Norwalk Police Dare Kids To Resist Peer Pressure

Wolfpit student Bruna Silvestre is getting ready for the big transition from fifth grade to middle school. She says that D.A.R.E. — Drug Abuse Resistance Education — has given her the skills she needs to avoid drugs and peer pressure. “Everything changes in middle school,” says Bruna, who will attend Nathan Hale next year. “D.A.R.E. taught me you don’t have to chase people who make bad choices."

Bruna was one of 862 Norwalk fifth-graders who attended the D.A.R.E. graduation ceremony held at City Hall on Wednesday morning. Sponsored by the Norwalk Police Department, D.A.R.E. is a national program with local chapters across the country. Norwalk's chapter started in 1987. After remarks by Police Chief Harry Rilling, Mayor Richard Moccia and Superintendent Susan Marks, the children were treated to a magic show by Mr. Abracadabra.

From September through May, police officers lead 10 sessions in all Norwalk Public School and All Saints Catholic School fifth-grade classrooms. (Families are allowed to opt out of the program.) They discuss the effects of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and present scientific evidence that shows the harm these substances do. “I learned that cigarettes have 20 poisons in them,” says Wolfpit fifth-grader Matthew Schatten.

Officer Chris Holms, the D.A.R.E. coordinator who received roaring applause from the students, says the program extends beyond drug prevention. “It empowers kids to make the right decisions for the rest of their lives.” Holms explains the decision-making model D.A.R.E. offers: Define, Assess, Respond Appropriately and Evaluate. 

Holms also has some advice for parents. “Your children are not as fragile as you think,” he says. “I tell the kids: Go home and start a conversation with your parents. They know much more than you think.“ 

In addition to Holms, Officers Kristina Lapak and Melissa Lee teach the D.A.R.E. program at the schools. Along with their new found confidence, each student at the graduation ceremony also received a D.A.R.E T-shirt, courtesy of The Norwalk Exchange Club.

What do you think of the D.A.R.E. program?

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