Report from Julia Manning, D.A.R.E. Youth Advocacy Board Member from New Jersey: East Brook School Day 1

D.A.R.E. Officer Santangelo and I just completed the first day at East Brook Elementary school for 1st and 2nd grade! We did one 1st grade class and two 2nd grade classes. These kids were so engaged and had a lot of questions to ask about emergencies, 9-1-1 and what is safe to touch and eat. We handed out worksheets and had them complete the dialing 9-1-1 side and the side where they have to draw four people who they can trust. The students were also very interested about what High School is like and why I continued to stay in the D.A.R.E. program. Many of these kids have been to the D.A.R.E. graduations for their siblings and have mentioned that they have seen me there which was an awesome feeling!

On Monday, we will be going to West Ridge for two 1st grade and two 2nd grade lessons.

On Tuesday, we are going back to East Brook to finish 1st and 2nd grade.

On Wednesday, we are finishing up at West Ridge with two kindergarten classes and one 2nd grade class.

I am so excited to continue assisting the D.A.R.E. Officers and bonding with the kids because I know it may be a little intimidating with police officers in the room. The teachers were also really impressed with the work I have done and would like for us to come back to possibly discuss stranger danger.

I am also working with the teachers and principals to find a date where we can come back and teach the 6th grade classes for both East Brook and West Ridge.