Laserfiche WebLink
Police Department <br /> <br />Thomas D. Zerwas <br />Chief of Police <br /> <br />April 22, 1996 <br /> <br />Dear School Board Members: <br /> <br />Our department is aware that you are currently involved in the <br />budget process for the 1996-1997 school year. We are also aware of <br />the fact that one of the programs potentially being dropped is the <br />junior high D.A.R.E. Program. This gives us concern and is the <br />motivating factor in writing you this letter. <br /> <br />As you undoubtedly know, the D.A.R.E. Program has been a <br />longstanding and vital part of the Elk River elementary and junior <br />high curriculum. The program is extremely well received by <br />students, teachers and administration. You may not be aware, <br />however, that the junior high D.A.R.E. officer serves the school <br />district in a much broader role than that of an instructor. I <br />would like to outline all aspects of the junior high D.A.R.E. <br />officer's duties, responsibilities, and service. <br /> <br />I would first like to address the program itself. The junior high <br />D.A.R.E. Program offers students: <br /> <br />A reenforcement of the lessons and materials taught in <br />the elementary program. This information comes at a time <br />when students are making decisions that will affect them <br />for the rest of their lives. <br /> <br />A reenforcement of school policies and regulations. The <br />student is provided with rationales as to the importance <br />of "rules" in our society and how they make our world a <br />better place to live. <br /> <br />Information about gangs and their impact on society. <br />This area of the program is especially ¢ital now, since <br />the G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) <br />Program was dropped at the end of the 1995 school year <br />because of budget constraints. <br /> <br />A chance to have positive interaction with law <br />enforcement. Students are shown that police officers are <br />not only interested in "arresting" them. <br /> <br />A positive adult role model in the D.A.R.E. instructor. <br />This is so important today, when so many role models <br />present negative lifestyles and images. <br /> <br />13065 Orono Parkway · P.O. Box 723 · Elk River, Minnesota 55330 · (612) 441-2324 · Fax (612) 441-8937 <br /> <br /> <br />