The La Crosse Police Department Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, in cooperation with the School District of La Crosse, is proud to announce the 25th Anniversary of the D.A.R.E. program being taught in La Crosse schools. Coinciding with National D.A.R.E. Day, we will celebrate this historic anniversary event this Thursday, April 16th, with the graduation of 42 Northside Elementary students, as well as a special recognition ceremony to include an award presentation from D.A.R.E. America, a citation from Senator Jennifer Shilling, and a proclamation from Mayor Tim Kabat. The event will take place Thursday at 1:00PM at Northside Elementary.
In 1990, La Crosse was the first city in Wisconsin to offer the D.A.R.E. program to its students. Since its implementation, over 11,000 fifth grade students have graduated from the D.A.R.E. program in La Crosse. The current D.A.R.E. curriculum, launched in 2013, is scientifically researched and evidence based. As part of their education, students receive training in decision-making, communication skills, resistance strategies, and how to handle peer pressure and bullying. This training gives students the tools necessary to resist the pressures to use alcohol and other drugs. The success of D.A.R.E. has also led to other important programs such as the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) program, School Resource Officers’ presence in area public middle and high schools, and the student safety line, amongst others.
Except for police officer instructor salaries, D.A.R.E. in La Crosse is 100% funded by donations, fundraisers, and grants.
For more information regarding the D.A.R.E. program or this Thursday’s celebration, please contact the Professional Standards / Community Services Bureau at (608) 789-7240.
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