D.A.R.E. graduation at Chief Old Sun School

Times Contributor

 

The D.A.R.E. acronym stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education. It is a partnership program between parents, the R.C.M.P., and Alberta Schools. D.A.R.E. brings awareness to Grade 5 & 6 students regarding the risks of bullying, drugs, alcohol, and marijuana. Students are encouraged to be positive and respectful during lessons directed by local R.C.M.P.

On Wednesday, Nov. 14, about 100 students graduated from the D.A.R.E. program. These students were from the Grade 5 & 5 classes at Chief Old Sun School and Crowfoot School, which are administrated by the Siksika Board of Education. Graduation eligibility included the completion of several things: attendance, classroom sessions plus a workbook and an essay or poster. The essay was entitled: “Why It Is Important To Me To Be Drug or Alcohol Free.”

In the program, students learned that some of the health risks to taking drugs and alcohol include organ damage, cancer, brain damage, coma and/or death. Students discussed “cool things to do” rather than take drugs or alcohol. The list was long. Activities included kickball, hockey, drawing, reading, playing outside, being with friends, or listening to music. There were many others.

Since October the capable program facilitator, Constable Heather Logan, has gained a lot of respect from students. Some said they even went to her place for Halloween and didn’t even play any tricks! On their own initiative, the Grade 6A students even made a birthday/thank you card for Constable Logan.  

They had this to say about her:  “She’s cool.” “She’s fun and nice.” “She teaches a good class.”  

It is so great to see children responding positively to local authorities.

The D.A.R.E. graduation celebration took place in the school gym, with elders, parents, drummers, students, school staff, and the local mounties in red serge. Chief Old Sun and Crowfoot School’s elected Chief and Council carried in the flags along with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Siksika Nation Chief, Fred Rabbit Carrier. The Council recited the Atsimoihkan, A Prayer.

After a moment of silence for the loss of an elder and two constables, school principal Wanda Calf Robe, told the audience that she considers Constable Logan “family. [Logan] attended Chief Old Sun’s June BBQ, lobbied for Coats for Children and took on [D.A.R.E., which was a] big task.”

After students were awarded their certificates, they shared drumming and a round dance, and then a festive pizza lunch with juice, graduation cake, and pictures with their favorite constable.