The first DARE class in 18 years has graduated at Batavia Middle School.
This morning instructors, Officer Marc Lawrence and Officer Jamie Givens, handed out graduation certificates to 50 fifth grade students who participated in the ten week class that was held during homeroom.
The 30 minute class teaches students about good decision making, whether it be about drugs and alcohol abuse, bullying or talking about others behind their back, or texting.
DARE stands for define, assess, respond and evaluate.
“With all the different drug epidemics we need to talk to kids about making good decisions,” says Officer Marc Lawrence.
The DARE program has classes for all different grade levels from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Two years ago the City of Batavia Police Department decided to included the DARE program in their budget. Officers Lawrence and Givens participated in training for the program and are already getting ready to work with a second group of 5th graders on Thursday. The two officers are also involved in the Explorer Program at Batavia High School which introduces students to the field of law enforcement and what its like to be a law enforcement officer. That program has been ongoing for the past three years.