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The New Jersey drug and alcohol education program — formerly D.A.R.E. — gives local police departments the resources to deter youth and adults from drug use, drug-related crimes, bullying and violence.
The Fair Lawn Police Department has offered drug, alcohol and violence prevention education in Fair Lawn public schools since 1990, L.E.A.D. said.
The department began offering the L.E.A.D. curriculum since its start in New Jersey in 2015.
"The program emphasizes healthy life choices and decision-making," Principal Scott Helfand told Daily Voice, "and will surely have a lasting impact on our students."
Students at Memorial, Thomas Jefferson Middle School and St. Anne's sixth-graders participated in the L.E.A.D. program for 10 sessions during their health classes.
Teachers collaborated with L.E.A.D. Officers Gerard Graziano, Eric Eleshewich and Sgt. Brian Metzler, who coordinated lessons on:
- goal-setting
- decision-making
- effective communication
- bonding/relationships
- drugs/alcohol
- tobacco/marijuana/inhalants
- street drugs
The initiative was made possible by District Subject Supervisor Ron Durso.
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