DARE COMES TO NEWFIELDS

NEWFIELDS - The Newfields Elementary School has added a new member to its
community. The DARE program was launched on Monday afternoon to the delight
of 37 fifth-grade children.

Last week Cpl. Chris Hutchins, of the Newfields Police Department, was
presented with a $415 check from the Newmarket Masonic Lodge to help with
costs associated with the program.

On Monday, the first-time DARE officer stood in front of eager students in
Mrs. Bzdafka's classroom. They were more excited to see the officer than
most people he encounters through their driver's side window, although the
officer was tested when principal Dennis Dobe came over the intercom and
canceled recess due to the frigid weather.

Hutchins asked the students if anyone knew what DARE stood for, and was
greeted with a sea of quivering hands. A child nervously answered the
officer: DARE stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education.

Hutchins went on to talk about what drugs, abuse, resistance and education
means. The students gave their attention as Hutchins spoke about the
program and the rules that come with it.

The program is 10 weeks long, and the students will work with Officer
Hutchins to learn to make healthy choices in life, learn the necessary
skills involved in making those healthy choices and gain education as to
what drugs are, how they impact people and how to handle situations in
which drugs may come up.

After weathering the protests of a canceled recess, Hutchins was once again
tested when he announced a 20-question pop quiz, but the corporal came
through in the end, as the kids bent over their exams working through the
questions.

As Monday's class was a "get to know you" session, Hutchins told the
students about himself, and then asked the students to tell him something
about themselves. Hutchins then presented what proved to be the highlight
of the afternoon, as Darren, the DARE lion, was shown to a response amid
excited discussion and laughter among the students. Darren would be
presented to the student who provided the most help to the instructor and
the class. While Darren couldn't be brought home by the student, the lion
would be in the students' possession throughout the class.

Hutchins also presented the room with a "DARE Box." He chose three students
from each classroom to help decorate the boxes, which will serve as
anonymous question boxes for students. If a student in the program has any
questions that they may find embarrassing or awkward, the student can put
the question in the box for Hutchins to address to the entire class, or in
any other way he sees fit.