The seventeen weeks of instruction are taught in two semester sessions with four of the schools participating each term. About 300 students per year graduate from the D.A.R.E. program. D.A.R.E. has received tremendous support from both parents and school staff. Deputy Ellen Nilson, the current D.A.R.E. officer instructs a fifty minute lesson plan and enjoys lunch and recess with her students. This allows time to interact with her students out of the classroom.
Funding is provided from a variety of sources, but primarily from general funds and grants.
Continued local donations show the support this program has within Cass County. Not only does D.A.R.E. teach children to say no to drugs, alcohol, tobacco and violence, Deputy Nilson also teaches the children ways to improve low self esteem and how to deal with peer pressure. At the end of the program, students are awarded a certificate and a D.A.R.E. shirt for their stand against drugs and violence. Deputy Ellen Nilson took over the instruction of D.A.R.E. in 1999. Questions or comments can be directed to our office and thanks for spending time at our D.A.R.E. web sight.