D.A.R.E. D.A.R.E. was introduced into the Berlin Public Schools in 1988 with a pilot program with one D.A.R.E. officer in the fifth grade. The pilot program proved so successful that D.A.R.E. was adopted as a part of the elementary curriculum in the fall of 1989. Today there are seven D.A.R.E. officers teaching D.A.R.E. in the fifth, seventh and tenth grades. D.A.R.E. in Berlin is an integral part of the curriculum in all public and two private schools within the town of Berlin. Other agencies throughout the state have been trained to teach D.A.R.E. in their communities and begin work toward implementation, currently 162 communities out of 169 have the D.A.R.E. program in their school systems. Project D.A.R.E. has undergone numerous evaluations by skilled researchers with similar results reported in most jurisdictions. The D.A.R.E. students overwhelmingly accepted the D.A.R.E. program and felt it was successful. Principals and teachers reported positive changes in individual students, classes, and schools. Additionally, school personnel reported an increase in positive attitudes towards law enforcement personnel, a reduction in school vandalism, truancy and disciplinary actions, an increase in self-confidence levels, and a more positive attitude toward school. The future of D.A.R.E. is very encouraging. With strong leadership and dedicated professionals working together, the young people of Berlin will have the necessary tools to resist negative influences in their lives.

TIPS FOR PARENTS  Establish family rules that make the use of drugs non-negotiable. Educate yourself about drugs, so you can talk informatively with your children and answer their questions. Since peer pressure is a major factor in teen drug use, know your children's friends. Talk with other parents. Try to establish uniform rules that make access to drugs harder for your children and their friends, such as a curfew, the amount of spending money they receive, and their use of a car. If problems arise, try to seek advice and counsel from someone both you and your child respect and can relate to. Here are ten easy steps you can take to prevent the use of alcohol by children. If you have no children, please pass this information to a friend, neighbor, or relative who does.    Talk to your child about alcohol and other drugs.    Learn to really listen to your child.    Help your child develop strong values.    Be a good role model or example in your own use of alcohol.    Help your preteen deal with peer pressure.    Set firm rules about drinking and other drug use.    Encourage healthy, creative activities.    Talk with other parents.    Know what to do if you suspect a problem.    Help your child feel good about himself or herself.