www.berlincitizen.com
Volume 24, Number 35
Thursday, September 1, 2022
Established in 1987, Berlin’s D.A.R.E. program has changed with the times By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
In 1983, the Los Angeles Police Department recognized that enforcement alone was not enough to slow the rising tide of illicit drug use in the city. So a partnership was established between the L.A.P.D. and the Los Angeles Unified School District to develop a drug resistance education program for elementary school students.
By Nicole Zappone The Citizen
Classes are back in session at Central Connecticut Transition Academy, formerly known as the Berlin Transition Academy. Students returned to the school, located at 362 Main St., on Thursday, Aug. 25, and a lesson on meal planning was on tap.
Today, that program, D.A.R.E., Drug Abuse Resistance Education, is still going strong, across the country. D.A.R.E. arrived in Berlin in 1987, and over the ensuing decades, more than 6,000 local fifth graders have graduated from the program. Detective Ted Fuini is the current coordinator of Berlin D.A.R.E. “The focus of the program is no longer an officer coming in and explaining the dangers of this drug or that. D.A.R.E. America has completely revamped the program,” Fuini said, pointing out that the curriculum now focuses on making good choices in all aspects of life. “Kids today are facing things different from when we were growing up; that is, social media, the internet, and pressures that were not around when the D.A.R.E. program first started.” According to DARE.org, D.A.R.E.'s vision is “A world in which students everywhere are empowered to respect others and choose to lead lives free from violence, substance use, and other dangerous behaviors.” See D.A.R.E., A15
Main Street academy prepares students for ‘real world’
On another day, academy students may be taught about money management, or cooking. Also, students can learn interview and workplace skills, and participate in internships at local businesses.
D.A.R.E., Drug Abuse Resistance Education, has been taught in Berlin since 1987, and more than 6,000 local fifth graders have graduated from the program. Berlin Police Officer Brandon Lagueux, left, and Detective Ted Fuini are pictured. Fuini coordinates the D.A.R.E. program in town, and Lagueux serves as a D.A.R.E. instructor at both Willard Elementary School and McGee Middle School. Nicole Zappone, The Citizen
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The academy, which is open to people age 18 to 22 who came through the special education program in Berlin or Cromwell public schools, supports recent high school graduates in their transition to work, post-secondary education, and independent living. “The CCTA gets you ready for life after high school,” said student Dakota Serafin, who works at Stop & Shop 20 to 25 hours per week, while also preparing to get his driver’s license. See Academy, A19
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