For over ten years, North Coventry Police Department has provided the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program to the students of North Coventry Elementary School. Police officers conduct the 10-week long program annually for 5th grade classes, providing instruction to approximately 150 students each year.

D.A.R.E. is also taught at Coventry Christian School and West-Mont Christian Academy. The goal of the D.A.R.E. Program is to help studentsrecognize and resist the many subtle pressures that may influence them to experiment with drugs, alcohol or tobacco, or becoming involved with gangs and violence.

The D.A.R.E. Workbook exercises explore feelings and issues related to self-esteem, communication skills, and decision-making, while emphasizing positive alternatives to drug abuse behavior. Upon the completion of the program, students write essays explaining what they learned about D.A.R.E., and participate in a formal graduation program.

Guest speakers, such as a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard, speak to graduating students and certificates of completion are awarded during the graduation ceremony.

For further information on the D.A.R.E. Program, please contact Officer Ken Moyer of the North Coventry Police Department at 610-323-8360.