well as taught them about the
physical, emotional, social, and legal risks and effects of alcohol,
tobacco, marijuana, and inhalants.

Now in its 20th year, the D.A.R.E. program is a collaborative effort
by certified police officers, educators, parents, students and the
community to help prevent or reduce drug abuse and violence among
youth. Provided to the Juneau School District by the Juneau Police
Department, Juneau has the largest D.A.R.E. program in the state of
Alaska.

In addition to learning refusal strategies, students are also taught
sound communication skills, assertiveness and resistance skills. They
work to develop social responsibility, self-esteem, empathy, good
decision making skills, and positive alternatives to drug use and
other destructive behaviors.