The Strongsville D.A.R.E. Program

The "core-curriculum" of Strongsville's D.A.R.E. program is taught in 6th grade classrooms in each elementary school in Strongsville as well as St. Joseph and John. D.A.R.E. Officer Don Poney, teaches this 17-week program at a different school each day. He spends the entire day on campus, in the classroom and interacting with students during lunch and recess.

Lessons in this program focus on four major areas:
· Providing accurate information about alcohol and drugs;
· Teaching students decision-making skills;
· Showing them how to resist peer pressure;
· Helping them develop alternatives to drug use.

The conclusion of this program is celebrated with a special D.A.R.E. Graduation Ceremony. Each D.A.R.E. graduate is given a certificate for their accomplishments in completing the program. Special guests attend these ceremonies, including Mayor Thomas Perciak, Strongsville City Schools Superintendent James Gray and Strongsville Police Chief Charles Goss.

Strongsville's Middle School D.A.R.E. program is taught in the 8th grade classrooms at Albion Middle School, Center Middle School, and St. Joe's. D.A.R.E. Sgt. Greg Madama teaches this 9-lesson program (Officer Don teaches at St. Joe's) which reinforces what is learned in the 6th grade program.

Lessons in this program focus on:
· Providing updated information on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs;
· Legal issues and how the "Law" applies to juveniles as well as adults;
· Reducing Violence
· Resisting Pressure to use drugs and Making better decisions
· Alternatives to drug use.

Strongsville's D.A.R.E. Program is recognized as one of the best D.A.R.E. programs in the State of Ohio. Strongsville's D.A.R.E. officers, with the help of D.A.R.E. coordinator, Lynne Templin, host numerous events throughout the year to reinforce what has been learned and to stress the importance of healthy alternatives to drug use. These events include;
· D.A.R.E. Halloween parties
· D.A.R.E. Roller skating and Ice skating parties
· D.A.R.E. nights with the Indians, Cavs and Force
· D.A.R.E. days at Six Flags
· D.A.R.E. Dunk Tank (at the Homecoming Festival)
· D.A.R.E. Celebration "formals"