ANAHEIM
Hundreds of fifth graders in Anaheim will get a little extra attention in their drug education courses this year with the help of an additional police officer assigned to the elementary school D.A.R.E program.
A second officer will join the Anaheim City School District’s D.A.R.E. program next week, just in time for the start of year-round classes at six schools.
The expansion will give the officers more time to socialize with the students during breaks, offering them a chance to ask questions on a more informal level, said Lisa Thompson, coordinator of drug education programs as the district.
The new officer will also provide regular instruction that is part of the D.A.R.E. program, and about 900 additional fifth graders will receive anti-drug education through classes taught by the new officer.
The district’s 21 schools have had drug education programs in place for six years, with specific courses for different age groups. Three district schools are involved in D.A.R.E., and the extra officer will allow 13 more schools to participate in the program.
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