Elementary Curriculum
The elementary curriculum is presented to 5th graders once a week for 9 weeks. Students are required to complete all assigned homework and complete a written essay at the end of the course in order to graduate from the program. Some of the following topics are covered during the 17 weeks:
- Building self-esteem
- Considering consequences
- Getting involved in positive activities
- How to manage stress
- Reducing violence
- Reviewing the 8 ways to say no
- Understanding the effects of mind-altering drugs
A graduation culmination is conducted at the end of the course at which time the students are presented their certificates and D.A.R.E. t-shirts.
Junior High Curriculum
The Junior High curriculum is presented to 7th graders for 10 consecutive days each trimester. The lessons are a reinforcement of the lessons they were taught while in the 5th grade. Students are required to complete homework assignments and receive a pass or fail grade for the class.
Summer Program
School Resource Officers Tilley, Hook, and Long also organize and instruct the summer program, "Safe-T-Town" for the city. Other programs conducted by the officers include the 3rd grade Safety Belt Program, pre-school presentations, and speaking engagements for local organizations.
Other SRO Duties
The D.A.R.E. program has been part of our department since 1991. The Troy Police Department D.A.R.E. Program is a non-profit organization. In addition to teaching the D.A.R.E. curriculum, the SROs provide input into school security issues, investigate criminal complaints involving the student body, and are involved in many school activities including Interact Club and Career Days.
Parental Involvement
Although the D.A.R.E. / SRO program is successful, it will not have a lasting influence unless the lessons taught are applied outside the school; this is where parental involvement is critical. Any parents wishing to speak with SROs Tilley, Hook, or Long are asked to call the Troy Police Department at 937-339-7525 and enter the officer's extension when prompted.