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

This program for 5th grade students is a cooperative effort of the Ocilla Police Department and Irwin County School System to prevent drug abuse in children and youth. The program emphasis is to help students recognize and resist the many subtle pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol and marijuana. In addition, program strategies are planned to focus on feelings relating to self-esteem, interpersonal and communication skills, decision-making, and positive alternatives to drug abuse behavior. New to the D.A.R.E. curriculum this year are ways to resist gangs and gang violence, as well as more stress on safe and nonviolent schools. A uniformed D.A.R.E. Officer (Ocilla Police Department) will conduct these classes.

For more information, please contact Kerry Billingsley, Safe and Drug-Free Schools Coordinator, at 229-468-7485.