In a heartening turn of events, Officer Stephen Hackett of the Old Lyme Police Department is poised to become the town’s first Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) instructor in over two decades. This significant milestone follows his recent completion of an intensive 80-hour training program at the Connecticut State Police Training Academy.
A Native Son’s Homecoming
Hackett, a seasoned officer with 12 years of service under his belt, transferred to the Old Lyme Police Department from Old Saybrook in 2022. A native of the town, he is deeply committed to making a difference in the lives of its young residents. The D.A.R.E. program, which first emerged in Los Angeles four decades ago and arrived in Connecticut in 1988, presents an opportunity for him to do just that.
The D.A.R.E. program has come a long way from its original ‘Just Say No’ approach. Today, it offers an interactive format called ‘keepin’ it REAL‘ that emphasizes teaching children the skills they need to make informed decisions.
The Evolution of D.A.R.E.
The new D.A.R.E. curriculum, grounded in a framework developed by prevention scientists at Pennsylvania State University and Arizona State University, reflects this shift. It consists of 10 core lessons that address topics such as identifying risky situations, recognizing signs of stress, and handling bullying effectively.
In addition to these foundational units, specialized lessons have been created for fifth-graders on opioids, as well as for older students on vaping, social media safety, and teen mental health. These additions are designed to equip young people with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the complexities of modern life.
A Promising Future
With Officer Hackett at the helm, the reintroduction of the D.A.R.E. program in Old Lyme holds great promise. His dedication, combined with the program’s updated focus on skill-building, aims to empower the town’s youth with the ability to make responsible choices.
As Hackett prepares to step into his new role, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of a community eager to see its children thrive. In doing so, he embodies the spirit of service and commitment that lies at the heart of effective policing.
Once again, Officer Stephen Hackett of the Old Lyme Police Department stands on the brink of making history. His upcoming tenure as the town’s first D.A.R.E. instructor in over 20 years marks a significant step forward in equipping the community’s youth with essential life skills.
Underpinned by an evolved curriculum that emphasizes informed decision-making, the reintroduced D.A.R.E. program promises to be a valuable asset in shaping the future of Old Lyme’s younger generation. By imparting knowledge about risky situations, stress signs, bullying, and other pertinent issues, Officer Hackett is set to play a pivotal role in this transformative journey.
Mullins: SROs bringing D.A.R.E. program back to Hamblen Schools
From Citizen Tribune
Hamblen County Sheriff Chad Mullins – left – and the county’s SROs are bringing the D.A.R.E. program back. In preparation of the new school year, the Hamblen County Sheriff’s Office is adding to their SRO program by incorporating D.A.R.E. back into…
Ambassador to Washington participates in D.A.R.E. board meeting
From the Bahrain News Agency
Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Bahraini Ambassador to the US and member of the Board of Directors of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E), participated in the meeting of the Board of Directors of…
The return of D.A.R.E.: How the curriculum has changed in UP schools
From TV 6 | uppermichiganssource.com
UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WLUC) – A drug abuse education program is making a comeback in the Upper Peninsula. Starting this fall, Escanaba fifth graders will receive Drug Abuse Resistance Education, also known as DARE. School Resource…
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From Big Island Now
The Hawai‘i Police Department and its school resource officers send congratulations to the 2024 graduates of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program, also known as D.A.R.E. East Hawai’i students from Hilo Intermediate, Waiākea Intermediate…
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From Pacific Daily News
For the first time in about 20 years, a new batch of elementary school students graduated from the Guam Police Department’s Drug Abuse Resistance, or D.A.R.E., Program at a commencement ceremony held Tuesday. Some 31 fifth graders from Talofofo…
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From Independent Advocate
This probably isn’t the D.A.R.E that you remember. According to the new instructor in Indianola, it’s better – and already making a difference for local kids. During Monday’s regular meeting, the Indianola School Board heard an update on the…
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From The EagleHerald
MARINETTE — The Marinette County Sheriff’s Office is bringing back the D.A.R.E. program after several months of working to implement it once again. D.A.R.E., or Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is a program designed to partner local law…
America’s Favorite, Weed, Comes with Big Health Risks
From Psychology Today
KEY POINTS
- Young adults and teens can develop an addiction to weed and become psychotic.
- Many people don’t know that regular marijuana use may carry serious health risks, especially for the young.
- No medication is FDA-approved for treating…
PCA celebrates D.A.R.E. milestone
Pineywoods Community Academy students wore their D.A.R.E. shirts to school Thursday as the school marked the 41st anniversary of the creation of the program. Started in 1983, the “Drug Abuse Resistance Education” program, or D.A.R.E., was…