Little Current Public School students graduate from D.A.R.E program

A total of 29 Grade 6 students from Little Current Public School took part in a series of 10 lessons and graduated from the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program led by Constable Al Boyd of the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.

This program is used in more than 40 countries worldwide, teaching students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 the importance of making educated decisions and to “lead lives free from violence, substance abuse, and other dangerous behaviours.” 

“The program is not only designed to enlighten students about the effects of drugs and alcohol, but also to show them how to make good choices in the future,” says Principal Jamie Mohamed. 

Students use the D.A.R.E Decision Making Model – Define, Assess, Respond, Evaluate. Program graduate Rheanne Green praised the model. “Though it may be difficult to make decisions, you will eventually make them, because this model also allows you to think of the consequences of these choices, good and bad,” she said. “My favourite thing about this strategy is that it 100% relies on you and what you think is the best choice, and I can’t wait to use it in real life.”

More than learning about the perils of drugs and alcohol, the D.A.R.E program encourages students to respect themselves and their peers. “I will no longer be scared to report things to adults, because though it may anger one person, it would make someone else’s life much better, and that’s payment enough,” said Rheanne Green. “I will always keep my D.A.R.E book. That means I can always refer to things, like my help network, or the 5 W’s of reporting bullying.” 

“The students were thrilled to graduate from the program,” says Principal Jamie Mohamed. “We encourage all students to apply the principles learned from D.A.R.E both inside and outside of the classroom.” 

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Media Contact:

Jamie Mohamed, Principal, Little Current Public School,

Rainbow District School Board, 705-368-2932.

A total of 29 Grade 6 students from Little Current Public School took part in a series of 10 lessons and graduated from the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program. Back row, from left, are teacher Shannon Burnett, Quentis Wood, Tanner Wright, Braeden Makey, Olivia Hall, Jessica Craig, Britney Biedermann, Megan Sagle, Nikki Boyle, Tanner Golder, Travis Aelick, Mason Collins, John Stephens, Rheanne Green and Constable Al Boyd. Middle Row, from left, are Chris Peplow, Michael Madahbee, Willow Corbiere, Harmony Esquimaux, Kyler Fletcher, Sterling Stoneypoint, Liam McIntyre and Ayden Farquhar. Front row, from left, are, Joseph Tardiff, Brady Case, Cassidy Latva-Aro, Shaylee Taylor, Mackenzie Cortes, Jasmine Clark, Kyleigh Biedermann and Zoe Smith.

Brady Case, a Grade 6 student at Little Current Public School, receives his DARE Program certificate from Constable Al Boyd of the Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police.