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Sweetwater DECA students, officer and police K-9 present bullying-prevention book and outreach program
Summary
DECA students and the Sweetwater Police Department presented "Dasha Speaks Up," a children's book and early-intervention program using the department's narcotics canine to build trust and teach kindness; presenters said the program reached more than 560 students and 1,000 community members to date.
DECA students and Sweetwater police presented "Dasha Speaks Up," a bullying-prevention initiative that pairs the department's narcotics detection canine, Dasha, with an illustrated children's book and school assemblies.
Ali Thompson and Sofia Vela described the DECA project and classroom assemblies aimed at kindergarten through third-grade students, saying the program reached over 560 students on Eastridge and Southeast Elementary campuses. The team also reported engagement at community events where they reached more than 1,000 people and said they installed more than 50 anti-bullying posters across elementary campuses.
Officer Barry said the K-9's friendly presence helps make students feel comfortable approaching law enforcement, and the book and associated activities are designed to give young children age-appropriate language to recognize and speak up about bullying. Staff and presenters said the book was illustrated by graphic-design students and promoted by DECA; the program is a community partnership that organizers hope to expand with donations and cooperation from local groups such as the Chamber of Commerce and Sweetwater Improvement.
Presenters asked the council to support continued partnership and outreach; the council thanked them and said staff would distribute copies to council members when available.
