Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)

Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.)

Our Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program

The Spearfish D.A.R.E. program was started in 1988 when the State of South Dakota adopted D.A.R.E. on a statewide basis. Currently, the Spearfish Police Department and Spearfish School District are participating in the Core 5th Grade Curriculum, the Middle School/Junior High Curriculum, and the Parent Program.

Sergeant Steve Hofmann, School Resource Officer Candi Watts, and Officer Jason Gellette are assigned to the D.A.R.E. Unit. The Spearfish D.A.R.E. Program enjoys excellent support from the school district, community, parents and the police department.

  1. Programs
  2. History

Core 5th & 6th Grade

The program content for D.A.R.E. is organized into seventeen 45 to 60-minute lessons taught by a law enforcement officer with suggested extended activities to be integrated into other instruction by the classroom teacher. Go to D.A.R.E. for Kids to learn more.

Middle School/Junior High

The emphasis is to provide or reinforce the information and skills to enable students to resist pressure and other influences in making their personal choices. 

In addition, the lessons focus on helping students manage their feelings of anger and resolve conflicts without causing harm to themselves or others, without resorting to violence or the use of alcohol and drugs.

Parent Program

The Parent Program is intended for families of children who are presently in the D.A.R.E. Program and other interested adults. The focus is on:

  • Developing better skills to interact with children
  • Learning about peer pressure
  • Identifying signs and reducing risks of potential substance abuse and violent behavior