D.A.R.E. Program

Launched in 1983, D.A.R.E. is a comprehensive K-12 education program taught in thousands of schools in America and 52 other countries. D.A.R.E. curriculum addresses drugs, violence, bullying, internet safety, and other high-risk circumstances that are too often a part of students’ lives.
 
 The Platte County Sheriff’s Office provides the D.A.R.E. “Keepin’ it REAL” curriculum to schools in Platte County, including School Districts 1 and 2.  It is typically taught to fifth-grade classes. Corporal Smith and Mangan provide the instruction, which was designed based on the Socio-Emotional Learning Theory (SEL).  SEL identifies fundamental basic skills and development processes needed for healthy development.  It includes self-awareness and management, responsible decision-making, understanding others, relationship and communication skills, and handling responsibilities and challenges.
 
“Keepin’ it REAL” has been developed to assist our children with making good decisions and empowering our children to do the right thing, regardless of outside pressures. All of our Platte County School Districts support the Platte County Sheriff’s Office in delivering this important program to our children so they can be better prepared to face life’s challenges.