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Fifth‑grade student tells Newberg council DARE helped her handle pressure
Summary
A fifth‑grade DARE student, Theresa Johnson, told the Newberg City Council how the program’s decision‑making model helped her handle peer pressure, sports setbacks and family conflicts. Officer Stearns and Chief Kozmiche described the refreshed, relationship‑focused 10‑week curriculum.
Theresa Johnson, a fifth‑grade DARE graduate, told the Newberg City Council on March 16 that the program’s decision‑making model taught her how to manage peer pressure, control strong emotions and make better choices in school and at home.
“DARE did help me a lot with my basketball games … I remembered what officer Jay had said about handling stressful situations,” Theresa told the council, describing how the DDMM (DARE decision‑making model) helped her rebound from a tough game and manage disputes with family members.
Officer Stearns, the school resource officer who teaches the program in the district, told council members the current DARE curriculum is a 10‑week, classroom‑based course for fifth graders that emphasizes social‑emotional learning and relationship building rather than only warning about drugs. “It’s science based, and it’s really well received,” Stearns said, noting he visits all elementary schools once a week.
Police Chief Kozmiche and council members praised the student’s presentation. The mayor invited the student and her family to take a photograph with council following her remarks.
The presentation was part of the council’s opening agenda; councilors said they welcomed more information about how the program is delivered at specific schools and how the city can support relationship building between students and school resource officers.
