Fifth-graders at Spiller Elementary School graduated from the DARE program on March 15, celebrating with a pizza party.
The 10-week DARE program was presented by Lt. Bryan Bard of the Wytheville Police Department.
In all, 97 Spiller students took part in the program. Each was presented with a DARE T-shirt to wear to the graduation ceremony and a DARE graduation certificate.
The program emphasizes the importance of making smart, safe and responsible choices, not just with drug use but in everyday situations that students face today. In teaching these skills the program helps the students prepare for any number of situations they may face. Confident and clear communication skills are taught to help the students make their feelings known in a stressful situation.
Over the past 10 weeks, Bard and WPD covered:
Dangers of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs
Making good choices
Positive and Negative Consequences
Peer Pressure
Managing Stress
Communicating Confidently and Listening to others
Bullying
Helping others
Being a Good Citizen
Establishing a Help Network
