Fort Fairfield Elementary Celebrates DARE Day with Revamped Substance Use Prevention Program
Fort Fairfield, ME – A vibrant celebration marked the conclusion of the new DARE program at Fort Fairfield Elementary School, as 61 excited students cheered “DARE day!” during a recent graduation ceremony. The revamped Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program aims to equip children with the skills to make responsible choices regarding substance use and daily challenges.
Traditionally associated with drug education, DARE has undergone significant changes since its original launch in 1983. Despite its initial popularity, early iterations failed to effectively deter drug use and were eventually phased out in the late 1990s. However, the program’s resurgence in Maine, spearheaded by local police, acknowledges the complexities of modern addiction and behavioral health issues amid rising national concerns.
Fort Fairfield Police Chief Matthew Cummings highlighted the importance of their new approach, stating, "We are the first police department and school district in Aroostook County to launch the revamped DARE program." The initiative, led by Sgt. Jesse Cormier, emphasizes decision-making skills rather than lectures. Students from first to fifth grade learn to navigate peer pressure using the "keepin’ it REAL" methodology: Refuse, Explain, Avoid, and Leave.
The program has garnered enthusiasm from students and teachers alike. Fifth graders, like Blake Kelley and Natalie Malina, shared how DARE helped build their communication skills and confidence in making safe choices.
Academically, a study indicates that the new DARE effectively deters early alcohol use and vaping, validating the program’s shift to a science-based curriculum developed by experts in prevention rather than law enforcement.
As Sgt. Cormier prepares to expand DARE to middle school students next year, he remains optimistic about the program’s impact, fostering a generation equipped to confront challenges head-on.
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