DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — A program many adults remember from their own childhood is making a comeback in Decatur schools.
The Decatur Police Department has rolled out a new D.A.R.E. pilot program aimed at helping students make smart decisions early in life.
For the first time in nearly two decades, an officer is back in the classroom teaching fifth graders lessons that go beyond just saying no to drugs.
School Resource Officer Dreu Larson, who is leading the effort, said the program has evolved significantly since its early days.
“Now it’s more of a culmination of a bunch of things… not just drugs, but decision-making, risks and consequences.”
The pilot program is currently underway at Johns Hill Magnet School, where Larson works as an SRO.
He works directly with fifth-grade students through a series of ten lessons. Topics include identifying risks, understanding consequences, and learning how to evaluate choices.
“So we go into what a risk is, what a consequence is… and that there are positive risks and positive consequences,” Larson explained.
A key part of the program focuses on open dialogue, giving students the chance to ask questions, even anonymously if they choose. Larson does this through a “D.A.R.E. box.”
“They can write questions, and I answer those… that way they can remain anonymous,” Larson said.
For Larson, who has been with the department for nearly 18 years and an SRO for three, the classroom setting offers a different kind of connection.
“It’s been a dream come true… being in the schools has really helped me get connected with the kids,” he said.
Teachers said that the connection is already making an impact.
Fifth-grade teacher Dalton Collins remembers the program from his own childhood and said bringing it back is meaningful for both students and staff.
“It’s bringing back a lot of memories, and it truly is reminding me of some of the basic decision-making fundamentals that we all need,” Collins said.
Collins added that having an officer in the classroom helps reshape how students view law enforcement.
“It builds the relationship with the student and police officer, letting them know that authority is there to help them and not any negative connotations that they might have,” he said.
Students themselves told WAND News they’re already taking away important lessons. Kasen Asberry said the program is helping him understand the bigger picture.
“It helps with… things that could just make your life go wrong,” Asbury said. “Learning about the bad effects so I can know what not to do.”
Right now, the D.A.R.E. program is limited to fifth graders at Johns Hill as part of the pilot phase. Larson said starting small allows the department to build and improve the program before expanding it to other schools.
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